We find a seat at the far corner of the restaurant, close to the window. My favorite spot. The waiter comes and and takes our order; I order a milkshake and a burger.
"I'll take a dark coffee and cookies." He says.
Dark coffee and cookies? What the hell? What sort of combo is that? I look at Jason and see that he's serious about it. I could never think of such gross combination not even in my dreams. The look on my face should tell him that I'm disappointed, disgusted and displeased.
"What? I like it." He says, noticing my dismay for his choice of food. Oliver orders pasta and orange juice. Atleast Oliver has a thing for food.
I stare at the city all the while half listening to Jason and Oliver conversing. I get bored real quick. So I take out my phone and browse through Google news. That's the first thing I do before sinking into social media. I have to make sure that the city I stay is safe.
But put it in one way, there has been recent news about kidnapping and stuff like that. Current news has it that the crime has spread to our city, here in California. I have to ensure that Oliver is safe.
The government is refusing o do something about it. My face twists in fear and worries. I completely shut off the world and focus on my phone and I don't even realise that the waiter has brought our orders.
"Molly? What are you doing? You're so distracted. What's wrong?" Jason asks and I jump in my seat.
"It's nothing," I lie, sweat beads starts forming on my forehead. "Just a little horror reel." I lie again. I can't let Oliver know if not I'd scare the life out of him.
"I suggest you stop watching those horror reels. It's really disturbing you." Jason says, as he takes a sip of his coffee. "C'mon, drop your phone and eat. You don't want to ruin this outing for Oliver, do you?" He asks, his gaze never leaving mine.
"No, I dont." I say, shaking my head.
"Good, now eat up. We have a lot to talk about." He says and I drop my phone and start eating. That's right, Jason is meant to tell me why he suddenly appeared in my house. I haven't had time to ask him about it. If I ask him, he'll tell me later or when we come back. But then, I'd just forget. Gotta set a reminder so that we won't skip today.
I take a bite of my burger and my tastebuds dance in excitement. I munch slowly to savor the taste. I'm definitely gonna put this restaurant in my mental world.
I take another bite, chewing slower this time, trying to calm the knot tightening in my chest. This burger is so good.
Oliver hums happily as he twirls his pasta, completely unaware of the storm brewing in my thoughts. That alone makes me smile a little. At least one of us is relaxed.
I get a call from my mom. Shit! "Uhm guys, I have to take this, but I it's really important." I get up and go to the bathroom. I pick up without thinking twice.
"Mom, hi."
"Molly, how are you? And where's Oliver?"
"I'm good and he's sleeping."
"Okay that's nice. By the way, I'm calling to tell you that your dad and I are returning tomorrow."
"Oh thank Go- wait, what?"
"Yeah, we are."
"Oh okay, I'll tell Oliver when he wakes up."
"No No No, don't do that"
"Why?"
"We planned on surprising you guys but now it ain't a suprise to you."
"Yeah, I can see that."
"Okay, I gotta go now."
"Bye."
She says and I hang up. She planned on surprising Oliver and ruined mine. Anyway, wait, she said she's coming back tomorrow and Jason is staying with me. I have to hide him and I need help from one special person. Stella.
"Uhm, I'm going to the bathroom."
Jason looks up and Oliver says okay. I rush to the bathroom with my phone and as soon as I reach, I shut the door behind me.
I dial Stella's number and it rings four times before she finally picks up.
"Hey Molly, to what do I owe this pleasant call? Wait, lemme guess, it's about the party, right?" She says and I sigh inwardly. Oh Stella, if only you knew how my life is going.
"Heyy Stella, it's not about the party. I need a favor.
"Favor? Hmm, what favor?
"It's a long story so I'm going to cut it short. You see, Jason appeared at my house one faithful evening and he said that he and his dad had a fight and his dad kicked him out and he had no other place to go to. He said he saw my home address in my journal and he came there so now, he's staying at my house for the mean time and my parents are coming back tomorrow."
"Molly? Do you realize that this is huge problem?"
"Yes, I just did. Stella, you know that you are the only friend I have, right? Please help me."
"How am I supposed to do that?"
"You can stay at my place, my parents won't grow suspicious."
"What about food and clothes?"
"You can bring your clothes, as for the food, I'll take care of it. I just don't want my parents to know that Jason is at their house."
"Alright, I'll do it on one Condition."
"Anything."
"Come to the party."
"Stell-"
"I can just stay back."
"Alright, fine, I'll come."
"Can you come over tonight?"
"Of course."
"Thank you so much, Stella." I say while hanging up. I rush out of the bathroom to the restaurant and find Oliver and Jason playing together. How cute.
"I'm back."
"Hey Molly," Oliver says and smiles happily.
"Let's go." I say packing our things.