My stomach and I similtainiously groan as I collapse onto the sofa. I rearrange my body into a more comfortable posistion. The worn red fabric streched and pulled into a strange pattern of ridges when I finally found a desirable angle.
My stomach made another horrific gurgling noise and a whimper escaped my open mouth.
"You know," the sudden words startled me, "If you're that hungry, your father's left over cassarole is in the fridge."
I cringe at the thought, as my dad's girlfriend let out a hearty laugh. Dad was the worst cook I have ever met. Though, being the guy he was, he still tried to make me dinner weekly. Most of it ended up in the fridge, along with the Chinese takeout we later end up getting.
"I thought so. How about I order a pizza and we can watch some F.R.I.E.N.D.S.?" she says with a hopeful look on her face.
Dad was away on buisness, so Julie was staying with me to make sure I didn't burn the house down. I insisted that I could stay by myself, though my father also thought that this would be the perfect bonding experience for the two of us. Julie was trying so hard to make a good impression, it almost made me laugh, though, I really did appreciate it.
I could the disappointment in her face when I realized the lack of words from my mouth.
"That sounds perfect." I said with a slight smile.
Her face lit up at the words and she then went to order the food. Her curly blonde hair bounces as she makes her way back to the living room with a bowl of popcorn. She sets it on the table, then pops in the first disc of F.R.I.E.N.D.S.. Shortly after, the doorbell rings, and we recieve our glorious pizza.
Julie opens the box, and I stare for a while. Sausage and olive.
"How did you know?"
She looks puzzled, then glances toward the pizza. A look of realization covers her face.
"Oh! Umm, it was in one of the cook books in the kitchen, titled Keely's Favorites so I decided that was a safe bet. Oh God, that was your mom's wasnt it! Oh! I didn't mean to, it's just that-"
"Thats ok." I say with a smile, "I'm just glad I don't have to order another pizza."
The night goes on, and the awkwardness seems to disappear. I tell her my plans for the future, and she talks about her job and what things were like when she was my age. She gives me advice and I laugh at her stories.
"I just want you to know, that I will never try to replace your mom. She really was something special. She had to be if you and your dad loved her so much. Keep in mind that I just want to be here for you Keely."
My face streches into a smile, then I wrap her in a hug.
"Thank you. That's exactly what I needed to hear."
