Rainy Days

Chapter 12

***12~ Mason

The most awkward dinner of my life, including all of my mom's 'social dinners, was happening right in front of me.

Lilli didn't seem to mind my mom's constant chatter about school and work and things, and frankly I was relieved. It was still hard to get up the nerve to talk to her.

Soon, we finished and Lilli and I helped my mom put the dishes away. I splashed a little water on her, and she bumped me with her hip, causing a stream of water to pour from the plate I was holding onto my shirt. I grinned at her.

"Mason, I'm sure Lilli needs to get home to her parents," mom said, and I nodded, drying up the plate and tossing it into the cabinet.

"Yes ma'am, you're right," I answered, and Lilli smiled.

"I'm just right down the street, so I'll see you again tomorrow, I'm sure," she said, pulling on her jacket.

A gentle rain was starting as I walked her outside. It was a little misty, as usual, and our clothes slowly dampened as we walked down the street. Each time the water dripped from her hair, it traced a path down her face and onto her arms. I watched her quietly, a tiny smile playing on my mouth. She looked up at me and blushed furiously.

"It's impolite to stare," she teased loftily. I laughed. A warm silence ensued, and I tried to think of a good way to break it, though it wasn't unpleasant.

"So, you're adopted?" she asked suddenly, and I froze.

"How did-" I began, and she smirked.

"Your mom looks nothing like you and your dad either wasn't home, or, more likely, you don't have one," she said and I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

"I've always wanted a smart girl," I said, and she grinned. We walked up her driveway slowly.

"Can I say hi to your parents?" I asked, and she shook her head regretfully. I thought of asking why, but I didn't want to sound petulant, and I certainly didn't want to rush things.

"Maybe another time," I said, and she turned to me, her head cocked like an owl. A cute owl.

"You don't wanna know why?" she asked confusedly, and I shrugged.

"I'm kind of relieved," I teased, and she rolled her eyes.

"No, but, seriously, my parents are almost never home, and they aren't home now either," she explained, and I kissed her forehead.

"That's alright, there always next time," I said, and she walked into her house.

"Until tomorrow."

"Until tomorrow."