Waiting.

Eight

"AJ, dear. Your aunt Angeline is here" mom tried to shake me up.

I groaned.

Wait, what? Angeline? Angeline Cassidy? And like she read my mind "Angeline Cassidy is a very busy woman, AJ. Don't you be wasting her time".

The moment she slammed the door, I jumped up, fixed my hair, brushed my teeth, slipped on some shorts and chucks. I practiced a smile before running down the stairs.

"Oh my. AJ, dear. You have grown, indeed" Aunt Angeline cooed the moment she saw me. I flashed her my best killer-smile "And Angeline, you just couldn't look any younger". I made a mental fist pump when she blushed.

"Bruschetta, anyone?" Mom asked as she pulled out her plate from the stove.

"Please" Angeline's eyes widen in delight. No one can resist those things.

I grabbed one and ate. "AJ, darling, have you seen Cammie lately? She hasn't emailed me for months now".

"Well, yes. And she's just.. peachy" with a hint of disgust in my voice. I cleared my throat to change my words. "She's doing fine, don't worry".

"That's nice news. Is she dating anyone right now?" Angeline's smile fading to a frown.

I shook my head, taking another bite of bruschetta. My voice would most definitely betray me.

"Good" stern.

I took my last bite and checked my watch. I have to leave by eleven-thirty. It's already eleven.

"Mom, I have to go" I called out to the kitchen.

"Say hello to my baby for me, dear. Could you?" Angeline asked.

I smiled "of course". Mental fist pump for another reason to talk to her.

I ran back upstairs, got my stuff and said my goodbyes. I checked my phone. Missed call from Gale.

I called him back. "Yo, what's up?" I asked when his faint voice said hello.

"I'm heading for New York. Can I catch a ride with you?" he asked directly.

I nodded -as if he'd see me. "Yeah. I'll pick you up from your place?"

"Oh isn't that an obvious question. Sarah wants to see you too" Sarah -his little sister who had a crush on me when we were kids. Oh how time flies by so quickly. Hah.

"Hey!" An annoyed Sarah seemed to hit his head as he said 'Ow'.

"I'll be there in five. And tell Sarah I said 'hi'" I chuckled as I hung up and drove the FJ to Gale's.

Soon enough I was by their front lawn and I made my way in. A giddy and excited Sarah greeted me with a squeal and a hug. Oh yeah and she's fifteen. "I missed you, AJ!" she grinned.

I hugged her back "so did I".

"Oh, AJ. I missed you more and I want to fucking hug you right now" Gale said sarcastically. Killjoy. "Jealous, bro?" I asked, grinning. He chuckled, "hell ya, brothah. I could just kiss you right now!".

Then we were out the door with a whining Sarah clinging on my arm, begging me to stay for at least some crumpets. I chuckle and lightly kiss her hair, "Oh, princess, I'll be back. Don't worry". She flushes and stares down at her feet. I put a finger under her chin and make her look up to me. I know how this action make girls feel- all giddy, serious and freaking romantic. Our eyes meet and she states through her eyes that she really likes me. Jesus, what am I supposed to do?!

"I've missed you too" and I turn and get in the car. I did not dare look back.

I smile as I see her watch us drive away. Gale punches my shoulder and says "I told you not to toy with my sister!". I laugh, "I didn't!". "Yeah, sure. 'PRINCESS'?!" he complains.