YOUNG LOVE

Dateappointment?

Alyssa's POV

I was so nervous knowing that I was going to meet him today. I was scared when mommy realised that I was dressed up. I was not really dressed up but you know... mothers... they know it all. Anyway, I was so glad I was off her hook and now all I had to deal with was meeting Byron. I might have been stupid to start dating him in the app but who cares. Love finds its people and couples them together. Okay, that's my saying. But trust me it's a true one. It applies to me. 

When I get to where we had agreed to meet, I call him and he tells me exactly where he was. It does not bother me that he cannot come and get me but instead tells me to go meet him. When I get there, what I see makes me want to turn back and run home. But I can't, because he has seen me. He is standing in a circle of six people, among them Judy and him. 

I really don't know what to do, what to say or where to go. I did not expect to meet a group of people. Good thing is, at least I know Judy. We've been friends since pre-school. I'm really confused if this was supposed to be a date or a hangout with friends. Maybe they are not friends. Maybe they are just...classmates? But why would he be standing there and chatting with them in a friendly manner, laughing and patting each other's backs? Of course, they are friends, who am I kidding?! 

I've never been one for the crowds. I've never loved the aura that comes with having to introduce myself to a person, let alone six people! Let's say four because I already know two. But at least he would have given me a heads-up. And Judy! Couldn't she tell me? Would a call have hurt? Okay... breath in... breath out... calm down Alyssa. They are just people, Byron's friends. Don't be scared. Compose yourself. Consoling myself won't help. So, I better summon courage from wherever and whenever and walk up to the group. 

Byron seems dumbfounded, I don't know why? He seems to be staring blankly at me. He seems to be in awe. Or is it embarrassment? Is he embarrassed of me? Somebody call 911! I think I'm having a panic attack. I don't know what to do. Luckily enough, I walk to the group, handshake the 'four' unknowns and hug Judy. At that moment I look up at Byron and he seems to snap out of it, smiling widely.

"Wow! You look beautiful."

This makes me blush (or so I think). I feel my cheeks heat up and hope they are not turning red because why would I be blushing at such a small compliment? He hugs me tightly and lets go after what seems like hours. A bear hug I would call it, warm and comforting. As I lie against his chest, I feel my nerves relax and wish I'd stay there forever. The world around him seems to make me nervous but his chest makes my nerves slacken.

"I see you saved the best for the last." He whispers these words to me as he lets go of the hug.

"Guys, meet my girlfriend, Alyssa. Alyssa," he says signalling the friends to introduce themselves to me.

"I'm Jake"

"Lori"

"Shelby"

"Greyson"

"Nice to meet you all."

I'm glad introductions are over and now all I anticipate is our date, just getting out of this place to go be alone with Byron, spending time with him, and getting to know him more. I'm more than disappointed when Byron tells me that we have to go with the group to a store to pick something for Lori. How special can she be? Can't they let us go? Why did he seem okay with everything? Was I the only one who was uncomfortable? I had never had a date this bad, disorganised, pathetic, boring, and unexpected. 

Having promised him my time, I agree to do all he says. We talk as we walk to and from the store then leave for lunch. Byron takes my hand and guides me to our destination of the meal- taking. Finally! The day is almost over, it has been bad but at least we are alone (in public). It's something. Lunch was actually okay, but not as expected. I offered to pay for lunch and afterwards leave with him. 

After all was said and done, he takes me to the bus stop where we wait. I'm surprised that he could not pay for a taxi, for me... not that I really expected him to. It being a first date, I've had more disappointments than I expected. When the bus arrives, he helps me into the bus and sits with me for a while. When the bus is almost leaving, he does the one thing I never thought he would, not after such a day...