The Crazy Adventures of Aqua Girl

Chapter 22 - Awkward Dinner

After Blaze Boy's departure, I closed my laptop and found Rufus napping on the sofa. I decided I would just tell Mom that he was sat by the door when I arrived home from school. Hopefully she wouldn't ask too many questions. I was sat watching Modern Family when Mom's key clicked in the door, and Rufus ran to the door. I heard a loud squeal and the sounds of Rufus's tail beating happily against the hard wood floor.

"Rufus! Oh, my baby!" Mom cried, as I launched myself off the sofa and shuffled into the hallway, where some sort of licking and cuddle fest was going on. Ew.

"Cass! Oh, where did you find him?" Mom asked, looking up at me as Rufus licked her face. Gross.

"He was literally just sitting outside the apartment door when I returned from school." I said, trying to sound convincing. Mom just broke out into a huge smile and continued cuddling Rufus. As I started backing away into my room, Mom called out to me.

"Remember Brian's coming for dinner tonight."

Shoot. I'm double-booked.

"What time?" I asked, turning around to face my mother.

"About 6."

Ugh. Blaze Boy was coming to my window at 6:15, and I'm sure dinner won't take 15 minutes. I would have to leave a note on my window, asking him to wait. As Mom prepared dinner and rushed around the apartment, tidying it up for Brian (who I'm sure wouldn't care about empty crisp packets and dog hair), I scribbled a note for Blaze Boy.

Hey, I'm having dinner with my mom and her boyfriend so stay quiet and wait and I'll come soon.

Don't go without me or I'll kill ya.

AG

I stuck the note onto the window glass and left my room, locking it behind me. I didn't need Mom walking in here and seeing Blaze Boy at the window.

"He's on his way." Mom said, as I padded into the kitchen. The aroma of curry wafted around the apartment, and I was practically drooling. "Now, Cascade, can you please behave yourself and have the correct manners? Speak to him nicely and make conversation." Mom instructed, stirring the curry. I sighed and nodded. Did she think I was a hyper-active toddler or something? I knew how to act around unknown people. Sometimes, anyway. After watching Mom stir the curry silently for a few minutes, the doorbell rang, and Mom was sent into a frenzy.

"You get the door, Cass! I'll keep Rufus in here so he doesn't jump up! Go!" I walked to the door and opened it, revealing a tall, well-made man of about my Mom's age. He wore black frame glasses and was holding a bouquet of flowers. His face broke into a smile when he saw me, and I put on my best 'I don't know you but I must behave' smile in return.

"Hello! You must be Cascade. It's great to meet you." Brian said, stepping into the apartment and shaking my hand. I closed the door behind him as he took off his Adidas trainers. Stylish.

"Mom's in the kitchen." I murmured, ushering for him to follow me through the living room into our brightly-lit kitchen. As soon as Mom laid eyes on this Brian fella, she blushed and I cringed. Ew. They awkwardly hugged infront of me and Brian gave Mom the bouquet.

"Oh, they're beautiful! Cass, go and find a nice vase."

So I was sent on my way to the living room to find a vase in our cabinet. As I opened the cabinet and browsed the wide array of quirky vases my mother owned, Mom and Brian chatted awkwardly about general stuff. The conversation was flowing. Ha. In the end I selected a white, glossy vase and trotted back to the kitchen with Rufus at my heels, plonking the vase on the table and shoving the bouquet of roses into it. I could be a florist.