I Won't Ever Hide Alone

Chapter 6: Obligated Romeo

"Dad... I can't." Julian looked down at the grass. He hoped he was being quiet enough. He didn't want anyone else to hear the conversation.

Julian's Dad finished up his grilling and turned to look at his son. "And why not, Julian?" His Dad's features became a little less friendly and much more stern.

Julian didn't say anything.

Ben continued, "You're 21 years old, Julian. As far as I'm aware, you've never had a girlfriend and I'm not counting high school romances. I mean, a real girlfriend."

"I don't want a girlfriend right now. I'm not-"

"Financially stable. Yeah, yeah. You say it all the time."

"And you still arent hearing me." Julian shook his head.

"Listen, Julian, I don't want to fight with you. You're a good boy, with a good head on his shoulders. I want you to be twice the man I ever was, heck, you already are. So let's keep it that way, huh? Lori is a doll. Give her a shot. The right girl won't want you for what you've got but for who you are."

Julian rolled his eyes. "Thanks for the wisdom, Dad." Obvious sarcasm coded his voice.

"Go on. Make a date happen. Nothing has to come of it. But at least you tried, right?Now get." Ben smiled and urged his son along.

-

"How old are you?" Lori asked Julian.

They were taking a walk around the block. Julian needed to get away, preferably alone, but that wasn't feeling like an option right now. So, he invited Lori to come along with him since he didn't want to hear the thunder from his Dad later.

"21 and you?" He shoved his fists in his Jean's pockets. 21 and still feel like a child... He thought.

"20." Lori replied.

"When do you turn 21?"

"Next month."

"Oh really? That's soon."

She lightly laughed, "Yeah, well, time flies after you turn 16 I guess."

He chuckled back, "So. How has this summer been treating you so far?"

"Okay..." all of a sudden her tone changed Julian noted, and she stopped walking. Julian did as well, though he was already a couple steps ahead of her.

"Julian..." She began. She was uncomfortably holding herself. Julian waited for her to continue.

"I know what this is. You don't have to pretend." A sadness laced her voice.

"Hmm?" Julian was genuinely confused, "What do you mean?"

She smiled up at him, "My Mom and your dad, I know they're setting us up. It's obvious. Don't you think?" Her green eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Julian felt embarrassed all of a sudden, "Yeah. Actually, I didnt know that's what was going on today until my father just told me before we left. "I'm seriously so sorry. My Dad's an idiot sometimes."

"Don't be sorry. My Mom is too. I just got out of a really bad relationship a few months ago. My mom has been wanting me to try to find happiness in someone else again." She rolled her eyes which made Julian smile.

He realized Lori wasn't necessarily for this whole set up either. It made him feel more comfortable to be around her for some reason.

"Parents..." Julian sighed.

"Ain't always right." Lori finished the sentence for him.

Julian looked shocked and a big smile formed on his face. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave the most awful British impression he could do, "I better go tell father I've found the one and that we are to be married at midday tomorrow!"