Birdie insisted on walking me home. As we wandered along the sidewalk, she clung to my arm, going on and on about the things she wanted to do at the dance. By the time we stopped at my driveway, she’d already planned exactly what we’d eat, what we’d wear, and how long we’d be there for. In my haze of excitement, I could only nod along. It wasn’t like I cared anyway; I’d do anything she wanted to, even if it meant leaping off the Earth. If she wanted to do it, I’d agree without a moment’s hesitation.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Caspian!” She finally let go of me, my arm warm and crimson. “Thank you again! You’re the best!”
I could only manage a dizzy, Charlie Brown-esque smile as she ran off down the road, her eyes large as moons. I didn’t know I could make someone so happy.
Finally pulling myself out of it, I wandered into the house, dropping my bag at the door. Now that I was standing here, kicking off my shoes, the realization hit me that I’d have to ask my mother to get me an outfit. I’d never attended any school events before, and therefore, my closet consisted of t-shirts and jeans, with the occasional pair of khakis. I couldn’t show up looking so raggedy, especially if Birdie was going to go all out with her outfit (I remember her saying something about ruffles?).
“Caspian, you’re home.” My mother was sitting at the dining room table, poking at a piece of fried bologna on her plate. “I was beginning to think you’d never show.” Scanning me up and down, she raised a brow. “What’s that smirk about?”
I wasn’t entirely sure how to approach the subject, so I blurted out the first thing I thought of.
“Homecoming.”
“Homecoming?” She tipped her head. “You mean the game or the dance?”
“Dance,” I tucked my bag and shoes together in the corner.
“I see,” She hummed with interest. “I’m surprised you’re interested. Are you going with Leto?”
I could see the way her gaze fell as she said his name.
“No, I’m going with Birdie.” As I shook my head and sat down next to her, her eyes rounded in surprise.
“You’re not pulling my leg, are you?”
“Of course not! I invited her to go with me, and she said she’d be delighted to. I’ll buy us tickets tomorrow.” Kicking my feet absentmindedly under the table, I averted my gaze. I didn’t ask for things often. “I need an outfit.”
For the first time in years, my mother seemed thrilled. She pushed her plate aside, leaning toward me with glimmering eyes.
“Of course you do!” She reached out to touch my shoulder, putting the other hand on my head. “Oh, my boy is all grown up! Just a few months ago, you were as antisocial as ever. Now look at you, going with a girl to the homecoming dance! Do you know what kind of dress she’s going to wear? Are you guys coordinating?”
I’d never imagined my mother would be as excited as she was. I was completely taken off guard and sputtered for a moment before finally managing a response.
“She said something about wearing a pink ruffled dress, if I remember correctly. Maybe I could just get a pink tie with a black suit?”
My mother nodded enthusiastically, sitting back and rubbing her hands together as though devising a scheme. “Oh, I think you’d look charming in that! You’ll be the cutest little couple there, I know it! Why don’t you invite her over for dinner beforehand?”
And subject her to a meal of bologna? I appreciated the offer, but I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.
“I think there’s going to be food there. She said something about pizza and soda while she walked me home. From what I remember, she said she wanted to eat there with me. I appreciate the offer, though, Mom.”
To my surprise, she didn’t take any offense. Instead, she hummed in acceptance.
“I understand! Why don’t you go and take a shower? We can talk this over later, and I’ll take you shopping tomorrow, how about that?”
Getting to my feet, I gave an excited nod. Things were going so much better than I’d ever imagined.
“Sure! Thanks, Mom.”
As I slid behind her, heading back to the bathroom, I could hear her mutter to herself.
“At least he’s finally got a real friend.”
