We both make it inside and are fortunate to grab a table for four. Once we have ordered, I realize that this here is better than any party. “Dario, I…” My voice trails off. I am not sure how to say what I want to say.
Dario doesn’t say anything, just waits patiently.
“Do you think I am shallow?”
Dario’s expression darkens. “Did someone say that?” I can feel the air around us getting thicker, causing me to grab his arm. “Dario,” I whisper.
“Fuck, sorry.” He takes a few breaths. “But my question still stands: Did someone say that?”
“It’s not important,” I mutter.
“It is!” he objects. “Because you are not shallow! You are far from it. You are my best friend, you always listen to my problems, and you accept everyone and their quirks. You are the least judgmental person on the planet.”
“Now that’s a stretch, I-“
“Shut up,” he huffs. “I am talking.”
Wow, he is actually mad.
“You are like the sunshine. Our whole family feels drawn to you and your kindness, and your fun nature.”
“Maybe it’s my gift,” I mutter.
“Don’t say that,” he exclaims. “Don’t belittle yourself. It’s always been like that. Everyone loves you because you are you. Your gift appeared during your last year of high school.”
“Sorry. I made you angry, didn’t I?”
“No, you didn’t,” he mutters. “Whoever fucked with you, did.”
“At least I am feeling a bit better now,” I admit, perking up when I see gigantic pizzas being brought to our tables. As if they know, Charlie and Gisela enter the restaurant at exactly that time. Charlie gives us both a hug before flinging herself on a seat next to me. “I am starving.”
“Me, too,” Gisela sighs happily as she sits down. “This looks amazing.”
“I am not sure about that,” I grimace when I eye the pineapple pieces.
“Yeah, no one is going to steal your food, Gisela,” Charlie agrees.
I turn to look at Charlie, eyeing her over. It’s been two weeks since I last saw her. “Nice hair color,” I say. She is wearing her hair shoulder-length now and has colored it in a pastel purple.
“She also got a new piercing,” Gisela comments.
“Really?” Dario asks.
“Where?” I add. “Show us? Unless it’s on your nipples, then don’t show us. Though on second thought…”
Charlie smacks my arm before poking out her tongue.
“Now that’s a cool one!” I grin. “What did your parents say?”
“Well, I am old enough not to need their okay,” she grins. “But my dad almost had a heart attack. He tried to cover it, though, pretending he liked it.” She laughs. “He is so easy to see through.”
“What’s the plan now, Charlie?” Dario asks. “Are you going to college?”
“I am not entirely sure yet,” she admits. “I want to do graphic design. So, I could either major in it or go for a two-year program. It won’t end with a degree, but the course would be more practical, and it would give me time to do some extra classes and broaden my portfolio.”
“What’s your family’s opinion on it?” Dario asks.
She beams. “They are okay with both and said they would support me anyway.”
