Just Another Lie, Right? [Kleinsen]

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That moment when you have an idea for another kleinsen fanfic but you aren't even done with the first one and you're not a good multitasker.

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"So Alana called me last night and mentioned something about a Halloween Dance?" Mrs. Murphy said a few moments after we sat down.

I'ma be completely honest with you, with all the shit going on I kinda forgot all about the Halloween dance, and it was only a week away.

Judging by the look on Evan's face, he forgot too, and he was not happy about it.

"Yep." I said, "Gonna be on the 28. Knowing Alana, she'll probably have all the decorations done by tomorrow."

"I'm in charge of refreshments..." Evan mumbled, as if he was reminding himself.

"Yep! And I'm in charge of advertising! 'Cause how are we gonna get the cah-ching cah-ching if no one knows it even exists!" I laughed at my own plainly stupid joke.

"That's nice." Mrs. Murphy replied. "It still overwhelms me that you guys are willing to do so much just to bring back Connor's orchard. You're just so kind."

"Thanks, we're just trying to do what we can." Evan replied almost immediately. I couldn't bring myself to reply to that, though, out of guilt. Since, you know, big lie?

I start to regret joining this more every minute.

"Have you guys thought of costumes?" Zoe intervened, trying to steer the topic away from Connor.

I didn't exactly have a perfect idea of the costume, but I knew the gist of what I was gonna do. "I'ma be a ceiling fan!" I said, standing up and posing dramatically.

"A... ceiling fan?" Zoe questioned.

"Ah, my poor, naïve Zoe." I started, sitting back down. "You do now understand the ways of Jared Kleinman just yet. Don't worry, small one, because within time, you will see."

There was a brief silence before Zoe said, "I literally have no idea what the fuck you just said."

I shook my head, "Within time, little one... within time."

"Jared cut the faux wisdom stuff." Evan said, smiling.

"Mmm someday, someday in time, these inexperienced brats will see their true destiny." I said, trying hard not to smile.

Evan laughed, and I had to restrain myself from laughing along with him. I'm sorry, but Evan's laugh is kinda fricking adorable.

"What about you, Evan?" Zoe asked, turning to face Evan as she picked at her microwaved turkey. It was clear to me, just by the was Zoe looked at Evan, that she still fancied him. Part of me wondered it Zoe would still like him if she knew what he's doing. How loyal really are you?

"Ehh..." Evan rubbed the back of his neck, "Haven't thought of one yet." He said, before stuffing a spoonful of mashed potatoes in his mouth. I knew he was just trying to avoid conversation about his Halloween costume. Evan hasn't dressed up since 4th grade. I didn't expect him to dress up this year, but who knows?

"You can be a tree." I said, pointing my fork at Evan, "It suits you."

"What? No!" Evan laughed through the mashed potatoes that were still in his mouth.

Zoe passed him a napkin and laughed, "That's disgusting, Evan. Don't talk with your mouth full."

The three of us laughed, and, I gotta say, it kinda felt like a typical Senior Year moment. Three friends eating microwaved meals at a table, speaking with their mouths full.