chapter eleven

Andy's POV

The cold wind whisked and whistled past Summer and I as I escorted her home. Danny offered to drive her home but Summer and I both declined. Most of this night was spent with family and Danny's hilarious stories but Summer and I agreed that we needed some alone time together. A smile found its way to my lips when she declined and instead asked me to walk with her. Summers house was about forty-five minutes away giving us enough time to talk and bond. As much as I was excited to finally get some alone time I was freaking out. What if I say something wrong? Or dumb? Or geeky? Or foolish? Or-

"You okay?" Summer questioned tearing me from my thoughts.

"I'm okay, just a little distracted." I admitted.

"Anything I need to worry about? Cause you look really tense" a hint of concern in her voice.

"No no no. Nothing to worry about" I assured with a weak smile.

"If you say so"

Awkward silence, the killer of all romance. It was thick in the air and we were both very aware of it. All the conversation starters I googled went out the window. My tongue felt so heavy as I tried to think of something to say. I raked my head for any sentence but it was like my brain fell asleep. I looked over at Summer and caught her as she quickly looked away from me and found interest in the pathway. Think Andy think! You're killing any chances you have with your crush. Conversation is key remember?

"So" Summer and I started at the same time causing the both of us to mildly laugh.

"You first" I insisted causing Summer to smile.

"Your aunt is a special lady" she began. "Never dull moment with her around.

"You can say that again." Sarcasm evident in my tone.

"Why do you not like her? It was the same when she came to your house. I noticed you got angry for some reason "

"I uhm-" Before I could finish Summer cut me off.

"Don't answer that" she said in a rushed tone. " It's none of my business to know and it's our -what did you call it? -first hangout outside school."

She was right we've only been friends for a little while but I was more than ready to tell her my whole life story. Love really does mess people up. Love is a strong word though, like is more like it. After that the night got better as we talked about the events of the night and stories that had been left halfway during our school lunchtime. It was all gasps and laughs until we reached Summer's house. At this point all my nerves were out the door and I was beaming with the absolute joy that Summer always seemed to give me. I couldn't help but wish this night would last a little longer.

"Well, this is my stop" Summer stated as her smile faded.

"This is it" I agreed.

"Thanks for the night Andy. I really enjoyed myself" she genuinely stated.

"Me too"

"I hope we can do this again soon"

"Me too" I repeated

"Well it's late. I better go in before my parents get worried."

"Me too"

Summer giggled at my responses. I was so smitten and taken by her I didn't even register what I was saying to her. She then quickly kissed my cheek and ran inside the high fenced yard. It took a minute for me to register what she did and the moment I did my face was heated and I couldn't stop grinning. The walk home was way shorter than I expected due to the fact that my imagination went several steps ahead of the peck. The further I thought and created more fantasies the warmer my face became.

"Someone resembles a ripe tomato" Danny pointed out before she went back to laying on the couch tapping on her phone.

"He got lucky!" Mom shrieked as she ran to sit on the couch next to Danny. "Tell me all the details big boy, we're all ears."

"Mom no" I stated embarrassed. " I'm going to my room. Goodnight everyone!" I announced as I walked up stairs.

"Wait! You can't leave your family in the dark! We helped a lot too you know! I cooked and Danny was the entertainment! We welcomed Summer in my house you know!" I just shrugged and kept walking.

I could hear my mom shout not fair while Danny laughed at her. I turned back to look at her and reply but I was greeted by an amusing sight. Mom was being held back by Danny so she couldn't get to me. She really wasn't going down without a fight. I laughed hard as I headed to my flamingo's room to check on her. I found her on the floor reading and when she immediately noticed me her face lit up.

"Panny! I was waiting for you. Why did you take so long?"

"I'm here now flamingo. So wanna watch or movie or go to bed?"

"Bed please!" She responded as she yawned adorably.

"Okay love. Just quickly change in your PJs and I'll tuck you in."

She did just that and I tucked her in and kissed her goodnight. I stayed for a bit until I could hear her steadied breathing. I left the room as quietly as I could and left for my room. First thing I did was dive on my bed and let out a heavy sigh. What a day. So much has happened. I need to tell someone! I quickly unlocked my phone and went straight to my call logs. Summer's name appeared multiple times which made me blush again. I can't call her though.

"Oh, Ronnie would freak if I told her about this" I laughed as I mumbled this to myself. Ting! I'll call Ronnie. Been a while since I talked to her anyway. I bet she's mad and lonely without me. I'm such a terrible friend. I need to call her and make it up to her soon. She picked up after the third ring.

"Hey bro." Was waiting for you call actually." Daniel whispered from the other end of the line. Oh, I actually forgot he was there. So, Ronnie isn't as lonely as I thought she was.

"Hi. Where is Ro?"

"She's asleep. She looked really tired when I came. I think she hasn't been sleeping well but don't worry I've made sure she has proper rest tonight. Before I go far, why'd you call?"

"Uhm I ah" I hesitated.

"It's okay, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'll make sure I tell Vee to call first thing tomorrow when she wakes up." I hummed in response. "Bro?"

"Yah?"

"I've really missed you so much." He said with honesty.

"I missed you too, sport" I replied cockily causing Daniel to groan. He had always disliked being called that.

"Wish I could come and see you right now and hit your head but I can't leave Vee alone. I can't wait to see you and your big ugly glasses." He teased

"We both have big ugly glasses" I sighed. "We're practically twins so there's nothing mean you can say to me that won't apply to you too."

"I'm older though so not twins."

"You're still as dumb as before. How can you be studying medicine?"

"So, you're dumb too." He laughed and I face palmed myself several times until I heard a knock at the door. It was Danny.

"Are you talking to Ronnie?" She asked

"Uhm, no. I'm talking to your son actually."

"Do you mind if I talk to him for a bit?" A tired smile on her face. I just shook my head and gave her my phone.

"D, I've been trying to call you for so long. Why aren't you picking up?

Since I couldn't really hear what Daniel was saying on the other side I had to fill in the blanks from Danny's replies. The closer I watched her the more clearly, I could see her transform into her mama bear self.

"I always tell you to carry your charger everywhere."

"If you "KNOW" then why didn't you do it!"

"Are you coming home soon?"

"Ronnie is alone."

"No dear stay with her. It's fine."

"Why the hell didn't you call me earlier! I was worried."

"Anyway, I'm tired and my bed is calling."

"I know right. He's really grown, deep voice and all."

"You are dumb." She snickered. "Both of you actually" she quickly glanced at me when she said the last part.

"He's- we're getting along so far" she mumbled as she dropped gazed to the floor.

"No, I'm not lying! Don't interrogate me boy!" She hushed

"Goodnight sweetie. I love you. Kisses!" She laughed at whatever Daniel said before she cut the call. She the then handed be back the phone and thanked me.

"Goodnight Andy" she said as she closed the door behind her.

"Goodnight Danny" I responded to the empty room.