One week later

My dad is coming home today—no more Trina! My birthday is Tuesday, and I'm excited.

I ride my motorbike to school and meet Brandon. When I arrive, my friends are gathered by the benches, and I walk over with Brandon.

Nikki runs up to us, hugs Brandon, and says, "Let's go, we have biology now, and I want to know my results."

Brandon starts to respond, "I'll come after Nikki; I was going to hang out wit—" but she cuts him off.

She turns to me, "Hi Ann, you don't mind if I borrow Brandon, right?"

I'm about to answer, but she drags him away.

Stephanie chimes in, "You better break up with him; it'll save you from heartbreak," then walks off.

I sit down between Carlos and Jordan.

Jordan says, "Don't worry; I'll take revenge."

"It's okay; I can trust Brandon," I assure him, though I'm not so sure inside.

The bell rings, and we head to class. I walk into geography with Justin, Kyle, and Arlene.

Lunchtime

I stop by my locker to drop off some books and see Brandon talking to Jack while Nikki flirts with him.

Brandon notices me and walks over, ignoring Nikki, who follows him. He hugs me and suggests, "Let's go eat lunch outside the school."

I nod and text Arlene.

Me: I'm going to eat lunch with Brandon at a fast food place.

Best girlfriend: Okay, I'll tell the boys for you.

Me: Thanks!

We head outside, and Brandon says, "We'll take my car." I get in the passenger seat and buckle up.

He drives to Wendy's, and as we enter, he holds the door for me. I order a large cheeseburger, fries, and a drink.

Brandon comments, "Wow, you can really eat."

I shrug, and an awkward silence falls. Then he asks, "Ana, would you be my girlfriend?"

I blush and nod, "Yes, but you have to meet my dad tonight; he's coming home." He agrees.

"After the races, I'll ditch the party and come hang out with you," he says, making me smile.

******

When I get home, I see my dad's car in the garage and Trina's gone. I open the door and rush to his office. He's on the phone and says, "I'll have to call you back; my daughter just arrived."

He hangs up and hugs me, saying, "I hope you didn't give Trina any trouble."

I laugh and shake my head.

Dad adds, "I can't believe you'll be eighteen on Tuesday; my baby is all grown up," pretending to wipe a tear.

I laugh, "I hope I get a party."

He sighs, "I might be busy that day; the business is expanding," and kisses my forehead.

Thanks for caring, Dad (note the sarcasm).

I head to my room and turn on my iPod. I check Facebook and find Gregory to add him as a friend.

He accepts immediately and messages me:

Hi Ana, I'm glad you sent a friend request; I was going to, but I wasn't sure if you wanted to talk.

Me: I wanted to talk again because we're going to be friends, that's why I sent the request.

Him: Okay, well I'm going home with my friends.

Me: Okay, I'm just texting you from my room.

Him: Not your 'boyfriend'? I'm surprised.

Me: Well, he's meeting my father tonight, so I don't want to scare him.

Him: Okay, see you on Monday.

Me: Kk, later friend.

*******

Brandon's POV

I ring the doorbell at 7:00 pm. Mr. Montez opens the door, watching me suspiciously. I'm dressed in black pants, a blue shirt, and Converse, holding a bouquet.

"Good evening, Mr. Montez," I say, and he continues to scrutinize me.

Ana appears and nudges him aside.

He finally speaks, "You must be Brandon; Ana talks a lot about you," shaking my hand.

He lets me in, and I hug Ana, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and handing her the flowers. She's wearing a short dress and slippers and says, "I'll put this in a vase," leaving me with her dad.

"Let's go out back and chat; it'll take her ages to find a vase," he says.

We walk by the pool and sit down. Mr. Montez says, "I can see she really likes you. You're respectful and look at her with love, not lust." I nod.

The conversation flows, but I tend to speak too quickly.

"If you ever hurt her, I'll personally kill you. Trust me, you don't want to upset your girlfriend's father," he warns, and I nod quickly.

He asks, "What are your plans after school?"

"I want to try out for the 2024 Olympics as a runner while getting my law degree to become a cop," I reply.

He nods, saying, "I believe in you, Brandon. Just don't hurt my daughter; she's already lost her mother."

I nod, and then Ana comes out with pizza and sodas.

"Now this is how a Friday night should be—hanging out with friends and family, not partying too much," Mr. Montez says.

We both nod.

I hope I don't break Ana's heart; otherwise, I'm in big trouble.

______________________