The Boy Next to Me

10

Patrick insisted on accompanying me home. We happened to meet Simeon who was on his way to pick me up.

"Pat, Jenny, you're back!"

"You little brat. You called him first when you've only met him for a few days?"

Simeon smiled.

"Why did you come back so late, Jenny? I came out to pick you up because I'm worried about you!"

"Humph, at least you have a heart."

Patrick looked at me quarreling with Simeon and smiled dotingly.

He waved his hand and said in a slightly lonely tone, "I should head back now."

Mom came outside to take out the trash and saw him.

"Hey, is that you, Pat? Why are you heading home? Come and join us for dinner!"

After saying that, she grabbed Patrick's arm and pulled him into the house while nagging.

"Come on, use my phone and tell your parents that you won't be going back home to eat."

Patrick was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and laughed.

"It's great to be able to enjoy a meal cooked by Mrs. Zimmer, or I'll be ordering takeout if I go home."