LOLA IS DEAD [ COMPLETED ]

Chapter Three

The Sunset view from Magic Restaurant lingered in my mind. It was captivating. Though I wondered if it feels the same if I went there alone without Seb. For the record, I was with Seb when I stood there gazing at the Mississippi river and it was indeed our first date before he went away for summer vacation. It was our little haven, a place where we spend time without interruption. I knew it was stupid, but I didn't want to admit that I missed him. I didn't want to entertain the possibility that I might have feelings for him. I was afraid to admit that every day I woke up excited knowing that the faster the day passed; the closer I get to his return. He promised to send me postcard to every destination they visited with his family and he was true to that promise. I reminisced about the time we spent sipping strawberry shake and eating carrot cake at Magic as I listened back and forth to Seb and Martin talking. They had surely found their common ground and I was happy about it while I retreated to my own corner in my mind. Seb glanced at me occasionally checking if I was okay. I smiled encouragingly at him. I wanted him to know that it's important for me for him and Martin to get along. I could wait. Besides, watching him interacted with Martin was a treat enough. The diner was already full of woozy people and because most of them were puffing cigarettes, the absence of breathable air suffocated me. I decided that it was time to go. My watch told me that I was an hour late for dinner and when I checked my phone, there were 4 missed calls from my mom.

"Shit!" I chortled. Seb and Martin looked at me at the same time.

"What is it? Are you okay?" Seb asked while I was still staring at my iPhone. I looked up at him and simpered.

"I'm fine but... I told my mom that I will be home before dinner." I said.

"I'm one hour late." I gave him a sorry look.

"Relax Lola; we're having a great time. Besides, it's not like you're doing illegal or something." Martin said.

"It's my mom." I blurted.

Seb stood up immediately and offered to take me home. I was surprised by this but my heart flipped with joy knowing that I would have him alone on our way home to River Gate even for a short time. I went out from the booth and gave Martin a hug. I told him that I would be fine, and I couldn't wait for our first day as junior high students. Martin giggled with me as he returned my embrace. When we were done, Martin went to address Seb, giving him mean girl look while telling him to be nice to me. I smiled with the idea that my best friend was serious on keeping me safe. The picture of Martin throwing cashmere camisole and designer clutch bag at Seb entered my mind and it took all of my force to hold myself from laughing.

"Yes sir. I'll take good care of her." Seb vowed jokingly.

"Okay. Get out of here. I have some serious dancing to do... and that waiter is sooo..." Martin was already walking away from us and I didn't get his last word. He disappeared into the crowd. Seb and I looked at each other and giggled. He guided me as we moved into the multitude of sweating bodies looking for the exit. He never left my side until we reached the door. The diner was so full that other customers took their drink outside. The music pulsated in the beat of RnB songs and people were busy talking in clusters. We were on our way to the parking lot when we heard a male voice calling Seb. Both of us turned around and found Dave Moore running towards us. He was wearing a polo shirt, cargo shorts and snickers. I imagined Martin drooling over him when he saw him like this. This Dave guy was cute as hell despite of his buff physique.

"Hey Whyte! Wait up" He said.

The two of them broke into a silly male handshake moves. I didn't get why boys have to do that or probably it wasn't meant for me to understand it. I wondered if boys felt the same thing toward girls when we kiss on the cheek as way of greeting each other. When they were done, Seb introduced me to Dave who extended his huge hand to shake mine.