Quarter Mile

Confessions

The rest of the week was much the same, Dakota avoiding Beck in the corridors, only wanting to be around him if Parker or Eli or Harvey were there. He didn't trust himself to be alone with him.

On Friday, Beck didn't show up to school.

Dakota
where r u today?

Beck
why, do you miss me?

Dakota
stfu

Beck
something came up at home

Dakota
u ok?

Beck
im fine

A couple of minutes went by before the second text from Beck came through.

Beck
why do you keep avoiding me Dakota?

Dakota
because im not gay

Beck
you keep saying that yet you let me kiss you

Beck
twice

Dakota
can we not talk about this over text

Beck
ok. i'll pick you up from your house tomorrow morning at 11

Dakota
i dont think thats a good idea Beck

Beck
cool. see u then

Dakota set down his phone a bit too dramatically, peaking the interest of Parker, who was walking toward him across the field. Eli and Harvey hadn't been let out of class yet.

"Koda," Parker started, noticing something was clearly wrong. "You good, baby boy?"

Dakota sighed. "Yeah, I just don't know what's up with Beck. I've been thinking about what you said and I just don't understand why he would take me to his spot."

"Pfft, are you serious?"

Dakota started to ask what he meant, but Eli and Harvey arrived, arguing about what the correct answer was to one of Mr. Calliho's cryptic questions.

Dakota caught Parker's eye as he mouthed the words, he likes you.

~

Dakota had been watching the clock for the past thirty minutes, nerves creeping up into his stomach in the form of butterflies. It was 10:53, Beck was picking him up in seven minutes. He thought back to what Parker had said. Did Beck actually like him?

He shook the thought away as his phone vibrated.

Beck
here. bring ur cute face

He was five minutes early. And he had just called Dakota cute.

"Mum!" He called from the front door. "I'm going out with Beck!"
She popped her head round the corner and flashed him a smile. "Invite him over for dinner tonight."

"Mum, no," Dakota replied, shaking his head and walking out the door.

Beck was leaning against the passenger door, watching as Dakota sauntered down the stairs. Beck swung the door open, held his hand out and said, "m'lady."

Dakota reluctantly took his hand and hauled himself up into the jeep. Soon enough, they were on an outstretch of road, music playing quietly in the background.

Because I'm eighteen
And I still live with my parents
Yeah they're not like yours
Well yours are more understanding