“You can sit with me if you want.” She smiled.
I really did want to. “Sure,” I said, taking a seat next to her under the tree. “What were you listening to before I came over?”
“Have you heard of the band A Day to Remember?”
Before I could answer, she grabbed her earbuds and handed me one. She played the song, which started with screaming, then into some kick-ass drums, and the lyrics were catchy. I liked it.
Once the song ended, I said, “I’ve never heard them before, but I enjoyed it. My Gram has raised me on old rock.”
“My older brother has introduced me to some punk and rock bands I have become obsessed with. I think my favorite so far is The Used. Have you heard of them?” She lit up when she talked about music.
I shook my head. “No, I haven't.” She scrolled on her iPodand found the song she wanted. The song was eerie, starting with string instruments and haunted house sounds. Averybanged her head along to the music, and I caught myself doing the same.
We ate lunch together, listening to music. I loved every song and band she showed me.
There were only about five minutes left before the bell rang. “Would you mind if we did this again?”
She smiled brightly. “I’d really like that. You seem like a good person in a world with not very many left.”
“I like to think so. I at least try, so I’m a good role model for my sister.”
“I know what you mean…” She was interrupted by the bell. “I’ll see you at drop off in the morning,” she said as she gathered her things to get to class.
“Wait, can I get your number?” I laughed to keep the mood light.
“That would be great,” she said, giving me her phone number. We both rushed off to class.
Avery and I immediately started texting. We continued having lunch together under the tree, and I started to feel like I was in a warm embrace in her presence; I didn’t experience the feeling with anyone else. I was almost certain she felt the same way. There were small tells; she sat closer to me, rested her head on my shoulder while we listened to music, and she hugged me after lunch before she headed to class. Even so, I felt nervous to ask or initiate anything more. Luna's birthday was coming up, so I had the idea to invite her over for dinner, and if all goes well, I’d tellher how I feel. Hopefully, she'd leave as my girlfriend instead of just my friend.
“What are you doing tomorrow night?” I asked as I took off my backpack to use as a pillow to lie under the tree.
“My mom and her friend do movie nights with all the kids on Saturday, but I usually hide out in my room depending on what they’re watching. Why?” Her cheeks flushed.
“Would you like to come to Luna's birthday dinner? We do breakfast for dinner with all the fixings.”
“Really?” she asked shyly.
“Of course, we’d love it if you were there.” I gave her a sly smile.
“Count me in.” Her wide grin was contagious.
I spent the rest of the school day and that night thinking about how I’d ask her out. I didn’t want it to seem like it was the only reason I invited her over; Luna did love her. She always talked about pretty Avery when we were driving home from school. I’m sure Gram would adore her just as much.
“Why do you seem so nervous?” Gram asked from the kitchen as she made her morning coffee.
“You know my friend, Avery?” she nodded. “I think I want her to be more than my friend.”
“Wow, your first real girlfriend.” She brought her cup of coffee to the table. “No wonder you look like you’re about to perform open heart surgery.”
“Very funny,” I said. “She gets along with Luna, has increased family responsibilities, so she’d understand when I have to prioritize Lu, and she’s really the only other person I want to be around. I love how we can sit and listen to music and talk about our dreams, and I’m never afraid of being honest with her. She gets me.”
“Then you should make it a big deal. Your grandfather always made everything a spectacle when it came to me because he saidhe never wanted me to question how he felt about me.” She took a sip of her coffee. “I’d like to think I raised you well enough to know how to treat a young lady. I have no doubt in my mind you’ll treat Avery with the utmost kindness and respect.” She gave me a stern expression.
“Of course, Gram.” I stood up and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m going to take Luna birthday shopping.”
Since I started driving last year, I've had the tradition with her where I'd take her to the mall to pick out anything she wants for her birthday—within reason. Last year, the trip took all day because she wanted to go to every single store before truly committing to something.
And that’s exactly how the trip went again, because she wanted art supplies, but she couldn’t decide exactly which ones until the very last store, where they had a standing easel with paint she fell in love with.
