Alex was incredibly excited when he woke up on Friday morning. First of all, it was Friday (T.G.I.F.!). And second of all, as he had told his moms over supper last night, Silas would be coming over after school today. 

Alex dressed very quickly, ate a hurried breakfast, kissed his moms goodbye, and flew out of the door and onto the bus. He wiggled the whole bus ride, not being able to sit still at all. When the bus pulled up in front of the school, Alex was the first to hop off. He sped towards the school, where Silas trotted towards him, looking excited. 

"Did your parents say I could come?" Silas asked. 

"Hell yeah, man," Alex grinned. His smile is infectious.  

"Oh, that's good." Silas started rifling around in his backpack. "Here, I have something for you."

"What? I-- I don't-- wha--"

Alex's protests were muted when Silas pulled out the gift. It was a sleek black football, perfect for practicing. "Wow. I -- I mean, thank--"

"Don't mention it." The bell rang, and they headed inside, Silas still waving away all of Alex's flushed stammers. 

The day passed in a kind of blur. After the bell rang, Alex got on his bus, this time with Silas following him. They chatted animatedly while they rode, and when Alex was home, he hopped off the bus when it stopped, and Silas followed suit. Alex walked up the garden path, and Silas seemed to be inspecting the yard's every aspect. 

Alex pushed the door open to smell a wave of Pad Thai engulf him. Silas inhaled deeply as well. 

"That you, Alex?" Alex heard Jen call from the kitchen. 

"Yeah. Silas is here, too."

Jen hurried out, wiping her hands on her apron and smiling at the two boys. "Nice to meet you, Silas. Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Silas smiled shyly at her. "That would be nice, ma'am."

"Oh, you don't need to ma'am me. Just call me Jen."

"Okay, ma-- Jen."

"Alex, would you tell Sara to get off of her working butt and get out here?"

"Sure, mom."

Alex left Silas with his mother and managed to persuade Sara to pause her writing to come out and meet Silas and help with supper. 

Sara met Silas in the same way as Jen, except she didn't smile; she grinned. Alex's moms shooed them outside to play while they cooked. 

To be continued~