Summer [Completed]

Chapter Twenty

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Don't ask, don't tell
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sur·prise

noun

1. an unexpected or astonishing even, fact, or thing

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Imani POV

I wake up late the next morning and head into the kitchen.

Every Saturday, Cheryl makes breakfast and the whole family sits down and eats together, so there's no surprise when I walk into the kitchen and see an assortment of breakfast food.

I grab a cinnamon roll, a couple pieces of bacon, and pour myself a drink before heading to the dining room.

As I approach the dining room, I hear soft chatter, and an overly animated voice that could only belong to Kelly.

"...and that's why I don't wear plaid anymore– Oh Imani, you're up!" She smiles enthusiastically patting the empty seat beside her.

I smile, nodding in acknowledgement to the rest of the Price family.

The moment I sit down beside her, Kelly begins to ramble.

"Guess what!" She smiles as she takes a sip of her water.

"What?" I ask, taking a bite of my cinnamon roll.

"I talked to Ryan."

"Mhm," I say swallowing the food in my mouth, "what happened!?"

"Well...he asked me out!"

I begin to squeal excitedly but Kelly puts up a finger.

"At least, I think he did."

"Honey what do you mean, you think? Either he asked you out, or he didn't." Mr. Price interrupts startling me for a moment.

For a second I forgot we weren't alone.

"Um dad, stay in your conversation please, thank you."

Kelly begins to turn back to me.

"Well, sweetie, your father does have a point." Cheryl smiles sweetly, "just saying."

Kelly sighs in annoyance, "Why is everyone so damn nosy?"

"You do realize you were talking openly about it, loud enough for everyone to hear right?" Ethan asks, smirking coolly as he scoops a spoonful of grits into his mouth.

"He does have a point," I say, shrugging apologetically as I drink my juice.

Kelly crosses her arms and frowns, "I feel attacked."

"Just elaborate Kells, I'm a little lost too." I add, and Kelly takes a deep breath and frowns.

"Fine. So we were talking about our friends, and he said his friend Brett would be prefect for you." She motions towards me. "So, he came up with the idea of us going on a double date." Kelly purposefully avoids my gaze.

I open my mouth to protest. "I love you Kelly, but–"

"–Now, before you say no. I know you're already dating Erenzo or whatever, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him right?"

"Um," My eyes dart to Ethan, noticing immediately how tight he clutches his spoon as he pushes his grits around the bowl. I notice how pale his hands are, and how hard he's trying to be uninterested in our conversation. "I don't know–"