Chapter Nine:

Sunday Dress

"I heard that the Dubois are throwing a party." My dad said on our way to church. "They were nice enough to invite us."

I perked up from my seat at the back of my dad's Honda Pilot and stared at him curiously.

"It's been a while since they've done that." My mom joined in then turned her head back to look at me. "Do you know anything about this, Mave?"

"No." I answered, shaking my head and played with the fur on my fur-lined Winter coat. "What's the party for?"

"I don't know, hon." He replied, rubbing his scruffy beard with his free hand. "But I was thinking on going."

"Of course we're going." Mom said cheerfully. "We're definitely going. Who would say no to a party?"

"Probably me." I answered.

"That's because you don't have fun."

"Well sorry if I want to have good grades." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Okay, you two stop." My dad said, laughing as we turned a corner. "The party is tonight, at seven. Some of my partners would be there, and it'll be a great opportunity to talk about business."

"So basically," I explained. "You're going to the party as if it's a business meeting?"

"Correct." My dad responded, giving me a grin from the rear view mirror.

"I totally do not get your job." I said, shaking my head in confusion.

After three blocks, we arrived and my dad parked our car to our usual spot by an old newspaper stand. It was really cold out, so I immediately grabbed both of my parents' arms and huddled with them as we walked towards the entrance of the church.

When my dad pushed open the door, we were welcomed by warmth, old-paper smell, and two smiling old ladies who handed programs for the mass. My parents greeted them, while I smiled back politely. Every week, they would say to me,

"Oh this little one is growing up to be a fine lady!"

"You bet I am. Better than my mom right here."

"Don't be so full of yourself." My mom said jokingly, and we all laughed.

Then, we went to the coat hangers. I was grateful for the warmth inside the church because I was wearing a dress. It's white with lacey patterns and I decided to wear a pair of black leggings since it was below thirty degrees, and I do not want to freeze to death.

"Put your mittens inside your coat pocket so you don't lose them." My mom instructed.

"You should listen to your mom." Someone said behind me. I felt an arm around my shoulder, and I grinned because I already know it was Dennis.

"You're here early." I said as I looked up at my tall friend. Surprisingly, he was wearing a suit. He would usually wear a dress shirt and a pair of slacks. But today, he was full on formal.

Dennis had a new haircut, and I have to admit, he looked very handsome. "You look really nice." I added, smiling at him.

"I'm a new man." He laughed. He looked so happy, and I can't help but feel the same, it's very contagious that way. "But thank you, I'm glad you think so."

My parents greeted Dennis, and Dennis of course greeted them back. They made small talk before I grabbed his arm and pulled him with me further inside the cathedral. Mom gave me the typical mom look, while dad raised his eyebrows at me.

"Your parents think we're dating." He said, guffawing and holding my hand.

"They always think that." I responded, grinning as I squeeze his hand. "Anyways, what's up with the haircut?"

"I thought it would be appropriate, you know, to look good for church. For God." He said, snickering.

"You cut it yourself?" I asked in surprise.

"With the help of Ryan Gosling, of course." He said.

Since it was still a bit early, we roamed around the cathedral. The choir was there though, and they were doing their last minute rehearsals. Dennis' family sat beside my parents, and his little sister looked at us from their spot.

She waved an arm, then Dennis waved back at her. Almost immediately, she went sprinting after him.

"Oof." His sister tackled his legs and I smiled at how adorable she looked. Her dark hair in a French braid, and she was wearing a poofy baby blue dress. "Samantha, you don't want to sit with mom and dad?"

"I do." Responded Dennis' sister. "They told me to get you. Hi, Mavey."

"Hi Samantha." I greeted with a grin. I held up a hand for a high five and she high fived me back. Gosh, she's so cute.

"Why don't you go back, and tell them I'll be right there." Dennis said. He bent down on one knee to reach his little sister's height and kissed her cheek.

"Okay." Said Samantha. Then, she sprinted her little legs back to where her parents are.

"You know, you're more attractive if you're around little children. Something about it make me swoon." I teased, nudging him.

"Are you into me?" He asked, with narrowed eyes.

"Ha! You wish, you little shit."

"Think about it! We're the perfect couple!"

"No."

"Our babies would-"

"Gross! I don't want to have your babies!" I hit his arm repeatedly and was red in the face from laughing too hard.

Then one of the choir boys, and also a classmate from school walked by and politely greeted both of us. Dennis stared after him.

I nudged him teasingly.

"Man, I'm gay ay eff." He mumbled only for me to hear.

I snorted and nodded my head in agreement. I've noticed that ever since Dennis came out to me, I feel as if we've grown closer. We're best friends of course, but he seemed more open to me, and more comfortable. I feel so proud of him. I know that it wasn't easy, to let out his secret, and I'm amazed that he'd done it.

The fact that I was the first person to know, was an honour, and I felt so important. I saw him broken, I saw him vulnerable, and I helped him by accepting him. I love Dennis as a brother. He's the annoying older brother that I never had.

"So hey, I got a missed call from you this morning... at five, I think?"

I quickly looked away to hide my face and stared at the choir instead. Honestly, I don't want to talk about it. It's not a big deal, but that dream seriously messed me up.

"It was nothing." I lied. "I probably just butt dialed you."

"Well okay." He said, shrugging his shoulders. "Got any plans after church?"

"I actually do." I said.

"Oh? With Natasha?"

"Oh shit." I said, feeling guilty all of a sudden. "I totally forgot about her! We're supposed to go to Dons after church but I kind of... uh, made plans with Dani to go to Coffee & Books downtown after church as well."

"What have you done?" Dennis looked horrified and dramatically gasped. "Have you met a pissed off Natasha before?"

"I have!" I was practically stressing out now.

"Why don't you cancel on both? We could babysit Samantha together. We could also chill, and play Assassin's Creed. I have the latest one."

I paused.

"Are you... are you for real?!"

"Yes." He grinned.

"Dennis, as tempting as that sounds, you're sooo not helping." I complained as I stomped my foot in frustration. I pulled out my phone and was about to dial Nat's number but Dennis held my shoulder and turned me around.

"You better hurry up and make a decision, because Nat is right over there."

He was right. Natasha and her family entered the cathedral. She saw me and waved happily, wearing a salmon pink dress that reached below her knees, and I thought that she was so brave because it was so cold out. I waved back at Nat but she didn't notice because she was busy gawking at Dennis.

"She's completely checking me out." Dennis smirked, and nudged me. I rolled my eyes.

Dennis made a show of running his hand through his new haircut, while pretending to look far away with dreamy eyes.

I scoffed at him and pushed him playfully, while he laughed, as he wave me off.

"Well, I'm gonna leave you before Natasha explodes." He said, still laughing as he walked away to go sit with his family.

When I looked back again at Nat, I was surprised that Thomas and his family was there already. He saw me and gave me a nod while immediately approaching Nat to give her a kiss.

I frowned.

I thought for sure that Nat broke up with him, but apparently not. I'm not happy about this, because I know that Thomas is a fuckboy, and stupid Nat is blind to not notice it. But then again, they're dating, and he's Natasha's boyfriend, so I can't just force them to break up.

Both of them are approaching me now, and I quickly plastered on a smile.

"Mave! I got a bunch of missed calls from you." She said, and hugged me close. "You okay?"

I sighed and hugged her back. I loved how she knew immediately that something wasn't right. But again, I don't want anyone to worry so I said the same excuse that I said to Dennis earlier.

"Oh, and is it cool if I cancel our Dons run after church? Thomas and I are going to the mall." She hooked her arm with the dickhead.

Thomas gave me a tight lipped smile and raised his eyebrows. He looked so awkward, and out of it, and he refused to give me eye contact.

"Oh." I have to admit, I was relieved. But I'm not so thrilled that she's going with Thomas instead.

"I'm sorry." Nat apologized.

"No offense, but ew." I blurted.

"What?" Nat blinked.

"You're going with Thomas?" I asked, shaking my head disaprovingly and wrinkling my nose at him.

"Offense completely taken." Natasha said, frowning at me.

"What is your deal?" Thomas asked, now glaring at me.

"You."

"Mave!" Nat exclaimed, now standing between us. I leaned forward and hissed at her ear. "Be nice!" She whispered sharply.

"I thought you're breaking up with him?"

"I don't want to talk about that right now!" Nat hissed back. "You're being so rude!"

"Fine, I'll behave!" I said, and sarcastically smiled at Thomas. "Have fun at the mall then, I better go back and sit with my family."

But then Nat stopped me by grabbing ny arm.

"Mave, please don't be so mad at me-"

I held up a hand to stop her.

"Please. We've had this conversation already. Do whatever you want." I gave Thomas another glare before walking away.

I huffed in frustration as I turn on my heels towards my parents, and Dennis' family. Dennis raised his eyebrow with a questioning look, but I just shook my head at him.

"Everything alright?" He whispered. "You look upset."

"They're still together." I whispered back. "It's fucking dumb."

"I know. I saw."

"Ugh."

"I know." Dennis whispered again.

"I just don't understand Nat and her boy cravings."

"I do."

"Of course you do." I said, chuckling at his response.

"Anyways, did you see Dani? You walked passed her just now."

"Wait, what?" My head turned on both directions.

"The Dubois are right over there." Dennis pointed at the centre seat in the middle row.

"Where?"

"The girl with the dress."

"Dennis, a lot of girls are wearing dresses today!" I hissed.

"The one beside an old woman with a cane." He said, now chuckling.

Then I saw her. Dennis was lying. Dani was defintely not wearing a dress. She was wearing a gray bunnyhug, a pair of black skinny jeans, and a pair of brown mukluk slippers. Her hair was up into a ponytail with a headband and I looked at her in amusement.

"She looks attractive." Said Dennis. I nudged him and shook my head.

Dani said something to the old woman, which I assumed was her Grandma and the woman shook her head at her. Then, Dani pursed her lips and looked around.

Eye contact.

I grinned, and can't help but chuckle when she looked horrified and gave me a pleading look. Just a like a lost puppy.

"Wait here, I'm gonna go get her." I whispered to Dennis. When I walked towards them, the choir started to sing the opening hymn.

I reached the Dubois, and smiled at Dani who looked very insecure and fidgety. Her Grandparents smiled at me too, and I introduced myself to them, but they already knew me and asked if we were going to their party tonight.

"We are." I answered with a nod.

"Good." Said Mrs. Dubois. "Very good."

Dani looked uncomfortable and she tapped my arm, eager to get my attention. I stared at her adorable face and blushed because she was literally leaning closer to me.

"Um, would it be okay if Dani sit with us over there?" I asked her Grandparents, trying to distract myself by smiling at them.

"Of course dear." Mr. Dubois said, nodding his head. "Tell your father that I'm looking forward to meet him at the party tonight."

Dani leaned again and was now tugging at my arm.

"Oh, I will." I answered. "Thank you."

I stared at Dani, and she was the one who led us back towards our seat. But she had other plans when she kept going and now we're in the connecting hallway.

"You're actually going to the stupid party that my Grandparents are throwing?" She asked in surprise, staring at me with crossed arms.

"Yeah." I nodded. "Our family was invited."

"Oh thank god, I won't be bored later." She said, sighing in relief and grinning at me. "And here I thought that I was gonna hang out with old people all night."

"And what is wrong with that?" I asked.

"Uh, pfft, really? Have you met my Grandparents?"

"Dani, I just did." I pointed out, laughing a little. "They seem nice, what's wrong with you?"

"Just- nothing!" She whispered sharply. "Nevermind. But hey, are we still going to the bookstore?"

"Of course." I answered. "I need a new book anyways."

"How are we gonna get there?" She asked excitedly.

"Dennis." I answered almost immediately. "He could join us, if you don't mind, of course."

"Oh, are you two dating now, or...?"

"What? No!" I said, laughing and turning red on the face. "Of course not!"

"Oh, awkward." Dani said, chuckling. "I totally forgot that he was gay."

I did a double take. I was a bit taken aback of what she said. Sure, she mentioned it before, but I'm protecting Dennis here. I know that he wouldn't be too happy if other people knew about him. He's not ready for that yet.

"Excuse me?"

"Dennis." Dani said slowly. "He's gay."

I plastered on a poker face.

"Oh come on! It's obvious!" Dani continued.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Maverick." She said, now frowning back. "You've got to be kidding me. It's okay. I'll keep it a secret. I know you know too."

How in the world did she know?

I stared back at her, feeling worried all of a sudden. I looked around, making sure that nobody heard, and literally jumped when the door opened from the connecting hallway.

Dennis' head popped up.

"Guys, the mass is starting." He whispered. "Your mom is looking for you, Mave."

Then Dani and I just stared at each other. I didn't want to confirm what she assumes for Dennis, so I just grabbed her arm and together we followed the tall boy back.

"I didn't know that we have to dress up." She whispered at me over the song. Thankfully, she caught on that I didn't want to talk about earlier.

"You technically don't have to." I whispered back and quickly slipped in the seat beside my mom.

"I can slowly feel myself about to burst into flames." She mumbled. I smiled at her in a comforting way and chuckled.

"Shut up, this is fun."

"To you, at least." She said. "I feel judged already."

"For your clothing?" I asked incredulously. To be honest, she looked completely fine.

"Partly." She replied, narrowing her eyes at me. "You could've told me that I needed to wear a dress! Look at you, you look so beautiful!"

I'm not really used to hearing compliments, and I didn't know how to handle it. I gave Dani a funny look, my cheeks blushing.

"You don't have to, and you're being melodramatic." I told her again, shaking my head in amusement. "Now sing along."

Then I started to sing, and she narrowed her eyes again at me. I nudged her with my elbow and gestured for her to sing and she did. Shyly and low at first, but then she got more comfortable and grinned at me from her success.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..." The priest said, and we all did the sign of the cross.

Dani looked like a lost puppy, not knowing how to do the sign. I tried really hard not to laugh, because she completely looked left out. Then I couldn't hold it in, and I burst out laughing but stopped immediately because my mom gave me a warning look.

I looked at my feet and prayed.

Like always, I prayed for my family, friends, food, school, Netflix, and Dani Dubois, for her to be my new friend.

But it seems like my prayers were answered already.

I felt lucky.

***

This was supposed to be updated minutes ago, but I was kidnapped by my friends. Don't blame me, blame those little shits. Anyways, any new years resolution? Yes? No?