Saving Him

F I V E

I haven't seen Cole the rest of the school week, he hasn't even been at school. I can't help but think that something is wrong and yet I can't get myself to call him and ask. I mean it's Cole, Cole Meyer. He's probably been fighting or whatever it is that he does.

It's Friday and I'm going to Josh's party. We canceled our date and decided that I just owed him a dance. I was actually thankful he canceled because my excitement level to go on that date with him was a -10. See a typical girl would be pretty upset, but I just shrugged it off. It's not like I was that interested in him anyway,

When I walked in the house, I saw my dad sitting in the living room, which was odd because he doesn't get home till 7 tonight and it's only 3. I placed my bag on the chair beside the couch and sat on the couch across from the one he's sitting on. "Uh, hi dad." I said, he looked up from the newspaper he was reading. "Why are you home so early?"

"Hi honey, I've been meaning to talk to you and your brother... He should be here in a couple minutes." My dad told me.

It must be pretty important if he called Jake home from school... Usually Jake's classes end around 4:30 pm.

I nodded. "What's so important?"

"I'll tell you when your brother gets here." He says. "How's that boyfriend of yours?" He asked, trying to change the subject.

I almost asked, 'What boyfriend?' But then I remembered Cole told him he was my boyfriend... "Uh, we broke up." I told him, thinking of no other excuse.

"Why? He seemed like a nice boy."

Come on think Diana... Think... "He's gay," Wow.

My dad looks surprised. "Wow, I would have never guessed."

I just nodded and shrugged. "Yeah well..." I say, not really knowing what to say.

My brother walked in the door and sat on the couch next to me. "Now, dad, you can't blame me for skipping class today. You made me." Jake says smugly.

My dad rolls his eyes. "Be quiet, son. I want to announce something to you and your sister."

"What is it?" Jake and I say at the same time.

Dad took a deep breath. "I'm seeing someone."

Both Jake and I share a look that says, 'are-you-serious'. "Dad that's great!" I saix. I'm glad he's getting out and dating. Better than sitting around sulking about my... 'Mom', if that's what she is.

"Yeah, what's her name?" Jake asked.

"I'm glad you kids approve. Her name is Lisa."

"When are we meeting her?" I asked excitedly.

My dad laughed. "I was hoping that tomorrow night we could all go out to eat."

"That sounds good." I said, Jake nodded in agreement.

After our family meeting I went upstairs to get ready for the party. Molly, my best friend, is coming over so we can go to the party together. My dad is actually letting me take the car for once so we don't have to get a ride. I'm the designated driver, which is fine by me. Drinking with Cole that one night was enough to last a lifetime. I heard the doorbell ring so I went downstairs to answer it, expecting Molly , but pleasantly surprised to see no one but Jack, Jake's best friend that's been gone for nearly two years. 

"Jack!" I shrieked as I quickly embraced him in a hug. 

"Wow, it's nice to see you too Diana." He chuckled.