Chapter 4: Closer and Closer

That Wednesday, Danny and Maria were hanging out at the park. Danny made it a little romantic. It was at night and the only light that shown was the streetlight above them. They were at a picnic table and Danny had brought food for them. Maria loved it. She had never been on this type of date before.

"Danny. You're a one in a million," she said smiling at him.

"I know. You're a one in a zillion."

They sat there throughout the date and Maria had to leave at 7:30. They said their good byes and Danny picked up the paper plates with food bits on it. He put them in the trash and walked home. He loved Maria. He couldn't believe how perfect she was.

The next day at school, Danny, Keith, Houston and Jack kept an eye on Rachel. Making sure she didn't get in anymore trouble. When she saw Addy she just stared at her as she walked to her next class.

The Curtis and Keith did a good job keeping Rachel out of trouble. She went the whole day without saying anything mean. In Danny's biology class, Mr. Hankins was telling everyone to write notes. Danny was in the back drawing.

He drew a picture of his birthday cake with the number 17 on top of it. He knew of course it would be chocolate. But it would probably have white icing on it like his mother served him.

He wrote down a list of things he could get for his birthday. He wrote down a CD player, a couple of CD's, money, the usual. But he never had a birthday with his uncles, aunt and cousins. This year would definitely be different. Once again, the school bell broke into his thoughts. He got up and met Maria outside of the classroom.

"Well, your birthday is a day and a week away," she said putting on her pretty smile.

"You know it. I can't wait."

"Are you always excited about your birthday?"

"Not really. But now I'm around you, Keith and more of my family. This will be a great year."

They walked out of the school. Danny saw his ride and said,

"There's Two-Bit. I'll call you later on tonight."
"All right. I'll see you later."

Danny ran to Two-Bit's car. He was the last one today. Two-Bit dropped him off at his house and Danny checked the mailbox. Still nothing from Alex. Danny went inside. His mom wouldn't get home until after Trix came. She works late on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Danny didn't have any homework and didn't feel like studying so he just watched TV. Nothing was on, so he went to the video cabinet. He went through the cabinet and pulled out one of his favorite movies, "Point Break". His uncle Darry showed him this movie. Darry was a big Patrick Swayze fan. As he was watching the movie, he heard someone say,

"Man. Keanu Reeves sure was skinny back then."

Danny looked towards the door and saw Trix. Danny smiled.

"Hey dad."

Danny glanced at his watch. He was so into the movie, he didn't realize how much time had passed.

"How was school?" asked Trix sitting next to his son.

"It was okay. How was work?"

Trix shrugged.

"The usual. People ask for a song, I comment, then I play it."

Danny decided to change the subject.

"What'd you get me for my birthday?"

"I'm not tellin'."

"Why?"

"Cause."

"Cause what?"

"Cause I don't want to."

"What if I make you?"

"I'd like to see you try."

Danny then pulled on his dad, but Trix knew this was coming so he put Danny into a headlock and gave him a noogie.

"Aaah," laughed Danny.

"Give up," said Trix.

"No!"

They played around for a while and then sat down to watch the movie. A while later, they both fell asleep on the couch.

A flash then woke up Danny and he squinted his eyes. He saw his mom standing there with a camera in her hand grinning.

"You two looked so cute right there. I couldn't help it," she said.

"Not as cute as you," said Trix getting up. He went up and kissed his wife.

"Could you two take it to the bedroom?" said Danny pointing up the stairs.

His parents just smiled and Danny then remembered he was supposed to call Maria. He looked at the clock. It was just 7:50. He picked up the phone and called Maria's number. She had her own phone so Danny wasn't worried about her parent's answering. Maria picked up the phone and they started talking for a while. Soon Maria said something that gave Danny a slight scare.

"My parents want to meet your parents," she said slowly.

"..Really?"

"Yes."

"Aw, snap."

"Don't worry. I think they'll like your parents. My dad is average, but my mom is just like your parents. They'll get along most likely."

"Alright."

"Danny. I've gotta go. I'll se you tomorrow. Bye."

"Bye 'Ria."