It was Friday. The day I had been dreading, well- sort of. I mean, a date with Mike Carlton couldn't be that bad. He was a sweet guy.

I was sat down on my bed with my laptop plopped against my thighs whilst I was munching on a pack of popcorn. I occasionally got the munchies when it got closer to the evening and there was nothing but a good movie wouldn't fix.

I had about an hour and a half till Mike picked me up for our date. Ew. Even just saying the word 'date' just made me want to cringe and curl up into a ball. But then that'd be like saying I wasn't somewhat excited for this date tonight. It was worth a try and even if I didn't enjoy myself for whatever reason, then that'd be fine.

My eyes drifted over the clothes spewed out from my closet and drawers and I sighed at the lack of fashionable clothes there was. Usually a perfect outfit - if I was in a good mood - would appear in my mind and I'd have something to wear. But I had nothing to wear!

I paused my movie and closed down my laptop before getting up and wandering into my bathroom. Mike would be here in an hour.

I might as well make myself look presentable and neat since it was the least I could do.

I stripped off my sweats and chucked them into the washing basket, sliding the shower door aside.

Washing my hair and body, I got out a couple minutes later and started on my skin care. I even added some light makeup which was a surprise. I usually didn't make such an effort when going out.

I foraged around my room and picked out some clothes that I thought might be nice and practical for this, date. A white tee and some denim shorts since the air outside was nice and warm against my skin.

As I checked the time again, a message from Mike popped up to tell me he was outside. With one last look in the mirror, and one last dab of powder on my face, I swung on a random bag and headed out the door, totally forgetting to say goodbye to my Mom as she watched her favourite cookery programme. She was obsessed with cookery programmes lately and we'd end up having healthy and less fattening meals.

I decided not to tell my Mom where I was going tonight. Knowing her she'd just end up causing a right chaotic mess and ask if I was dating him.

I ran over to Mike's car parked on the curb and Mike pushed open the passenger door for me to get in quicker, "Hey." I said as I slipped into the seat.

He had a relieved smile on his face, "I'm glad you messaged me your address, I wouldn't of known where to go." He said as he reversed out of the drive and placed both hands down on the steering wheel.

I laughed and buckled myself in, getting comfortable in the seat though my hands and under arms felt extremely clammy and heated. I was nervous. That wasn't a giveaway because it was obvious - even Mike looked at me a couple times as I fidgeted but I just gave him a wan smile to hopefully subside the awkwardness. It was weird for me to be on a date since I had never been on one before but there was a first time for everything I suppose.

The car ride was silent and I bit harshly down on my tongue. I didn't know how to make conversations with someone whilst on a date. I was clueless. But what didn't help the matter was that Mike was the exact same as me - clearly.

Mike suddenly cleared his throat and I thought that was when he was going to start talking, but I was wrong. He remained quiet whilst steering us in the right direction that helped us get closer to the drive-in cinema. Any minute now, any minute no- "S-so, how's everyone?" He asked briskly, clearing his throat and almost a smile lit up my face as he went ahead and started the conversation - but the topic wasn't something that I was too happy to be talking about

"They're fine." I nodded firmly, feeling my chest tighten. "How's Josie? Is she still in the swim team?" I asked and Mike nodded. I inhaled a reluctant fresh breath of air.

"Yes, she's still very much in the swim team. She had a swimming competition yesterday. She won of course. Mom's thinking of sending her to a professional swim school." He stopped the car and gave some cash to the boy who pressed a button to open a barrier that would let us in. Mike thanked the boy and parked into a space with a good view.

"That sounds exciting. How old is she now?" I asked, continuing the conversation.

"She's just turned thirteen." He told me with a glint in his eye. Whenever he spoke about his family he'd always look happy.

"It must be nice to be young with a passion. I wish my Mom got me into acting or modelling." I rested my head on the head rest and he nodded attentively, stealing a glance at me. He still seemed hesitant and shy, but I would definitely not comment on that.

I should just try and enjoy this evening and I should definitely try and lighten up a bit. Every muscle in my body felt tense and I was overdue for a full body massage and warm bath.

"If my parents got me into acting when I was young, I'd definitely be living my best life in Hollywood." He commented with a slight chuckle. Then he glanced at me and blushed.

He really liked me.

I felt so bad.

The awkwardness dropped once again and I curled my hands in balls. I felt like I wanted to scream or even say something random that could strike up some random conversation. Anything to get rid of this eerie silence. This was Mike. I had known him since I was young! What was I playing at?

It was as if it was on cue, because my hands flew to my stomach to somewhat stop the loud rumbling that sounded like it echoed throughout the whole car. It was loud enough for people living across the world from me would've heard it. How was I already hungry? I ate popcorn not that long ago!

I bit even more down on my tongue as I saw Mike look down at me. "Do you want something to eat?" He asked, taking out his wallet from his jeans.

"Anything. I honestly don't mind." I said and he looked at me before laughing. "You're not one of those people who can't choose, are you?" He asked and I stayed quiet, silently answering his question right away.

"I'll grab you whatever there is." He said, "Do you want something to drink, too?" He asked and I felt even more bad for him. Using him for a free date night and playing him at his feelings towards me. Wow, you were so nice and caring Willow.

Damn you, subconscious mind.

"Sure." I said and Mike got out of the car, "Thanks!" I called but he was already going over to the food truck that was placed oddly on the side. A few other people were already queueing up and Mike waited behind them. The food they had their made my stomach rumble even louder and I was reluctant that Mike wasn't here to hear it.

Suddenly, snapping me out from my thoughts, my phone vibrated next to my leg and I picked it up to find a 'good luck' message. I inhaled a deep breath and send her a thumbs up. My nerves were simmering down since Mike left the car but I knew as soon as he got back, they'd be skyrocketing through the roof again.

I hated anxiety.

Anxiety was the worst thing in the whole entire world and there wasn't nothing I could do about it.

Seeing Mike coming back with some food and our drinks; I immediately switched off my phone and shoved it back down beside my leg, leaving time so I could take a deep breath and act cool as a bean.

Mike placed a box of nacho's between us as he got back in to his seat. "I could only get one because they were nearly out. I hope that's okay. You can have it by yourself if you would prefer."

I shook my head and smiled gratefully. "You can share with me." I told him and his ears turned pink.

I dove right in to grab some when Mike went to do just the same. Our hands clashed and he pulled his hand away instantly, an apologetic expression on his face. "Sorry." He said and I chuckled at his frigidness.

"What are we watching?" I asked, leaning back into the seat as the ads started to play on the big screen.

"The first Ghostbusters." He replied. "I know it might not be the greatest movie but it was the best out of the options."

"No, no I love it!" I said and grabbed some more nacho's.

When the credits started to roll, I watched it from start to finish with just as much enthusiasm I had watching the film. I was almost sad that it had to end so soon, this date, I meant. I had surprised myself. I had underestimated this whole thing with Mike. But even if I had a great time with him, it also helped me to understand what I felt for him, and I'm pretty sure I knew what he felt, too.

I wanted to just stay as friends.

The movie credits ended and cars started to drive out, including us.

"Thank you for tonight. I've really enjoyed myself." I said and he looked down at me with a smile on his face.

"It's my pleasure. I enjoyed myself too." He said and his fingers began to tap against the wheel like he wanted to say something. But he didn't.

As we drove back to my house, the sound of the radio was the only sound between us. A few words were spoken but it was just mostly silence.

"Well, thanks again." I said awkwardly, and scratched the back of my neck. Mike parked the car up against the curb and I looked over at my house. The house lights were completely off. Was Mom asleep?

"We should do this some other time. H-hang out, I mean. What about this Friday coming?" He stuttered, his eyes averting away from mine.

I nodded and smiled. "Yeah..." Say it. Tell him. His mouth stretched into a wide smile. I couldn't. I couldn't say it. "See you on Monday." I waved and sneaked into my house like a pro ninja. I had never snuck in or out of a house before, I felt feral.

All of a sudden, the lights turned on and I jumped back against the door. I saw my Mom gowned up wearing a pair of slippers; she tapped her watch like she was a school teacher tutting at a students late arrival. "What time do you call this?"

I laughed because I knew very well she was joking. Maybe. I actually didn't know since all of this was new. "I love the whole 'protective Mother' act." I patted her shoulder as I walked passed her to go into the kitchen.

Mom walked in behind me, hot on my feet, "I've always wanted to do that to you." She commented and I shook my head at her childish behaviour. She really did act like a kid.

"Mrs Carlton happened to call me up earlier to tell me her Mike was taking you out on a date. Apparently he hasn't stopped talking about you." Mom squealed and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Instead, I bent down to grab a bottle of water from the fridge since I was super thirsty.

"Yeah. He invited me out on a date the other day. I couldn't say no." I took a sip from the bottle and perched on one of the chairs in the room. I rolled my eyes this time when my Mom's eager eyes that wanted to pry more information out of me. She came to sit beside me, her hands clasped together like she was in some sort of interview.

"So tell me."

"Tell you what, exactly?" I stared at her, knowing exactly what she wanted to know.

She rolled her eyes and shimmied closer. "Did you guys kiss?" She nudged my shoulder and I almost choked on the mouthful of water. "Mom!" I shrieked and slapped my hands over my bright red face.

My Mom opened her mouth to spill out some more aggravatingly annoying questions about my date when all of a sudden the door burst open on its hinges. My heart hammered in my chest and my Mom turned to me, gesturing for me to stand behind her.

"Stay back!" She whispered to me and opened the pantry. My face contorted into an expression I couldn't even explain.

"What the fuck?" I mumbled quietly to myself.

She came in front of me and I stayed behind her, my head just about looking over her shoulder as she raised the bat in her hand. "You've got to be prepared at all times." She whispered to me and I felt like I was in some sort of movie where the Mom was a secret spy or combat.

"If it wasn't for the extremely bad timing, I'd laugh right now." I muttered to her but she just placed her finger up to her lips and gave me a warning expression.

She slowly walked to the corner of the wall and poked her head round with me latching onto her shoulders. Suddenly, she let out an extremely relieved sigh, the bat in her hand falling. "What's happened?" She asked and she seemed worried.

I followed on behind her and as I came into the hallway, I could see Callum drunk out of his mind, slumped against someone's shoulders. Mom picked him off from the guy and immediately took him upstairs with no hesitation.

"Hi. I'm Jackson." He waved awkwardly and I narrowed my eyes at him and the realisation dawned on me.

"What happened to him?" I asked.

"He had a bit too much to drink. More than he would when we go to parties. I luckily managed to get him home after trying to get him to tell me the address a hundred times." He sighed heavily, his eyes fairly.

"Do you want to stay the night? You can sleep up in his room if you want." I suggested and he nodded slowly, his eyes perking up at the sound of that.

"Will it be okay with your Mom? I don't want to intrude."

"You're not intruding on anything, it's okay." I told him and he sent me a tight-lip smile.

As Jackson followed behind me up the stairs, Mom came out of Callum's room, silently trying to shut the door. "He's knocked out for the count." She said, her voice just above a whisper, careful not to wake him up.

Her eyes looked from me to Jackson who was awkwardly standing next to me in the darkness. "Who's this?" Did she not see him downstairs?

"I'm Jackson, Callum's friend." He said and I snorted.

"So you're CC." I whispered to him and his eyes bugged out of the sockets. He coughed and cleared his throat. My Mom was just staring at us not understanding what was going on.

"It's late, dear. Why don't you stay?" My Mom offered and I turned to Jackson who looked relieved.

"Thanks." He said and my Mom kissed my head before heading off to bed.

"Told you you'd be allowed." I whispered to him and he rolled his eyes in response. I could already tell he was going to be a great addition to this household - seeming that him and Callum were close.

Helping Jackson get some pillows and blankets from the storage cupboard, I left them both to get into the sheets of my own bed.

🝮🝮🝮

Bright and early, and this time I wasn't running for my life to get to work, I yawned and stretch out my legs at the end of the bed. I managed to shower and do everything I needed to do before getting dressed and heading down to grab some early morning breakfast.

As I strolled into the kitchen, I saw Jackson leant against the counter with a glass of water in his hand.

Hearing my footsteps, Jackson looked up, his hair was shaggy and his eyes were puffy, looking as he hadn't slept at all. "Sorry about last night. I couldn't take him back to mine because my parents would've freaked out."

"It's fine. Thank you for making sure he got home and everything. I know a sober Callum would of appreciated that." I smiled and grabbed my favourite cereal from the cupboard.

Jackson chuckled and washed up his glass before putting it on the side to dry. "I don't know why he was drinking so much last night. I tried to stop him but he just wouldn't listen to me."

I felt my heart beat faster. "I have a pretty good idea on why." I muttered to myself and shoved a mouthful of cereal in my mouth. Jackson looked at me in question. Shit. I couldn't tell him. No one was supposed to know. "But it's nothing." I shrugged it off and he faced down at the floor, his shoe dragging along the floorboard.

"Are you leaving?"

He nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. "I promised my parents I'd be back before lunchtime." He checked his phone. He pushed himself off from the counter and I followed him from behind, then he stopped at the door. "Can you make sure to tell Callum I'll call him later?" He asked and I gave him a nod. With that, Jackson walked over to his car and I shut the door behind him.

Quickly eating the rest of my cereal, I put the empty bowl in the dishwasher and walked back upstairs, passing by Cal's room. I popped my head around his door and then entered as I saw him still asleep.

I scribbled down on a little post-it note to let him that Jackson would call him sometime today. Happy with the note stuck to his forehead, I walked back out again and shut his door.

8:56 am. Nicky thought it would be a good idea to sign me up for breakfast duty this morning as a punishment for being late last time. I was only ten minutes late, she was always damn late and did nothing but complain about what I did or didn't do around the diner.

In a matter of minutes I had arrived at work, and this time, I was early. "Nice to see you're here ready to work Willow." Came Nicky and I laughed to myself. I turned away and placed down my bag in the staff room and made it out to the front with no further chatter between Nicky.

I tied the apron around my waist and picked out a pen and pad, slipping it into the pocket.

Goodness, this was going to be a long day.

A busy start to my shift, my legs felt like jelly as I collapsed onto the sofa in the staff room. Knowing I had twenty minutes to relax, I picked out my phone from my bag and switched it on.

"What's this?" I found myself asking as I opened an attachment image from Betty, and God almighty were my eyes not ready for what I saw.