11 (Rewrite)Lunch with Alex.

Alex said confidently, "I can't do it, but my sister could."

Ava was surprised by Alex's $1000 offer to her sister.

Ava replied, "I don't have any problem, but she has to use your name when she meets my mom at dinner."

Alex replied with a winning smile, "So we've got a deal."

As Alex said that, Ava took five $100 bills and gave them to Alex. "This is an advance. Give it to your sister and tell her the remainder will be given after dinner."

Alex took the money and asked, "When are we having this so-called 'dinner with your friend'?"

Ava stared at Alex. "Are you trying to make fun of me?"

Flustered, Alex said, "No, no, no... Just asking. Sorry if you didn't like it."

Ava chuckled. "I was just joking. You don't have to be so serious."

Alex sighed in relief, thinking, 'Thank goodness she's not angry.'

Ava asked, "I don't want to make things awkward, but would you like to join me for lunch?"

Alex thought for a moment and replied, "Okay, why not?"

Ava said, "Then let me take you to my favorite diner."

Ava drove to Deborah's Diner. After parking, they entered the classic diner, which was half empty, mainly occupied by teenagers seeking privacy or a quiet place.

As they sat at an empty table, a woman in her 20s with light blond hair approached. "Fancy seeing you again, Ava."

Ava replied, "But we met yesterday at my birthday party."

Curiously, Deborah asked, "I know that, but who might this be?" as she looked at Alex.

Ava introduced, "Alex Dunphy, a junior of mine. And Alex, this is Deborah, one of my best friends."

Deborah looked Alex up and down and teased, "So, you got your first date. I never knew you were into the smart type."

Ava shook her head. "Deborah, stop joking. He's just a junior."

Deborah thought, 'But I was serious.'

Continuing, Deborah asked, "Anyway, what would you like to order?"

Ava replied, "My usual: a cheeseburger with fries. And for you," she looked at Alex.

Alex replied, "The same."

Ava continued, "Then two cheeseburgers with fries."

Deborah turned to Alex. "What drink would you like with the burger?"

Alex answered, "milkshake will do."

Deborah glanced at Ava. "So you also like milkshakes with burgers."

Deborah then said, "I'll get it for you in a few minutes," and left the table.

Alex asked, "What was that 'first date' thing?"

Ava looked at Alex and explained, "You see, I'm a lesbian, but you don't have to worry about it. I won't do anything to you. I know you're straight."

Alex sighed, 'It's okay. She's a lesbian. It's not a big deal. My uncle is gay too.'

Alex replied, "Yeah, I'm straight."

Ava handed her phone to Alex. "So, Alex, can I have your number or your sister's for contact?"

Alex dialed Haley's number and gave the phone back to Ava. "This is Haley's number."

Ava placed the phone on the table. "Where do you live in Los Angeles?"

Alex replied, "10336 Dunleer Drive in Cheviot Hills."

Ava saved the number and address on her phone. "I'll call your sister when I get near your house. Tell her I'll pick her up at 6:00."

Deborah interrupted them, placing their order on the table. "Here you have two cheeseburgers and fries with milkshake."

Alex said, "Thanks, Deborah," then looked at Ava, who was munching her burger.

After finishing their meal, Ava went to the counter. She looked at Joseph, the baby's foster father, and asked using sign language, "How's work here?"

Joseph replied using sign language, "Great, can't be any better."

Ava asked, "So where is the baby?"

Joseph replied, "Preparing for an F1 race tournament."

Ava thought, 'Shit, I almost forgot about the race.'

She said, "Thanks, old man, for the reminder. You know I won't remember, right?"

Joseph chuckled lightly. "I know you'll forget. That's why I reminded you."

Ava placed a $20 bill on the counter. "Thanks again, old man. And here's today's payment for the burgers."

Joseph smiled. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Ava said, "Bye, old man," then to Deborah, "and please tell baby that I'll meet him in 2 days."

As they got inside the car, Alex asked, "So you know sign language?"

Ava replied, "Yes, I do."

Alex asked again, "Who is this 'baby'? Does Deborah have a baby?"

Ava replied, "No, Deborah's boyfriend's nickname is 'baby' because of his baby face."

After that, Ava dropped Alex off at school.

After Ava dropped me off at school, I attended classes as usual. Sanjay was annoying me with all the questions he had about why I was called to the principal's office. Thinking about Ava isn't that bad. Rumors might be false; I saw how she treats people around her, and that touch on the shoulder was so comforting. Wait, what am I thinking? I'm straight, I'm straight.

After school, Dad picked me and Haley up in his car. We got home, and as soon as Haley entered the house, she shouted, "Mom! Alex got called by the principal!"

I said to Haley while looking at her, "It was just a misunderstanding."

However, her words fell on deaf ears as Claire came rushing from the kitchen, "Why did Alex get called into the principal's office?"

Haley smiled at me, and I tried to stop her, "I heard the announcement from the speaker when I was in class, and my friend saw Alex with a cute guy in leather at a cafe during school hours."

Claire was shocked. She looked at me and asked, "Is this true?"

[Commentary]

Claire and phil

Claire said, "Haley got a boyfriend at the age of 15. Now the same is happening for Alex, and Alex also got called into the principal's office."

Phil said, "Relax."

Claire continued, "All this time, we've been too focused on Haley that we've ignored Alex. I haven't done my job as a mother."

Phil responded, "Relax, let's hear what Alex has to say about this."

Claire agreed, "Yes, you are right. If my daughter never wakes up in Florida half-naked, our job is done."

Phil nodded, "That's good."

[Commentary Ends]

To be Continued

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