Chapter 11
Lola was in summer school, trying to earn the extra credits she needed to graduate on time. I admired that about her — how determined she was, how she didn’t let anything stop her. Even with her busy schedule, we still find time to see each other often.
It was Wednesday, around noon, and I was at home hanging out with Finn. Lola was in class, and he and I were sprawled on the couch watching a basketball game on TV.
“When are we going to meet your girlfriend?” Finn asked, eyes still glued to the screen.
I thought about it for a second. “I’m sure we can put something together and go from there.”
“Sounds good to me.” He glanced over. “How are you and Lola doing?”
“So far so good,” I said.
“That’s good to hear at least.”
We went back to yelling at the TV, cheering for our team like idiots. Then my phone started buzzing. Caller ID: Lola.
I answered immediately. “Hey babe, what’s up?”
“Not much,” she said. “What are you up to?”
“Me and one of my friends are watching a basketball game on TV. Oh — by the way, me and one of them wanted to plan a day and time for all of us to meet up and hang out. What day and time works?”
She paused. “Uhhh… this Friday? Maybe around 5 p.m., if that works?”
I covered the phone and asked Finn quietly, “That should work for me, but let me check with the other guys.”
He nodded, so I told her, “Okay, that should work. I’ll check with the others.”
“Alright,” she said. “Just let me know what your friends say and text me when you find out.”
“I will, love. Talk to you later.”
“Okay. Bye, love you.”
“I love you too.”
She hung up, and I stared at my phone for a second before setting it down.
While me and Finn were still hanging out, I texted the group chat:
Hey, I just wanted to see if you two were busy or not this Friday around 5?
Nicholas replied almost instantly: That works for me.
Jacob followed: I’m not sure if I’ll make it, but I’ll let you guys know.
I added: Lola wants to meet you guys so we can all hang out together.
They sent back similar responses:
Ah okay, cool.
It’d be nice to meet her.
I typed: Okay, great, she’s a great person.
Finn stayed for a while longer before heading home. After he left, the house felt quiet. My mom was still at work — she didn’t get off until 11 p.m. It was only 10, so I had the place to myself.
When Mom finally came home, she looked exhausted. She dropped her bag, kicked off her shoes, and disappeared into her room to unwind. I didn’t bother her — she needed the rest.
I turned on my console and loaded up Black Ops II, joining the guys online. The familiar sound of the lobby, the chatter through my headset, the trash‑talk — it all felt like a reset button.
We played for hours. Match after match. Laughing, yelling, talking trash, and strategizing. It was easy to forget everything else when I was in that world.
Eventually, I checked the time. 1 a.m.
Mom had already gone to bed. I knew she was tired. And honestly, I was too.
“Alright boys, I’m heading out,” I said into the mic. “Peace out.”
I logged off, turned off the TV, set my headset and controller on my desk, and headed to my room.
Before closing my eyes, I grabbed my phone and typed:
Goodnight, princess. Talk to you in the morning. I know you’re asleep now.
I hit send, set my phone down, and finally let myself drift off.