Joe-
I sat there, her sister left. Chris looked at me.
"If this is a bad time, we can do this tomorrow", she stopped me.
"No. Would you mind if we take this to your place?", she asked.
"I don't mind", I said.
"Here", she said.
She took my plate and put it in a plastic container. Adding more. She covered it.
"I'm hungry too", she said.
I chuckled. I wanted to ask what was wrong, but it wasn't my place. It also looked like she didn't want to talk about it. We got to the front door and we were stopped. Her dad gave me a nod.
"Where are you going?", her dad asked.
"Over to Joe's house", she said.
He sighed.
"We have a report to do and I can't stay here right now", she said to him.
"Ok. Be home before ten", he said.
She nodded and kissed his cheek. We walked out. I was about to ask her what that was about, but I couldn't. Getting to my house my mom came up to us. She smiled at Chris.
"Hi sweetheart, how are you?", she asked her.
"Fine Mrs. Anoa'i and you?", she replied to my mom.
"Great, its nice to see you and thank you for helping Joe with his report", she said.
I groaned and they laughed. My mom kissed my cheek.
"We can use my room", I said.
I took her to my room. She nodded, looking around.
"What?", I asked.
"Your room's clean. My brothers rooms were always dirty. My mom would freak every time. I'm just surprised that's all", she said.
"My mom would kick my ass if there's one shirt on my floor", I said chuckling.
She moved towards my bed and pointed.
"Go ahead", I said.
She sat down on it.
"I'll go get us plates and something to drink", I said.
She nodded as I ran to the kitchen real quick. Grabbing what I needed. My mom stopped me.
"Don't you dare hurt that girl. She's been through enough", my mom said stern.
"There's nothing going on with her, we're friends", I said.
"I know you better than you think Joseph", she said.
She gave me a look before letting me go to my room. Chris had the books open already. I smiled closing my door. She was going to serve us.
"I got it baby girl", I said.
"Are you sure?", she asked smiling.
I nodded. We ate before starting.
"This is really good", I said.
"Thanks", she said.
I smiled at her.
"You made this?", I asked.
She nodded.
"I cook too", I said.
"Sure you do", she laughed softly.
"Seriously. I make a mean PB&J", I said.
She laughed.
"That's not cooking", she said.
"Yes it is. Don't believe me?", I said.
I moved closer to her.
"I'll make you one and I bet that by that first bite, you'll be falling in love with me", I said.
"It's nice to dream", she said.
I pushed her lightly.
"What is it with you and pushing me?", she asked.
"You're short and weak. Its easy", I said shrugging.
"I'm not weak", she said.
I stood in front of her.
"Hit me, right here. Go for it", I said.
She shook her head.
"I don't want to hurt you", she smiled.
I waited and she sighed before getting up.
"Fine", she said.
She punched me in my stomach. I laughed as she shook her hand then held it with the other close to her chest.
"Told you, weak", I said.
I took her hand in mine and examined it. Brushing my fingers along hers. I resisted lifting her fingers to my lips and kissing them.
"Your ok", I said.
"No harm done", she smiled, pulling her hand away from mine.
I opened my books. We got started. Laying on my bed side by side. She yawned.
"We should stop, it's almost ten and you're tired", I said.
"Its ok", she said.
"No it's not, besides I don't want your dad and brothers pounding on my door wanting to kill me", I said.
She giggled.
"Your right", she said.
She was putting her shoes on. I took her hands, helping her up. I looked into her eyes, not realizing I was still holding her hands. She pulled them away blushing.
"I got your bag, come on", I said.
I rested my hand on her back. My mom hugged her goodbye.
"I'm going to walk her", I told my mom.
"Better or I'll hurt you", my mom said.
Chris laughed softly. I put my hand back on her back.
"Come on baby girl", I said.
On our way to hers we walked slowly. My arm brushing hers. Every time it did I got this weird tingling feeling in my stomach.
"How was practice?", she asked.
"Exhausting but worth it, coach said college scouts are coming to the games", I said excited.
"That's great, you're definitely gonna get picked", she said.
"How do you know?", I asked.
"I've seen you play, you're really good", she said.
I smiled.
"Thanks", I said.
I sighed.
"So about what happened in your kitchen", I started.
She stopped me.
"I don't want to talk about that", she said, walking faster.
"Ok another time then", I said.
Getting to her front door. I handed her the bag.
"Thanks", she said.
I nodded, she was going to go inside.
"Hey Chris", I said stopping her.
"Yeah?", she asked.
"I have practice tomorrow too, maybe you want to go with me then we could go out to eat and finish this report?", I took a chance.
She smiled.
"I have to ask my parents, but I'll let you know tomorrow", she said.
"Ok. I'll pick you up in the morning", I said.
She shook her head.
"You don't have to keep giving me a ride Joe", she said.
"I know, but I want too", I said smiling.
I moved towards her, kissing the top of her head.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning", I said softly.
My fingers brushed her cheek lightly. Her front door opened and her dad smiled.
"Thank you for walking her Joe", he said.
"It's no problem Mr. Mathews", I said.
I gave her one small wave before walking away.
Christina-
My dad closed the front door. He eyed me.
"If you two are dating, you need to be honest with him", he said.
"He's a friend dad, that's all", I said.
"You know he's a good kid, wouldn't mind if you two did start dating", he said smiling.
"Dad", I groaned.
He laughed, hugging me.
"He did ask if I could go to his practice and then out to eat so we could finish the report", I said.
"And you're not dating", he pushed me lightly.
"Dad", I said, pushing him back.
He laughed.
"Of course you can go sweetheart, just be home by ten", he said.
I nodded. Heading to my room, I stopped at Cora's door. I opened it. She smiled softly at me. I sighed and walked in. I sat down next to her on her bed. She had cried.
"Did you talk to mom and dad yet?", I asked.
"Yes. Why don't you want the treatment again? This could save you Chris, please", she said in tears.
"Cora I want to go to school, I want to be a normal teenager again", I said.
She jumped up.
"No you're selfish. You don't think about anyone but yourself Chris", she yelled.
"Please Cora, understand", I said crying.
She shook her head and pointed to her door.
"Get out. I hate you", she yelled.
I sighed. Before closing her door I looked at her, her back was to me.
"I love you Cora", I said softly.
I walked out and went to my room. My mom was in there hugging my pillow. I put my bag down.
"I should have told her, not you", I said.
"She over heard your dad and me talking", she said softly.
I bit my lip.
"Please Chris", she begged.
"Fine, ok", I said.
She got up and hugged me.
"Thank you baby. We will start as soon as we can", she said.
"Ok", I said.
She left my room and I sat down on my bed. I cried in my room softly.