“A music video?” Leo perks up. “Now that would be epic!”
“Totally.” Jasper high-fives Carly and Ryder. “When our band hits it off, you’ll be the first dancers we hire.”
“Yay,” Carly says while Ryder does a small victory dance while seated.
My eyes meet Kylen’s and we exchange a smile. I know he’s thinking the same thing I was, that he’s glad our friends are getting along. I don’t know what that means for the future, but I’m glad everything shines brighter than before.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kylen
I’m driving to the airport to pick up my grandparents. It’s a day before Parents’ Day and they’re flying in early because they want to spend more time with me and see the school and the sights. They’ll be staying at a nearby hotel.
The drive is pretty long. I put on an audio version ofRomeo and Juliet. Even though Raven and I are performing one scene, I want to listen to the entire thing because I don’t remember it well when we learned it in ninth grade. I also want to practice my lines and figured if I hear other people perform them, I might get some ideas to bring Romeo to life.
I know my British accent is terrible, but that’s what makes it funny and entertaining. Hopefully Mr. Lewis will appreciate the effort.
I love how Raven always laughs at my lame attempt at the accent. That’s probably why I keep doing it, even though it’s so cringey.
The time goes by fairly quickly and soon I’m texting my grandparents, asking them where they are. They have already gotten their luggage and should be meeting me outside. I wish I could wait for them inside, but there’s hardly any room to park.
The second I see them, I climb out of the car and wave to catch their attention. A bright smile forms on their faces as they make their way over to me.
Grandpa sets down their small suitcase while Grandma pulls me into her arms. “We missed you so much,” she says as she squeezes the life out of me.
“Grandma! I missed you too, but I can’t breathe.”
She releases me, but then I’m pulled into Grandpa’s arms. He doesn’t squeeze as hard, but he hugs me for a long, long time. After he lets go, I’m back in Grandma’s arms.
This reminds me of when I was a little kid and how I loved when my grandparents hugged me to make me feel better.
“Okay, let me look at you.” Grandma steps back and gives me a once-over. “Arthur, I think he gets more and more handsome by the day.”
“He gets that from his grandpa.”
“He sure does.”
Chuckling, I bend down to pick up the suitcase and load it into the trunk. “Thanks. I’m so glad you guys are here.”
“So are we,” Grandpa says as we get in the car. Grandma sits in the passenger seat while he takes the back.
As I pull away from the airport, Grandma plays around with the music. Her eyes widen whenRomeo and Julietfills the car. Grandpa’s eyebrows furrow.
Laughing sheepishly, I say, “It’s for my project with Raven. It’s about Shakespeare and how his work is still relevant to us today. Raven and I are going to perform a scene fromRomeo and Julietto the class.”
Grandma slowly turns to me. “You’re performing a scene from a love story with your ex? The girl you used to be in love with? Kylen, that can’t be good for your mental and emotional health.”
“No, it’s fine. Raven and I are friends now and we put whatever happened in the past behind us.” I smile. “Things have been going well. Very well. I forgot how awesome it is to be her friend. We have such good times when we hang out.”
Grandpa bends forward. “That’s great to hear.”
“As long as you’re okay,” Grandma says. “I don’t want you falling down a dark hole again.”
I shake my head. “Nope. No dark holes this time. Raven and I are mature young adults who can be friends despite what happened to us a year and a half ago.” I shrug. “I don’t think either of us is looking to be more than friends.” At least not yet. I would be open to the idea, but I think it’s best we take things slow and not worry about what might happen in the future.
“I’m glad things are working out for you,” Grandma says. “Are we going to meet this girl?”
“Sure, tomorrow at Parents’ Day. Raven wants to meet you guys, too.”
