SM: Her Last Summer

Chapter 14: Refusing

AVERY'S P.O.V:
My mother thumbed the contact card. Her expression a mix to difficult to decipher.

"It probably isn't anything. I don't even really need to go mum," I continued.

Her eyes flicked up with a trace of disbelief.

"I'm booking an appointment Avery!" she exclaimed.

I watched as she anxiously tucked her blonde hair behind her ears.

"I'll call tomorrow morning," she sighed.

Her forehead wrinkled as she furrowed her brow and continued to thumb the card.

"Don't stress about it Mum. It's going to be fine," I reassured.

With a weak smile she wrapped her fragile frame around me. An idea popped into my mind as I conjured ideas to cheer her up.

"Why don't we look through some rental websites for a dorm. I'd love to have your help with a few other decisions too," I suggested.

She nodded and slipped back into the kitchen chairs. I sat beside her and pulled the laptop between bus.

SHAWN'S P.O.V:
Kayleigh tutted as she straightened Cameron's navy blue bow tie. She herself wore a navy dress that hung loosely on her frame. I peered at my dress shirt which was patterned with splatters of blue dots. I swiped my keys off the bench.

"Ready to go?" I asked.

"Just a minute," Kayleigh said as she slicked a tuft of Cameron's hair back.

I spotted Aaliyah and my parents in the corner of the restaurant ogling the menu. Aaliyah's eyes brightened as she caught sight of us. My mother gave Cameron, Kayleigh and I a warm smile as we arranged ourselves around them.

"It's great to see you again Cameron," Dad smiled.

"It's nice to see you too Mr Mendes and Mrs Mendes," he said.

"Cameron, please call me Karen," Mum laughed.

A few greetings went around before Kayleigh was introduced.

"This is Kayleigh," I said.

My parents eyes assessed Kayleigh rapidly.

"It's nice to meet you," they said.

"It's nice to meet you too."

"Now that the introductions are over can we please get to the food Karen?" Dad smirked.

She tapped him playfully on the arm, "We are out you know."

Aaliyah passed along a few menus to the rest of us. I went through the list of options hovering over a few dishes I recongnised.

"Pizza," I said.

My mother rolled her eyes, "Shawn! Try something else for a change."

"Pizza with more cheese?" I suggested.

Aaliyah laughed sarcastically, "Wow. Shawn you are so funny."

"How about you Cameron?"

"I think I'm settling on pesto spaghetti," he said.

My mother nodded along. She went along the table listening to everyone's choices. The waiter soon returned and whipped out a paper booklet.