Time After Time 🌹 Daniel LaRusso [1]

Chapter 10: The First Date

(Rosalía's outfit, hair, and makeup ^)

Daniel arrives at Rosalía's door and takes a deep breath before knocking. He's never been this nervous for a date before. He and Rosalía already get along, so he should feel more confident yet somehow he's ten times more afraid. The girl practically dashes to the door and opens it. The air is knocked out of Daniel's lungs as he scans her body, taking in her appearance. "Hi," the girl says as she steps out and closes the door behind her. "Hi, how you doing?" he greets back. "Good," she responds, smiling. She spent quite some time doing her hair and perfecting her makeup, so his reaction really makes her happy. "You look nice," he compliments her.

She beams at him. "Thanks, so do you," she returns. He thanks her and they stare at each other for a moment before the girl speaks up, "um- so where are we going?" Daniel snaps out of his daze. Oh shit, why didn't I plan this through, he thinks. "Where would you like to go?" he asks. Rosalía immediately answers, "Golf N' Stuff?"

"Alright then, let's go," Daniel replies, taking her hand and leading her out of the building. They approach Lucille's car and Rosalía greets her as she enters the vehicle. "Hi, Mrs. LaRusso, how are you?" she politely says. "I'm good, thank you. It's nice to see you again, sweetheart. You can call me Lucille," she replies. Lucille has only talked to Rosalía a couple of times, but she's seen how happy Daniel gets around her. She won't admit it to her son but she sees daughter-in-law potential in her and hopes that one day it could happen.

"Okay," the girl utters. Lucille turns the key in the ignition and the engine starts sputtering. Are you serious? Daniel thinks as he glares at his mother. "Uh, can you drive a stick?" she asks the girl. "Yeah," she responds, thankful for the lessons her dad gave her in his truck. "Good. Put it into second, let it roll. When I say 'pop it,' pop it," the woman instructs. "Got it," Rosalía confirms, moving into the driver's side when Lucille gets out. Daniel gets out on the passenger side and angrily slams the door shut, feeling embarrassed that this is happening right now.

They head to the back of the car and start pushing. "I was waiting for you to ask her out," the woman mutters with an excited smile. She begins to yell, "Okay, LaRusso, push! On, you huskies! Okay, pop it!" Rosalía pops it on cue and the engine comes to life. She quickly scoots over and Lucille climbs back in. "Oh-ho! We got it, LaRusso!" she shouts. The young girl giggles. She's such an adorable woman. Daniel comes in on the other side and she grins at him. He returns a pressed grin, still irritated about what just happened.

"Hey, don't worry about it, I get it. In case you haven't noticed, I'm poor too. You gotta do what you gotta do," the girl whispers to him. Her words make the boy feel a little better. It's a relief to know that she doesn't judge, especially since she can relate. The two women get to know each other throughout the ride. Thanks to the short-lived conversation, Lucille likes Rosalía even more now.

They finally arrive at Golf N' Stuff and the two teenagers exit the car. "I'll pick you up at 11:00. Please don't be late," Lucille tells them. "Alright, mom," Daniel responds. "Yes, ma'am," the girl answers. "Have fun," the woman tells the two. Rosalía closes the door as Daniel thanks his mom before she drives away. The two teens take in their surroundings. Rosalía is very excited to be here. Not only because she's on a date with Daniel, but also because she felt some tension at home with her mom. She doesn't know what's going on with her but at least she can avoid getting her night ruined by her mom's sour mood.