Emma Lee Schmidt

The Date

"What took you so long?" I can see it in her eyes that my mother is furious. "I have been waiting for fifteen minutes and I called you twice. You could have at least told me you were pooping or something so I didn't think you were blowing me off."

"Look. I am sorry mom. I had to introduce the new girl to my friends so that she wouldn't be alone at lunch. And I have told you a million times that my phone is on silent mode so that I don't get interrupted during class, okay?" God she can be really crazy some times.

"Well fine. You are still grounded though because--"

"What?! That is insane why would I be grounded I came when you called me!"

"Well excuse me but I said you would be grounded if you weren't out in the parking lot by eleven thirty. And guess what bucko. You still aren't in the parking lot. Now move your ass out of the office and let's go to subway and get some food." 

"Ugh! Fine, as long as you are paying cause I don't want to pay." This is going to be  a long one hour because going out to eat with my mom is literally the most embarrassing thing in the world. Especially when she is angry. 

Just the walk from the office to the car is awkward. Mom tends to have this weird walk where she half skips half walks to keep up with me; because I am 5'11 and she is only 5'2, she tends to half to walk with twice as much effort as me. 

"Slow down long legs. You getting to the before me isn't gonna get you anywhere."

"Sorry mom." So I decide to slow down because I don't want to make her any more agitated than she already is.

When we finally get in the car and start going to Subway she decides to turn on her horrible country music, or as dad calls it "devil music." It is so twangy and stupid that I just can't stand it, but if I even try to change the station she flips out and smacks my hand down. She is a little bit controlling. 

Five long endearing minutes have gone by and I can finally get out of the car and get away from the gross music. Subway always plays music, and it's the good music. 

"Ugh."That is the only sound I can get out of my mouth when I see the crazy long line. All I want is a simple sandwich and I have to wait for ten people. This is it. I am gonna die.

"Stop your complaining. At least I am getting you food. Would you rather eat the school food?" She is right. The school food is horrific and tastes and looks totally fake. 

"Sorry mom. I am just really hungry that's all." I can tell that she is about to talk about kids in Africa, so I stop her before she can start, "Stop. Don't bring up the starving children."

"You know I am right though." She always has to be right doesn't she. 

"Yep." I am only saying this to get her to shut up. Well and because it is my turn to order my food. Finally.

"Hello. What would you like today?" The guy behind the counter looks like life is going really hard on him right now, so I am going to act nice.

"I would like a foot-long Italian bread with turkey and cheddar cheese. Toasted please."

"Alright. Next." Mom orders something and then I have to wait until she is done before I can finish making my order. "Alright what else do you want on yours, sir?"

"Oh I would like mustard, mayo, light pickles, tomato, heavy on the lettuce, green peppers, onions, and salt and pepper."

"Okay. Your total will be 15.98 please." Mom gives him the money and grabs our food."Have a nice day." And with that we go and sit at a table.

"So?" Um am I missing something? Mom didn't say anything and I have no idea what she wants from me. "So...what?" I say.

"So who is the new girl? Is she cute? How tall is she? Where is she from? I want details. Oh and you aren't grounded, I just wanted to make you upset." She laughs and I am just sitting here glaring at her because one, she is embarrassing me and two, she just really knows how to get on my nerves.

"Why would I tell you? Besides I have only been talking about her for, like, ever because we all knew there was going to be a new girl. And I wanted to be her friend before I even knew who she was."  Mom perks up when she hears this;  I know she recognizes everything now.

"Oh so that super cute girl whose parents died in a car crash so she moved in with her aunt?"

"Yes mom. That's the one," I think this might actually go well I mean she hasn't asked-

"Is she single? Ask her to prom." Never mind. There it is the one request she always asks about girls just because I have never had a girlfriend. I mean I look horrific. It's not my fault my genetics are so bad.

"Oh my God mom. Yes she is single but just let me live my life how I want to okay?" She looks hurt. "I'm sorry. That was a bit harsh."

"Uh yeah. Now finish your food so I can take you back to school to hang out with that girl of yours." I just shake my head and start eating my food like any normal person would. The rest of the meal gets eaten in silence. When we are done we get back in the car and mom drives me back to school in complete silence. I know something is off because she almost always talks to me. Even if I don't want her to, she does. 

As I get out of the car I hear her say, "I love you Kaeden. Have a great day sweetie." She smiles and I smile back, but don't say anything. When I get back into the cafeteria everything looks normal. I walk back to my usual table to see that Sammy is the only sitting at our table.