MI MILAGRO, JJ maybank

Chapter 18.2 (The Date)

Maria and JJ, spotting Kiara and Pope on another boat, decided it was time for that long-awaited date. Holding hands, they headed to Sarah's boat, where John B and Sarah were, and where John B was about to trap her.

"Hey guys, we're gonna head out, okay?" JJ said.

John B was smiling to himself. He had been waiting for his friend to have a special someone so he could taunt him the way he was taunted because of his relationship with Sarah. He walked up to JJ, looking deviously at him

"You're leaving? Oh, how cute, you guys in love?" John B teased his friend, nudging him in the ribs, "Are you going to that special date?"

"Dude, just shut up," JJ muttered, putting his hand to his head in sheer embarrassment.

Sarah grinned to herself. Ever since Midsummers, when she looked at Maria, she saw a sparkle in her eyes, always had a smile on her face, was in a great mood, and seemed less stressed about family matters.

She was convinced it had something to do with that blond guy who constantly found ways to make her laugh.

Maria, softly smiling, approached her friend to say goodbye, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Have a really great time," Sarah whispered, hugging her.

"I will, and I'm sorry, it's for your own good," Maria whispered back, referring to the plan about to unfold.

"What?" Sarah asked confused, but her friend got on the boat without saying anything more.

JJ, putting his arm around Maria's waist, saluted his others friends captain-like. Maria, grinning at his idiotic actions, blowed their friends a kiss.

"Use protection kids!" John B shouted, earning a smack from Sarah.

"Anda, cállate! (Oh shut up!)" Maria flicked him off while sailing away, with a big grin on her face.

JJ headed to the control area to handle the boat. His heart was racing. It was going to be the first time he had a real date, with someone he genuinely liked. Not like the other 'dates' with tourists who stayed a week, just seeking some fun and forgetting afterward.

This time was different; it was with the girl. His girl.

Maria approached from behind, embracing him, resting her chin on the boy's shoulder. He smiled to himself, loving the feel of her touch. He enjoyed the sensation of her skin against his, always seeking ways to minimize the space between them.

"Hola amor," she whispered, giving him a kiss on the nape, and he hummed in contented response.

"Where to, miss?" he asked, forcing a strange British accent.

Maria, laughing, leaned in even closer, as if that were possible, intoxicated by his scent, the one of the sea and surfboard wax.

"To the stars," she whispered back.
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Once they rolled up to the deck, snagged the van (without John B's permission), and headed to JJ's secret spot.

Along the way, with the window down and feet up, Maria realized a few things. First, about a month ago, she felt like the unluckiest person in the world for leaving her old life in Spain and moving to a new territory, unknown and overwhelming. But now, she felt the luckiest. She had a great group of friends, a thrilling adventure about to unfold, and him.

And secondly, she never felt so damn good about herself. She's never loved herself like this, no hang-ups or insecurities.

Maria used to be a bit unsure of herself, never really vibing with people while being her true self. She'd only connect if she portrayed a version of herself that wasn't authentic. Always seeking ways to please others, putting their problems before hers.