Today was the day of Ryan's party. Jackson would take Devon and Miguel to the event so they could get to know a bit more about his life, the people around him, and make new friends.
These were the real parties—the ones that truly changed the lives of many fighters who had put all their strength into their dreams.
It was getting darker when Jackson approached Miguel's house, where he would pick him up after having already picked up Devon, who was now accompanying him.
"Are you sure your dad wasn't angry?" Jackson asked again for the third consecutive time after having spoken with Devon's father.
Devon smiled mockingly and said, "The really funny thing is that he thinks you're my boyfriend. He didn't buy the story that you're just my friend and that we're going to a night party."
Of course, Jackson didn't really mind this, but he didn't want to leave a bad impression of himself on his friend's father.
Not like this and not with so little time to prepare.
"Well, wait here while I go get Miguel." Jackson felt like a guy who had too many girlfriends, and the worst part was that he couldn't give Miguel the address of the party because there was a chance he wouldn't be allowed in.
This time, he was driving a yellow customized Ford made entirely to be a race car, definitely not meant for conventional use, but since it was a gathering of rich kids, Jackson had to show off.
"Miguel, it's me." Jackson knocked on Miguel's door, and just a few seconds later, it was opened by Carmen.
"He's in the bathroom; he'll be out in a few minutes," Carmen said with a kind smile, happy to finally see her son having good friends.
Miguel's grandmother said, "He's very nervous."
"He's never been invited to a night party before. I think it'll help him find a girlfriend," Carmen whispered so her son wouldn't hear her.
Jackson smiled awkwardly and said, "I don't think it's the best place to find a girlfriend, but the experience is what matters."
"Don't forget to use protection…"
"Mom, we're leaving." Miguel hurried out of his room, trying to stop Carmen from saying even more things that would embarrass him later.
Jackson smiled slightly and said, "Ma'am, I don't know how long the party will last, but I promise your son will be with me at all times."
"I'm leaving him in your hands…"
"I'm not a kid," Miguel complained as he said goodbye to his mom.
Once they both went outside, Miguel was amazed by the vehicle, and seeing his expression, Jackson asked, "Do you want to drive?"
"Me?" Miguel asked as if he had heard wrong.
Jackson nodded and said, "You can do it."
"No, I don't know how to drive."
"Well, you'll need to learn."
Miguel got in the car, greeted Devon, and they all headed to Ryan's party, which would be something more than surprising.