The next morning I wake up and get dressed, the whole time unable to get Cole's voice out of my head, Good night Dylan. It's the first words he's spoken to me in 2 years and they've been playing on repeat inside my head.

I head downstairs and into the kitchen where I'm shocked to find my mother leaning against the counter. She gives me her signature clipped smile as she takes a sip of her coffee. "Dylan," She says, taking a step away from the counter, "You've kept me waiting." Nothing new I think, as she comes over to me, taking me in.

"I've been wanting to talk to you about Friday evening." She says, satisfied with what she sees and taking a step back. My face must give away that I have no earthly clue what's happening on Friday because she gives a loud sigh and folds her arms across her chest.

"Dylan," She says, condescendingly, "I've talked to you about this several times before, do keep up will you." Pretty sure she's never mentioned anything, I'm still not sure what she's even talking about though. "The annual dinner party... really Dylan, what am I supposed to do with you if you can't even remember something this simple."

I bite my lip to keep from bursting out, she acts like I'm so incompetent. "Right, the dinner party." I mutter, now remembering that she did mention something about this party a few weeks ago. She hosts one every year at the beginning of school, inviting all of her colleagues and close friends such as the Hartford's, Cole's family. This party gives her the chance to gush and brag about me and Kyle, the only time she ever does.

"Well, Kyle has asked if he can bring someone so I figured that I should give you the opportunity to do the same." I stare at her for a moment, a little surprised that she actually thought to extend this invitation to me.

"Lena." I say after a slight pause, "I'll bring Lena." She makes a face and places a hand on her forehead like this whole conversation is causing her stress. "I had hoped that you might pick someone a little more... suited for this type of event." I glare at her for a moment, "You mean one of your rich friend's kids." I say bitterly.

She gives me a reproachful look but says nothing, "That's what I thought." I say, "Well if she isn't allowed then I don't want anyone else." She gives me a stern look and opens her mouth to say something but I shake my head, "No, I'm done with this conversation." With that I leave the kitchen, already dreading what the rest of the day will bring.

~*~

After softball workouts me and Lena head to the tiny diner downtown that is the main hangout for the kids at our school. We head in and claim a booth where we're soon joined by Carly and Adrian. I volunteer to get our food and head up to the counter, knowing everyone's orders by heart.

I place them and then lean against the counter to wait for our food. I close my eyes and run my fingers through my hair, it's been a long day. After a moment I sense someone standing beside me and I open my eyes, turning my head to meet a set of familiar blue ones.

Cole's leaning against the counter studying me carefully. I go perfectly still, his words from the night before echoing in my head. Slowly he smiles at me and opens his mouth like he's going to say something. Right at that moment the waitress behind the counter says my name and I turn around and take the food from her.

I shoot one last look in his direction before turning and walking away. As I move back towards our table I can feel his eyes on me. He's studying me again, taking me in and sizing me up, almost like he's measuring me against the Dylan he used to know. I wonder what he sees? I wonder if he approves?