The Priceless Variable

The First Date

Newt has been thinking of doing something special for a while, but he feels a little nervous about it. He wants to take Mallory out on a date. After being together for a while, it seems like that piece was missing until he figured it out. He has finally built up the courage to ask Joel for permission and to set up the perfect date for the girl he loves.

~~~~~~~~~~

Newt spotted Joel by a building site. He takes a deep breath before walking any further.

"Hi, Joel. Do you have a second?" Newt asked.

"Sure. What's up?" Joel said.

"I've had something on my mind lately and I want to talk to you about it." Newt said.

"Okay. Is there something wrong?" Joel asked.

"Oh no, not at all. It's just...I want to ask Mallory out on a date." Newt said in one breath.

Joel felt his heart leap to his throat. He couldn't believe that this time has come for his daughter. But, he could see the love they have for each other.

"Wow, that's very nice of you. Therefore, you have my permission." Joel said.

Newt could now breathe a huge sigh of relief, knowing that his girlfriend's dad approves of them having one-on-one time.

"Thank you so much." Newt said.

"Do you mind if I ask what are you planning?" Joel asked.

"I was thinking of having a small picnic on the beach around sunset." Newt planned out.

"That sounds really beautiful. I know that Mallory will love it." Joel said, patting Newt on the shoulder.

With that, Newt walks away from the building site and starts gathering things for the date. Pillows, a blanket, utensils, and a lantern. He went and searched for the perfect spot on the beach. Newt also realized that he might need some help from the others. Frypan for food, and Brenda and the girls for clothes. Good thing they had him covered.

Frypan and the other cooks made his famous bacon, salads, rolls of bread, and lemonade. They placed everything in a picnic basket.

Brenda, Sonya, and Harriet were able to design outfits for Newt and Mallory. They made a simple navy blue flowy dress with a brown belt on the waist for Mallory, and made a gray buttoned-up collared shirt for Newt. Once they were finished, Brenda and Sonya placed the outfits in Mallory's hut and on Newt's bed.

~~~~~~~~~~

About an hour before dinner, Newt finished up his work in the gardens. He grabbed everything for the date, then went down to the spot on the beach to set it all up.

After that, he thanked everyone for their help. Newt then went to his bed to get dressed. When he was done, he put on his red jacket and walked towards the medical center. Newt took a deep breath before he walked in.

"Hey, Newt." Courtney said.

"Hello." he said.

"Hey." Mallory said as she walked closer to him, then gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Dinner is almost ready if you want to come." Newt said.

Mallory turned her attention to her aunt, who was still cleaning up from the work day.

"You kids go ahead. I'll catch up." Courtney reassured.

"Are you sure?" Mallory asked.

"Yes." Courtney said.

With that, Newt and Mallory left the medical center. They were holding hands as they walked up the path. They walked to Mallory's hut.

"Umm, what are we doing here? I thought we were going to dinner." Mallory said.

"We are, but there's a surprise for you in your hut." Newt said with a soft smile.

Mallory can tell that he has something up his sleeve, but she smiled and went along with it.

She walked into her hut and saw a new outfit laying on her bed. It's a navy blue dress with a brown belt. She changes her clothes and put on her sandals. Mallory kept on her Priceless necklace, but took her hair down from the French braid style to unveil perfect curls. Newt was stunned when Mallory walk out from her hut.

"Wow, you look amazing." Newt complemented.

"Thanks. Now, will you tell me what you have planned?" she asked.

"What makes you think that?" Newt asked.

"Because you have that look in your eye." Mallory said.

Newt lets out an exhale and gives in.

"Okay, okay. I have something special planned for you. It's just for the two of us." he explained.

Mallory blushed as Newt slips his hand into hers and they walked down to the beach. After walking for a while, Newt covers Mallory's eyes with his hands and guided her to walk.

"What are you doing?" Mallory asked in between laughs.

"You'll see." Newt said.

Then, he removes his hands to reveal the simple, yet beautiful date spot for them. There's a blanket and some pillows laid out on the sand, along with a picnic basket full of food.

"What's all this?" Mallory asked in astonishment.

"I realized that I never took you out on a date." Newt said.

"Awe. This is so sweet of you." Mallory said.

"Come, sit down." Newt said as he patted a spot on the blanket next to him.

Mallory smiled and sat down next to the guy she loved. It was perfect timing too because the sun was about to set. The two enjoyed the food, laughed, and exchanged memories.

After the sun set, a breeze picked up. Newt noticed that Mallory was shivering, so he gave her his red jacket. She laid her head on his right shoulder and he wrapped his arm around her.

Mallory made eye contact with Newt, then they leaned in for a kiss. They pulled away after a few seconds.

"Thanks for the best date ever." she said.

"You're welcome. Anything for you." he said.

The breeze picked up ever more and Mallory pulled the jacket on tighter to keep herself warm.

"Maybe it's about time we head back." Newt said.

With that, they packed up everything and headed back to the village.