Malediction

22 - Loners & Cowards

"You have your fundraiser on tomorrow night, don't you?" Mum asked me as we sat at the breakfast bar before school and work Thursday morning

I nodded, stirring my spoon mindlessly into my cereal, crunching on my wheat and dry fruits

"Have you got a date yet? Picked what you'll wear?" She questioned me, my eyes lifting to her strong gaze, peering over at me from her steaming coffee mug

"Why so interested?" I retorted back curiously

She instantly looked insulted "I can't be interested in my daughters school dance?"

I narrowed my eyes on her, knowing something sinister was lurking beneath her interest.

"Okay fine" She rolled her eyes "A colleague at work, she has a son your age, and she has been nagging me for months to introduce you both"

"Why?" I screwed my face up, unsure as to why a mother would be intervening in her teenage sons love life

"He is an odd boy, very shy and very quiet, she is concerned he isn't making many friends"

"Does he go to school with Luke and I?"

She shook her head "No, he goes to a private school half hour away. How would you feel about taking him to the dance, introducing him to some people? You don't have to say yes, so don't feel obligated"

I thought about it for a moment. This could have gone either way. I could either be stuck with a complete oddball for my Friday night, or I could come out with a new friend. Did I risk it? What other option did I have? If Skyler caught wind of me not having a date, she would attempt to hook me up, which would end in tragedy.

I shrugged "What do you think?"

She tapped her fingernails against her mug, thinking about it "It would be a kind thing to do, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable, especially if you already have someone going with you?"
Now she was fishing.

"I don't" I quickly told her

"What about Danny?" She was looking at me carefully, taking another sip of coffee

"No" I shook my head "It isn't like that" I made clear, the mere look in her eyes insinuating enough

"Okay" She held her hands up "Just let me know what you decide"

"I will" I nodded, averting my eyes to escape the subject when Luke came bounding down the hall, his hair unusually combed back

"What's with the hair?" I suppressed a laugh, the look on him strange, yet charming

He shrugged "Just wanted to do something different"

Mum was glaring at me to drop it, knowing more than I myself clearly did.

Seconds later, I realised what it must have been about on my own accord.

"Who you going with to the dance Luke?" I casually began as he poured himself a glass of orange juice

"I don't know yet"

"Do you have an idea?" I continued as mum continued her unimpressed stare on me

Luke raised his eyes to mine, annoyed "Who are you going with? Skyler says you're going to be a loner"