"Larkin and Rose haven't returned with Kira yet then?" Russel, Jesse's dad, asked. Jesse shook his head in reply. "Why do you look so downcast Jess? You're usually much chirpier!" Mona commented as she casually peeled a banana.
"Nothing...I'm just tired." Jesse knew it was a lame excuse, but at that moment he really didn't care. When Mona had finished her banana she sadi goodbye to Dave and Jesse, and Russel volunteered to drive her home. Mona was vert pleased with this arrangement, and was all smiles when she left.
Jesse and Dave exchanged knowing glances. Mona might be a very smart and professional woman but they knew she had the biggest ever crush on Russel. It was really quite funny. Russel was completely oblivious. Larkin didn't mind though, she knew Russel would never cheat on her with Mona.
But then another car was heard pulling up in the driveway. "That'll be my sister!" chirruped Dave and he rushed out the front to meet them. "Come and help Kira with her bags Jesse!" he heard Dave call a few moments later.
Jesse gulped, his heart pounding. He stepped outside and instantly collided with Kira, who was just walking in. "Oh hi, Jesse! I had such a great time. Thanks for your letter, it was really sweet of you!" Then she flung her arms around him in a friendly hug. It made Jesse feel all warm and tingly inside, he loved it when he made her happy.
He simply smiled at her and said, "Welcome home Kira," and went to collect her bags from the car and started to bring them inside. "No, no, Jesse! I can carry at least one!" Kira giggled as she put her left hand over his to try and grab the bag he was holding.
This was torture for Jesse. She was so close to him, her crystal blue eyes gazing at him intently.If he only lowered his head a little he could kiss her...No! Stop it! Jesse frantically shook his head, trying desperately to shake out any bad thoughts he had just had.
"What's the matter?" she asked him, her voice full of concern.
"N...n...nothing! I just had something in my eye..." he gabbled, badly trying to think of a half-decent excuse. But Kira just gave him a weird look, snatched up all her bags and marched inside.