Little leaps great bounds

 Weren't they old enough to know better? But he made her laugh. Ting always laughed when she was with Tony. Yet, she wasn't sure if she should be seen with him.

Well, he might have been eighteen and a freshman at the University, but he looked all of a middle schooler. Tony loved to go to the arcade with her and they did have fun with all the games. Especially, the ones where they danced in sync.

But with everything so not what it used to be at home anymore, Ting didn't care today, as their afternoon was coming to an end.

"Sure you can come to my house," she smiled as if he needed to know she still cared about him. After all, he might as well be her best friend. Of course, where ever they went they might as well be dancing on their way to the Yellow Brick Road. Perhaps he was a little clumsy, but she always felt they were going somewhere even if it was just to the cafeteria to eat lunch. He was a funny guy.

Of course, she expected the worst from Alfie. If only he was still at work, but he wasn't.

"How did he even get here?" Alfie snarled as if it wasn't right. He gave Ting a look that she was insane.

"He has a driver's license." She blurted before Tony was close enough to hear. "Just leave us alone."

"I'm afraid to." He shook his head as if he was her automatic big brother. 

"Oh, don't mind him," Ting pulled Tony in. They took refuge on the couch. They were going to watch some game show.

"Aren't you going to ask your guest if he wants something to drink?" Alfie festered a frown. 

"Do you?" Ting looked at Tony.

"I'm fine." Tony gave Alfie a nod. Of course, Alfie wouldn't leave them alone. He wanted to know all about Tony.

Ting swelled a frown and gave Alfie a look. Maybe it was best if they just went to her room. She took Tony's hand who looked thrilled to be this near. She pulled him toward her door.

"Oh, no you don't." Alfie protested.

"Why not?" She winced.

"What would your mother say?" Alfie looked down at her as if Ting was too precious to even be with anyone. 

"Look, I've known Tony a lot longer than you," Ting pressed her lips tight. "He's my friend." She looked up at him as if Alfie was not and never would be. "He's my best friend."

She hurried to her room with Tony and slammed the door shut.

"I'm your best friend?" Tony looked at her delighted as if he was in total shock.

"Of course, you are." Ting smiled back. She just never planned on telling him. Of course, she thought she might lose consciousness. She'd never been this kind of brave before. And it was with Tony. She felt a little dizzy. Oh, if only it was one direction, but the possibilities were suddenly endless.