Marlon took a drag of his cigarette while leaning on his car. He glanced at the pair after a while and muttered, “For fuck’s sake.”
It’s been 15 minutes since they said they were saying goodbye to each other and every time he looked over his shoulder they were kissing passionately on Hazel’s porch.
They finally stopped when Hazel’s mom stepped out of the house. They hugged and her mom said something about no drinking, don’t do anything illegal, and to call her once they get there. Things his parents never said to him. He dropped his cigarette on the ground and put it out with his Givenchy sneakers.
“Drive safely, young man,” Claire said to him when walking Hazel toward his car. “I mean it … it’s a fancy car, and I know what it can do … but not while you’re driving my baby,” she tapped on his Lambo.
“Yes ma’am,” he gave her a two finger salute. “How about we video call you all the way to Goldstone so you can see how slow I drive?” he teased her.
“That’s not a bad idea, actually,” Claire laughed and gave Marlon a hug. “You smell like an ashtray sprayed with perfume … take care of my baby, okay? I’ll be in touch with your dad too.”
“Your baby’s safe with me … mom …” Marlon said which immediately pricked Theo’s ear and made him glared at him. Marlon laughed lightly.
“Are you ready?” Marlon asked Hazel. She nodded and kissed Theo again.
“Okay enough of that, Theo, get off my daughter, please,” Eduard said jokingly but not really when he came out of the house.
“Yeah … enough of that, Theo,” Marlon mumbled.
Theo flagged him his middle finger.
“You guys have a safe trip … Marlon … drive safely please,” Eduard added.
“Yes, Sir,” he waved and stepped into the driver’s seat.
“Buckle up, baby, we’re about to go on a road trip to paradise city!” Marlon shouted in the car.
“I can still hear you, Marlon … promise me … no reckless driving … please … or I’ll have the police check on you,” Claire said.
“She’s not kidding … she’ll do it,” Theo said.
“No worries, mom, we’ll call you when we get there … see you later, dude,” Marlon flagged Theo his middle finger.
“Hey,” Hazel pushed Marlon’s hand away. “I’ll call you when we get there,” she said to Theo.
Marlon stepped on the gas before they could kiss again. “Did you leave anything? Have you double checked?”
“Nope … yeup … I triple checked everything …” Hazel said while fastening her seatbelt.
“No, seriously … did he leave his tongue inside your throat? I mean … really?” he protested.
Hazel laughed out loud and pulled his ear, “You know how it is … we barely started the relationship and now we have to be separated for the weekend … and he’s only going to be here for the summer.” She pouted her lips but then burst out laughing again.
Marlon raised his palm at her, “Just … don’t … I hope you’re not thinking of doing that the whole time he’s in Goldstone … huh, Hazel?” he glanced at her to confirm.
She covered her face, “No …” she said barely audible.
“No! I’m serious … I’m not babysitting you with that jock while you’re eating each others’ faces … I have better things to do,” his tone flat not matching his sour face.
Hazel kept laughing. “I don’t know … I mean … it’s Theo …” she sighed and looked out the window.
Marlon shook his head in disbelief, “What is it with this guy? You had no faith in long distance with Lee … but it’s okay with soccer boy? Are you sure you’re not just a summer fling for him?”
She thought about it for a moment, “No … Theo and I … we go way back … at least for me … we were almost a couple last year … it just didn’t happen and I was with Lee … and now,” she hugged herself, “It’s perfect,” she giggled.
Marlon grimaced in disgust, “Okay … forget I ask,” he rolled his eyes and put on some music. “Let’s get things started, baby,” he stepped on the gas.