It All Started with a Beanie

(13)

The rest of the school week went by fairly easy. I got use to the whispers by Wednesday. Lexie threw glares at me every chance she got. I continued to talk with Parsons and our friends at lunch. And honestly, I just didn't care about the threat Lexie threw at me. I've dealt with people far worse than her and at least they didn't look like an off-brand Dora the Explorer.

On Saturday, I officially decided to take Mrs. Shannon on her offer to bake muffins with her.

"Hey, Mom?" I say, entering the dining room where she's doing some work.

"Yes, sweetie?" She doesn't look up at me but I know she's listening.

"You know Mrs. Shannon from the bakery?" She nods and gives a small hum in response. "Well she invited me over to her house to do some baking."

"That's nice." She stops writing on the paper and her blue eyes look into mine. "Do you plan on going?" I nod. "Okay, that's fine with me."

"You sure?"

"Of course." She pauses for a second, pondering something. "I actually have to ask you something."

"Yes?" I sit down in the chair closest to her.

"I planned on going out for dinner with my friend tonight. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

"Yes, Mom." I take her soft hands and hold them with mine. "I don't want to restrict you from living your life. Plus, you said they're just a friend. You can go to dinner with a friend." She smiles at my response.

"I just don't want you to feel like I'm replacing Dad." This statement causes us to both be quiet. For a moment, I just think.

No one could replace Dad.

I mean the last time I saw him, that's not the type of person I want in my life again.

But Mom didn't say she was dating someone. It's just a friend.

"Erin?" I snap out of my thoughts to see Mom staring at me. "Did you hear me?" I shake my head. "I asked when you were leaving."

"Oh. I was gonna leave in a couple of minutes."

"Well, I don't want to keep you waiting." She stands up when I do and pulls me into a hug. For just a minute, we hug. I melt into her embrace, my arms wrapped around her waist. 

We pull apart and she looks at me, a smile on her face.

"What?" I say, a blush creeping up on my face.

"It's nothing. You should get going and I'll see you tonight." She kisses my forehead before sitting back down. I grab my keys and head outside to my car.

I drive to Neil's house, parking behind a black car in the driveway this time. I ring the doorbell and wait for a moment. I look at my black slip-ons as I rock on my feet. I look at my chipped nails, the old blue color still showing up a little. 

When the door began to open, I didn't expect to see him opening it.

Neil

"Hey, Neil. Can you come in here for a second?" I get up from the couch, pressing pause on my game. I walk into the kitchen, noticing Mum in her work attire.

"Hey, Mum. What's up?" I lean against the counter, crossing my arms.

"I have something I need to do at work but I need to have two dozen blueberry muffins made by tonight for tomorrow. If you can-" Mid sentence, the doorbell rings. "Oh, honey, can you go get that please?"