Our Escape in the Stars

After the Date

I sneak into the house, not wanting to bring my parents' attention to me - I don't want them to ruin my perfect night. As I step in through the back door, I can already hear them arguing, so I quietly go up the stairs to my room, making sure I don't make the floorboards creak too loudly. I close my door and am relieved to have their screaming voices quietened a bit. I jump onto my bed and silently scream into my pillow from the excitement, feeling elated from the events of tonight. The kiss at the end was the perfect way to finish the night and even though is was just a quick kiss, it was enough because we have a whole lifetime ahead of us to do more.

I lay on my bed looking at my ceiling for what feels like hours, just reminiscing and cherishing the date when suddenly my phone chimes. I look at my screen and see a text from Ethan. Immediately, my heart rate speeds up. I read the message that says:

"I just wanted to let you know that this afternoon was one of the best afternoons I've had in a long time. I wanted to thank you for that and I hope we can do it a lot more often. Have a good night and sweet dreams (of me ofc) ;)"

I laugh at that ending. Such a flirt. But his words make my breaths quicken and cheeks go warm. I quickly type in a response:

"Same for me! You're just too good a company ;) Dw I'll make sure we have many more dates. Good night and sweet dreams to you too (of me again) :)"

As I press 'send', I remember something we talked about on the second night we met on the hill. His name. He didn't know what it meant. Instantly, I take out my computer and search up what the name 'Ethan' means. I read the first thing that comes up and my heart stops.

"The name 'Ethan' is Hebrew from origin and means 'strong', 'solid', 'firm', and 'safe'."

I beam at the screen, re-reading that sentence over and over again because it's so perfect. It fits him so well. He is so strong for being able to deal with his past so well, he makes me feel so safe when I'm with him, and mainly, he's a solid and firm home for my heart.

Suddenly, my phone chimes again and I get excited thinking it's from Ethan, but this time it's from Zoe - my friend from school. She and I aren't that close to call each other best friends but she's probably the closest thing I have to a best friend. I quickly read her text.

"Ik it's pointless to ask but Jake is having a party tmrw night and I want you to come! Please for once do! It'll be fun!"

I smile to myself. Zoe is always trying to get me to go out with her, whether it's to parties, clubs, or discos. She wants me to be more outgoing and experience life more, which can be quite annoying at times, but I do appreciate her. She has helped me get through school and even talk to some people I would never have if it weren't for her.

I think about her offer. I never go to parties. I find them meaningless and awkward. As I'm about to reply to her with my usual response: "Sorry, I can't... maybe another time :)", something that Ethan told me today crosses my mind.

"Accept more opportunities that'll make you happy."

He's right. Even though I don't know if the party will make me happy, I can at least try, it's not like I have anything else planned.

I respond to Zoe saying that I would like to come and I ask what I should wear because I haven't been to a party in a long time. She replies right away:

"WAIT! Actually?!"

I laugh at her surprise. Honestly, I'm just as surprised as her, so I don't blame her.

"Ikr, what happened?! But yeah, I'm serious," I text back.

"Omg, finally! I knew this day would come! Don't worry abt your outfit, I will come to your house tmrw and we can go shopping and find you the perfect fit! Ahh, I'm so excited! I'm coming over at 3 tmrw. Be ready!"

Laughing, I text her back agreeing. I throw my phone on my bed and decide to get ready for bed. I go to bed so exstatic and happy about all that had happened today and what is to come.