Elijah's Guide to Not Becoming a Criminal

STEP 4 - don't look back

"Hold up!" Before, I can pull out of the car park, Mason sprints toward us, football in hand. "Got room for one more?" he asks, leaping in the backseat without waiting for a reply. Whatever was bothering him before seems to be out of his mind because he's practically bouncing in his seat. 

"Don't you have football practice?" Kaia pipes up. 

I glance at him through the rearview mirror and see indecision flit across his face, for just a second, and it's gone, replaced by his easy smile. 

"Cancelled. Coach couldn't make it. Typical, right?"

I decide to let his hesitation drop, for now, deciding to bring it up later, without Kaia. Instead, I change the subject, "Where are we headed, anyway?" I ask, only now realising that I have no idea where I'm supposed to be taking her. 

"The Gallery," she replies.

"Cool but drop me off at your place first, Eli," Mason says, interrupting my thoughts, "You might be happy with missing Nanna's birthday, but I want to deliver some birthday wishes. Plus, Friday's pie day and your mum's chicken pie is to die for."

I smile a little at how much Mase has become part of the family. After 13 years, it was bound to happen, but ever since last summer, he's been spending basically every day at mine, Pie Day or otherwise. Maybe it was the trip to the coast that brought him closer, when Leo (younger brother), Mason and I surfing every other day.

"I'm okay with stopping by your place if you need to. Mr Chicken Pie, over here, can grab some food and you can get a change of clothes," Kaia suggests. I agree, looking down at my school uniform which is crumpled and creased after a week of wearing it. 

Mr Chicken Pie? I know she's joking, but it makes me suddenly aware that I still haven't introduced the two of them. "Mason, say hi to Kaia. Kaia, Mason." Mason gives a small wave in the rear view mirror, which Kaia returns. 

"I know. We've met. I think we actually dated in year 7," she recalls with an amused expression. I can't believe I'd forgotten that until now. Judging by the blush rising in Mason's face, it looks like he'd blocked it from his mind too. "If memory serves, I tried to kiss you in the car park and you dumped me the next day." 

"Oh, how young and innocent 11-year-old Mason was," he chuckles, shaking his head, "That'll go in my list of top ten regrets, right after 'making friends with Elijah'" I laugh at the prod and relax, turning onto my street.

Mason's out of the car before I can even pull into the driveway. In his defence, my mum's pie is pretty good.

I tell Kaia to stay in the car while I wish Nan a Happy Birthday and change quickly into black jeans, a NASA t-shirt and black bomber jacket, grabbing a cap and my favourite boots on the way out. The outfit's basic but it should be fine; I'll be back in 10 minutes, then I can change into my pyjamas (my boxers) and try some of that chicken pie.

Kaia looks disappointed when I don't invite her in but I stand my ground.

Bringing girls home is kind of a nightmare when it comes to my family, so much so that I've stopped bringing anyone over for dinner. Their teasing is all in good fun but usually ends with Leo hitting on her, Nan showing her 'the thing with the fake teeth' and Mum practically proposing to her on my behalf. Instead, I resort to sneaking girls in through the back and usually at night. It's easier that way and it works. Mostly.

After one incident involving me, a girl and my mum walking into the room to "see what all the noise was about", I've had to be a little more careful. My mum and I agreed never to speak of it again but I know that it's the reason that she's suddenly become insistent on knocking on my door before entering, which I'm grateful for.