Gary found Michele in the kitchen pouring tea into four cups.
“Let me help you with that.”
“No, thank you. I prefer to do it myself.”
“If you say so.” An awkward silence passed by.
“So you haven’t fallen for me yet.”
“I don’t fall in love that easily.”
“Really?” Gary walked closer to Michele until they almost touched.
“Are you playing hard to get, because I can play that game too.”

Michele pushed Gary away before placing the four cups on the tea tray.
“I don’t play hard to get. I’m genuinely not interested in you, that’s all.”
“I think you’re lying.”

“Good, Gary’s in here.” The teenagers turned to Professor Oaken who was standing in the doorway.
“Here” Professor Oaken gave Michele a white box tied with a blue ribbon. “This is our housewarming present to you.”
“Thank you very much, Professor Oaken.”
“You’re welcome.” was his answer before returning to the living room. Michele opened the box to find a small white frosted cake with some flowers on it. She gently lifted the cake out of the box and set it on another plate. Michele turned to get a knife, but Gary picked one up before she did.
“Allow me.” He charmed with a dazzling smile.
“If you want to.” Was her nonchalant answer before she picked up the teapot and placed it on the tea tray along with the cups. Laughter resounded from the living room.
“They are sure hitting it off.” Michele commented.
“So why don’t we do the same? If you know what I mean.” came the flirtatious reply.
“Really, you need to stop doing that.”
“Then what’s your type?”
“I don’t have one.”
“Every girl has an ideal guy.”

Michele paused at that statement for a few minutes.
“I don’t need an ideal guy.” She stated icily. Picking up the tea tray, she motioned to Gary to carry the cake into the living room. The two adults stopped talking when they saw the teenagers. Michele distributed the teacups quietly while Gary placed the cake on the table and started cutting the cake into four slices. The cake was distributed and silence ensued. Lillian took a bite of her slice and her face lit up.
“Sam, this cake is delicious! Where did you get it?”
“At the bakery Meguchi’s, they have the best cakes.”
“I can tell. Michele, how is the cake?”
“It’s pretty good, Mom. It would be nice if the bakery was nearby though.”
“It is.” Gary stated informatively. “It takes five minutes to get there from school.”
“Really, that’s wonderful! Now we can buy these cakes whenever we want too!” Lillian gushed.
“And they are really quite affordable too.” added Professor Oaken who took a quick glance at the clock. “I’m sorry, Lillian. I’m afraid we overstayed our welcome.”
“Nonsense! Feel free to stay for dinner.”
“No, I must get back to my research and Gary to his homework.”
“Oh I see.” Lillian sadly noted. “Then by all means go ahead.”
“Thank you again Lillian for inviting us in.”
“Yes, thank you Mrs. Patterson.” added Gary.
“No thank you, Sid for bringing that wonderful cake.”
“Goodbye Lillian, Michele.” Professor Oaken jovially responded.
“Goodbye.” Gary repeated.

Both Professor Oaken and Gary went out the door back to their own house.
“Aren’t they wonderful neighbors?” Lillian sighed. “Well I’m going to start cooking dinner.” And with that Lillian left for the kitchen. Michele walked back up the stairs thinking about her mother’s words.
‘I guess Professor Oaken is a kind neighbor. Not so sure Gary is though.’ Were her thoughts before entering her room and closing the door.