Only Yours

05. Surprises

Tamina

A lengthy sigh falls from my lips as I snuggle under the covers. My phone sits inches from my fingers, quiet, still unanswered.

Gabriel is expecting a story, and I have one to tell him. But the thought of spilling the beans so quickly after my time with Brandon didn't feel right. It felt as if I had to keep it close to me for just a little while as I made time for myself. I wanted to soak it in and let it be mine for only a moment, even if it feels as if it's too good to be true.

But now is the time to give both Brandon an answer and Gabriel my little adventure. Only, I don't know how to answer Brandon, and I curse myself because a part of me enjoyed myself that much that I want to see how things could go.

Gripping my phone, I suck in a deep breath and tend to Gabriel first.

To Gabriel: Hey Gabe, I just put myself to bed, I haven't been home long.

I pause, mulling over the numerous ways I can tell him about today.

Keeping it light and simple, I type it out the rest in a second message.

To Gabriel: We had a good time; we talked and had a coffee and managed to get some food not long before he walked me home.

Once it goes through, I'm on to the next one. The brief chat between Brandon and I on my break yesterday stares up at me. It should be easy to make a greeting, but this time it feels different. I'm not simply saying hi and arranging a meet-up; I have to give him news that will either allow us more time together or put an end to it.

To say I type, edit, delete, and retype the message a handful of times is an understatement. Eventually, I manage to send one out.

To Brandon: Hey, did you manage to get home alright? Thank you again for today, it was really nice.

Throwing my head back against my pillow, I smile.

It's done now; all I have to do is wait.

Rolling over, I grab my little portable light and my book. Cracking it open to chapter five, I start the first line when the sheets vibrate.

My fingers freeze, and my heart thunders at the thought of who it could be. Brandon or Gabriel? The thought of it being the former turns my breathing shallow. Hesitating, I grit my teeth and swipe it from the bed, then open the screen.

A whoosh of air leaves me as my notifications inform me there's a message from Gabriel.

From Gabriel: That's great to hear! How are you feeling now that you went through with it?

Before I can reply, another text pops up.

From Gabriel: Are you going to see him again?

I can't help but grin because it feels weird chatting to someone about this sort of thing, but the fact that I have a person to do it with fills me with a childish glee. Using that bright emotion, I let my fingers fly across the screen.

To Gabriel: In all honesty, I feel good. I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would, and that's what's leading me toward this dilemma: he's asked me out on a date. Tomorrow. I like him, but I'm scared about what could happen if I let it lead into more. And I need to give him an answer tonight. Do you by any chance have more wise words to share?