Good Enough

Julian - Date Night

The house had been oddly silent for a few days.

Thankfully, that means that Dad had laid off me for the past few days. Unfortunately, that means that Mateo is more on my case than ever before. He's watching over me like he thinks something's going to happen. Like I might snap And I just might if he doesn't keep giving me sad and knowing looks. 

At least our bathroom door has a lock on it. I plan on taking a nice, long shower right now since I just got back from track practices. I have a date later with Mia. Not a date, date. But a date. Yeah.

 I quickly strip off my shirt that was slick with sweat, casting ti to the floor before going to close the door. I'm about to turn the lock when I hear a crisp knock on it. I inwardly sigh and open the door a crack, so that really only my face is visible. And of course, it's none other than the one and only Mateo is standing there with that stupid easy smile on his face.

"What ?" I ask annoyed. I'm just trying to shower in peace.

"Can you leave the door unlocked?"

"No" I'm about to close the door when Mateo pushes it open and walks into the bathroom. I take about four steps back while hurrying to cover myself with a towel. Shit. He couldn't have seen...right?

Oh no, I bet he did. But don't worry, it's not like he cares enough to ask.

"Jeez, calm down Julian. I've seen you shirtless before."

He actually hasn't seen me shirtless in over a year. "And?"

"And that means you don't have to be all weird. Mom used to make us take baths together."

I scrunch my face up in disgust. "Please shut your mouth and never open it again."

"I'm serious though. Why all the covering up with the towel?"

"You know, some people just really don't like being barged in on when they're about to shower." I say, willing him to get out so I can shower and get going.

"What are you hiding under there?"

I feel my face pale as i fumble for a response that will make him leave it alone. "Abs. I'm hiding a six pack that will shock you next time we go swimming."

As if you'll be going swimming shirtless anytime soon.

"Aw, my little Julian is working out?"

"What happened to shutting your mouth and never opening it again?"

"Oops."

"Just- what are you even in here for?"

"I needed lotion." Mateo explains, grabbing the bottle from underneath the sink.

"Then get it and leave so I can shower. I have somewhere to be."

"You have a date?"

I feel my face turn a little pink. "I didn't say that."

"Aw, but that's what you meant. That's so cute. You're getting so old. You're going to have a girlfriend...see Julian, you would've missed out on all of this if-"

Mateo stops suddenly and cuts himself off. "Well, I'll let you get ready. Let me know when you leave."

And for once, Mateo leaves the room without me telling him to. I know what he was going to say. If I had killed myself I would've missed out on all this. All the amazing things called life.

And of course getting hit by my dad. Yeah, I would definitely be missing a lot. I scoff to myself before finally locking the door and getting in the shower. I try to finish fast so that I have time to actually make my hair look good. I have to keep reminding myself that this is NOT a date, even though 'Drea keeps telling me that Mia and I would make a cute couple.

But she's beautiful, funny, smart, athletic. I'm none of that. I don't know how Andrea sees it. I wish we could work together. 

I'd love it if we worked together.

I finish getting my hair down and get dressed, putting on a plain black t-shirt and blue jeans to go with it. it's simple, but it's safe. This is the first time Mia and I are going somewhere at night that was actually predetermined instead of just "hey, do you want to go do something?". 

I looked at myself in the mirror one more time before trying on a smile. IT didn't look forced. Just crooked enough to fit my face. 

Right now, I was practicing smiles. But when I was with Mia, I didn't have to use fake smiles. They came naturally, spreading on my face as if I had never known unhappiness in my life. I liked it. 

My eyes widen in the mirror.

Fuck. I really like Mia. 

Well it's a good thing I'm going on a date with her tonight then. 

~~~~

will this story ever get finished? that's a secret i'll never tell.

xoxo, 

procrastinator