Bill was still feeling nervous and jumpy. He was waiting for Lenore to turn up at any moment. He also thought it likely she was just trying to psych him out and tease him when she said she would see him again. He decided to do what he always did when something was weighing on his mind and he needed guidance...he talked to his friends in the alley.

Later that day, when the sun was high overhead, they all lined up along Hank's fence as usual. The air felt cool today, bordering on crisp, but the Texas heat kept it from having too much bite.

"Yep."

As everyone sipped their cans of Alamo, Bill told them, "I saw Lenore yesterday."

Dale spit out his beer. "What?!"

They all turned to Bill in surprise.

"Mia and I went to that classy place in McMaynerberry last night. Lenore was there. She stopped me and talked to me. She even told me she missed me…"

"How'd she look?" Dale asked.

"That doesn't matter, because he's with Mia, right Bill?" Hank said sternly.

"Yeah… but Lenore said Mia won't stay forever. Someone young and pretty like her will eventually want someone younger and better..."

"Lenore was just saying that to shake you," reminded Hank, "Remember how she was when you were dating Ann Richards?"

"That's what I keep trying to remind myself. But what if Mia does leave me? Then what do I have?"

"What about us? Your friends?" Dale pointed out.

Bill shook his head. "That's different. What if Nancy left you? Or Peggy, or Leah?" he asked them. He paused while they all reflected on the thought. "And it's worse for me. You know I could never come back from that. I already came close to killing myself a few times, and that was before I ever even met Mia."

"So if she leaves you, you're going to kill yourself, then?" questioned Hank, with an air of exasperation.

Bill wavered, but didn't answer that. "If I had Lenore back, I'd have a purpose still."

"Bill!" Hank's brow furrowed.

"Do you think Mia wants to break up with you?" Boomhauer asked.

"No... But what if she does someday?"

"Then just kill yourself," Dale said frankly.

"Dale!" Hank barked. "Bill, Lenore only seems to turn up when you're finally doing well. You were happy with Ann Richards, so Lenore was sure to put a stop to that. You're happy with Mia, so what do you think Lenore is doing now?"

Bill knew he was right. He always was. Why was it so easy for Lenore to get in his head?

"I know that girl really likes you, man. She talks about you all the time to Leah," Boomhauer told him.

"She does like you. She always smiles every time she sees you. Haven't you noticed that?" added Hank.

"She even liked you when you were still a fat slob. That has to count for something," Dale said. Sometimes he could be helpful, in his own blunt way.

Bill sighed. "You're right. All of you. And I knew all of that. It's just hard to keep remembering it."

"Well, you gotta let it sink in. Let yourself be happy. And don't fall for anything Lenore says," Hank said.

"Mia is hotter than Lenore anyway," Dale pointed out.

"Damn it, why do you always talk about how hot my girlfriend is? What about Nancy?"

"Oh, Nancy is unquestionably the hottest woman in the world. But I can still be objective about how lesser women look."

"Well knock it off. It's bad enough your buddy Octavio is always prowling around her."

"Octavio? He's harmless."

Bill rolled his eyes and sipped his beer.


Hank and Peggy invited the neighbors over for dinner a few days before Thanksgiving, as a sort of small gathering for friends because they were all going to different places for the holiday. Bill and Mia came, as well as Boomhauer and Leah, and Dale and Nancy.

They sat around a long dining table Hank brought out to seat them all. The food was hearty and comforting: a savory pork roast, cheesy potatoes, and buttered peas.

"And of course, my famous apple brown betty for dessert," Peggy informed them proudly.

Leah and Boomhauer were looking much happier than they had looked a few weeks ago. Leah had told Mia that Boomhauer was really coming around, and was really starting to talk about the things he wanted to get and to do for the baby when it arrived. Apparently Boomhauer's mother was thrilled too, as she never thought either of her sons would give her grandchildren.

"So Dale, how's the pool business coming along?" Mia asked.

"Swimmingly, especially with the upcoming holiday. Lots of unattended pools around. If any of you feel like going for a Thanksgiving swim, I will bump you up higher on the waiting list. By the way, Leah, how long are you and Boomhauer going out of town for?"

"You neighbors are all welcome to use my pool any time. But I don't want you having strangers pay you to use it."

"Hey, I was just making conversation!"

"Where are you two going for Thanksgiving?" Peggy asked Leah.

Leah replied with a shy smile. "Hank's favorite place… Oklahoma."

"Does Hank not like Oklahoma?" Mia asked.

"It's…not…Uh…" Hank stammered.

"He hates Oklahoma and people from there," Leah explained, "Unfortunately for me… OKC girl born and raised."

"It's not your fault-" Hank said quickly.

"Of course not, considering you were born in New York City!" Peggy chided him.

"-and Leah chose to live in Texas, the best state in the entire country!" Hank declared, "Isn't it our choices that show what we truly are?"

"I wore a Kansas shirt around you the other day. Do I lose points now?" Mia wondered.

"You wore a University of Kansas shirt, which has an excellent basketball team," Hank assured her.

"Why were you wearing that?" Nancy asked.

"My dad graduated from there. He wasn't on the basketball team, though."

"Your dad is probably Bill's age," considered Dale. "That's going to be awkward."

Grumbling, Bill said, "I'll have you know, the age gap between me and her parents is more than between me and her."

"Is it like the age gap between you and Laoma?"

Bill scowled at him.

"What are you two up to for the holiday?" Hank asked, before Dale could badger Bill any longer.

"We're going to my parents' house. They live a little outside of Waco."

"Ah yes, the site of the Waco siege, seventy-six deaths, kickstarted by the raid done by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. One of my biggest fears…" Dale darkly stared into space.

Mia was confused. "What's your fear? Someone raiding your religious cult?"

"Being raided by ATF! As you know, I partake in alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. They can nail me on all three, if they were to ever find me..."

"Anyway, are you from Waco, Mia?" Peggy asked, ignoring Dale's raving.

"I was born there, actually, then, when I was little, my parents moved to Arlen. After my brother, the youngest, grew up and moved off to college, my parents moved back to Waco. A byproduct of empty-nester syndrome."

"When my parents got an empty nest, my dad bought a Jaguar," Leah contributed.

"I don't blame him," Boomhauer nodded. He had a penchant for nice cars.

After dinner, Peggy ushered them all into the living room to play Boggle. Everyone phoned it in just to keep Peggy happy, and she won of course, as she always did.


Mia spoke excitedly about the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner as she and Bill drove to her parents' house. She tried giving Bill the rundown of her family, such as who was related to whom, the kids certain people had, and what spouses or family friends might be there.

"Sam flew in from Nevada a couple days ago. I haven't seen him since April, I think… His girlfriend Cara might come, too."

"I should write your family tree down."

"I don't expect you to remember everybody," Mia told him, "My dad doesn't either, and he and my mom have been married for over thirty years."

"Do any of your dad's side of the family come?"

"Not really to this type of thing. Most of his family lives too far away. We usually see them around Easter. Sometimes he and my mom take few days and visit in the summer."

"I've never been to Kansas. I'm not sure if I've gone farther north than Oklahoma."

"I like it. People usually say it's all flat and boring and wheat fields, but I think that's what makes it so unique."

They drove for longer, talking about the places they've been and little stories about Mia's different family members. Bill was nervous to meet everyone, yet also excited, as he already knew her family were all nice and friendly. Lenore's family were usually rather standoffish and judgemental. He always felt like the odd one out whenever she brought him around. Eventually she said she was too embarrassed by him, so she left him out of any of her family get-togethers.

Mia's parents' house was out in the country, down a long driveway branching off of a side road. Trees and bushes surrounded them, making a peacefully secluded yard, shielded from any house was beautiful and very well maintained. Trimmed shrubs and colorful flowers lined the outside. A big porch extended from the front, with a swing hanging down from underneath. Ite looked cozy and inviting, like something from a home and garden magazine.

There were already several cars parked in the driveway or overflowing off to the sides of it. Bill parked in the grass to create more room. He took the stack of dishes Mia cooked and baked, and they both headed inside. They could already hear the rumbling of many voices talking and laughing.

"Mia! Mi niña pequeña!" Mia's mother exclaimed as they entered into the kitchen. She was a little taller than Mia, but not by much. Her hair was long and sleek, swept over one shoulder. She had the same wide, dark eyes as her children did, and she was grinning widely upon seeing Mia and Bill.

"Hi Mamá," Mia said as she hugged her mother. "This is Bill!"

Bill had set all the food he brought in on the counter before Mia's mother crossed over to him in an embrace.

"So nice to meet you!" She drew back but held onto his elbows, holding him out to look him over.

"Thank you for having me," Bill told her. He was very nervous to meet her, but he noticed her thrilled expression never dropped. Maybe he was making a decent impression after all.

"Of course, of course!" she beamed. She noticed the dishes Mia and Bill brought on the counter behind them. "Thank you for bringing these! It saves me so much time."

A little woman who Bill assumed to be Mia's grandmother came over to them. She was rather petite, just like Mia. Her face was somewhat lined and her greyed hair was pulled into a bun low on her neck.

"This is my abuela," Mia told him as her grandma gathered him into a hug as well.

Mia's grandmother murmured something in Spanish and her mother nodded as if in agreement. Mia smiled.

They asked him questions for a minute or two, genuinely interested in getting to know him. He felt at home already.

"We'll be right back Mamá," Mia said. She wanted to introduce Bill to the rest of her family.

"Take your time. Your tías and Rosa are putting things together outside."

Mia led Bill away through the living room and she whispered "They said you are very handsome."

A few of Mia's younger cousins were sitting on the living room couches and watching TV. They responded politely yet indifferently when Mia said hello to them, too distracted by the show they had on. She shrugged at Bill and led him to a sitting room.

It was empty of any people, which Mia took advantage of, and kissed Bill while they were alone. She looked up at him and smiled eagerly, teeming with the excitement of the busy day. He always loved to see her happy like this, especially when she was sharing it with him.

She showed him some pictures that were sitting on a rack of shelves in the corner. One was the same wedding picture Bill saw at Jackie and Tom's. Another was a picture of all the cousins, though taken over ten years in the past. Mia was about seventeen or eighteen, her hair straightened, wearing dark makeup and all black clothing. "I used to be kind of goth punk back then," she explained, "And I always straightened my hair. It took me a long time to figure out how to maintain my natural pattern." Also in the picture was a younger Raul, much less muscular and skin bare of visible tattoos. Mia pointed out his brother, Rafael, who looked ruggedly suave. His charisma was visible even from a photograph.

"It's the last picture of all of us cousins together. Rafael died about two years after this…"

"I'm sorry," Bill said. Mia had mentioned his cause of death before, and how hard it was on Raul. "If he was anything like Raul, he must have been a pretty good guy."

"You have no idea. He made everyone his best friend. And he also taught me how to skateboard."

"You skateboard?" Bill asked, surprised.

Mia shook her head. "Not since I was younger. I'm too old for that now."

"If you're old, I'm ancient."

They looked at the other pictures, like one taken shortly after her parents met, one of a high school Jackie at her winning basketball game, and one of the whole family on vacation to Colombia.

There even was an older picture of Mia and Aaron sitting and smiling together. Bill couldn't help but notice how good the two of them looked together, both of them young and attractive people. Mia looked better matched with Aaron than she did with Bill, surely…

"I don't know why everyone keeps the pictures with him in them," Mia frowned, annoyed.

"They just want to keep pictures of you," Bill reassured her.

She smiled. "I need to give them the pictures I have of you and me instead."

Bill didn't think he looked good in pictures, so he pitied whoever Mia would be giving them to.

"Come on, let's see who's outside."

They went through the sliding glass doors and down off of the back porch. Off to the side were the tables set up for the dinner, which were currently being set with plates and silverware by Mia's cousin and Raul's sister, Rosa. There was a herd of children running around in the grass playing, some chasing around a ball and others running just because. Mia tried to point out who was who, but the kids were scrambling around too quickly for her to get an accurate headcount. A few cousins and uncles filed by, carrying tables and chairs to add to the dinner seating. Mia introduced them all to Bill, including Rosa, who had moseyed over to them.

Bill could see some similarities between her and Raul, though her expression leaned more to the haughty side compared with Raul's approachable one. Her sleek hair was cut to chin length and a piercing was studded into her eyebrow.

"Nice to see you ditched the frat boy," Rosa commented bluntly, referring to Aaron.

"Yeah...I went for the professor this time."

Rosa's arrogant face softened into a grin, also dimpled like her brother's.

Behind them a voice bellowed "Your favorite uncle is here!"

The group of playing kids all cheered and bounded to Raul, jumping on him and hanging off of his arms. Raul wore a simple black T-shirt and jeans, forgoing his usual casual attire for the holiday dinner. Gilbert stood off behind him, looking nervous yet amused, in a dark green suit.

Once the little cousins, nieces, and nephews scampered back to their games, Raul and Gilbert strolled over to Mia, Bill, and Rosa.

"I brought a dish to pass," Raul announced, holding up a bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey.

Rosa looked over Gilbert and asked, "Who's your friend?"

"Gilbert," he introduced himself, taking Rosa's hand, "And you must be the lovely Rosa I have heard so much about."

Rosa looked confused yet flattered. "Anything Raul says about me can't be nice," she said cautiously.

"Nonsense. He speaks very highly of you. Though I must say your beauty surpasses any description he has informed me of."

Rosa blushed. "Alright, Raul, we can keep him."

Behind them, Jackie and Tom had also arrived. Jackie's stomach was growing much rounder now, and she wore a long dark dress fitted to accentuate it.

Mia hugged her once they approached.

"Gilbert, this is my sister, Jackie, and her husband, Tom."

"Pleasure to meet you," Gilbert addressed them both.

"You're Bill's cousin, right?" Tom asked.

"Indeed."

"Wait, so you cousins are dating cousins?" questioned Rosa.

Raul grinned. "Wild, ain't it?"

More relatives were coming outside now. A girl with a high ponytail Mia introduced as her cousin Micaela also had a round stomach like Jackie. A lanky, shaggy haired cousin named Jacob slouched up to them to say hello.

"Where's Dad?" Mia asked Jackie.

"He's inside now. He was in the kitchen when we came in."

Mia led Bill back towards the house, introducing him to the various uncles, aunts, and cousins, and occasionally their significant others, as they passed. Everyone was polite and friendly; the overall atmosphere was very warm and welcoming. They came back through the sliding glass doors of the back porch and into the house. The same cousins and a few newcomers were still watching TV, and Mia's mother and grandmother were now joined by aunts in the kitchen.

Bill was introduced to Raul and Rosa's mother Isabel, and Micaela and Jacob's mother, Luisa. He had met so many new people today, it was a bit overwhelming, yet he also really enjoyed it. Having so many people around, a big, loving family, was something he had always dreamed of. And they were all very inviting and friendly, making him feel like he was part of the family, too.

Someone else suddenly appeared in the kitchen doorway, to which Mia exclaimed "Sammy!" and wrapped him in a hug before Bill could even turn his head.

"Cara didn't come?" Mia asked her brother. She was still pressed into him and had to tilt her head up to see his face.

"Not this time, but maybe for Christmas."

"You're coming for Christmas, too?" she asked excitedly.

"He better!" their mother said darkly.

"Sam, this is my boyfriend, Bill."

"Nice to meet you," Bill said, and shook his hand.

Mia's father soon came into the room. She hugged him while he patted her back.

"Hi, honey," her dad said affectionately.

"This is Bill," she introduced again. They said hello and shook hands.

"Too crowded in here," Mia's grandma suddenly said in a flustered tone, "Everyone take a dish and put it outside."

Everyone grabbed something and went to place it on the dinner tables. The kids ran around the tables and occasionally dove underneath them, using the shielding tablecloth as a fort. The dinner spread far surpassed any of Bill's already high expectations. Any traditional Thanksgiving dish was represented; mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, steamed peas and corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and Bill knew the turkey was on its way out to the table. There were also quite a few Colombian foods interspersed among them, even things Bill had with Mia before, including arepas and empanadas.

Slowly more foods were brought out by stragglers, even the huge turkey that was roasted to a lovely shade of golden brown. Mia and Bill sat in chairs across from Raul and Gilbert.

Bill noticed how different Gilbert looked, how...happy, maybe? Genuinely happy, a glowing joy that was coming from within him, something Bill had never seen in his cousin before. Gilbert's once wearied, standoffish face was now cheerful and sociable; he even looked years younger. The way he and Raul looked at each other was of a genuine fondness. It was clear to everyone that the two of them had a deep infatuation with each other.

Bill looked down the table at the other guests, relatives and spouses and friends. Everyone was chatting and laughing away. It was a true family celebration.

"Hi, Mia," a younger guy said as he sat across from her. He had striking blue eyes and sandy colored hair that scruffed to his ears, and skin tanned from long days in the sun.

"Oh hi, Ryan, when did you get here?"

"Just a few minutes ago. My family's dinner was earlier."

"So this is your second dinner, then?"

"Yeah, but I mostly came here to hang out with Sam."

"Get him to schedule you in while you can. Everyone wants to hang out with him while he's home."

Soon the tables were full of food and guests, and dinner was ready to begin. Mia's parents stood at one end of the table, closest to where they were sitting.

"Alright everybody! Let's say a few words before we carve up the turkey," her mother called down the tables. Everyone went quiet and watched her with rapt attention.

"Thank you all for joining us! Let's say congratulations to Ariana and Daryl, and their new baby Lucas!" She paused while everyone clapped. "And let's say congratulations to Micaela and Eric, and my Jacqueline and Tom, for their babies on the way!" More clapping ensued; Raul even whistled.

"Welcome to our friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, old and new, I thank you for being part of our family today. And I want to send our love to Papá, or our abuelo, and dear Rafael, who are watching us from up in Heaven." Some murmurs of respectful remembrance rippled from the tables. Mia's grandmother touched her lips in a kiss and raised her hand to the clouds.

"And now my handsome marido will carve the turkey!" She gave her husband's hand a squeeze while everyone clapped and cheered.

Dishes began being passed around. Everything looked too good to pass up; Bill took a little of everything. After everything had gone around to everybody, they began to eat.

"So what have you two been up to?" Mia asked Raul and Gilbert.

"He's been taking me to museums and art galleries. I'm cultured now," Raul replied frankly.

"And I've been coerced into trekking the woods. I've never experienced such closeness to nature before. It's rather inspiring."

"You wore hiking gear?" Mia asked incredulously. Bill was equally as shocked.

Raul chuckled. "I really had to convince him to. I actually had to buy him some shorts and hiking boots."

"I've been wearing suits and oxfords since I was brought into this world," Gilbert stated, "A southern gentleman is always dressed as such."

"Right, but don't you agree oxfords probably aren't the best thing to wear on dirt trails?"

"Of course, darling. And in any case, I do indeed enjoy wandering the forests of Texas with you."

They smiled sweetly at each other. The looks they gave each other were much different than they were at Spumoni's on the night they met. Their initial lustful attraction seemed to have smoothed out into something sincere and genuine.

Once Mia's father finished with the turkey, he sat at the head of the table near them.

"Hi, Uncle Neal," Raul greeted. "This is my boyfriend, Gilbert."

"Gilbert, is that the French pronunciation?"

Gilbert nodded. "Yes, sir. Cajun French, to be specific. I hail from the bayous of New Orleans."

"I love New Orleans. I've gone there for work trips a few times."

Gilbert and Mia's father began talking to each other about New Orleans and Louisiana.

"Oh! Raul," Mia said suddenly, remembering, "How is Luanne working out?"

"Good, damn good, really. Girl really knows her stuff. I'm surprised she does cosmetology instead. If she cuts hair as well as she can diagnose a GTI transmission problem then she is incredible."

"Luanne, Hank's niece?" Bill asked.

"Yes, Raul had mentioned to me he was going to start looking for an extra mechanic. I've been talking with Luanne and she is very knowledgeable about cars. I got Raul to interview her and he hired her on."

"Mia's hooking me up with everybody now," Raul joked.

"Is she still cutting hair?"

"She's doing both but she said she's probably going to do hair less. She seems to like working in the shop more," Raul said.

"She and I used to cut hair together," Bill mentioned, "She is really talented."

"Wait, at the army base?" Mia asked.

Bill shifted uncomfortably. "No, uh, at Hottyz."

"You worked there?"

"For a while. It was really good money and a lot of fun."

"What happened?"

Bill looked around nervously. "Uh, well, men have to be gay to work there," he mumbled.

"You have to be gay to work at Hottyz?" Mia said loudly.

"So why, uh… Why did they hire you?" Raul asked lightly, the corners of his mouth twitching.

"Alright, I pretended to be gay. I made a lot of money there so it was worth it."

Mia and Raul looked at each other in disbelief and burst out laughing.

Everyone continued talking and eating until the sun hung much lower in the sky. After many helpings of all the food, the dinner guests were feeling relaxed and sleepy. The tables had quieted down to a low murmur. Mia helped clear the tables and insisted Bill sit and relax. He sat with her father, Raul and Gilbert, and Tom and Sam who had scooted down to them.

Mia and Jackie talked excitedly about Christmas while they boxed up leftovers in Tupperware containers or rinsed out dishes in the kitchen.

"What are you going to get Bill?" Jackie asked.

"I'm not sure yet. I have some ideas I've been tossing around, though. What are you getting Tom?"

Jackie sighed. "I don't know. Men are hard to shop for."

Mia's mother entered with another armful of dishes. "Thank you girls for helping me," she said, and got to work cleaning. "Mia, your Bill seems so nice. And that Gilbert, whew… Talk about charming."

"Way different than the types Raul usually brings around," Jackie agreed.

"Well, I'm glad Raul and Mia are happier now. It's hard for a parent to see their babies struggle and there's nothing you can do for them."

"I'm alright, Mom," Mia brushed off. She disliked having others worry over her, especially her parents.

Her mother smoothed down Mia's hair lovingly.

They started bringing the desserts out after the cleanup was done. Pies of all kinds: pumpkin, chocolate, apple, coconut cream. Cream puffs, brownies, cookies, and a few Colombian desserts Bill was eager to try, like the buñuelos and the arequipe.

Mia squeezed back in between Bill and Sam. Sam and his friend, Ryan, were making plans to hang out within the week. Bill and Mia's father were talking about golf, which was one of her father's favorite activities and something Bill also enjoyed from time to time.

Mia held Bill's hand casually under the table while everybody else talked and finished their desserts.

"What are you and I going to do before I leave?" Sam asked Mia.

"Aw, you want to hang out with your big sister for once?" Mia teased.

"Are you really my 'big' sister if I can step on you?"

"Careful. I've seen her climb rock walls like nobody's business. She can scale your ass like King Kong," Raul warned.

The sky was settling into night now. A few guests had gotten ready to leave, others went inside to watch TV, some remained outside to talk and socialize. Drinks were being made and passed around. Bill took a beer, Raul did whisky shots with Sam and Ryan, Mia and Gilbert drank vodka sodas.

Bill was feeling happy and at ease. It was a great day, everything he could have asked for. He, Gilbert, and Tom moved to the patio set to sit more comfortably. Mia, Raul, Sam, and Ryan were goofing off to the music, half-dancing, half-horsing around. Other cousins and relatives also danced with them, though some slightly out of the way lest they get pushed or bumped by the roughhousing, one of them being Jackie.

"Oh shit, this is my tune!" Raul yelled. It was a rap song with a catchy beat. They all danced together and laughed, occasionally trying to rap some of the verses.

After a while, and another drink or two, the shaggy haired cousin Jacob came over to Raul. Raul nodded to him and then addressed everyone else, "We're going for a walk, anyone want to come?"

Tom and Mia shook their heads and Ryan said "I can't." Gilbert got up, as did Sam and a few others, and they left with Raul and Jacob into the seclusion of the surrounding trees.

"What are they doing?" Bill asked Tom.

"I figure they're going to smoke."

Ryan shook his head sadly. "My work tests randomly, I can't risk it."

"Come dance with me," Mia enticed Bill, tugging on his elbow.

"I'd rather just watch you," he smiled. She kissed him and whirled away to take advantage of the new song.

Bill chatted with Tom and a cousin named Sebastian who joined them at the table. Mia danced with Jackie who did a surprisingly good moonwalk to everyone's amusement.

"My center of gravity must not be too off yet," Jackie said.

Another rap song came on, with fast paced vocals. Mia and Ryan rapped the verses together with good accuracy as they danced together. Jackie was with them for a while, but eventually said goodbye with a hug and she and Tom left for the night.

Slowly the guests began leaving. Mia and Ryan continued dancing and laughing together. At one point Ryan held Mia's hand and pulled her closer. Bill was getting annoyed by it, his disdain mounting as time went on. The ghostly shape of Lenore's image and the echo of her words kept playing in his mind. "A young and pretty girl like that won't stick around forever…"

Finally the others returned from the woods, their eyes glassy and their smiles somewhat dazed.

"Gilbert, I didn't know you, uh, smoked," Bill said to him when he came back to the table.

"I've been known to partake in the Devil's Lettuce in...certain company."

"Damn, where'd everybody go?" Raul wondered.

"You guys were gone for a while!" Mia burst. Ryan laughed.

Bill suddenly felt tired as he watched Mia standing with him. With Ryan, who was young and looked like a skateboarder, who looked carelessly handsome, who looked like someone that Mia would go well with…

Bill stood up quickly, wanting to leave.

"Are you ready?" he asked her.

"Oh," she blinked in surprise, "Um, yeah, let's go."

Mia said goodbye to everybody. She had to pry Raul's hug off of her. She wondered how he and Gilbert were getting home, as they both seemed pretty out of it. Bill and Mia found her parents inside and said goodbye to them as well. It was very late as they pulled the car back onto the driveway and headed home. Bill was very quiet. The air in the car felt tense.

"Did you have a good time?" Mia asked, feeling him out.

"Yeah."

Mia waited.

"Your family is very nice," he said.

"Are you alright?"

He hesitated. "Yeah."

"What happened?"

"Nothing, I'm fine."

Mia sighed. "I gotta say, you've been acting funny lately."

"Funny how?"

"I don't know. Ever since Spumoni's you've been off. You keep telling me nothing's wrong so I try not to push it…"

Bill didn't respond.

"Did someone say something to you?" she asked. She couldn't imagine anyone there saying anything rude or spiteful.

"No."

She sighed again, annoyed. "You're not going to tell me, then? How can I fix it if I don't know what's wrong?"

"There's nothing to fix. Nothing is wrong."

She was really feeling perturbed now, but gave up and stared out the window. And I thought the day had been so fun, she puzzled.

It was a while until Bill finally spoke again. "I think that Ryan guy likes you."

"What?" She blinked in bewilderment as she turned to look at him.

"He was paying a lot of attention to you. Dancing with you. He even held your hand…"

"Are you serious?"

She stared at Bill in disbelief. He shrugged, staring straight ahead, his knuckles tightly gripping the steering wheel.

Her first reaction was to tell him he was being stupid, because he acted similarly to this after Leah's pool party with Octavio. But she instead tried to reassure him. "Ryan is my little brother's friend. I've known him since he was probably in kindergarten. He's like a little brother to me, too."

"You were pretty close to each other there."

"We were just dancing. We were all dancing together until everybody else left."

"No wonder he stayed."

"Bill!"

Bill jerked his shoulder like he was twitching off a fly.

"Why do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"Accuse me of...whatever! You act like I'm cheating on you."

"I know you're not. But...I don't know."

"But what?"

"Maybe you'll like him better than me."

"And then what?" she flared, "Cheat on you?"

"No...leave me."

Mia was feeling frantic, frazzled, yet trying to stay calm. "Don't I tell you all the time that I'm not going to leave you? Am I not doing enough to show you that? What else do I need to do?"

"I don't know."

"Never talk to another man ever again?"

"No, of course not."

"If I can't talk to someone who is basically my little brother then where is the line drawn?"

"It's not that. I don't know. It's nothing you're doing wrong. It's all me." Every time he spoke it was without emotion, without expression, which greatly unsettled Mia.

"I've tried to tell you before how much you mean to me and how much I want to be with you. Why isn't that enough?"

Bill didn't say anything.

It was a moment before Mia realized Bill was taking the route to her house instead of his.

"Seriously?" she gasped, "You're kicking me out?"

"I just need time to think."

"Are you breaking up with me?" she shrieked.

"No!" Bill yelled, and whipped his head around to look at her. "No, Mia. I just need time to think about why I'm acting like this. I want to be better for you."

He pulled into her driveway. She sat in disbelief, her mind hardly working through everything that had just happened. Bill continued to say nothing, and was once again staring blankly ahead.

Mia's patience had all gone. "Alright," she snapped. "Whatever. Let me know when you're done." And without a second glance, she jumped out of his car and slammed the door behind her. She felt childish immediately after, yet she was still filled with frustration and resentment, which made her feel at least a little justified.

She shut herself inside her house, leaving Bill to look longingly after her, until he drove off into the night.