Chapter 4: Just Friends?

I sat at the table, playing with my food, which I never do.

"Is something wrong, dear?" mom asked. "You've barely touched your food."

This is another thing I never do; I usually eat like a horse!

"No." I lied as I chased my peas around my plate with my fork.

Mom stared at me a moment and then said, "I can tell when your lying, dear. I am your mother after all."

"Mom, did Bo ever see me when I was a baby?" I asked curiously.

"No. No one other than your grandfather Dale ever saw him after the wedding. When Dale died a few years ago, he would go into town every now and then. But he basically had become a hermit. Some people thought that sickness had killed him." she said sadly.

"W-what sickness?" I asked nervously.

"Oh… many years ago… before your father and I were married. There was a cave-in in the mind. I'm sure you remember this story. Bo and Luke came running in to save me. Bo collapsed, unconscious, because the multiple poisonous gasses were too much for his lungs at the time. Dr. Jin did a special surgery to help him, but he said that Bo might not be able to run or be very active anymore." Mom said as she finished her dinner.

"But ever since your mother and I got married, he's been twice as strong as he was before the accident." dad said as he leaned back in his chair.

"Oh…" I said sadly.

Mom smiled and then said, "You go wash up. I'll reheat your food."

"Okay." I said as I smiled.

Once I finished, I came in to find my food on the table.

I quickly ate it up, then brushed my teeth, and went to bed.

Mom came in and told me goodnight.

I closed my eyes and drifted into deep thought.

Bo had begun to work harder because of his pain. The love of his life had married his best friend.

I loved him, even though he was nearly twice my age. But I knew he could never love me back.

Was it possible for us to be just friends?

I hoped so. I don't think I could live without seeing him.

I eventually drifted into peaceful dreams.

"Cock-a-doodle-doo! Rise and Shine Sleeping Beauty!" my dad yelled as he jumped on my bed.

I sat up and stretched, and then rubbed my eyes.

"Great! Your up! Your Mom's making breakfast!" dad said happily as he danced outta my room.

When I was little, he did back-flips instead.

He hasn't been able to since he turned forty.

He nearly threw his back out last time he did it.

I yawned, and the got dressed.

I think I could be just friends with Bo.

I mean… he survived being "just friends" with mom. Didn't he?

I might never marry, like he probably won't ever marry.

But I think I can survive.

Can't I?

"Ariella! Time for breakfast!" mom called out. "Oh! There's someone here to see you!"

Someone here to see me?

Who wanted to see me?

I walked in to the kitchen casually, but then stopped in my tracks when I saw the mystery house guest.

My eyes grew wide, and my mouth hung open.

It was Bo!