The four left the restaurant, satisfied after a hearty meal. Cali sighed, content. That was the most she had ever eaten in her lifetime. She had already packed some for her little brother to eat later.
Cali turned toward Mylo, "Well, I guess I'll see ya."
"Yeah," he mumbled.
The interaction between the two was still quite…well awkward. And for Jake, he couldn't hold back his laughter at the interaction.
Mary quickly hugged them both, "I won't stop saying this, but you guys are so cute together." She then turned to Cali, "Ciiii are you sure you don't want us to drop you off?"
Cali squeezed her hands tight. She couldn't risk them knowing. The chaos that would erupt if they found out... She glanced at Mylo; the thought of him, especially, finding out where she lived tightened a knot in her stomach. She had to lie, even if she hated herself for it.
She smiled, "No, I'm fine really. Thanks."
Though pouting, Mary nodded back. "But at least give us your number so we can chat."
Mylo's eyes widened. He realized he had never asked for her number. Was he already failing at being a boyfriend at not asking? 'Dammit Mylo, how did I forget to ask her?'
Though the truth was far from what he was thinking. Hesitating, she replied. "Uhm, I don't…exactly have a phone."
The trio blinked at the revelation. Cali blushed, quickly explaining. "I…I've had no need for one, that's all. It's not really a big deal." She couldn't exactly tell them that she didn't have the means to afford one.
Cali blinked as Mary clasped her shoulders, "Unacceptable."
Before the girl could utter a word, Mary spoke once more. "No, no, no, we're going to a phone store right now, and I'm not taking no for an answer." She dragged Cali toward the car. They soon drove off.
Mylo whispered to her, "S…sorry about her, when my sister decides something, there's not much one can do to stop her."
Cali chuckled, shaking her head "No, it's okay."
Mylo nodded, then his brows creased. He leaned closer "B…but why didn't you tell me you didn't have a phone, I…I could have bought you one."
She stared at him, caught completely off guard, then looked away, blushing. "It wasn't really that big of a deal. And I'm not exactly used to…asking for help." She mumbled the last part
Mylo nodded, he gently grasped her hand. "Y-you can ask me for help okay? I'll try to the best of my abilities to do so."
Hesitation ran through her face. Should I?' The plea for help flickered—and died. No. She wouldn't hand him the mess that was her life. So she did what she always did, she smiled back, "Look at you so bold."
Mylo blushed slightly as Cali just chuckled. She smiled, "Thanks faro." She leaned on his shoulder
***
"U…umm, I don't really know what to say. Thanks I guess." Uncharacteristic of her, Cali bowed, though awkwardly, to the group. She was truly thankful to them.
Mary smiled sweetly, "No problem Ciiii, I put our numbers inside, so text me lots okay." She leaned in and whispered teasingly, "I'll tell you some juicy secrets about Mimi of course." Earning a blush but curious look from the girl.
"Well see ya later guitar girl." Jake's hand out for a fist bump.
Snorting, she bumped his fist. "Later cauliflower."
A tick mark appeared on his face, "Cauliflower, cauliflower, oh, I'll have you know…" he rambled on but of course she tuned him out as she turned to Mylo.
Cali smiled, "Well later then Faro." She hugged forward.
Mylo hugged back. "Yeah, later."
"For pete's sake, you guys aren't going forever sheesh." Jake grumbled.
Mary elbowed the boy, "Just take your time guys."
The two chuckled as the two separated. She waved as she watched them leave in the car, a genuine smile on her face as she truly enjoyed today.
***
In his room, Mylo smiled as stared at the picture that he had framed on his desk. Jake by his left, a grin on his face as his hands above my head in a peace sign. Mary in the middle of the picture, her hands trying her best to hug everyone's shoulder and of course her perpetual bright smile on her face. Then Cali by his right, a small grin on her face as she leaned on him, who had a small smile on his face.
Looking away from the photo, his gaze fell on the schedule tacked above his desk. He ran a tired hand over his face as he swept through the list for next week.
'Next week's quite hectic; I have exams four times in a row!' It was a demanding schedule. From Monday until Thursday, he had exams. Then a break day, then back-to-back exams on Saturday.
He massaged his eyebrows as he felt a growing headache, but he thought. 'C'mon Mylo, no slacking off, you can do this. Dad…Dad would be proud when you pass.' He sighed, looking at the group picture, 'And maybe accept my dream.'
Diving into his books, he started reading.