Firsts

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Today is Sunday. I get into a modest floral dress, smiling into my mirror. I'm quite excited that Sebastian is coming with us. It will be quite the adventure. I feel the expected text at exactly nine thirty. I smile at his punctuality. I rush to his car because I don't want to be late.

"Sebastian!"

"Hey, Nia. You look great." He is wearing khakis and a button down shirt.

We begin to drive to Mass, and I give him the proper directions. When we arrive, we are a few minutes early. We sit in a middle pew. Trent and Kim aren't here yet. I don't know what their plans are, so we don't save them a seat.

After Mass, I introduce Sebastian to Trent and Kim. They seem delighted when meeting him, even Trent. I also introduce Sebastian to a priest and a few random parishioners.

When we get in the car, I remember something important and blurt it out to Sebastian.
"Sebastian, I totally forgot to tell you! I invited Kim and Trent to brunch. I wish I could have warned you. This is dreadful!" He just chuckles slightly.

"It's fine. I wondered why you didn't invite them before. Now I know you did invite them." A smile spreads across my face at this.

"Oh good. So, how did you like Mass?" I feel a little bad for practically forcing him to come. I didn't mean to.
"It was beautiful. The choir and the Mass were both wonderful. I didn't understand everything that was going on, but I remember a little about it from when I was a kid."

"Did you go to Mass with your family when you were a kid?"

"Yes. We were practicing Catholics, but it's been a long time. I haven't gone to Mass since I was about fourteen."

"That is a long time." There is a gap in our conversation. I decide to fill it.

"I'm glad you came today. What did you think of Trent and Kim? I know you barely talked to them and that you will talk to them more today, but what are your first impressions?"

"They both seem very nice and just the way you described them."

"Oh good. You know, you're the first person I've ever introduced to them. They are usually the people introducing me to other people." He grins, but his grins sort of fades into a frown.

"How come? Did you not like them meeting your other friends?" I feel the biggest blush I have ever felt come to my cheeks. I don't think I've felt this embarrassed about something in front of Sebastian.

"Uh, well, uh, so, you're my first, like, actual friend." It was probably hard to understand what I was saying in that jumble, but I think he got the idea because his eyes widen slightly, slowly going back to normal after a few seconds.

"Oh, well, I'm honored to be introduced to them." My blush deepened.

"Anyways." I should have just said yes before. I had to be the way that I am and say that in the most awkward way. I sigh. We pull up to the place where we're having brunch. It's a small breakfast place. I smile at it.

"Here we are. Thanks for this, Sebastian."

We get out of the car. I send a text to Trent and Kim to let them know we're here. We walk in, and Sebastian gets us a table. We make our way to it and sit down. We sit across from each other, but I wonder if we should be sitting side-by-side. Kim and Trent could sit side-by-side as well. I frown.

"Do you want to sit side-by-side so that they can sit side-by-side?" After I say this, I blush.

"Oh, yes. That's probably smarter." He stands and slides next to me. I smile, willing my blush to go away.