Jackson was sitting at the dinner table, listening to music and drawing a picture of April. He was so dedicated to getting the details of her face down that he doesn't hear the door open.
"Hey, kiddo." His mom greets. "So, I brought home a couple boxes of pizza, some coconut water and a couple of movies." Catherine tells him. "Before I forget, I'll be going to a conference this weekend, so you're going to be here all alone, sweetheart." She says as she takes a salad out of the refrigerator. "Jackson, I-" She looks over at Jackson, who's currently smiling at his own work. She smiles as well. "Are you listening to me?" She asks. She walks over to him, taking out one of his ear buds.
"Oh. Hi, mom." He greets.
"Isn't this your friend April, sweetie?" She asks him, but he doesn't answer the question. Instead he clears the table of his art supplies. "She's still so damn cute."
"What do you think?" He asks her.
"Kind. Talented. Very cute." Katherine says genuinely.
"I think I'm in love mom."
"Hmm, in love." She says with a smile on her face. "Does she know?"
"No." He says shaking his head. "I don't think she knows at all."
"Perhaps you should tell her how you feel, Jackson." She suggests. "Besides, out of all those heifers you've brought home before, She's the only decent one you've introduced me to."
"Mom, we've known each other since the second grade."
"So what's your point?" She asks nonchalantly.
"Well, were supposed to go to the beach tomorrow. Then we'll see."
"Excellent. You better tell me how it goes, and for heavens sake Jackson, do not hurt that girl or else I'll hurt you." She warns.
"I won't. So what are we having for dinner?" He asks her.
