One Good Reason
“It was nice meeting you Jessica.” Leo smiled, waving from the diver seat as Jessica exit the car.
Jessica turned around and waved. Tiffany smiled as Jessica turned to her then walked away. Leo watched the lack of conversation and short interaction with a smug smirk in place. Once Jessica was safely inside the building of her dorm, Leo drove the car into the road. He kept the same goofy smile and looked between the road and Tiffany.
“Stop it.” Tiffany demanded.
“What?” Leo innocently questioned.
Tiffany took a sip from her coffee and placed it back into the cup holder in the middle of their car seats. She wanted to continue the remainder of her day and hopefully forget the entire encounter. Tiffany was at least thankful that Leo gave up trying to get answers out of her about her night.
“You know what I'm talking about.” Tiffany replied.
She picked her cup of coffee back up. Leo stopped at a red light and looked back to Tiffany. If Tiffany knew her well enough like she claimed she did, she knew Leo wouldn't give up such an interesting topic so easily.
“So, Jessica...” Leo started. “She's pretty isn't she?”
Tiffany released the straw from her mouth and glared at Leo.
“Can we drop it?” Tiffany insisted. “I know what you're thinking and no. I'm not going to ask her on a date. I'm not ready to start anything serious again.”
Leo turned back to the window shield just as the streetlight turned green. Hoping her words finally ended the conversation for good, Tiffany continued to drink peacefully at her coffee.
“I invited her to dinner tonight.” Leo blurted out.
A spray of brown liquid rained on to the dashboard. Leo laughed, watching Tiffany gather spare napkins to clean up the spill.
“Are you serious?!” Tiffany yelled.
Leo shrugged. “It looked like you were into her, so I offered. I don't expect her to take up the offer.”
“How did you even manage to do that without me knowing?” Tiffany asked.
“I asked her while you were in the restroom at Starbucks.” Leo nonchalantly spoke. “She didn't seem to bothered by it.”
Finishing up the clean up, Tiffany threw the dirty napkins into the cup holder. Desperately needing to calm her nerves, Tiffany decided to finish the rest of her coffee. Leo slowly pulled up to another red light.
“I gave her your number.” He admitted.
Tiffany broke out into a coughing fit, having choked on her coffee. Concerned, Leo reached over patting his sister's back.
“LEO!” Tiffany wheezed.
Feeling guilt, Leo frowned.
“I know it's too soon, but it's worth a shot.” Leo explained. “It doesn't have to be serious. It can be a few dates. Unless you like having those one-night stands like you did yesterday.”
Tiffany gave out two more coughs before being able to breathe again.
“Speaking of last night was she -”
“I don't want to talk about it!” Tiffany grumbled.
“Can I at least get a name?” Leo begged. “Please, I can't deal with this curiosity anymore. I'm gonna explode!”
Tiffany scoffed, smiling at Leo's dramatic out cry for something so trivial as a name. She decided to let him sit with that dumb pout on his face for a few minutes longer.
“Yuri.” She caved.
***
Jessica heard Sooyoung enter their dorm and began to discard her clothing and began picking out a new outfit while still in her undergarments.
“Hey, you're getting ready to leave again?” Jessica asked.
Sooyoung peeked out behind her closet door.
“My friend finally called back. We're going out to dinner in 30 minutes. Are you coming?” Sooyoung reminded.
Jessica looked over her homework on top of her desk. She glanced at the time on her phone. Thoughtfully, Jessica rubbed the edges of her phone. The invitation from Leo still clear in her mind.
“I'll have to pass.” Jessica declined.
“Okay. We'll most likely have dinner again soon. I'll let you know.” Sooyoung said, finally piecing together an outfit.
Jessica looked back at her phone indecisive of her choice of action.
***
Tiffany raced down the steps in the foyer and cut straight through the kitchen to find her brother just about to heat up a microwave dinner for the night. Sensing her urgency, he looked back at her completely lost.
Tiffany's eyes shifted between her brother and finally taking in the food he had in his hands with dilated eyes.
“We have to cook something!!” Tiffany panicked.
Still clueless, Leo proceeded to walk toward the microwave with his frozen dinner.
“Yeah,” He agreed. “Microwave mac and cheese. Did you change your mind last second again for Mexican food instead?”
Flustered, Tiffany ran over and took the tray out from Leo's hand. He watched her dump the frozen food in the garbage and start to raid their fridge.
“She called me!” Tiffany cried.
Leo's goofy grin came back into place.
“Nice!” He cheered.
Tiffany crossed her arms, too impatient to wait for his smile to leave and finally understand the gravity of this situation.
“Oh,” Leo whispered. “Oh! Uh...how much time do we have?!”
“An hour.” Tiffany yelped.
Anxiously, Leo bit his bottom lip and nodded. A hand slicked back his hair. Tiffany watched him stomp his feet in place as he tried to think of a plan. With a snap of his fingers, Leo pointed at his sister, struck with an idea.
“Steaks!” Leo suggested. “I'll go to the market and get some good steaks and desserts. Or maybe we should make burgers that could work!”
“Just get the steaks and desserts.” Tiffany ordered. “Don't screw this up!!”
Leo rushed out the kitchen.
“Don't worry. I got this!” Leo promised.
Leo found his car keys on the coffee table and took his coat from the closet then stormed out of the house. Tiffany ran back up stairs in panic again to shower and fuss over her choice of outfit for tonight.
***
With thirty minutes to spare, Leo and Tiffany argued and worked over the stove, trying to make the best meal for their guest. Tiffany being the most high-strung due to the fact of her having somewhat of an interest in Jessica, but Leo knew better than to poke fun in a time like this. He was more concerned on making things work for his sister.
When the food was eventually done, Tiffany finished getting ready. She decided to go with a more casual outfit after deciding a sleek black formal dress would be too much for the occasion. Leo had been ready five minutes before her.
He decided to arrange the table as neatly as he cook, while Tiffany needed more time fussing over her hair and applying her make up.
The door bell rang once Leo finished pouring the drinks. Tiffany was still upstairs putting the final touches to her make up.
He answered the door with a warm smile in place.
“Hi Jessica!” Leo beamed. “Come in. Tiffany is almost ready.”
“Thank you.” Jessica muttered, allowing Leo to lead her into the kitchen.
“It smells good in here.” Jessica commented, picking up the aroma of the steaks.
Leo began to serve the food, filling Jessica's plate first. Once all the plates were filled, Leo took notice that Tiffany wasn't downstairs yet. He excused himself from the kitchen, briskly he ran upstairs, straight into Tiffany's room.
“Tiff?” He called.
“Yeah.” Tiffany called, getting up from her bed.
Sensing the tension, Leo patted Tiffany on the shoulder.
“Are you alright?” He said. “Jessica's here.”
Tiffany nodded, taking several deep breaths and neatly arranged her skirt, flattening the front of the skirt two times. She normally didn't wear skirts due to the package between her legs. Tiffany found it easier and more deal-able to wear a dress should she choose to stop wearing jeans like she normally would.
“You look great.” Leo encouraged.
Nervously, Tiffany smiled.
“This isn't a date.” Leo stated. “Whatever happens when we go down there you need to understand this isn't a date. You can deal with friendships, right?”
“Yeah.” Tiffany answered.
Leo hugged Tiffany. “Let's go.”
They left the room.
***
Tiffany didn't expect to have such a good time. It took some time for Tiffany to warm up and be able to deal with having Jessica just a seat away from her. Leo had done his best to keep the conversation light and friendly when he noticed Tiffany was struggling to find the choice of topic.
When they had finished their dinner, which Jessica enjoyed and complimented, Leo brought out wine. Half way through the glass, Tiffany had been more at ease to start the conversations on her own. Jessica had shared that she was a fashion major, while Leo was more interested in film-making.
The three friend discussed hobbies, which to Tiffany's surprise, Jessica's was singing and that was something Tiffany had a strong passion for at the age of 14. Leo watched the two women carry on a five minute talk of their style of music and favorite karaoke songs.
Leo was happy to see how lively and excited Tiffany was in her three week stay back in the US. The talk continued until dessert was served and Jessica decided to leave when she was done. Tiffany offered to walk her to the door. Leo began to put away the dishes.
“I'm really glad you came for dinner.” Tiffany started.
“I had a fun night.” Jessica replied. “We should go to karaoke some time.”
Tiffany laughed. “Definitely.” She opened the door, watching Jessica step out into the hallway. “Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home or drive you?”
“It's fine.” Jessica assured. “I don't live too far from here.”
“Good night Jessica.” Tiffany said.
“Good night.”
Tiffany felt her face turn hot as Jessica smiled. She closed the door once Jessica was gone from view and down the first flight of stairs.
As the fluttering feeling from her stomach settled down, Tiffany felt a wave of energy smack into her chest and she raced back into the kitchen. Leo shut off the sink seeing his sister standing in the doorway.
“I want to attend university with you.” Tiffany declared.
Jessica turned around and waved. Tiffany smiled as Jessica turned to her then walked away. Leo watched the lack of conversation and short interaction with a smug smirk in place. Once Jessica was safely inside the building of her dorm, Leo drove the car into the road. He kept the same goofy smile and looked between the road and Tiffany.
“Stop it.” Tiffany demanded.
“What?” Leo innocently questioned.
Tiffany took a sip from her coffee and placed it back into the cup holder in the middle of their car seats. She wanted to continue the remainder of her day and hopefully forget the entire encounter. Tiffany was at least thankful that Leo gave up trying to get answers out of her about her night.
“You know what I'm talking about.” Tiffany replied.
She picked her cup of coffee back up. Leo stopped at a red light and looked back to Tiffany. If Tiffany knew her well enough like she claimed she did, she knew Leo wouldn't give up such an interesting topic so easily.
“So, Jessica...” Leo started. “She's pretty isn't she?”
Tiffany released the straw from her mouth and glared at Leo.
“Can we drop it?” Tiffany insisted. “I know what you're thinking and no. I'm not going to ask her on a date. I'm not ready to start anything serious again.”
Leo turned back to the window shield just as the streetlight turned green. Hoping her words finally ended the conversation for good, Tiffany continued to drink peacefully at her coffee.
“I invited her to dinner tonight.” Leo blurted out.
A spray of brown liquid rained on to the dashboard. Leo laughed, watching Tiffany gather spare napkins to clean up the spill.
“Are you serious?!” Tiffany yelled.
Leo shrugged. “It looked like you were into her, so I offered. I don't expect her to take up the offer.”
“How did you even manage to do that without me knowing?” Tiffany asked.
“I asked her while you were in the restroom at Starbucks.” Leo nonchalantly spoke. “She didn't seem to bothered by it.”
Finishing up the clean up, Tiffany threw the dirty napkins into the cup holder. Desperately needing to calm her nerves, Tiffany decided to finish the rest of her coffee. Leo slowly pulled up to another red light.
“I gave her your number.” He admitted.
Tiffany broke out into a coughing fit, having choked on her coffee. Concerned, Leo reached over patting his sister's back.
“LEO!” Tiffany wheezed.
Feeling guilt, Leo frowned.
“I know it's too soon, but it's worth a shot.” Leo explained. “It doesn't have to be serious. It can be a few dates. Unless you like having those one-night stands like you did yesterday.”
Tiffany gave out two more coughs before being able to breathe again.
“Speaking of last night was she -”
“I don't want to talk about it!” Tiffany grumbled.
“Can I at least get a name?” Leo begged. “Please, I can't deal with this curiosity anymore. I'm gonna explode!”
Tiffany scoffed, smiling at Leo's dramatic out cry for something so trivial as a name. She decided to let him sit with that dumb pout on his face for a few minutes longer.
“Yuri.” She caved.
***
Jessica heard Sooyoung enter their dorm and began to discard her clothing and began picking out a new outfit while still in her undergarments.
“Hey, you're getting ready to leave again?” Jessica asked.
Sooyoung peeked out behind her closet door.
“My friend finally called back. We're going out to dinner in 30 minutes. Are you coming?” Sooyoung reminded.
Jessica looked over her homework on top of her desk. She glanced at the time on her phone. Thoughtfully, Jessica rubbed the edges of her phone. The invitation from Leo still clear in her mind.
“I'll have to pass.” Jessica declined.
“Okay. We'll most likely have dinner again soon. I'll let you know.” Sooyoung said, finally piecing together an outfit.
Jessica looked back at her phone indecisive of her choice of action.
***
Tiffany raced down the steps in the foyer and cut straight through the kitchen to find her brother just about to heat up a microwave dinner for the night. Sensing her urgency, he looked back at her completely lost.
Tiffany's eyes shifted between her brother and finally taking in the food he had in his hands with dilated eyes.
“We have to cook something!!” Tiffany panicked.
Still clueless, Leo proceeded to walk toward the microwave with his frozen dinner.
“Yeah,” He agreed. “Microwave mac and cheese. Did you change your mind last second again for Mexican food instead?”
Flustered, Tiffany ran over and took the tray out from Leo's hand. He watched her dump the frozen food in the garbage and start to raid their fridge.
“She called me!” Tiffany cried.
Leo's goofy grin came back into place.
“Nice!” He cheered.
Tiffany crossed her arms, too impatient to wait for his smile to leave and finally understand the gravity of this situation.
“Oh,” Leo whispered. “Oh! Uh...how much time do we have?!”
“An hour.” Tiffany yelped.
Anxiously, Leo bit his bottom lip and nodded. A hand slicked back his hair. Tiffany watched him stomp his feet in place as he tried to think of a plan. With a snap of his fingers, Leo pointed at his sister, struck with an idea.
“Steaks!” Leo suggested. “I'll go to the market and get some good steaks and desserts. Or maybe we should make burgers that could work!”
“Just get the steaks and desserts.” Tiffany ordered. “Don't screw this up!!”
Leo rushed out the kitchen.
“Don't worry. I got this!” Leo promised.
Leo found his car keys on the coffee table and took his coat from the closet then stormed out of the house. Tiffany ran back up stairs in panic again to shower and fuss over her choice of outfit for tonight.
***
With thirty minutes to spare, Leo and Tiffany argued and worked over the stove, trying to make the best meal for their guest. Tiffany being the most high-strung due to the fact of her having somewhat of an interest in Jessica, but Leo knew better than to poke fun in a time like this. He was more concerned on making things work for his sister.
When the food was eventually done, Tiffany finished getting ready. She decided to go with a more casual outfit after deciding a sleek black formal dress would be too much for the occasion. Leo had been ready five minutes before her.
He decided to arrange the table as neatly as he cook, while Tiffany needed more time fussing over her hair and applying her make up.
The door bell rang once Leo finished pouring the drinks. Tiffany was still upstairs putting the final touches to her make up.
He answered the door with a warm smile in place.
“Hi Jessica!” Leo beamed. “Come in. Tiffany is almost ready.”
“Thank you.” Jessica muttered, allowing Leo to lead her into the kitchen.
“It smells good in here.” Jessica commented, picking up the aroma of the steaks.
Leo began to serve the food, filling Jessica's plate first. Once all the plates were filled, Leo took notice that Tiffany wasn't downstairs yet. He excused himself from the kitchen, briskly he ran upstairs, straight into Tiffany's room.
“Tiff?” He called.
“Yeah.” Tiffany called, getting up from her bed.
Sensing the tension, Leo patted Tiffany on the shoulder.
“Are you alright?” He said. “Jessica's here.”
Tiffany nodded, taking several deep breaths and neatly arranged her skirt, flattening the front of the skirt two times. She normally didn't wear skirts due to the package between her legs. Tiffany found it easier and more deal-able to wear a dress should she choose to stop wearing jeans like she normally would.
“You look great.” Leo encouraged.
Nervously, Tiffany smiled.
“This isn't a date.” Leo stated. “Whatever happens when we go down there you need to understand this isn't a date. You can deal with friendships, right?”
“Yeah.” Tiffany answered.
Leo hugged Tiffany. “Let's go.”
They left the room.
***
Tiffany didn't expect to have such a good time. It took some time for Tiffany to warm up and be able to deal with having Jessica just a seat away from her. Leo had done his best to keep the conversation light and friendly when he noticed Tiffany was struggling to find the choice of topic.
When they had finished their dinner, which Jessica enjoyed and complimented, Leo brought out wine. Half way through the glass, Tiffany had been more at ease to start the conversations on her own. Jessica had shared that she was a fashion major, while Leo was more interested in film-making.
The three friend discussed hobbies, which to Tiffany's surprise, Jessica's was singing and that was something Tiffany had a strong passion for at the age of 14. Leo watched the two women carry on a five minute talk of their style of music and favorite karaoke songs.
Leo was happy to see how lively and excited Tiffany was in her three week stay back in the US. The talk continued until dessert was served and Jessica decided to leave when she was done. Tiffany offered to walk her to the door. Leo began to put away the dishes.
“I'm really glad you came for dinner.” Tiffany started.
“I had a fun night.” Jessica replied. “We should go to karaoke some time.”
Tiffany laughed. “Definitely.” She opened the door, watching Jessica step out into the hallway. “Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home or drive you?”
“It's fine.” Jessica assured. “I don't live too far from here.”
“Good night Jessica.” Tiffany said.
“Good night.”
Tiffany felt her face turn hot as Jessica smiled. She closed the door once Jessica was gone from view and down the first flight of stairs.
As the fluttering feeling from her stomach settled down, Tiffany felt a wave of energy smack into her chest and she raced back into the kitchen. Leo shut off the sink seeing his sister standing in the doorway.
“I want to attend university with you.” Tiffany declared.