After me and Nathan hung out at the pool some more, we decided to end our fun day and went home. By the time I got home, I noticed that my parents weren't home yet which was weird since they normally come home from work a couple hours after school ends for me. Then again, it's a Friday night so they're probably out at dinner or hanging out with co-workers or something which is fine by me because I was hoping to avoid them asking me where I've been...and why I'm wet from head to toe. I still haven't exactly told my parents about me liking boys or even having a relationship with a boy. I already know what they're gonna say, especially my dad, but the thought of having to tell them still freaks me out.

I yawned sleepily and stretched my back as I headed upstairs to my room. I was exhausted and not because I had an emotional falling out with Matt or because I went swimming with Nathan tonight. Well, both of those things are probably part of the cause anyways. If you know what I mean. I plopped down into my desk chair as soon as I walked into my room then I slipped my socks off and kicked my shoes across the room before hopping onto Facebook. Yes, I use Facebook like everybody else. Just not all the time anyways. I can't deal with internet drama.

A few minutes after scrolling through the News Feed on Facebook, I heard a car pulling up into the driveway and I immediately knew my parents were home.

"SIMON!" My mom shouted.

"I'M UP HERE!" I shouted back, not taking my eyes off the computer screen.

I silently listened to my mom's footsteps coming up the stairs and then she appeared in my room.

"Good. You're home. I want you to hurry up and get dressed."

"Why?" I asked, turning away from the computer and looking straight up at her.

Suddenly, I saw a big smile slowly appear on my mom's face and I immediately felt my stomach drop.

Uh oh. What does she want from me? I thought.

Every time my mom smiles without needing to say anything, it can't be good.

"You're going on a date tonight." She finally said.

I felt my face go pale and my chest tightening. I was so nervous that I could barely get any words out so I slowly gulped and tried to keep my composure.

"Wi...with who?" I softly asked.

Mom kept the smile on her face. "The daughter of one of my co-workers. We were both talking about you and her daughter and we decided to set you two up on a date!"

I blinked my eyes, not wanting to believe what my mom said.

"W-why? I-I mean...is her daughter okay with this? You two setting us up on a date like some arranged marriage?" I asked, feeling terrified.

"She said her daughter is single and has been looking for someone and I know you're a late bloomer with dating and all so I want to help. Is that okay?" She asked.

Here it goes. The guilt trip.

I sighed heavily and shook my head, not wanting to go through this. It's one thing to have your own parent set you up on a date with the child of someone they know, but it's another thing when you're not even into the opposite gender and you're kinda already in a relationship with someone, but you can't even come out and say it.

"I-" I started, but quickly got cut off by my mom.

"Simon, I know you're nervous, but you have nothing to worry about. Her daughter is a lovely young girl who is friendly and enjoyable to be around. At least give it a chance? Please?"

I can't believe this is happening. I REALLY can't believe this is happening, but if I don't go through with it, mom would have her questions and I don't feel like answering any of them.

So, I finally bit my tongue and said yes.

...

After I took a shower (since I smelled like chlorine), and changed into fresh clothes, I headed downstairs and met the daughter of my mom's co-worker. She had long brunette hair, dimples, a blue blouse on with dark blue jeans and sandals. She looked pretty cute and if I was into girls, I would probably like her and would want to date her, but since I don't, I won't.

Finally, after doing introductions and all that boring awkward stuff, we headed out. It turns out that her name is Hailey and she goes to another school which explains why I didn't even know her. She apologized to me about her mom and admitted that she didn't want to be set up on a date, but she decided to go along with it just to see how it would work out. I must admit, she did seem pretty nice, but let's see how this night goes.

We both decided to get something to eat at Applebee's. Once we sat down and got our menus, the awkwardness set in once again. I sat there across from her, not sure what to say to make a conversation flow so I looked at her instead. I watched her fiddle a little bit with her silverware and straw until I saw her starting to reach for a napkin.

"Ah, I've got it!" I quickly said, reaching my hand over to hand her a napkin when I accidently pushed the water glass and it started to tip over. Luckily for me, she quickly grabbed the glass before it completely toppled over then she smiled.

"Relax. There's no need to be nervous." She calmly said.

I sighed and tried to force a smile.

"Thanks. I...uh...this is my first time. On a date..." I said.

With a girl. I thought.

Hailey nodded. "I get it. You don't have to worry. We can take things slow if you want."

I nodded, feeling a little bit better about myself and for the rest of the dinner, things went kinda smooth.

...

After dinner, me and Hailey decided to get some ice cream for dessert and take a little walk. After getting to know her a little bit over dinner, she really does seem like a cool girl that I'd like to hang out with. As friends of course.

Suddenly, I felt my phone go off.

"Sorry." I said.

"It's no problem. Answer it."

I nodded then pulled my phone out of my pocket and looked at the caller ID.

It was Nathan.

I started to feel a little nervous because I didn't know how I was gonna explain what I'm doing right now.

"Uh...Hello?"

"Yo. It's me. Wanna come over and watch a zombie movie tonight? We have a choice of Zombieland, 28 Weeks Later and Dawn of the Dead. Pick."

"Uh...I...can't." I said, feeling myself growing nervous.

"Oh? Why?" He asked.

"Cause I..." I looked at Hailey.

"I'm...at the library!" I blurted out.

Then, I saw Hailey silently chuckle.

"The library? Didn't the library close already?" He asked.

Of course I would be caught in a lie, but I can't back out now.

"Umm..."

"Are you ready to check out, sir?" Hailey suddenly spoke up, sounding extremely polite.

At first, I just stood there, staring at her until she gave me the signal to continue.

"Oh! Uh...yes I am. Nathan, I'll talk to you later okay?" I said then quickly hung up.

Hailey then smiled at me.

"Who was that? A girlfriend?" She asked, teasing.

"Uh...not exactly..." I said, putting my phone away.

Hailey nodded then started walking again.

"It has to be since you had to lie like that."

I sighed and nodded.

You have no idea...