The Only Exception

Book 1 Part 1

“Hey Celeste, umm...are you available tonight? Desiree and my brother invited me to go to the movies tonight, but since they are dating, you know, it would feel weird if I went without a date. So, would you come to the movies with me tonight, just as friends?” He asked. I thought about it for a little while a replied with,

“Yeah, Josh. I think I’d like that. I mean, after the incident the other day, I don’t feel as lively as I used to be. What time should I come over?” I tried my best to look and sound over the incident. It worked, I think.

“My brother said for all of us to meet at our house at five-thirty, so we can order food and then go to the movies afterwards. We are going to see a scary movie. Is that okay?”

“Yeah, scary movies are okay. So meet you over at your house in about three hours. Okay. See you later, Josh.” I don’t like scary movies. But, I couldn’t tell him that. I gave him a smile and walked inside my house.

After I locked the door, I slowly fell to ground, sighing as I fall. I thought about what I had just said to Josh. He is really charming and polite, I couldn’t just reject him. He also has helped me not fail Chemistry and Physics. So I guess I own him at least one date.

I took a shower, blow-dried my thick, dark auburn hair, got dressed in a gray sweater and slate gray skinny jeans. I put on makeup to coordinate with my outfit and make my blue eyes look like they are brighter than they actually are.

When I went downstairs to go to Josh’s house, my mother stopped me before I could make my escape.

“Where are you going like that, Celeste Nichole?” She was in front of the door, with her arms crossed, a sour look on her face, and her cooking apron on.

“Josh Neiman, my science partner, asked me to go to the movies wit him tonight. Why, did I do something wrong?”

“No, you didn’t do anything wrong. You just didn’t tell me about a date with Josh when I got home from work today.” The expression on her face relaxed and I said,

“Oh, I’m sorry. Well, I’m going to go over to his house now. I’ll text you when the movie’s over.”

“Wait, Celeste, here’s forty dollars so you can buy Josh and yourself snacks at the movies. You don’t have give me back the change. Love you sweetheart.” She then gave me the two twenties and kissed my cheek.

I slipped on my Twilight high tops and I looked down at the money in my hand. My mom always gives me money to go do what I want, and she doesn’t get to buy anything for herself. I walked to her office and set the money on her desk with a note saying,

Mom,

Go buy yourself a new movie or something. I don’t need your money this time. Love you.

I left her office, feeling better that I gave back her money. I then walked to Josh’s house and knocked on his front door.

Josh answered the door and invited me inside. I walked over to his couch and sat down. His parents came into the living room and stood back up.

“So you’re the lucky girl to on a date with our Little Joshua. It’s nice to meet you, Celeste. I’m his mother, Kathy and this is his father, Frank.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Neiman. I like your son very much. He’s such a gentleman.”

“Well, I wish I could say the same about Dylan, his older brother.” Mrs. Neiman said.

“He’s in college now, Kathy. You can’t expect him to be too much of a gentleman.” Josh’s dad chimed in.

“Now we’re going out to dinner and a play, Joshua. Call us if there’s a problem. Love you. Oh, and here’s money. So make sure to treat Celeste with pizza or ice cream or something. Again, it’s nice to meet you, Celeste.” Then his parents left.

“Wow, they really like you more than Dylan, eh?” I said.

“Yeah, he’s as people would say, ‘He’s definitely not the brightest bulb in the tanning bed.’” Josh said, laughing.

Then Dylan and Desiree came downstairs saying,

“Are they gone? Are you sure? Let’s ask Josh and Celeste.”

“Yes, they are gone, Desiree and Dylan.” Josh replied to the inquiries.

“So what are we going to order for food? I’m starved.” Dylan said.

“I was thinking Chinese or Italian. What about you guys?” Desiree asked us. Desiree is more of the silent type.

“Umm...Italian, is that okay with you Celeste?” Josh asked me politely.

“Yeah, Italian is cool.”

We ordered our food and we watched MTV while we ate. After we ate, we went to the movies. They bought tickets to see the next installment of the classic Stephen King book and movie that I could actually watch without having nightmares or having insomnia from watching a scary movie.

The movie was good until a really gory part of the movie just got me totally nauseous, that I had to run out of the theater and puke in the nearest garbage can. Josh followed me out and held my hair while I vomited in the nasty garbage can.

After I was done hurling my dinner, Josh said,

“Are you okay? You don’t look good. Would you like to go home?”

I just nodded and then I collapsed to the carpeted floor.

“Whoa! Celeste! Umm...I think that’s my signal to take you home.” He picked me up like I was a damsel in distress, and walked up to popcorn counter and asked for a bag or something I can puke in without getting his brother’s car all gross.

I was laying in the backseat and Josh said,

“Dylan and Desiree both want to finish the movie but if you have to go home, they’ll come out of the theater. But I told them to finish the movie. There’s only a few minutes left anyway. Are you okay? Do you need something? Soda, water, juice? Anything?”

“Can...you...get me a...Sprite or 7-Up?” I sounded out of breath. I realized I was covered up with a blanket and my head was in Josh’s lap. I tried to sit up but he said,

“No no, you don’t have to move. I’ll get you a soda. I’ll be right back, Celeste.”

Author's Note: I do have more, but I need you, as the readers, to send some feedback! :D Love! C.K.