Let’s Hangout

She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down. It was just a normal hangout, she told herself. But as she started to get ready for the day, Alyssa couldn't shake off the feeling that this was going to be different. Something was changing, and she wasn't sure what it was.

As she finished getting ready, Alyssa's mom poked her head into her room. "Hey, sweetie, how's it going?" she asked, noticing the look on Alyssa's face. Alyssa smiled, trying to play it cool. "I'm good, mom. Just getting ready to hang out with JoeGad." Her mom smiled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? That sounds like fun. You two are close, aren't you?" Alyssa felt her heart skip a beat as she met her mom's gaze. Was her mom noticing something?

Alyssa's mom was already aware of her close relationship with JoeGad, so Alyssa didn't think much of the question. She simply nodded, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, we've been friends for a long time," she replied.

Her mom smiled, seeming to accept the answer. "Well, I'm glad you're spending time with him. You two always seem to have a good time together." Alyssa nodded, feeling a little more at ease.

As her mom turned to leave, Alyssa called out to her. "Hey, mom?" Her mom turned back, a questioning look on her face. "Yeah?" Alyssa hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to ask the question that was on her mind.

"Do you think...I should do something special for JoeGad today?" she asked finally, trying to sound casual. Her mom raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile on her face. "What did you have in mind?" she asked, her tone curious.

Mrs. Windsor's expression changed from curious to cautious. She knew that Alyssa and JoeGad had been friends for a long time, and she also knew that Alyssa was at an age where she might start to develop feelings for him.

As a mother, Mrs. Windsor's primary concern was her daughter's well-being and education. She didn't want Alyssa to get distracted from her schoolwork or get hurt by someone who might not be ready for a relationship.

"Well, sweetie, I think it's nice that you want to do something special for JoeGad," Mrs. Windsor said carefully. "But maybe you should focus on your schoolwork and your own interests first. You don't want to get too caught up in someone else's life."

Alyssa looked at her mom, unsure of what to make of her advice. She knew that her mom was trying to protect her, but she also felt like her mom didn't understand what she was going through.

"Okay, mom," Alyssa said finally, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'll keep that in mind." Mrs. Windsor nodded, seeming to accept the answer. "Good, sweetie. Just be careful and focus on your own priorities."

Alyssa nodded and turned to leave, but not before her mom added one more thing. "And sweetie, don't forget that you're 16, and you're still figuring out who you are. Don't rush into anything that makes you uncomfortable or takes away from your own goals."

Alyssa felt a surge of understanding and appreciation for her mom's concern. She knew that her mom was coming from a place of love and protection, even if she didn't fully understand what Alyssa was going through.

As Alyssa left her room and headed downstairs, she couldn't help but think about her mom's words. She knew that her mom was right, and that she should focus on her own priorities and goals. But at the same time, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was developing feelings for JoeGad, and that she wanted to explore those feelings.

Alyssa's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the doorbell ringing. It was JoeGad, arriving to pick her up for their hangout. Alyssa's heart skipped a beat as she grabbed her bag and headed to the door. She was excited to spend time with JoeGad, but she was also nervous about what might happen.

As Alyssa opened the door, she was greeted by JoeGad's bright smile. "Hey, what's up?" he asked, holding up a bag of ice cream and a DVD. Alyssa couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a flutter in her chest.

"Not much, just getting ready to hang out," Alyssa replied, trying to sound casual. JoeGad nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Cool, I'm excited to spend some time with you. I've been looking forward to this all day."

Alyssa felt a warmth spread through her chest at JoeGad's words. She was glad that he was excited to see her, and she couldn't help but wonder if he might feel the same way about her.

As they walked out the door, Alyssa's mom called out to them. "Have fun, kids! Be safe!" Alyssa rolled her eyes good-naturedly, feeling a little embarrassed. JoeGad just chuckled and waved goodbye to Mrs. Windsor.

As they walked to JoeGad's car, Alyssa couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She was looking forward to spending time with JoeGad, but she was also unsure of what might happen. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down, reminding herself that it was just a hangout with a friend. But as she glanced over at JoeGad, she couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, this was something more.

As they drove to the ice cream shop, Alyssa couldn't help but steal glances at JoeGad. She loved the way he smiled, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, and the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. She felt a flutter in her chest as she realized that she was really enjoying his company.

When they arrived at the ice cream shop, JoeGad turned to her and asked, "What flavor do you want?" Alyssa thought for a moment before responding, "I'll have strawberry, please." JoeGad nodded and ordered their ice cream, and they walked out of the shop, cones in hand.