Midnight Thrill

Part 2

When I get home all I could think about is Mr Theron's assignment, maybe this is the time I can finally get to ask Zenande out on a date. No, that sounds dumb. Who asks out a girl because of a school assignment? Maybe I can go base jumping with Josh, I've always wanted to try that. Yeah I think I'll do that, but there's this thought at the back of my mind that keeps popping up. Asking Zenande out. Perhaps it's not such a bad idea after all.

I think I'll call her. This is dumb but go ahead anyway. The dialling tone beeps three times before she answers. My heart beating faster after every beep.

"Hello?"

"Hey Nandi, I was just calling to find out what homework we have for today." Really Zayn? I hope she doesn't notice the nervousness in my tone.

"Sure, just give me a second.”

My heart is racing and out of nowhere, my mouth just blurts out the real reason I called. It's like there's no coordination between what my brain decides and what comes out of my mouth.

"Actually, the real reason I called was because I discovered this cool place where you could go star gazing and I was wondering if you would like to go star gazing with me."

"Okay, that sounds cool. I'd love to do that." What? That went way better than I expected.

"Great. I'll just text you the details."

"Alright I'll see you then."

I can't believe what just happened. I immediately text her that I will go pick her up tomorrow at 6PM. It’s really convenient that Mr Theron gave us this assignment on a Friday.

I set the car in reverse. I don't remember driving out of the driveway being this difficult. If there's even the slightest scratch on my mother's brand new pickup truck, my life is over. "Well, you only live once." I reassure myself as I try to regain my confidence. I finally make it through and drive to Nandi's house. I like calling her Nandi, it has a more personal feel since no one else calls her that.

She told me to call her when I'm around the corner and it seems as though she's sneaking out of the house to meet up with me. I meet up with her a few houses away from her own and she’s wearing a free flowing grey dress which accentuates all the good parts about her body. She always looks beautiful. I connect my phone to the car audio and play Get You by Daniel Caesar. This music is perfect for the kind of setting ahead of us. His music is the kind you'd listen to when you just want to relax and let go of all the emotions you’re feeling during that moment, I’m hoping it will calm me down.

We finally arrive at the top of Queenswood lookout point after 20 minutes of driving and talking about our favourite artists. I park in reverse so that the back of the pickup faces the city lights down below.

"I'm going to go outside to do something, just give me about ten minutes." I say. I can't help but blush as I say this.

"Sure." She responds with a smile.

I head out to the back of the pickup, open it and lay down a blanket. I scatter a few cushions on top for added comfort. Next, I circle the inside of the pickup with fairy lights to stimulate a relaxed atmosphere.

Next I carefully layout the plates and set up the picnic platter consisting of white grapes, strawberries, cheese, crackers, blueberries and a selection of chocolates complimented by grape juice. Having a picnic in front of a beautiful view has always been on my bucket list and finally asking my crush out for a romantic evening made it even better. I go back into the car and ask her to come outside with me whilst placing my hands over her eyes. We carefully walk towards the back and I gently lift my hands.