Josh knocked on my door and poked his head in. "I'll be in the garage with Dad. Let me know when your friend gets here."
I looked at him and said "Alright" but I don't plan for us to play as soon as Alec gets here. I wanted to hang with him and Riel for a bit before playing. It may not happen considering Lo-Ri will be with him. I don't particularly care for any other female in my room aside from Riel.
Riel came in as usual without knocking. She looks cute wearing the same basketball shirt she gave me last Christmas and black knitted shorts. Her hair is pinned up with large fang clips and I wondered if that clip hurts her head.
I smiled as she entered my room and asked her if we were playing twins today. We are wearing the same shirt.
"Nothing wrong with it", she says. "Aren't we playing on the same team?"
"I was hoping you would be on Alec's team today", I responded.
Her face and demeanor suddenly changed. With a defeated voice she whispered, "Whatever you say."
I heard Mom calling me from the front yard. Alec might be here already.
I looked at Riel and grabbed her hand. "Let's go!"
I opened the front door to see my Mom chatting with Lo-Ri and Alec. I looked around for Jazi still hoping but didn't see her. I felt a bit disappointed.
Riel whispered "No Jazi."
The next thing I felt was a bump behind me passing through the door.
"Oh Em Gee! You are here. I am so happy!" Grace was going to burst with excitement.
Grace introduced Lo-Ri to Mom and told her everything wonderful about Lo-Ri in one breath. I walked towards them and cut in to introduce Alec to Mom. They exchanged pleasantries and a few seconds later I ushered them inside the house.
"We will serve you lunch after your game. Do any of you have any food allergies? Mom asked.
Alec shook his head and answered Mom, "No, Ma'am"
My Mom flashed a big smile.
Mom loves respectful people so Alec earned a point there.
"I was told you have a twin? Is she coming later?"
Alec smiled at Mom and then explained that Jazi was spending time with her girlfriend and couldn't come.
"That is a confirmation for you that I was right" whispered Riel.
I didn't say anything. My Mom most likely interpreted the word "girlfriend" as a female friend and I am holding hopes that it is.
Mom reminded them of lunch again then added that if they feel like going for a swim after basketball, Grace and I can lend them clothes.
Alec quickly thanked my Mom and complimented the decorated living room.
Of course, Mom shyly boasted that she did all the decorating herself and that she designed the landscaping around the pool so they have to check it out later.
Alec knows how to be adored by older people. He is working his charms and my Mom is falling for it.
I looked at Riel and noticed she was looking at Alec. I instinctively looked at Lo-Ri to see where her attention was. Grace seems to have monopolized Lo-Ri's attention because she is focused on Grace.
I looked at Riel again who was still watching Alec but this time she was smiling. I felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Riel is probably seeing now what I saw close-up at the restaurant and in class... Alec's beautiful face.
I wanted to get Riel's attention to stop her from looking at Alec but she wouldn't turn her head towards me.
I decided to get up to end the chit-chat. It will also end Riel's fixated look on Alec that for some odd reason, bothered me.
"We better start playing before it gets too hot."
Grace got up and grabbed Lo-Ri's hand. "We will be in my room. Sweat and sun is not good for our skin."
Lo-Ri giggled and followed Grace while waving to us. I looked at Alec to see if he was alright with Lo-Ri not joining us outside even just to watch but he was staring at me in a soft gaze. My heart skipped a beat then I smiled at him.
They disappeared from the living room and Mom headed to the kitchen.
"Your Mom is wonderful," Alec said
"Thanks" is about all I can respond to that. My heart seems to be malfunctioning at the moment beating so fast.
Alec looked at Riel and asked her if she played basketball too.
"We have been playing since grade school most summer weekends."
"Wow! You two are close huh?" He then looked at me.
I smiled and nodded. I placed my arms on Riel's shoulder and boasted "She's my most favorite and cherished person in the world." I then pinched Riel's cheek which made Riel irritated.
We went to the garage first to get Josh. I introduced Alec to Dad and Josh then added that he is the son of the new president of the local electric company. I know that both Dad and Josh are already aware of that info but I still said it to check for Alec's reaction.
Alec shook my Dad's hand and then offered his hand to Josh.
"Thank you for having me here today." He politely told my Dad while shaking Josh's hand.
Dad smiled. "You are a polite young man. Your Dad must be proud."
Alec seemed embarrassed and lowered his head.
"I am very proud of my Dad. He is a great Dad to us like you are to them." He looked at me while saying this to Dad.
Dad smiled, "I hope they are."
Josh put his arm around Dad and quickly said "Of course we are, Dad. Very much so."
Dad looked at Josh and told him to go ahead. Riel grabbed the ball from the shelf in the garage and headed towards the driveway and we followed.