Our Inner Demons

Chapter 3

Some moments are destined to last forever even after they end. Although it was already dark and Connor and I were the only guests left at the diner, our moment didn't end once we eventually left after being yelled at by the boss.

"This was so fun!" I tried to catch some breath because laughing this hard was not something I was used to. My cheeks hurt.

"I agree. Hey, you finally got to celebrate your birthday. Too bad they didn't have cake thought..." He got caught up in his thoughts as if he was regretting not being able to make all of my wishes come true on my birthday.

"That's fine. I'm watching my diet anyway..." I tried to make him feel better.

"Why? You look perfect. And if you gained a few pounds, you would still look perfect to me."

"Well, thank you... I wish everyone shared your opinion."

"Are you talking about your mother?"

I looked him in the eyes taking his hand as we walked back to the studio.

"You should stop thinking about what others think of you. Nobodies' opinion of you matters, but yours." I was surprised by how serious he sounded while he was saying that, as if he knew that if I continue to believe wrong people it will eventually destroy me.

"She only wants what's best for me. I know that."

"Well, you have managed to leave me speechless. After all, I've heard about her from you today... But perhaps you're right. Although I have to notice that if that is true then her definition of the best and the definition of everyone else on the planet are significantly different."

"Can we just stop talking about her?" The last thing I wanted to do is to talk about my mother on my birthday. She didn't let me celebrate my birthday or enjoy it in any way but now that I have finally found a way to enjoy she is still ruining it for me, without even being here.

"Alright... I'm sorry. You're right, we have better things to talk about."

"Really? Like what?"

"Well, first of all, I'd like to know if we will ever repeat this evening or not." He said leaning against a car that must be his.

"Maybe next year."

"Promise?"

"I'll call you."

"Okay... Do you want me to drive you home? I know that sounds even weirder than before, but..."

"I'm gonna have to pass. It's nothing personal, I just don't trust you enough."

"Oh, good to know. Well, I couldn't leave without offering you a ride... I thought it would just be rude. And since I don't see your mother coming to pick you up..."

"Don't worry about me." I would rather die than acknowledge I needed help. "I can handle this on my own."

"Are you sure?" He said while getting closer to his car door.

"Yeah... I mean, It's not like this is the first time this ever happened to me... I mean, it is, but I've been to harder times so yeah... I don't need your help. But thanks anyway."

"What if I let you drive?"

"Still weird. I'll pass."

"Ugh, I admit it. I was just bluffing." He moved away from the car closer to me and laughed at the way I've suddenly smiled without even realizing it.

"I hoped you were. I couldn't believe you would leave me here all by myself."

"Hey, didn't you just say you were capable of handling everything yourself?"