Out of My League

Chapter 14 (Noah)

When Allison and I first decided that it was best that we split up, I went through the hardest, darkest time of my life.

I didn't get to see my baby daughter much anymore. Allison and I had been dating since we were juniors in high school and, just like that, she was no longer in my life.

There were many times I thought that, maybe, if the stressors that accompany a child hadn't come, we would still be together, but there's nothing in this world that I would choose over Vivi.

And that's including Allison and I's relationship.

Right now, I'm realizing that God always has a plan for us.

Sometimes that plan involves a couple that thought they'd be together for the rest of their lives breaking things off. Sometimes, that plan involves the birth of a tiny miracle with blue eyes.

Sometimes, it involves crappy parents that don't believe in hopes and dreams.

And sometimes, if you're lucky, it involves a new face - a girl that you never imagined would come to mean as much to you as she has.

When we reach the car, Bella steps forward,  tossing Vivi, who squeals in glee, over her shoulder, before carrying her the rest of the way to the vehicle and strapping the toddler into her car seat.

After ice cream and a quick trip around town to finish our desserts, I drop Vivi back off with her mom and take Bella back to the hotel.

Just outside of the doors, same as last time, we pause a moment in the car to talk, but, unlike last time, we don't kiss.

"Tomorrow night at six," I say, "Don't be late."

"I'll be there," she smiles, "I'm looking forward to it, actually."

"So am I," I reply, and I mean it, I really, really do.

It's been quite a while since I was pathetically excited to see a girl, which is almost crazy considering I've spent almost every day with her.

Tomorrow is no different.

Except, maybe, it is because tomorrow, it's a real date and maybe, just maybe, I'll ask her to be my girlfriend.

I guess I'll have to see how the evening goes.

***

I've been this nervous twice in my entire life.

One: when the Colonials were selecting their draft pick and I knew I was a possibility.

Two: when Allison's water broke and she went into labor.

Obviously I was slightly more nervous when Allison went into labor, but I chalk that up to the fact that if things went wrong in that situation, it could lead to some serious complications - ones I never even wanted to think about.

If I wasn't drafted, life would go on.

At least, I know that looking back. In the moment, I'm almost positive my world would've collapsed had I not been drafted.

I know it probably seems weird to compare tonight's date with my career's big break and the birth of my daughter, but regardless, I can feel the tension in the air.

Because tonight wouldn't just be a date; it would be the night I told her about my situation, my parents, and my brother.

She deserves to know everything and I'd made up my mind last night while I was mentally planning the dinner that we'd share.

I've known her for a little less than two months now and had told her about Vivi and Allison, which, to no surprise, she'd taken with flying colors.

The story of the two of them is much more personal to me than my own past, so it's only fair that she knows everything.