"What time are you picking her up?"

"Four."

"And you already met her parents?"

"Yep."

"They liked you?"

"Yes, Ma."

"Is Jamie going?"

"We're picking up him and Rachael on the way."

"Can your car fit that many people?"

"There's only the four of us."

"Really? I thought there were more."

"Nope."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"I don't like you driving that car at night. It's not safe."

"It's safer than half of the other cars on the road. I fixed it up myself."

"That's what makes me worry."

"Mom."

"I know, I know. Jack went over it and deemed it safe. Doesn't mean I'm not going to worry about you. Especially since you'll be out so late. Just wear your seatbelt in case you get into an accident. And tell Jamie and his date also. You know he won't unless you ask. And make sure you get pictures."

"Mom."

" I know, you're a teenager and don't care about that stuff, but if you don't, you'll regret it in the future. Plus, I want to see how handsome you are with your date. What's her name again? Amber. I think. Either way, I want pictures."

"Mom."

"And I know how these things go. I was young once too, you know. Just please promise me that you won't do anything you shouldn't. If you're drinking, don't drive and you know that you don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, right?"

"Mom! I'll be fine. Dad already covered most of that stuff and it's just a dance. Not a big deal."

"Don't let Amber hear you say that. It's the prom! Of course it's a big deal. Just... be safe. Okay?"

"Okay. I have to have Amber home before one so I'll be home after that."

"You have your cell phone?"

"Yep."

"Wallet? Keys? Do you have money for dinner?"

"Mom."

"Sorry."

"It'll be fine."

"I know. And have fun. This night only happens once."

"I will."

"Not too much fun."

"Mom."

"I love you. You'll be home before two?"

"You're going to be one of those clichéd parents who waits up on the couch, aren't you?"

"No."

"Good."

"Your dad is."

"Of course. I'll be home by two. And try to get him to sleep at a decent time. He has work in the morning."

"I will."

"Oh, and Sam needs to get picked up at the library by six. He's finishing his history essay."

"Okay. Six o'clock. Pick up Sam from the library."

"Because at seven, he needs to get dropped off at Hector's. They got a new computer and he's supposed to help set it up for them."

"Okay."

"And he has to be home by nine because that's when grandma said she's be home to talk to him about coming out for the summer. So make sure he calls her."

"Dean."

"After nine, but before ten because she needs to wake up early for some swim aerobics thing. And when they figure out a time, write a note so he can put it in his planner. Oh, and don't forget to check his backpack to make sure he has everything he needs. He sometimes forgets to take the right homework in."

"Dean."

"And remind him that he needs to take his textbooks in tomorrow to return them. If he doesn't, we have to pay the late fee."

"Dean! We'll be fine for the night. Just have fun. I have things covered here."

"Are you sure?"

"Dean."

"Sorry."

"Just have a good time. Do you have the corsage?"

"Yeah. Right here."

"Good. I'll see you in the morning."

"I'll try not to wake Dad when I come home."

"No, wake him up and send him to bed. You know how rough the couch is on his back."

"Old man."

"Hey! I'm not that old!"

"Whatever you say, honey. Didn't hear you come in."

"It's 'cause I'm still so spry. Quit your snickering, Dee. You're going to be old someday. Back problems and all."

"Not gonna happen."

"Of course he won't, Peter. Oh, to be young."

"Have fun at the dance, bud. Tell your girl we said hi."

"I will. Bye Dad. Ma."

"Oh, no you don't. You're not leaving without a hug."

"Ma!"

"Who's laughing now, mama's boy?"

"Can it, Peter. It's a big night for him."

"I know, I know. Love you, Dee. Have a good time, alright?"

"I will. Love you. And try to get some sleep."

"Yeah, yeah."

"I'm serious, Dad."

"I know you are. Go. You're gonna be late."


Okay, so... I decided to try something different with this chapter: dialogue only. It was easy for me to follow since I was the one who wrote it, but let me know what you think, Readers. Was it too confusing? If so, I'll probably go and fill in the blanks before I publish the next chapter. Read on!

P.S. I've been trying to add this chapter all day. Unfortunately, I wasn't even able to access my account until like 5 minutes ago. Next chapter to come this Wednesday, Fearless Readers. Don't forget to review :)