Starbound

Chapter 7: Lia Starlitt

For me and Kurtis' date, I wanted to look extra good. I sat at my vanity and did my makeup carefully, getting it perfect. I curled my hair the best I could. I put on my favorite sweater and my favorite leggings. It put on my cleanest sneakers and stood by the door. Joe walked over with his car keys. I got in his car and he drove me to the restaurant. It wasn't the most fanciest restaurant, but it was perfect for a first date. It was Applebees. But I didn't expect much less or much more.
When Joe dropped me off, I saw Kurtis already standing there waiting for me beside the door. I walked up to him with a grin. He was wearing a hoodie and sweatpants, but I know he didn't dress up much. I didn't think much of his outfit.
"Hey," I said to him.
"Hi," he replied, opening the door for me.
"Thank you," I told him, walking in. I had major butterflies. We sat down in a booth.
"I like your hair," he said to me.
"Thank you," I replied, grinning. "Your's looks nice too."
"Thanks. I just washed it, and Estelle blow dried it."
At least he washed his hair and blow dried it for me. I didn't expect him to do that. I looked down at my menu.
"What're you getting?" I asked him.
"Um.. probably chicken tenders. What about you?" he replied.
"Um, maybe the chicken salad," I said, my eyes still on my menu.
"That's a good choice," he said. We sat in silence for a moment. "Do you like Tate? Even as a friend?" he suddenly blurted out.
I looked up at him. "Not really. He's a jerk to everyone."
"He's part of the reason I ran. I didn't ever want to see him again."
"Yeah. Sometimes people don't realize how much they affect someone."
"Did people really think I was dead?"
"Well, some. Tate was kinda going around saying it."
"Did you think I was dead?"
I had to think for a moment. "Honestly, I don't know. I was praying you weren't." I watched as he grinned and leaned back in his seat.
"I think I'm lucky I survived," he said.
"Would you ever run off again?" I asked him.
"No, I don't think. I regretted it after my mind cleared and stuff."
"That's good. A lot of people care about you, Kurtis."
"I didn't really realize that when I ran, but now I'm realizing I think."
The waiter came and asked for our drink orders. I ordered sweet tea and he ordered water.
"Is this your first ever date?" I asked him when the waiter left.
"Yeah. What about you?" he replied.
I nodded.
"Really? I thought you might've been on one before."
"No. This is my first time."
"Oh, okay."
I sat and stared at him for a moment. He was fidgeting with his fingers on the table, looking at his hands. He pushed up his glasses and then his hand went right back to the table. He looked so awkward, but in a sweet and cute way. I still couldn't believe what was happening. If it got around the school that I went on a date with Kurtis Lemaire, then I'd get relentlessly bullied. But I don't care. Kurtis meant so much more to me than some fake friends. I know Atlas would judge me a lot, but Atlas just thinks she's better than anyone since she's dating the quarterback of the football team, so I really shouldn't worry about her. Tate is probably spreading me and Kurtis' date around right now. Whatever, though. I'm not going to let a bunch of bratty high school kids interfere with my true feelings and emotions. I loved Kurtis. I felt a connection to him, like he was the one I was born to find. Judging by how he asked me out, I think maybe he felt the same. I hoped.
After we were done eating, we both stood outside the restaurant, waiting for our rides.
"I can't wait to drive," he said as he stood with his hands in the pockets on his sweat pants, his breath coming out as steam.
"Me too," I said.
"Two more years for me," he said.
"You better drive me around," I told him in a joking tone.
He looked at me and grinned. "Anywhere you wanna go."
I grinned back. "I'll see you at school tomorrow."
He looked to me and then embraced me. He wrapped his arms around me and I wrapped my arms around him. It was the best hug ever. I could smell the shampoo in his hair. We released each other. I grinned and him and he grinned back. Joe pulled up and I walked over to his car.
"See ya, Kurtis," I said before getting in.
"See ya," he replied, still grinning.