At first, we didn't see each other.

When the waiter shows us our table, I'm too excited to see what's on the menu to look around. Jo is sitting on my opposite and the two of us are starving.

Jo finishes reading the menu paper first and he calls the waiter after I'm done too.

When he tells him our orders, I get the chance to look around only to see the supposedly new couple sitting at the far end of the restaurant. Meanwhile, Jo and I are sitting near the door.

They didn't notice us, though I'm starting to panic a little. It's probably obvious despite my efforts to cover it up since Jo asks what's wrong right away.

"You remember my friend Rosa?"

"Yeah, why do you bring her up again? I thought-"

"She's here." I cover my face with the menu desperately. He doesn't understand what's the matter with it at all. He doesn't have to tell me that because he looks their way, before looking at me in confusion once more.

"So what?"

They'd think we're on a date, silly which we aren't yet I haven't told my best friend our situation here.

She'll be so disappointed if she knows.

But how the heck am I supposed to tell him that without making him get the wrong idea?

I fidget at the idea of being blunt about it. Darting my eyes to their table, I can see that they're halfway through their meals. Great, if only there's a way she won't notice us-

The waiter snaps my thoughts by putting my order in front of me and Jo's in front of his.

Jo nonchalantly thanks the guy before digging into his spaghetti bolognese while I eat my lasagna, trying to calculate the whole thing.

Of course, boys won't understand things like these. I mean, girl code is only for girl best friends.

"Is that good?"

"Huh?"

"Your lasagna. Is it good?"

"Uh, yeah. You can have some if you'd like."

Now if only Rosa stays a bit longer behind for a chat- oh my goodness are they holding hands?!

Jo takes a half spoon of the lasagna and as the content disappears from the spoon, he graciously compliments the diner. Only then he notices my discomfort and somehow he finishes up his plate quicker than I thought he would, while I'm following behind.

"Ready to go?"

"Yeah," I exhale, attempting to hide how relieved I am to leave this place, "I'm done."

He gets up and pays the bill, then we walk out of the place. Taking one last glance to the couple, I hastily leave the diner to join Jo who's already getting his bike.

"You didn't like the lasagna?"

"No, I like it," I shyly shake my head like a little kid. This situation is so awkward yet I can't seem to untangle myself, "It's great. Here." I offer him the money for my meal and he declines.

The guy eyes me for a second longer than he usually would and after that, he grows an amused smile, "Let's go."

I hop on, he paddles away and there's the solution to my problem tonight - running away before getting caught.

I have no intention to tell anyone about what's happening. I don't even know what I'm doing with him. He's a friend.

But of course, anyone who hears that kind of explanation will quickly dodge it with the classic 'a guy and a girl can never be just friends. You've met his family and he's taken you to dinner!'

I can never seem to justify myself against them. 

"You okay? You've been quieter since we ate there."

"Yeah, I'm good. A bit sleepy that's all."

"Time to go home then, Blue."

We arrive in front of my house around 8. Not as late as we usually do.

And hopefully, my family is still busy having dinner than waiting for me to arrive.

"Thanks for today, Jo," I get off his bike and offer a smile, "I really hope Harry recovers quickly."

"I'm sure he will," he nods, "Sorry for taking you to eat Italian. I won't repeat the same mistake, don't worry."

"Wait - no, it's not that! I liked it, it's not a problem at all!"

"Whatever you say," Jo chuckles, "Just get in there and sleep. I'll see you around."

Then he leaves just like that.

I, Sasha Blue, who've been fond of pizza, spaghetti, and lasagna since as early as I can remember! And I can't even set the record straight without telling him about Rosa seeing us then thinking we're dating without making everything awkward.

Great.

Now, what am I suppose to do?

Did I look that upset back there?

I shake my head vigorously, before deciding to call it a day and head inside.

"You're home early!" Miles is the first to greet me as he was about to go upstairs.

"You've had dinner?"

"Yeah. Mom still has some for you."

I nod, then we separate ways.

"Well hello there. How's your friend?" gran asks from the couch and by the looks of it, she suspects that I'm out with you-know-who.

"He's good."

"You went there alone?"

I hate lying. I always avoid it whenever I can.

But this time I guess I'm lucky enough to do so. Because Mom walks in, shushing gran, and urges me to have dinner.

Tonight's dinner is my favorite burger with fries. All of them homemade by Mom. I guess gran helped her because she never makes these if she doesn't have someone to help her.

Back then I used to eat these every once a week - particularly every Saturday evening.

Dad was home and the two loved to make burgers with fries as some sort of a way to spend quality time with each other. We kids loved it and they enjoyed making it together.

"Mm, it's good Mom!"

"Yeah?"

"Mhm."

"Just like it used to?"

I lift my gaze from my plate to see a glint of nostalgia in her eyes and I nod, "It's great."

"Gran helped a lot, Miles did too. Though he quit after some of the cooking oil got to him," she sits beside me, accompanying me as I eat, "How's your friend?"

"Alright."

"You took the bus?"

"Nope, someone picked me up."

"Oh."

It was enough explanation because, from the way she holds down her smile, I know she already has her guess.

"How's Rachel's case?"

"Oh, I've been meaning to ask you, hon - you're not going anywhere tomorrow morning right?"

"No, but I'm off to work at 9."

"Spare a few hours, at least until 10, can't you? Because your Uncle and Aunt will be here to talk about it."

I take one last bite of the burger while nodding along, "Alright."

"I really hope we can agree on something tomorrow," Mom mumbles to herself, "It's been put off for too long."

"I hope so." I smile, drinking some water before bidding everyone goodnight then head upstairs.

Whatever decision we'll make tomorrow, I've set my mind for one thing.

I'm on Rachel's team. Whatever she decides to do, then I'll give her my whole support. No more 'It should...' and 'That's not fair!' anymore.