The Counterpart by C.S. Luis

Author:C.S. Luis [Luis, C. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Next Chapter

16

DINNER WITH NEW FRIENDS

CLAUDIA

Moments before John’s arrival.

* * *

After John left, I helped Michael set the table early, so that I could find a nice dress to wear for dinner. I wanted to look my best. Michael came in and stood at the kitchen entrance as I set the china out.

“What?” I asked as I set the last dish down.

He smiled. “I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

“I’m fine, Michael,” I said with a slight frown. Sometimes, he made me feel like such a kid. God, I’m almost eighteen.

“You know I worry about you,” Michael said. “I’m sorry I had to be tough on you.” I realized what he was getting at. “I know how much you wanted to go to that party, but—”

“Michael, please. Not right now,” I said. “Can we just enjoy this evening without talking about that?”

The party didn’t even matter anymore. What if he knew that I not only sneaked out, but also John Slater had come into my room? Not to mention, I had been the reason there was now a huge hole in the parking lot at Milton High.

“You understand I’m only trying to do what’s best for you?”

I came to stand in front of him, simply because I had to get into the kitchen and get the rest of the forks and knives. “Yes, I know. But you don’t have to treat me like a child. I’m almost eighteen,” I said.

Michael smiled but it was a sad smile. I guessed he was just starting to realize that he came into my life when I was ready for my independence.

He moved aside, realizing he was standing in my way. I opened the drawer and pulled out a few knives and forks.

As I turned, he said, “Do you think we should invite Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Claypool? I feel like I’ve neglected them somehow.”

“I thought it was just going to be John, Joseph, and us?” I said.

“Well, yeah, but I just thought about James and Richard. It would be nice to have them over as well. So, are you okay with Dr. Müller, now?” he asked.

“Of course,” I said. “Why?”

“Well …” I could tell he didn’t know how to answer. “He was a little rough on you before. I could understand if you weren’t. In fact, I didn’t think you would be okay with him here.”

“I’ve gotten past that. Besides, he apologized. We’ve made up.”

Michael squinted his eyes, unsure what exactly that meant. I couldn’t blame him. I wasn’t entirely sure what I meant either.

“Well, that’s good, I guess. How are you and John? You know he’s a nice young man. I think he makes a good fit for you.”

I agreed. “I like him,” I said. “I like him a lot.”

Michael gave a smile. “That’s good. You need someone like him in your life, someone normal and down-to-earth.”

If he only knew, I thought. John was anything but down-to-earth and normal.

He scrunched his nose in thought. “By the way I invited Ms. Stephens, too.”

My mouth dropped.

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