For You

The First Date

Despite my excitement, I tossed and turned most of the night preceding the day of our date. I didn't want to waste this opportunity. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted more than just another typical date. I wanted to prove to Lexi that this was meaningful.

      Awake much earlier than needed, I jumped to my feet the moment I heard signs of life in the kitchen. With dark circles under my eyes, I snuck up behind grandpa, and stole the pot of coffee before he could properly set it down. Grandpa faced me with surprise.

      "I didn't know you liked coffee."

      "I don't." Despite my words, I downed the entire cup in three big gulps, scorching liquid a welcomed distraction.

     Grandpa's eyes were wide, growing impossibly wider when I poured myself a second cup.

     "I have a date tonight," I announced, both to share my excitement and as an explanation for my state.

      "That's great! I knew you could do it."

      I mirrored his excited smile for a brief moment;  joyful expression rapidly transforming into a grimace. "I am admittedly a little stressed about it."

      Grandpa snorted as if to say, no kidding. "I'm sure it'll go well."

     His words didn't ease any of my doubts. I was incredibly grateful for my grandfather's early return that day. Though he offered me no thoughts or ideas for the actual arrangements of the date, the reassurance I received from his presence kept my panicking to a minimal, ensuring that I didn't fully psych myself out.

      Still no clear plan in mind, I had no choice but to leave or be late to class.

      Conrad was the first to make note of my evident anguish. Though the boys teased and questioned me, their suspicions pretty spot on, I confirmed nothing. I wanted none of their contributions. And all I needed was for one of my friends to make a sly comment in front of Lexi. I didn't want to make her any more anxious than she likely already was.

      Sometime halfway through lunch, I joined the girls, finding them on a bench near their next class. Lexi and I tried to hide it, but there was a noticeable change between us; an evident keeping of secrets, and I was certain that it hadn't simply passed over Angela's head. Though I feared her enthusiasm and insinuations, Ange was my best bet to achieve the ideal date. Subtly inching the blonde away from the group for a private chat, already she regarded me with a knowing smirk.

      "How may I help you?"

      "Out of pure curiosity... what's Lexi's favourite food?" I asked.

      Poor attempt of being discrete, I really should have known better. Ange was not the least bit fooled.

      "You asked her out!" she remarked proudly.

       Biting my lip in contemplation, I concluded that there was no point trying to hide it. Ange had clearly seen right through me, and I could retrieve more helpful information if she knew.

      I nodded. "Well... She kind of helped me with it. I may have made a bit of a fool of myself, again."

      "She helped?" she asked, face erupting in pride.

      "I was rather surprised too. So... Can you help me or not?"

      "I'd be delighted," she answered enthusiastically. "What are you planning?"

       "I'm still figuring things out, but I could use your help with the food."

      "Alright." She puckered her lips, disappointed with the lacking details. "Don't do anything fancy," she started, and by the change in her tone I feared I would regret asking. "Don't cook anything, she'll be stressed with the idea of you finding out she doesn't like it. She has childish taste buds, a very picky eater. Just keep it simple. She'd honestly appreciate a burger and fries. You should go to the little family diner two blocks from here, it's her favourite place in town. Get her the number three, no tomatoes. She likes iced tea. Get a medium. And make sure to bring a metal straw."