Kinship (revised)

Chapter 7: #Qann

After the rush of prom week was finally over, everything at school seemed unbelievably dull.  No longer were girls gushing about their dresses or panicking about finding a date. Guys stopped avoiding the female species entirely, and went back to constantly flirting. Now it was just a month or so until summer break, and I for one, was prepared.

Karen and Jake were still buddy-buddy, and I was beginning to feel left out. I talked to Quinn here and there. It seemed we started to understand each other more after the prom fiasco. I had finally admitted to myself that I had a crush on Quinn. So when I received a chat message via social media, its safe to say I had a girly screaming/dancing/jumping celebration.

Quinn:  Hey Green

Me: Green?

Quinn: Skittle color.

Me:Oh yeah. What’s up Purple?

Quinn:Homework. It sucks

Me: Sounds fun

Quinn: Oh, you jealous?

Me:Very.. think I could join you?

Quinn: Not to do homework.. but perhaps on Friday we could go see a movie or something?

Me: Sounds fun, what movie?

Quinn: Well, cause we live in a shitty town, it’s either: Alien Space Cats 3 or Zombie Infestation

Me: I am thinking cats,  U?

Quinn: Good, eight sound good?

Me: Perfect, see ya there?

Quinn: I am offended! I will be picking you up at your house by 7:50! Like a gentleman!

Me: Whatever you say “gentleman”.. I’ll talk to you later

Quinn: Alright, be ready.

I smiled, admiring our conversation. We’d managed to talk without pissing each other off again.. I guess sometimes prom really does do wonders. I grinned, setting my phone down before skipping down the stairs into the kitchen. I was greeted with my Mom making some horrible scratching noises as she tried to remove what was now a burnt crisp from one of our pans.

“Mom?” I said in a questionable tone.

“Yes?” She replied, turning to look at me for second before returning to her disaster.

“What was it this time?” I asked, with a sigh.

“Honestly, I don’t even remember..” She admitted with a laugh.

“How about you just leave that pan to soak in water overnight?” I suggested, stopping her from destroying the pan.

“Sounds like a plan.” She laughed, dropping the pan into the sink with a sigh.

“Were again did you get these wonderful cooking skills?” I asked her, laughing.

“You and I both know you're grandma can’t cook either. I would say it runs in the family, but then there’s you. You're just the odd Pandora.” She laughed, throwing an arm around me.

“Wow, thanks Mom.” I laughed, grabbing a seat at the dining table.

“What’d ya think about Ramen?” She asked, grabbing a familiar packages of my family’s favorite noodles.

“Ramen, Ramen, Ramen, Ramen!” I chanted, watching as she grabbed a pot and began to fill it with tap water.

“You’re just like your father..” She sighed.

I just laughed in reply and wandered back to my room. I found myself instinctively texting Karen.

Me: Hey guess who scored herself a sort-of-date on Friday?

Karen: Let me guess.. You? With Quinn?

Me: Yeppppp

Karen: I SHIP IT! #Qann

Me: *blushes*

Karen: *nudge nudge, wink wink*

Me: *slaps*

Karen: *cries*

“Ann, come down and eat!” My Mom yells, and I quickly send Karen a “ttyl”.

I am not surprised to see my Dad sitting at the table already, swirling his fork in his Ramen.

“What’s up with this Quinn business?” He asks as soon as I sit down at the table.

I immediately catch myself blushing, as I utter a “What?”

“I heard that he’s taking your on a date Friday.” He suggests raising his eyebrows as my Mom lets out an excited squeal.

“Its about time!” She laughs, grinning.

“Oh shush!” I mutter.

“When did you plan on telling us?” My Dad asking raising his eyebrows.

“Its nothing that serious. It isn’t like he’s asked me out yet. We’re just going to a movie.” I groaned.

“Yeah, going on a date is not that serious...” My Mom said sarcastically, handing me a bowl of Ramen.

“Mom... I tell you when-slash-if he asks me out.” I sigh, as I begin eating.

“You’d better.” She laughed, as she sat down at the table.

“Yeah, I don’t want to be hearing about this from Quinn’s parents.” My Dad echoed.

“Fine.” I sigh overdramatically swirling my fork in the noodles.

“So how’d school go?” My Mom asked, attempting to change the subject.

“Alright, a little boring.” I sighed.

“Its good you only have like a month left.” My Dad reassured.

“Yeah, speaking of which, are we doing anything exciting this summer?” I asked.

“Well...” My Mom grinned, sharing a look with my Dad.

“What?” I groaned.

“Jake and Quinn’s parents were suggesting a camping trip, where all you kids could get together, and leave your little cellphones behind. “ He explained with a smile.

I gave them a both a blank look, as if to say: Are you kidding me?

“It’ll be fun! We we’re looking at this cute campground a few hours away from here. Theres a pool and everything!” She exclaimed.

“You do realize we’re teenagers, not six year olds.” I groaned.

“Yes, and we think you guys should do normal teenage things. Like hang out, and explore the outdoors. That’s what we did when we were kids.” My Dad sighed, causing me to laugh.

“I just can’t wait until I am older, and I can use that excuse on my kids.” I laughed, and my Mom just rolled her eyes.

“Well Karen and Jake thought it was a great idea!” She argued.

“Cause they’re both obsessed with each other! Its going to be awkward because me and Quinn are just going to have to sit there while they make out!” I exclaimed, pushing my now empty bowl away from me for dramatic effect.

“Oh shush! You’ll have fun! Plus you’ll get to spend more time with Quinn!” She exclaimed.

“Oh my gosh.” I sighed, blushing as I put my bowl away.

“t’s awhile until summer anyways. You’ll be fine.” My Dad sighed.

“Yeah, I dunno.” I sighed, as I made my way into the living room.
I didn’t know whether I was excited, or mad at my parents for putting me a possibly awkward situation. Maybe it would be a good thing..