Chapter Text
Yolanda hugged her knees to her chest, glancing out of the corner of her eye at Rick. She sighed softly at the sight of her best friend hugging a sleeping Beth to his chest. She let her eyes fall back on the screen, trying her best to ignore the awful feeling in her chest. She buried her face in her knees as best she could, trying to keep herself from looking at them. When Rick laughed quietly at one of the jokes, though, she stole another glance and was filled with instant regret as she watched him grimace as Beth stirred. She let her face fall back onto her knees.
Stupid, stupid, stupid!
Yolanda watched the rest of the movie through her eyelashes, not wanting to pick her head up in fear that she would spend the entire time watching Rick. When the credits finally rolled, she hopped up as quickly as possible.
“I really gotta get going.” She scooped her purse and coat up quickly before making her way towards the door.
“Wait!” Rick spoke softly before he gently laid Beth down on the couch, following his friend, “I’ll walk you home.” Yolanda gave him a smile but it didn’t reach her eyes.
“Thanks, but it’s okay. Beth’ll probably wake up before you get back.” Rick brushed off her words.
“Beth’ll be fine.” Yolanda closed her eyes for a moment.
Just tell him no. Come on, you can do it. Just say the word. N-O. No.
She opened her eyes.
“Okay, let’s go.”
Idiot
She threw on her coat before tossing open the door and moving quickly outside. Rick scrambled to get his coat on and make it out the door before it closed on him.
“Man, you really want to get home.” Yolanda shrugged.
Well, the more time I hang out with you and your girlfriend, the worse I feel.
“It’s getting late.” It was a weak excuse and she knew it. She and Rick had hung out much later, on school nights for that matter. Thankfully, he didn’t point that out.
“We should do something tomorrow.”
Shit
“But Saturdays are usually Rick and Beth days.” Yolanda pointed out.
Please have just gotten the days mixed up. Please.
“Nah, her and her parents are going to visit her grandma first thing in the morning.”
Dammit
“Well, what did you have in mind?” She asked, doing her best to keep her tone light and playful.
“Well… We could go bowling, we haven’t gone, just the two of us, in a really long time.”
Come on, Yolanda, make up some excuse. You constantly have things going on. He’d understand. Just say no.
“Sounds great.” Rick’s face lit up at her words.
Wimp.
The conversation continued easily as they made their way to Yolanda’s house.
“Welp, this is me.” Yolanda joked, gesturing up the walkway to her door. Rick smiled.
“I guess it is.” He reached over and gave her a big hug. Yolanda closed her eyes, breathing in deeply.
You’re really pathetic, did you know that?
“I’ll see you tomorrow!” He waved as she opened her door, waving back before closing it softly behind her.
The moment the door was closed, she turned, sinking down to the floor and letting her head fall back on the wood.
The more you hang out with him, the worse it’s gonna be. You know that. So WHY on God’s Green Earth did you do that?
She looked up at the ceiling, feeling tears prick the corners of her eyes.
“Everything good?” The sound of Alex’s voice made her jump slightly.
“Alex, don’t sneak up on me like that!” Her brother laughed.
“I’ve been here the entire time, Yolanda.” She stuck her tongue out at her brother as he sank down the wall next to her.
“Rick?” She nodded wordlessly before putting her face in her hands.
“I’m a terrible friend.”
And pathetic, don’t forget pathetic.
“Nah,” Alex leaned his head on her shoulder. “You’re a great friend.” Yolanda brought her head out of her hands to look at him for a moment before letting her head fall on top of his.
“Thank you.”
“What are brothers for?” Yolanda snorted.
Not usually this.
“Not usually this.”
“Well, today, that’s what I’m for.” Yolanda smiled, turning to press a soft kiss to the top of his head.
“Thank you.” She whispered. They sat there, staring at the wall across from them for what felt like hours, until their mom called down to them, asking for help with the television. They laughed as Yolanda pushed Alex down, using him to stand, before leaning down and offering him a hand. He pushed it aside before running for the bathroom.
“Yolanda’ll be up in a minute! I would come but I really gotta pee!”
“You little shit! I was gonna pretend I was in the bathroom!” Alex shrugged.
“Don’t know what to tell you.” Yolanda narrowed her eyes at him before turning and making her way up the stairs.
~~~~~
The next morning, Yolanda was sitting in a chair by the entrance of the fun park tapping out a beat on her knees. She glanced out the window at the snow, every minute Rick didn’t show up the feeling in her stomach got worse. She sighed, checking the clock above the counter.
This is what you get. This is what you deserve for having a stupid crush on your stupid best friend. Sitting here like a fool for over an hour, waiting for him.
Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she dug her nails into the fabric of her jeans.
“Yolanda?” A familiar voice made her pick her head up.
“Cameron?” Yolanda smiled softly up at him, wiping her eyes quickly. “What are you doing here?”
Cameron gestured to a trio of kids rushing towards the roller rink, rollerblades in hand.
“I got stuck with babysitting.” He sat down next to her. “We were supposed to go sledding, but…” He gestures to the door, where you can see the wind blowing snow in every direction. Yolanda catches his eyes as he looks back towards her.
“So, here we are.”
“Baby cousins?” Cameron cranes his neck to check on them.
“Don’t let them hear you say that.” Yolanda let out a small laugh.
“I would never.” Cameron smiled down at her.
“I appreciate it. I’m kinda scared of them.” This time Yolanda’s laugh was loud as she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. “What are you doing here?” Yolanda’s smile slowly disappeared as she looked longingly toward the bowling alley.
“I was supposed to meet Rick to go bowling…” Cameron watched her, a look on his face Yolanda couldn’t quite place.
“Well, I’m sure we aren’t as fun as bowling with Rick, but you’re more than welcome to join me and my cousins. We’re not bowling yet, but it is on the agenda.” Yolanda looked up at Cameron, a confused look on her face.
Cameron Mahkent wants to hang out with me?
“You want to hang out with me?”
Cameron shrugged.
“Want is a strong word.” Yolanda grinned before elbowing him in the ribs.
“That’s mean.” Cameron laughs, elbowing her in the stomach.
“But seriously,” Cameron catches her eye once he’s done, “You’re more than welcome to join. I’d love to have someone older than nine to spend time with.” The pair stare at each other for a few moments, matching smiles on their faces.
Come on, Yolanda, say yes. It’s not like you have any other plans.
“Okay.” She whispers. Cameron gave her one last big grin before standing up and offering Yolanda a hand, which she gladly accepts.
“Do you want skates or blades?” Cameron asks as they walk up to the desk net to the rink.
“Skates, please, six and a half.” She speaks, sitting down on the bench right next to the desk.
“Got it.” Cameron walks the few extra feet to the desk. “Two pairs of roller skates, please.”
Yolanda puts her hands behind her as she looks out at the rink, catching sight of Cameron’s cousins skating round and round. She leans back, closing her eyes for a moment taking in the chaos of it all.
A minute later, Cameron sat down next to her.
“They’re really good.” She nodded over to the trio. Cameron smiled as he slid off his shoes.
“Yeah, they’re show-offs.” Yolanda laughed as she leaned down to slip the skates onto her feet.
“You secretly suck, don’t you?” She smiled over at him. Cameron placed a hand on his chest in mock offense.
“I’ll have you know, I taught them everything they know.” Yolanda’s flickered over to the trio, where one of them was spinning around and around on one of their blades. Her eyes fell back on Cameron.
“Everything?” She questioned skeptically. Cameron gently shoved her with his elbow.
“You’re mean.”
“And you’re a liar.” Cameron looked up at her, a pout on his face. He stuck his tongue out quickly before hoping up and skating towards the rink.
“Hey!” Yolanda exclaimed, reaching down and frantically tying the second skate before following Cameron onto the rink. Once she had caught up to him, she playfully shoved him forward.
“Woah!” Cameron held his arms out as he leaned forward in an attempt to steady himself.
“See what I said?” He turned to her once he was steady. “Mean.”
Yolanda rolled her eyes, letting her shoulder bump his as she sped past him. Cameron let out a laugh before quickly following her.
The pair continued to tease each other and talk about their plans for the rest of the break as they skated around and around the small rink. Stopping every few moments to check on the kids.
“Cam?” Jackie, the middle of the three, stopped in front of the pair and looked up at them.
“What’s up, Jack?”
“Can we go play games now?” Cameron looked up into Yolanda’s eyes.
“Why are you looking at me?” Cameron shrugged.
“I don’t know. You’re basically co-babysitting them with me at this point, thought I’d double check.”
Yolanda felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was nice, feeling like she was an active part of the decision making.
She glanced down at Jackie before looking back up at Cameron.
“Only if I get to beat you at air hockey.” Jackie grinned, looking expectantly up at the boy, who had a matching grin as he stared at Yolanda.
“Okay.”
“Yes!” Jackie pumped a fist in the air before reaching out and grabbing Yolanda’s hand.
“Didn’t you say you had to beat me at air hockey?” Cameron stood off to the side of the game Yolanda was currently letting Luke, the youngest child, beat her at.
“I did.” She said, taking her eyes off the game for a moment to glance over at him. “But first, I gotta finish destroying Luke at this.” Luke let out a loud laugh.
“You’ve only hit one duck, Yolanda!” He pointed down at the big 01 next to her button. Yolanda smiled down at him.
“Didn’t you know? It’s whoever hits the least ducks that wins.” Luke giggled as he shook his head.
“No, it’s not.”
“Yes! It is!” Yolanda reached out her right hand to tickle him for a moment. Hitting one more duck before the timer hit zero.
“Ah!” She exclaimed, pulling her hand back. “I win!” Luke shook his head, still laughing.
“No!” As the tickets began dispensing, he gestured to them. “See!”
Yolanda looked down, a pout on her lips.
“Dang. I did loose.” She watched, a smile on her face, as Luke excitedly ripped the tickets off and ran towards his siblings.
“So, do you get to beat me now?” Cameron looked down at her.
“Yep.” She popped the p as she stood up straight, stretching her back.
“Okay, okay, I get it.” Yolanda raised her hands in defeat. She and Cameron glanced up at the score, proclaiming him the winner for the third game in a row.
“You’re amazing at air hockey.” She set her piece down. “But, I guarantee I can beat you at bowling.”
“Oh?” Cameron raised his eyebrow. “You can guarantee it?” Yolanda nodded proudly.
“Okay, let’s see it. Kids!” He scanned the crowd for his cousins. “Come here!” He gestured them over.
“Who wants to go bowling?” Jackie and Luke looked a little sad to be moving on, but Helen’s eyes lit up at the word bowling.
“I do!” She raised her hand excitedly.
“Great!” Cameron stood up straight. “Don’t worry, we can finish using your tokens after we play a game.” Jackie and Luke let out a loud cheer, making Yolanda laugh loudly.
“Come on, let’s go.”
An hour and a half later, Cameron pulled up in front of Yolanda’s house.
“Thank you for today.” She spoke softly, not wanting to wake the little ones in the back. Cameron smiled kindly.
“It’s no problem. I’m glad you had fun.” He squinted at her after his words. “You did have fun, right?” Yolanda bit her lip to stop herself from laughing.
“Yes, I had fun absolutely destroying you at bowling.” Cameron nodded.
“You really did destroy me.”
“Maybe we could do something again soon.” Yolanda reached up to fiddle with her braid, looking down, scared he’d tell her he never wanted to see her again.
“I’d like that.” Yolanda’s eyes shot up to look him in the eye. The grinned at each other for a moment.
“Yeah?” She questioned, still nervous he was sick of her.
“Yeah.” Yolanda pulled her phone out.
“Okay, gimme your digits.” Cameron let out a snort and the pair heard Jackie stir in the back seat. They glanced back worriedly, sighing in relief when she relaxed once more and continued to snore softly.
“What was that?” Yolanda whisper-shouted at him.
“Who says ‘gimme your digits’?” He teased, making Yolanda blush.
“Shut up, just give me your number.”
“Okay, okay.” Cameron held up his hand. “308-729-0912”
“Okay, I just texted you.” He reached for his phone in the cupholder as it lit up with the notification.
“Great, I’ll call you and let you know if we’re gonna do anything else like this.” Cameron nodded back to the kids.
“Good, I like them.”
“Me too.” Cameron looked back at them fondly.
“I sure hope so.” Yolanda teased. Cameron rolled his eyes.
“Shouldn’t you be going?”
“Wow, Mahkent. Are you kicking me out of your car?”
“I am. I am kicking you out of my car.”
“Okay, I’m going!” She slowly opened the door, stepping out into the cool night air.
“Yolanda!” Cameron whispered, waving for her attention.
“Yes?” She stuck her head back in the door.
“Don’t forget Geraldine.” Cameron reached behind his seat to pull out the large stuffed unicorn the kids had insisted on getting her with their tickets.
“Thank you!” She clutched it to her chest. “I don’t know what I would do without Geraldine!” The pair stared at each other for a few moments, unsure what to say. They were brought out of their trance when Helen began to stir in the back seat.
“Uh, we should get going.” Cameron sat up straight and looked out the front windshield.
“Yeah, I should, too.” Yolanda stood up, preparing to close the door. “See you soon.”
“See you soon.” Cameron smiled before she closed the door softly. He quickly pulled away and drove down the street, leaving Yolanda standing there, staring after him for a few moments.