How it all started (2)

"Would you mind telling me what's on your mind?" James worriedly asked his friend.

"Nothing. Just wanted to see Mr Paolo's daughter...I mean who wouldn't?" Chris quietly said as he finished His drink.

They both cleared the bill and headed out over to Chris' house. Upon arrival, Chris' mother ushers him in like a usual visitor.

"Good afternoon ma'am" James nicely greets Chris' mom

"James, how many times will I ask you to call me Jesse? It's no biggie okay?" Jessica playfully slapped James' shoulder.

"Ouch! Next time I would. I can't bear your hits anymore" He equally playfully said as he climbed up to Chris' room alongside Chris.

They both slump on his bed and sigh simultaneously.

"James what's up you seem more off than I already am"

"It's our final year Chris...this is a one in a lifetime occurrence...if you see what I am saying"

"No, I don't still get it"

"I haven't asked Samantha out yet and it's weighing on my mind already... that's it, I've said it all"

"Bro... what's hard there? You guys are already friends just hang out one or two times then you ask her out."

*chuckles* "You think it is easy? When you have feelings for someone, just facing the person becomes difficult. Talk less of speaking to her then asking her to hang out...and all the stuff you've said."

*seats upright* "Look, I don't want to ruin our lifelong friendship. That's the only thing holding me back from asking her out. What if she says 'no' ?"

Chris sits upright and nudges his friend with his shoulder.

"Relax bro, everything will be fine. She can't say no to you. You've always been her favorite amongst us, you know. Just leave it to me ok? Don't worry, I've got this."

"Thanks bro"

They do their favorite handshake with back-taps included. James soon takes his leave.

Since it is no time close to dinner, upon seeing off James, Chris decides to take a stroll around his neighborhood.

Hands in his pockets he just strolls down his street and gets lost in his thoughts.

'For my final year of high school, I've got to take a part-time job 'cause my University tuition would not be easy for mom alone to pay.

At times I wonder where my dad is. Mom always said to think of him as a good person but how can I when I've never gotten to see him before?'

Chris checks the time and sees that he has spent over 30 minutes outside without alerting his mom so he decides to get back home. On his way an automatic gate opens up on his left and he decides to wait for the car to get in first. As the car drive past him, he became awe struck of how the car seemed familiar but he soon dismissed any thoughts about the car since he had to get home early so as not to panic his mom.In quick strides Chris decides to take a jog back home.

**********

"Mom I'm home!" Chris says as soon as he got in the house. He removes his shoes, puts on Crocs and sets off for his room.

" Where to young man?" Ninah asked as her wheelchair blocks the stairway.

"Ninah..." Chris hugs his grandma warmly so as to coax her.

"This wouldn't work on me...change direction...to the dining room...push me there" Ninah said as she comfortably sits down in her chair while Chris pushes her heaving a long sigh of defeat.

AT THE DINING TABLE

"Chris lead us in prayer" Jessica calmly said as she closed her eyes

"We are praying..."

"...Amen" They all chorus.

"So how was your day Chris?" The small family of three chat in a lively atmosphere till bedtime. They each separate to their different rooms...each with his or her preoccupation for the next day.