Katie paused as she looked at the Chipman family. She tbought she knew most of Mika's family friends yet these people seemed like total strangers. "Gloria who are tbose people?"
"Oh just friends of the Tozawa's," she said quickly. Katie narrowed her eyes as she looked at her sister, Gloria was hiding something. Touching her pendant Katies eyes grew wide as she gained the information Gloria was keeping from her.
"Oh my god you had a party," she whispered. "A big one, and mom and dad don't know."
"Shhhh," Gloria hissed. "Look it...it got out of hand okay. No lasting damage but yeah, the Chipmans were a result."
Katie smirked as she watched the nervous teen. "Okay Glo," she smiled. "I'll keep my mouth shut...in exchange for you never showing the pics you took of me and my friends as babies."
"What pics," Gloria said feigning innocence. Katie sighed as she looked her sister over. "Seriously," she said flatly. "Just because I was physically an infant doesnt mean I didnt know what was going on. I saw you, Ann and Jackie taking selfies with us. The others memories may be a bit foggy but I certainly remember, plus....I already saw them."
"Okay okay," Gloria sighed. "I wont share them if you keep my secret."
Katie smiled hugging her sisters shoulder. "Its a deal sis," she grinned. "What are sisters for if they cant blackmail eachother." The two now burst into giggles as they watched Ann.
"Well lets see how Ann deals with Clyde," Katie said. "Im pretty sure we're about to see how not to talk with a guy."
Ann felt as if her heart was going to explode. Thoughts raved through her head as she now watched the 16 year old boy. "This is ridiculous," she thought. "Im 42 years old, I just closed a $2 million dollar deal in Germany this month. I work in a high stress, nerve racking environment. Why the hell am I acting like some shy awkward teen?"
Ann glanced in the mirror, sighing. The girl staring back was just that; a girl. The teens soft features, slight curves, and shy expression gave an appearance of a teen completely unsure of herself.
"You can do this Ann," she thought taking a deep breath. "Its no different than giving a business proposal." Ann turned once more to look at her young teenage appearance. "Except for the fact that your back at an age when you had zero confidence."
Working up the courage within herself she now approached Clyde, admiring how handsome the dark skinned teen was.
"Hi," she chirped. "I dont think we met. My names Ann."
Clyde looked up from his cellphone giving the young teen a quiet nod.
"Clyde," he said. "This your house?"
"No it belongs to Katie over their my niec....cousin," Ann took a breath as she tried to compose herself. "Huh cool," Clyde muttered. "So do you live around here I dont think Ive seen you at school before."
"No im just visiting," Ann said casually. "So where do you go?"
"West high," Clyde said. "Im a junior. Actually know your cousins friend Mary Elise. Share a bunch of classes with her sister Megan. What about you?"
Ann paused, silently cursing herself. She was the same age as Gloria now meaning she was a freshman. If she had known she would run into Clyde she probably would of asked to be a bit older. Sighing sadly she now gazed up at Clyde.
"Freshman," she said glumly. "But people often think im older than that."
Clyde gave a short laugh as Ann once again groaned in her mind. "People think Im older than that," she thought. "Dear lord Ann pull yourself together your making an ass out of yourself." Smiling shyly Ann tried to compose herself once more as she watched Clude smile.
"Your funny Ann, " he smiled. "Pretty sure no one ever thinks that. Still you seem cool, definetly have a sense of humor."
"You think I'm cool," Ann gaped.
"Yeah," Clyde said sincerely. "Most of the freshmen I run into start giggling like asses, stutter a response or are just too shy to actually come talk with me. Your different, I like that."
"Wow," Ann exclaimed. "Thanks."
"No prob," Clyde grinned. "By the way cool look. How you come up with that?"
"Just kind of came to me," she shrugged. "It...well...it just felt right."
"I follow," Clyde nodded. "Its unique, kinda sets you apart, makes you an individual. So tired of all the girla Ive met dressing like everyone else. Definitely makes you vool that uou do uour own thing."
Ann felt her cheeks flush as she saw Clyde smile. "Holy crap," Ann thought. "This guy is actually interested in me. He thinks Im cool. Where the hell were you the first time I was in high school."
"So," Clyde asked. "You thirsty?"
"Yeah I could use a drink," Ann nodded, before pausing. "But um...probably just a soda. My sis....aunt Lisa would freak if she saw me drinking a beer."
Clyde laughed as he looked at Ann. "Yeah my folks wouldnt be too thrilled about that either...parents huh."
"Yea," Ann said sheepishly. "Parents, I dont think they were ever...our age."
Clyde smiled warmly as he extended his hand. Ann stared in disbelief before slowly taking Clydes hand. As the two teens now walked hand in hand Gloria and Katie gaped at their aunt.
"Did...did Aunt Ann just hook up," Gloria said in amazement.
"I dont think she hooked up," Katie whispered. "But she definetly just made one hell of an impression. "