Page 25 of Through Quick and Quinn
get this they made plans to go hiking this weekend
4:25 p.m.
NO WAY
4:25 p.m.
what the heck does he even see in her
so gross
4:26 p.m.
aaaw I think it’s kinda cute actually
4:26 p.m.
UMMMMM NO!!!
Friday, October 6, 2023
Note to self:
I came straight upstairs after school today because I need to better understand the cluster of emotions I am currently experiencing. Since I was feeling a bit anxious, I grabbed my black tourmaline crystal to help me feel safe, calm, and grounded. Not only that, but I needed to have a good grasp on what is happening before talking to my parents about any of it.
Quick and I have been working together for about a month and a half now, and without much effort from either of us, a natural friendship has blossomed. It isn’t surprising, given that we have so much in common. On the surface, we are both on the introverted side and prefer to blend into the background. Our similarities run a smidge deeper when we get into the fact that we both love “excavating” information, as Mr. Erickson would call it, but even deeper than that is our unspoken commonality of being non-only children. So, yes, it makes perfect sense that we’ve somewhat become friends.
It is completely normal for a fresh friendship to encounter new aspects as it develops: swapping contact information, texting each other, having lunch together, etc. While it was awkward for a bit, and sometimes still is, none of these events really rattled me.
And then today happened.
Quick was waiting for me at the gate when I was leaving school this afternoon and he asked if he could walk me home. I think I mentioned to him at one point that I live about a half mile from the school, so it didn’t really weird me out. It’s not like I thought he was stalking me or anything.
We ended up having a nice stroll where we mostly talked about favorite meals and foods, but when we got to my house, Quick asked me if I wanted to do something with him over the weekend. I thought about how I enjoy spending time with him, and how long and boring weekends can be sometimes, so I agreed. We decided to go for another walk tomorrow morning along the trails behind my house. Apparently they lead to some cool recreational area. How did I not know this?
Fast forward through my black tourmaline session of deep breaths to the point where I tell my parents.
I headed downstairs and noticed Mom in the kitchen, prepping dinner while listening to an audiobook. Before she would notice me, I headed towards Dad’s office to chat with him instead. I knew he’d be easier for me to talk to. And if Mom got upset that I didn’t go to her, I could use her noise-canceling headphones as an excuse.
Dad, as always, greeted me with a genuine smile and asked me how my day was. We chatted for a minute before I told him that I made plans with a friend to go walking tomorrow morning. I could see the surprise, but also the relief and the elation on his face. I’m sure my parents have worried about my preference for isolation over the last couple of years, so his reaction was understandable. He gestured for me to sit down on the small couch beside his desk, clearly wanting to hear every single detail I would be willing to share. The first thing he said was, “So tell me, honey, what’s her name and how did you two become friends?”
I smiled at him as I tackled the second question. I mentioned history class, our first REED project, and our current bond as the only two members of the club. Dad was like a tail-wagging puppy, complete with perked ears, a nodding head, and a playful grin. I couldn’t help but grin right back. Gosh, I love my dad.
Well, then I said that “he” would be swinging by at ten the next morning and we would leave from here, given the location of the trails. I saw the gears turning, I saw my dad’s face fall for a split second, and then I saw his decision to play it cool. So he did. And I knew I was right to tell him first, especially when he told me that we should tell my mom together, rather than me alone.
Needless to say, Mom freaked out a bit. She kept asking things like, “Who is this boy?” and “What are his intentions with you?” and other crazy mom questions like that. I maintained my calm composure, refusing to let her energy affect mine, and I kept reassuring her that we are merely friends. After a few minutes, my dad pulled her aside and I could hear the hoarse whispers about how I was finally making a friend, how they needed to trust me, and how I’ve never done anything not to deserve that trust. My heart swelled with gratitude. I realized tonight how much my parents love me. As much as my mom’s reaction wasn’t my favorite, I know it came from a good place, just like my dad’s did.
I waited patiently, rooted to my spot, for them to finish their secretive, yet obvious, conversation. They walked back over and sandwich-hugged me without saying a word. I’m not going to lie; I got choked up. It was a beautiful moment, and one we should have more often. With her face nestled in my hair, Mom kindly stated her one condition: He must come to the door tomorrow to meet them.
That condition sits perfectly fine with me. Let them see that this is purely platonic. And I don’t really get embarrassed by much, so I have no problem with Quick meeting my folks.
But something is still unsettled in my stomach. The question of the day, the reason I am journaling, the last piece I am trying to figure out…
Am I a little anxious about the recent happenings because I’m wary of a new friendship? Skeptical and cautious because of my last one?
Or is it because Quick is a guy?
…Q
