Page 58 of The Off-Limits Play

Again.

Is that like his MO?

He doesn’t like goodbyes, so he just doesn’t say them?

I didn’t even get a chance to arrange our next meetup.

And more importantly, I had bigger plans for him this afternoon. I wanted to go for another ride on his bike, which is still parked across the street… right in front of my parents.

Oh shit!

And they’ve just noticed me.

Double shit.

“Nylah!” Dad raises his hand with a smile, waving across the street and checking traffic before walking over.

Mom’s holding his hand, grinning and waving like we’re besties or something.

Cringe!

No wonder Carson took off. He could have at least given me a heads-up, though.

Pasting on a smile, I walk toward my parents because I don’t have the luxury of a quick getaway.

“Hey, guys.” I give them a feeble wave, which Mom squishes against my body when she comes in for a hug.

“Hi, baby. What are you doing here?”

“Just, uh…” I untangle myself and then have to hug Dad as well before finally stepping back to point over my shoulder. “I’ve just been to the movies.”

They glance behind me, obviously spotting the Lido sign and the big posters for Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie Month.

“Are you…?” Mom looks at Dad, then back at me. “Are you here by yourself?”

I shrug, desperately trying to hide the heat flushing through me. “Yeah.”

“Aw, honey.” She squeezes my arm, and Dad gives me a sad frown.

“It’s no big deal.” I try to laugh away their expressions. “It’s not like there are a bunch of college students who are interested in old sci-fi movies.”

Except one, but he took off.

“Well, we would have gone with you,” Mom offers, and I bulge my eyes at her.

She doesn’t seem to realize what a ridiculous idea that is, so I have to politely decline her offer with a stiff smile. “Uh, thanks, but it’s okay. I know you’re not really into these types of movies.”

“We should have invited my mom up.” Mom tuts, looking at Dad, who nods.

“Do you want us to arrange a visit with Gramma? We can?—”

“No!” I end up snapping, then have to laugh to soften my outburst. “Sorry, but I can go to the movies on my own. That doesn’t make me a loser.”

“Of course you’re not, sweetheart. Of course.” Mom rubs my arm, and I shrug her off.

“I got invited to a party. Iammaking friends, just none of them happen to like these types of movies.” My voice is picking up speed as I try to justify myself. “I don’t need my parents to set up playdates for me with my grandmother.”

Mom and Dad both wince, and I shake my head, not wanting them to feel bad for caring about me. I just wish they didn’t caresomuch about me, you know?

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