The Beginning of Something More (SECOND BOOK)

A New Life

Brandon's Point of View

I walk home silently, as I think about Nikki and that conversation we had. I love her, but I'm starting to think I'm being to protective. Maybe I'm overreacting. She wouldn't leave me. Then again, if she wasn't happy with me, and wanted to love someone else, wouldn't it be better to let her go?

I sigh. I didn't really want to think about that. It's late Saturday afternoon, and I just want to sit on my bed and read for a little while. Think about other things. Maybe I'll think about Nikki's birthday coming up.

She wouldn't tell me the exact date, since she likes to mess with my brain sometimes.... However, she did tell me that she was a Gemini, so I plan to get a birthday present together really soon.

I still don't know what to get, though. She's been with me through so much. What could I do to show her how much I still love her?

I stick my hands in my pockets as if I can search through them and spontaneously find the answer. I sigh and walk through the doors into Fuzzy Friends and see my grandmother sitting at the desk organizing adoption papers for the animals.

Nikki knows her as Betty, and they seem to get along really well. I'm glad they get along. When I introduced them officially, they seemed happy. I grin a little at the memory.

She looks up from her desk and smiles warmly as I walk towards her desk.

Betty: "How was the dinner at your girlfriend's place, Brandon?"

I smile.

Brandon: "I think her mom really likes me."

Betty: "You think so? That's great. Moms always get their way, after all!"

My grandmother chuckles and I roll my eyes.

Brandon: "What's that supposed to mean?"

She looks at me mischievously, and I suddenly feel nervous.

Betty: "How else does she get them to marry and have her grandchildren?"

I feel heat rise to my face and I look down. I start imagining having that kind of relationship with Nikki...and my blush deepens, probably to a deep crimson color. My words come out wobbly and nervous.

Brandon: "Y-you don't know if that's going to happen!"

She grins. She puts on a mocking look of concern, but her smile remains spread upon her face.

Betty: "Aww, are you blushing?"

Brandon: "S-Stop it!"

Betty: "Awww, you're so sensitive. What happened to my brave little Brandon?"

Brandon: "I-I'm going to take a walk now!"

She just frowns mockingly. I walk towards the door so I can just walk around and clear my mind.

Betty: "You shouldn't go out, Brandon..."

I stop at the door and look back.

Brandon: "I'm just going out for a bit."

She smiles.

Betty: "Off to think about your future wife, huh?"

Okay, that's it.

Brandon: "I-I'm leaving!"

Betty: "You never know...she might say yes!!!"

She yells out to me, and I start running outside.

I originally wanted to talk about Nikki's birthday present, but that just ended up being extremely embarrassing!

For a second, however, I stop running, slowing down until I'm simply standing. I allow myself to imagine it for a moment.

Me proposing to Nikki, and her accepting it. We would get married, and she'd be the most beautiful woman on her wedding day.

We would have a child, and she'd be the kindest and most crazy mom ever. I chuckle at the thought of it. What kind of father would I be?

I would do my best to be a good husband, and a good father.

I stop imagining it.

Man, I'm acting like such a girl. Thinking about getting married, having kids....I'm all mushy.

I decided to call up Theo and see if he wants to hang out at his place and play a video game I got earlier this week.

The phone rings a couple of times until Theo finally picks up.

Theo: "Hey dude."

Brandon: "Hey Theo. I was wondering if you wanted to play this new game I got."

Theo: "Sure man, I've got time. Come over in a bit."

Brandon: "K Theo, see you then."

Theo: "Sure dude."

I end the call and sigh. I look up at the sky, trying to concentrate on the clouds in the sky and making shapes.

I see hearts...many hearts.

So I look down and smile.

I wonder what's to become of us.