Those were the three words I heard before Chris went flying back to where he was seated. I sat there astonished. Dumbfounded actually. "Christal are you here," my mom words echoed through the house.
"I-i-nn here, mom" I stammered.

I heard footsteps approaching and I took that time to come back to reality, I looked over to Chris. He was looking at me nervously but he smiled. My face was emotionless, I turned over to face my mom who was now in the living room. "Hi mom how was work," I blurted out.
"Ummm, work was fine. Who's this handsome young man?" She asked.
I was speechless,
"Am Chris, nice to meet you Ms. Waters."
"Same here cutie, just call me Niki." She winked.

Oh my am dying out of embarrassment yet she continues, "Are you two dating?"
"No!" I shouted. They both turned and watched me. "We're working on a class project, I don't even like him, he's such a jerk, I can't stand him, he hates me- well I think he does." I blurted out turning in circles ranting my stupid mouth. I then stopped and faced them, they stood surprised, Chris had a hint of hurt in his eyes which he pushed away when I stared at him.

"I think I should leave now," Chris said. There was no doubt he felt hurt even my mom noticed.
"Please join us for dinner," my mom told Chris. He looked over to me then back to her, "Ms. Niki I don't think Christal will be happy with this. I should probably leave."
He turned heading for the door when my legs automatically ran to him and I held his arm, "Am sorry! Please don't leave, besides we haven't completed the project." He forced a smile while agreeing to stay.

My mom smiled then walked to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Chris went into the living room, I stood near the door going over what recently occurred. Gosh, I need to take control of my pathetic mouth before it puts me in trouble.
"Are we going to continue the project or you're just gonna stand there day dreaming?" Chris asked.
I walked over to him, handing him my book which he took to go over what I've done so far. An hour later my mom called us for dinner, we enjoyed the meal which was mashed potatoes, rice and stew chicken. We spoke and laughed at each other jokes until Chris decided to help me do the dishes.

Mom left to take her shower, while we spoke and did the chore.
He hugged me unexpectedly and said it was time to leave. I ushered him to the door and waved good-bye before shutting the door.  I smiled foolishly to myself, guess he isn't as bad as I thought he was.