Just Friends

Chapter 10: Parents

I bang my head on the dining table. How did we all end up in this position? Dakota and I were hanging out in my house, casually watching a movie. Although, I completely forgot that my family would get home early. 

     Once my parents saw Dakota, they immediately greeted him. Since he and I grew up with each other, they treated him as a son. Both my family and his are very good friends, which is also the reason I grew up with Dakota.

     Dakota was about to leave until my dad insisted on him to eat dinner with us. Because Dakota couldn't find it in him to refuse, he agreed. Now I have to put up with the constant teasing of my sister.

     "Colette, don't do that. That's rude," my mother scolds.

     I mutter an apology and continue eating my food. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, which is tightly close to Dakota's.

     "So, when are you going to marry my daughter?" Dad asks.

     I immediately choke on my food. My sister, Lavenda, pats my back. I could tell she was holding in a laughter. I drink my water, slowly regaining myself. I glare at my dad, but he completely ignores me. He stares intently at Dakota, waiting for an answer.

     "Never, Mr. Beckett. Since Colette and I were children, we promised each other to not fall in love. It might break the friendship we have right now," Dakota smiles apologetically.

     I swallow down the pain. Every word was like a stab in the heart. I almost forgot to breathe because of his words. Luckily, I knew how to hold my tears. It became a habit; all because of Dakota.

     Mom interrupts their conversation, telling her opinion. "Dakota, at this rate of friendship, you could fall in love with her. The best love usually comes from friendship. And isn't there a saying you teens say these days? 'Promises are meant to be broken'?" 

     I inwardly roll my eyes. Can they not make this situation more painful for me?

    "Also, I think you're great for Colette! It's not everyday I accept boys into this household. Since I'm very overprotective of my little girls, I accept you for Colette," Dad states, smiling brightly.

    "I'm sorry, but I'm sure that man isn't me. Someday, Colette would find the person she'll cherish and love the most. We're just friends," Dakota reasons, making my heart ache.

     Right. We're just friends.

"Gosh, I'm such an idiot," I mutter as I flop onto my bed.

     "I agree," Lavenda remarks, nodding her head.

     I turn my head to glare at her. "You're one to talk, Lavee," I retort. 

     Lavenda sighs and says, "you like him, don't you?"

     I stay silent. I don't have the heart to talk about my problem right now. What if I break right in front of her? What if the wall of tears I've been building overflow? That'd be embarrassing. Of course Lavenda and I are close, but I don't want to come off as weak in front of her.

     "Your silence tells me the answer. Why don't you just confess to him?"

     "It's not that easy," I mumble.

     It really isn't easy. Maybe someday I'll confess, but I can never find the right time. Even if I do confess, it's obvious what Dakota's answer is going to be. It's a big fat 'no.'

     "Just because you two made that stupid promise doesn't mean his feelings won't change. What if he fell in love with you, just like how you fell in love with him?" Lavenda insists.

     "Lavee, you don't know anything about us. Besides, there's a girl that's crushing on him. Dakota's better off with her."

     Lavenda rolls her eyes. "You're being a complete idiot. I see the way Dakota looks at you! It's obvious he likes you. Every girl wants a guy to look at them that way. And you, Colette, got lucky! So just confess and see what happens."

     "First of all, he probably looks at me like those other girls. Second, I'm not going to confess because it's not necessary. And lastly, I'm not being an idiot, I'm being cautious. It's a wise choice. You wouldn't understand since you've never been in love before," I argue, but suddenly regretting what I said.

     Lavenda smirks and says, "I thought you liked Dakota? Colette, it seems like you fell in the love pit a bit too deep. I wouldn't even call it a high school crush anymore."