Stolen Breaths

Chapter 4 - Demands

School dragged by, making the day pass by slowly. Everything was normal, how it should be. That was, until after the last bell of the day had rung, signalling the time to go home.

Usually, I chat with my friends for a few minutes, say goodbye, then drive my brother and Brie home. Today Damien gently grabbed my arm and pulled me aside before I reached my locker. I could see Brie watching us curiously, with her eyebrows cocked, and I knew the only thing she was thinking was I told you so.

I quickly shook my head at her then turned my attention to Damien, who had started to talk without realizing that I wasn't listening. Flustered, I told him, “Damien, I'm so sorry. I didn't hear a thing you just said.”

A smirk lit up his face, making his tiny dimples more prominent. “That's alright. I was rambling anyway.” He reached out and brushed some lint off of my shoulder.

“What did you pull me over for? Do you need something?” I was momentarily distracted when he had idly reached out towards me as if he was so used to doing that.

“Yeah,” he said, rather coyly. “I need to know something.”

For some reason, my breath caught in my throat, making my words sound the tiniest bit strangled. “What do you need to know? I can answer any questions you have.”

“I hope your answer is a good one...” He paused, probably for a dramatic effect. “I need to know if you will go out with me, Ayla.”

“That's not a question.” I squeaked. Oh my god.

“It's an implied one.” Damien grinned, watching me contently.

“You chose me?”

“Of course I did, Ayla. What do you say?”

My heart beat wildly in my ribcage, pounding at the walls like an exuberant child. “I-I would love to.”

Damien's smile widened, and coursed through his eyes. “How about I pick you up tomorrow at noon?”

“Okay,” I said, dazed that he had asked me instead of one of the other girls.

His lips brushed softly against my cheek, and I could feel the blood swarm there. “See you then.” Damien whispered, then left, leaving me there with my hand cupped to my cheek and a huge smile on my face.

Brie scurried over to me the instant she saw that Damien was gone. “What did he say! What did he say!” Her question was more of a demand then a question.

I smiled dreamily. “Damien asked me out.”

“I told you so!” I knew Brie would say that. It's so her. “See, I know what I'm talking about when it comes to relationships!”

Snickering, I told Brie, “Coming from the girl who has only held hands when she was in grade eight.”

“Shut up!” Brie's attempt to look mad failed merely seconds after she began frowning. “So when is the first date?”

“Tomorrow at noon.”

“Where?” It was always questions with Brie.

“He didn't say.”

She clapped her hands delightedly, an evil twinkle growing in her eye. “Oooh! Mystery date. I like it!”

“Down, girl.” I grabbed Brie's wrist and dragged her to my locker to grab my backpack and homework before Terrence got mad at me for keeping him waiting so long.

“No!” Brie shouted stubbornly, resulting in confused stares from the few remaining students and teachers in the school. “Did he give you any hints as to where the date will be happening?”

I shook my head, and tossed my bag over my shoulder. “No, Brie. Just the time for pick up.”

Brie contemplated my words as we walked through the parking lot. I could see Terrence with a scowl on his face as we reached my car.

“What took you so long?” He demanded.

“Ayla just got asked out by a boyyy!” Sang Brie, dancing around the car to the passenger seat.

Terrence sat in the back seat and muttered, “Big whoop.”

“Hey!” Brie turned around in her seat to address my brother. “This is huge! You'll understand when you get yourself a girlfriend.”

“Uh huh.” Terrence said, clearly unimpressed.

When Brie hopped out of the car in front of her house, she turned back to me and said, “I'll be at your house at 10:30am. No excuses, Ayla!” And with that, she flounced inside the house, only to turn at the door and wave goodbye while grinning enthusiastically.

Laughing at my friend's insane enthusiasm I pulled out of her driveway and headed for my own. I was still smiling when I got into the house and went in search of my mom. I ran up the stairs and heard her banging around in the kitchen, preparing tonight's dinner.

I slid on the hardwood floor into the kitchen. “Mom!”

She turned around, her hand hovering with a container of rosemary over a pot on the stove. “Yes, Ayla?”

Grinning, I told her, “I'm going out tomorrow, with a boy.”

“Oh really?” A smile was creeping onto her face and she put the rosemary on the counter. “Who is this boy?”

My mouth gushed. “His name is Damien. He's new here, and really sweet.”

Mom wrapped her arms around me, enveloping me in a loose hug, as she kissed the top of my head. She had two inches over me still. “I can tell that you really like him.”

I nodded, beaming, waiting for her approval of this date.

“Well, I don't see why not...” She laughed, taking up the rosemary again. “Just don't stay out too late, and bring your cell phone with you.”

“I promise, mom. Thanks.” I smiled at her and left for the sanctuary of my own room.

The night passed by with me finishing my homework and eating a delicious lasagna with my brother and mom. After the dishes were washed, dried, and put away I disappeared into my room once again and began drawing a picture of Brie and I for her birthday that is only weeks away. I fell asleep at eleven, having finished and stowing my drawing away in the back of my closet, hidden by a cloth.