I'm Fine

Chapter Eighteen - Mr. McKinley

March

I was beyond ecstatic. Summer made me feel so alive, so free! The last few dates were the best dates I've ever been on, especially our first one. I couldn't believe how much fun we had sitting on the back of my car in a fast-food parking lot, eating a greasy burger, and being dressed-up like we were about to walk into a gala.

I had never met anyone else like her before. She was so down to earth but also very mature. It was the perfect combination. A combination I had never thought I wanted, until I met her.

Tonight was the night. The night I was finally going to bring her over to the apartment. I was nervous. It had been so long since I brought a date to the apartment.

The last girl I brought here, critiqued everything about it. She was commenting about how she could add colors and flowers everywhere. I imagined my apartment being transformed into something so gaudy and flashy. It ended up not working out for other reasons, but I was okay with it, at least for the sake of my home decor sanity.

I was terrified to bring another girl back to the apartment; it felt so personal for them to see how and where I live. But with Summer, I wanted to share everything with her.

There was still this small thought creeping around my mind. The idea that maybe Summer will get here and see parts of me that she doesn't like. I pushed it away and continued to prepare the meal for this evening.

An hour later, there was a knock at the door. Bear started with his protective barking, even though as soon as I open the door he's going to beg for attention, no matter who's there.

"I hope you like her." I whispered to Bear as I opened the door. Standing there, in the setting sun's light, was a pure angel. How is it that even wearing jeans, a t-shirt and leather jacket, she still looked as beautiful as she did the first night I saw her?

"Come on in." I motioned as she came inside. I tried to calm my breath, but I couldn't take my eyes off her.

"Aww, who's this big guy?" She commented as she bent down to pet Bear. He loved every second of it; attention from strangers was his favorite.

"That's my roommate, Bear. He sheds a little bit, but other than that, he's a pretty cool roommate." I joked as I walked over and began petting Bear too.

"A roommate, huh?" She chuckled as Bear fell to the floor and rolled over onto his back, exposing his belly to rub it. "So, it's just been the two of you guys here?" She continued.

"Yep, just me and Bear, living the bachelor lifestyle." I teased as I stood up and helped her to her feet as well.

"Dinner?" I commented as I gestured towards the kitchen. As we walked into the kitchen, I realized something.

"I don't have a table to sit at for dinner. I never really needed one. But I do have TV trays if that's okay with you?" I asked, hoping she isn't judging me and my lack of furniture.

"Sounds great! Do you want to watch a movie while we eat?" She asked as she grabbed a plate. I swear she's perfect.

"Absolutely. I'll tell you what; I'll make our plates if you want to pick out a movie. I have all of them in the cabinet below the TV." I took her plate from her and motioned to where the DVDs were.

She lit up with a smile as she strolled into the living room. I just kept hoping she doesn't pick a sappy love story. I like her, but I've had my full share of those movies, where the girl ends up sobbing next to me the whole time. I do like the plot, but I don't get that emotional.

As I finish preparing her plate, I hear her yell from the living room. "Oh, I think I found a good one!" She was right; she found the perfect movie. It was a romantic comedy, but I can deal with those. Not too sappy and also funny at the same time.

She really is perfect. I haven't been able to find a single thing about her that bugs me, and for the first time in forever, I may have started falling in love.