~Killing Loneliness~Part 5~

I decide to take him to my favorite restaurant. We are seated immediately and soon after our waitress arrives with menus.
“Hi, I’m Ashlee and I’ll be your waitress this evening. Can I start you off with something to drink?” She says, while staring directly at Brayden the whole time. He seems rather oblivious to this as he answers, “I’ll have a coke,” and looks at me. I look up at Ashlee, who is reluctant to tear her gaze away from Brayden, and say, “Water.”
“Okay,” she says, before giving Brayden another smile and walking away. It is quiet for some time until Brayden breaks the silence.
“So, Frankie, why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself?”
“W-well, um – what do you – uh – want to know?” I ask, suddenly flustered.
“Everything, but let’s start with the basics. I already know your name so…how ‘bout age and – uh…school?” He says smiling.
“Okay, well, I’m 17 and a senior at Bell Monte High,” I reply shortly.
“Alright, what do you do for fun?”
“Um, I – uh – read and write; mostly poetry and music and I go to as many concerts as possible.”
“What kind of music?”
“Mostly European Gothic Rock.”
Brayden just nods his head in response.
“Now it’s your turn,” I say.
“Okay, I’m 18 and a senior as well, but I’m in-between schools right now. I like to skate, read, write and play music. My music taste is very much like your own.” He takes a deep breath after and smiles proudly. I allow a light laugh to escape my lips. Just then, Ashlee returns with our drinks and we order our food. The night progresses smoothly with the occasional question in-between food, and before I know it, it’s 8 o’clock.
“We better be getting back. We’ve been here for almost three hours,” I say.
“Okay,” he says, standing up. As we walk out, Ashlee smiles largely at Brayden and says a cheerful, “Have a good night,” but he completely ignores her and continues walking to the car. During the ride home, the questioning session continues.
“So, how long are you two visiting for?” I ask.
“What? You mean your mom didn’t tell you?”
“T-tell me what?” I ask nervously.
“Mom and I are moving here…and your mom said that we could stay with you until my parents get everything settled.”
“What do you mean ‘settled’?”
“They’re getting a divorce,” he replies sadly.
“Oh, no! I’m so sorry.” I say, looking at him.
“Don’t be. It was a long time coming,” he says. The rest of the ride is completely silent, but thankfully we arrive home very quickly. When we walk in the house, we hear loud laughing coming from the living room and decide to investigate. We find our mothers, wine glasses in hand, talking and laughing to hard they have to struggle to breathe.”
“Oh, hey Hunny. Hi Frankie,” Susan says with a hiccup.
“Hello.” “Hi, Mom,” we say in unison.
“Francesca, where have you been?” My mother asks, trying to sound angry.
“We went to get something to eat.”
“Well, that’s nice,” Susan says.
I turn on my heels and start upstairs before my mother can say anymore. Right as I reach for my door knob, I feel something grip my wrist and I turn to see Brayden smiling at me. *How did he get here so fast?*
“Frankie, your mom said that since we don’t know how long we’re staying here that I can redecorate my room to feel more comfortable and I was wondering if you wanted to come with me to town tomorrow to get some stuff.”
“Oh, um,” I was really looking forward to having a day to myself, but he looks so hopeful; I couldn’t say no, “Okay, that sounds good.”
He smiles one of his smiles that illuminates his face and says, “Awesome! Thanks a lot Frankie. I’ll talk to you more about it in the morning.”
“Okay.”
“Goodnight.”
“Night,” I say and walk into my room. I shut my door, lean my back against it and slide down to the floor. *What have I gotten myself into?*
Little did I know that this was the beginning of a wonderful relationship.