The Comfort-Zone

19 | The two

The lunch goes surprisingly okay. Milo and Mom don't pester us too deep about things that have occurred, much of it is because of Milo, saving us from trouble. I feel like I owe Milo my life with the things his doing for me. Ty on the other hand, wasn't much of a problem, he seems too eager to go back to his games to say anything to get me in trouble. He doesn't even recognise Coen as the guy I was with the other day which I can't help be happy about.

In terms of the two people I was most anxious about; Greer was not as polite as Coen when answering questions, and sitting between the two of them was not an experience I'd like to experience again. Greer would occasionally and purposely make contact with my feet under the table, crushing my toes one time. It's like dealing with a six year old who can't keep his hands and feet to himself. Meanwhile on the other side of me was Coen who would treat me like a princess, passing me things, asking me if I wanted something, not frequently to be suspicious but it was nonetheless sweet. It was too much and I was glad the minute It was over. 

When we finish helping mom and Milo with the dishes, I ask Coen when he would need to leave considering I can't exactly leave with him alone.

"I think I can stay for another hour," Coen says glancing his watch.

"Cool then you have time for a couple of games then," Greer wanders over and nods out the back of the house.

Mom who's been watching over us, gestures me over. "Justice, why don't you come over here."

I guess I don't have a choice, as Greer takes Coen outside. I reluctantly walk over to where she is. "Where did Milo go?" I look around.

"Took a phone call, must be from work." She says glancing over at Milo from out the window.

"What is it?"

She get's straight to the point. "He's not the boy that Titus mentioned is he?"

I wipe my growing sweaty palms on my pants and try to act natural. "He's a boy from school and focused on school so you don't need to worry. And I'm still here aren't I?"

She purses her lips. "What about the thing earlier with Florence? Is everything really okay?"

I sigh and turn my head out the massive window where we can see the boys who are shooting hoops. They look like they're taking things serious but seem to look happy, it's as if they were close friends since forever. From my observation, they interactions were minimal at school, Coen was a great student and Greer not caring much about his studies, their goals and priorities were evidently different and having different friend groups was another reason they didn't really hang around each other. Not until now, since Flo's encouragement, seeing them playing about is strange. "Yes, it will be." I finally say.

"If it isn't make sure you make the effort give back. That girl has been nothing but nice to you Justice. I hope you remember the things she's done for you."

It was a painful reminder but a necessary one. I check my phone on the side in hopes she would at least text me back but there was nothing. "I know."

"And he's a good boy," she nods over outside. "You should also make some effort to get along with Greer. He's Milo's son after all."

We watch as Greer tries to pry the ball from Coen. I don't really know much about basketball but the way Coen dodges around Greer looks really impressive, when he shoots it looks effortless, his height seemingly perfect for the type of sport. Greer is just as good maybe even better than Coen in the way he moves, strategic and strong, probably because this was his one of many sports he's known for.

"We're friends," I say, not sure if I was lying or not.

"You're always fighting with him."

"He's a boy mom-" with a big ego "he's annoying sometimes.." And difficult, and confusing. Greer is the embodiment of someone I don't think I'll ever get along with, no matter how deep our conversations go, or how much time we spend together.. my mind can't help but flash to the kiss and I give it a hard shove before I dwell on it longer.