Too Young

SEVEN

The day was nearing to the end and I was glad about it. I had went the whole day without hearing Eileen's annoying voice. She just gave me death glares every time we crossed paths.

I hadn't seen Thomas all day either.

When it was time to leave, I hung up my apron, clocked out and headed to the door. Pat wanted me to meet her today at our usual hangout place after I got off of work and I was praying to God above that Gene wasn't there.

I looked up to see Thomas step out of his car.

   "Judith!" He waved for me to come over.

   "Why weren't you at work all day?" I asked him.

   "Eileen didn't give you any trouble, did she?"

   "No."

   "Great. Well... my father is back. He just got back from Japan with my mother and sister."

   "Oh, that's great. Tell them I said hello."

   "But, wait... we're having a small gathering of friends and maybe you could come and tell them yourself."

   "No, I have to be somewhere."

   "Please? I already told them that I was bringing a friend."

   "Then take Virgil."

   "More specifically a lady friend. Please? You don't have to stay the whole time. Just stay for an hour and I'll drive you back home."

I looked at him and I could tell that he really wanted me to come with him. Pat was never going to forgive me.

   "Fine." I gave in.

   "Yes! Thank you."

I didn't know whether to dress up or dress down but, I wore pants with a white blouse and my chuck taylor shoes. I also bought a small bottle of wine to bring because my mom told me to never go to a party or gathering empty handed.

I jumped up from my seat when I heard his old hoopty pull up to the front of the house.

When I got into the truck, he smiled as he always did when he saw me.

   "You look nice."

   "Don't lie, no I don't."

   "Yeah you do."

   "I brought along some wine." I held up the bottle in my hand. "I don't know if your family drinks this stuff or not. But, I didn't want to come empty handed."

   "It's fine." He reassured. "I'm sure my dad will drink it once you're gone."

   "Once I'm gone?" I repeated.

   "Yeah, he doesn't like opening guests' gifts when they're around."

   "Hmm. Strange."

When we arrived at his house, I was a bit surprised at how small it was. It was small but they made it home. It was tidy and smelled of lavender incense.

We saw his mother first. She had tanned skin, long curly black hair and long pretty fingernails. She was small in size about a few inches shorter than me. I greeted her in the living room.

   "Mom," Thomas spoke to get her attention. She said something in Japanese. "This is Judith."

   "Friend?"

   "Yes mom, she's a friend. She also works at the restaurant."

   "Oh!" Her face lit up. She pulled me in for a hug. I was a bit surprised at first but, I hugged her back. "Hello, pretty friend."