The Look Of Love

Chapter 17: After The Storm

Waiting by his bike after school, Bobby began to feel his nerves start up again. In a few short hours, he would finally be going on a date with his longtime crush. There's been a good kind of nervousness all day long. The butterflies have been fluttering. The only thing he's wanted is for the date to begin now. It's been the only thing on his mind. School has been a waste today.

For the date, any number of things could go wrong. Take the weather for example. What if a storm blows in and it downpours? Well, there goes the fun outside activities. Then, what if they eat something bad and it makes them sick?  They'd have to call someone to come pick them up. That would be completely awkward. But... Seriously... What if Mary decides she doesn't actually care to know him and cancels? OK, so what if it doesn't work out? Love is a risk and he's willing to take it, with her.

All of these things are currently messing with his head. Lucky for him, Johnny noticed his clenched jaw and worried brows. Johnny always seems to notice, when Bobby is bothered or worrying. That's just the kind of friend he is. 

Many people think Johnny is a rough, jerk. However, Bobby knows the truth. Despite his gruff, Mr. Cool exterior is the biggest heart of anyone. Once Johnny is your friend, he's your friend for life. He  would go to Hell and back for you. 

The two met, as well as his other three best friends, through karate. There had been an instant connection between all of them. The boys of Cobra Kai were destined to be lifelong friends, that's for sure. No matter where, or how far apart, life takes them. They will always be there for each other. Always.

With a hint of optimism, Johnny encouraged "Hey man, stop worrying. Everything will be OK. Just be badass and work your Bobby Brown magic." He put an arm around his friend. 

"Thanks man. I just keep thinking of all that could go wrong. The biggest one being, what if she cancels," confided Bobby. His expression is serious, because this is serious.

Trying his best to reassure him, Johnny shook his head. "No, she wouldn't. From what I've seen of Mary, this week, she's as much into you as you are her. Plus she's sweet. Sweet chicks don't do crap like that, especially last minute—unless there's something wrong," he reasoned.

"You're right. I just need to stop thinking about it and focus on something else," he responded back with a light chuckle. "Speaking of, how are you man? I know you're still messed up over Ali and that slime ball."

Glaring in the slime-ball's direction, he stated "On the mend I guess. I know there are more fish in the sea, as they say, but it still hurts. She was my first love, ya know? But then towards the end, looking back, I realize that maybe we weren't the best for each other." That is a hard admission, but he did it.

Inspecting his friend for signs of agitation, Bobby replied "You guys did argue... a lot."

"Yeah," he agreed with a pensive voice. He noticed Jimmy and Dutch coming their way.

A restless Dutch shifted on his feet. He prompted, "Hey fellas. Ready to blow this scene?" Then he did a quick look around. "Where are the ladies? We should see if they want to go to the beach tomorrow." 

"Hmm... That could be fun," agreed Jimmy leaning on his bike. Johnny and Bobby nodded their approval. He continued, "But admit... You really just want to see Ashley in a swimsuit."

Dutch's amber eyes zeroed on Jimmy. "I'll admit it," he craftily began, "when you admit you have a thing for that red-headed chick in Life Skills." 

Shifting his eyes, Jimmy sputtered "I do not".