The Story of Why

Drew - Close Your Mouth Carnie

~ Drew's POV ~

I'm not much of a church-goer, and I don't plan on being one. That had been the first time I've been to church since probably when I was about 10. Of course, I went today because I wanted to see Keda. I knew she'd be there, she had told me that, so I just came. She looked really surprised to see me. That was good, I guess. Her mom seemed really nice and I hope she liked me, at least a little.

I hadn't told Keda's mom that I was her boyfriend because, well, I don't even know if I am. Who knows. It's kind of late for me to be like Hey, wanna go out? considering the fact that I kissed her and I should know. I don't know.

Seeing Keda at that party a few days ago. Wow. She looked so good. I didn't know she was going to be there, but I'm really happy she was. We had went outside and talked for a while. I told her my crazy dream of becoming an author one day, and the best part was, she didn't say anything about it or make fun of it like most people do. They all say that there's no way I could ever make money out of that and things, but Keda doesn't believe that. She knows it's possible, and that's good enough for her. Which means it's definitely good enough for me.

I learned a lot about Keda at that party. She was so, I don't know, encouraging. So helpful. I mean, I've always thought that being an author was a dumb idea, I was kind of reluctant to tell her about it. But she hadn't made fun of it or anything, she seemed to like the idea, actually. I wasn't kidding when I told her I'd write about us, because I would. She's the most wonderful being on this Earth.

I'm sitting here, in my car, - my mom's car, whatever - parked in my driveway. I take out my phone and text Keda.

Me: Hey

Not a minute passed before she replied.

Keda: White boy.

I smiled.

Me: How was church?

Keda: Boring

Me: don't let the lord hear u

Keda: ha

I thought of something.

Me: Hey, you. What are you doing in an hour?

Keda: Babysitting my brother.

Me: Isn't he in grade seven???

I was kind of confused. When I was in grade seven, my mom left the house and wouldn't come back for days.

Keda: Eh. Overprotective mother. You know. Why?

Me: Can I help babysit?

A minute passed. 2 minutes.

Keda: yeah. Be here in an hour and a half.

I grinned. I got out of the car, closed the door and walked into my house.

I changed into a black Obey sweater and beige skinny khakis. I used the rest of my time to play some video games. I checked the time and it was 2:20. About an hour and a half after Keda had texted me. I went downstairs, put on my shoes, and walked to the car.

I knocked on Keda's door. No one answered. I knocked again, a little harder. I heard some shuffling coming from inside and a boy about a head and a half shorter than me answered it. He had dark brown hair. He looked kind of like a younger, male version of Keda. Except for the eyes. He had warm brown eyes instead of Keda's startling blue.

''Hi, I'm Drew. Are you Olliver?'' I asked.

''Yeah. Come in. Keda's upstairs.'' He took a step back, and I went inside. ''Are you her boyfriend?'' he asked.