“Schecter, Eric.” I responded coolly “Having a nice evening?”

“Oh yes,” Jenny replied, “Eric has been introducing me to all the people his father works with,” she still had a slightly demented look on her face, but it was nothing to the pained expression on Eric’s face.

“Great, that’s great.” I responded far more enthusiastically than anyone expected. “I mean, I can think of nothing worse, but good for you Jenny.”

This seemed to make Eric angry, as he suddenly and wordlessly turned around and dragged Jenny back inside. Smiling at this I turned to Miss Porter, who had been watching from her position on the patio and muttered “must have been something I said.”

“Are you enjoying your evening, Tina?” she asked, smiling.

“Actually, it’s not been that bad. How about you?”

“Improving by the minute.” She said, then quickly diverted her gaze.

“So, any plans for tomorrow?” I asked.

“Spending it with some friends, you?” she replied

“Oh, the usual. Church in the morning followed by hours of tedious ‘family time’ and then my dad will drag us to our uncle Jack’s for the evening, which will probably end up in a fight between mom and aunt sally.” She laughed at my response, truly believing I was joking.

“No joke,” her smile dropped “we see them once a year, they argue every time.”

“Then why go?”

“Saving face, mom can’t be accused of separating brothers if she shows effort at least once a year. That, and she secretly enjoys the arguing, mom’s never happier than when she’s got someone or something to complain about.”

With a small smile we return to gazing at the evening sky.

“So how did the college applications go?” she asks

“Good, I think I stand a good chance at NYU. I even applied for an international school.”

“Really? Which one?” she enquired

“RADA in London. I applied for their Film, Television and Stage production course. Doubt I’ll get in of course but couldn’t hurt to apply.”

“Don’t be so defeatist, you are more than good enough to get in anywhere you want to.” She says while putting her hand on my shoulder.

“Thanks”

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