Dear Cheyanne

Date Night

It was Friday evening; Tia was over at my house while I got ready for my date with Ben. I was extremely nervous about tonight. I have never been on a date and truly don't know what to expect from it. I was sitting in my bed while Tia sat behind me, curling my hair. She had applied a small amount of make-up like I had asked for to make me look less dead.

My nerves felt shot. But I couldn't help but feel numb still about the events that happened the past few days. Cheyanne's vision opened my eyes to the kind of person that Ezra is. Not to mention how Vada encourages the behavior from him. It seems like she loves the bad boy side of him. I find that stuff very unattractive in a man. Treating a woman like they are nothing is not something someone should look for in their partner.

"You nervous?" Tia blurted into my head, shooting my thoughts back into reality.

"A little. I have never been on a date." I spoke, letting out a small sigh from looking at the time on my alarm clock. I had 20 minutes before he got here.

"Oh, don't be nervous. It's only Ben. Think if it—as two best friends hanging out." Tia guided me gently as she finished curling my hair. I couldn't help but laugh at her pep talks. They helped slightly.

"Isn't that what a date is?" I asked.

"Oh, enough of the date talk. No matter what, you are going to have fun. Trust me on this." Tia spoke proudly, getting up off the bed to unplug the curling iron. I nodded, letting out a small shaky sigh with it. I then fumbled towards my closet to find something to wear. Tia picked out a spaghetti strap blue dress that hung down to my knees and hugged my hips tight. At first, I was against the wardrobe choice, but Tia insisted. She grabbed some matching blue heels to go with it and a white cardigan to keep me warm.

Before I knew it, I was ready for my date and Ben had just arrived at my house. Anxiety was beginning to creep around the corner. My brain began to scatter.

"Okay Emma, just remember, it's Ben. It's not some random stranger that you met on tinder. You guys are going to have a lot of fun tonight and you are going to leave this date the happiest you've ever been." Tia consulted me before I was sent on my way with her brother. I took a couple deep breaths before giving her a small nod.

"I'm ready." I said to myself before heading downstairs. I heard the doorbell from the top of the stairs, which made my heart thump out from my chest. But I skid down the steps to the door, quickly opening the door to meet my gaze with Ben. He was speechless for a moment, trying to speak but couldn't. My cheeks were on fire from his reaction.

"Say something brother. You are embarrassing yourself." Tia peaked her head over my shoulder, smirking at her brother. Ben's cheeks also turned red, shaking his head.

"Wow Emma. You look amazing." Ben finally spoke, rubbing the back of his neck while trying to speak. I smiled at him wide, considering I have never been told things like that.

"Thank you." I replied. "Shall we?" I asked, reaching out for his hand. Ben nods, grabbing onto my hand gently. We all stepped out of the house and walked towards his car. Tia went in the opposite direction to her car and left us for our date. Now, I was alone with him. "So, what's the plan?" I asked, as he helped me into the car. Ben shut the door before making his way over to the drivers' side, getting in gently and starting the car.

"We are going to take a drive to Portland." Ben spoke excitedly. My eyes widened. It has been so long since I took a trip to Portland. The last trip I went on was with my mom to visit dad 7 months ago. It was to go see my dad for dinner one evening. My expression shows how excited I am to get out for once.

"Portland? What are we going to do there?" I asked, buckling in as Ben started the car. He laughed softly before buckling himself in and putting the car in drive.