The Pink Lady & The T-Bird

Chapter Ten: We Don't Have to Flaunt It

August 16

Richie draped his T-Bird's jacket over Amber's shoulders, and walked her home.

Not only did the leather shield her from the nightly fading of Summer wind, but the weight felt comforting on her back.

"I just feel bad," She confessed, "Not knowing enough Spanish."

"Don't worry about it," He waved it off, "They love having you around, it doesn't matter to them."

"Olivia was teaching me," She sighed at the memory, "Then I became a cheerleader, that..guy came around." She scoffed, refusing to say the English teacher's name.

"I could teach you." He shrugged.

The corners of her mouth quirked up, "Yeah?"

"¡Por supuesto!"

She halted, her mouth agape as guilt overtook her.

He smiled, facing her, "That means: of course."

"Oh," She blurted out and he laughed lightly.

"Ask me what I think when I see you."

"Uh, oh," She joked, huffing uneasily, "And what's that?"

"Creo que eres hermosa." He confessed sincerely.

Her heart fluttered in anticipation as she glanced at him curiously.

"I think you're beautiful." His voice was gentle.

Her features softened and butterflies filled her stomach, but she played it cool, "Are you still trying to charm me?" She spoke quietly, admiring the boy and his words.

"No." He stepped closer teasingly and it made her body heat up, "But I think you're charmed."

Her face flushed and she slipped off his jacket, shaking her head while fighting a smile as he grinned, "Goodnight, Charming."

He took the leather as she shoved it to his chest playfully, "Buenas noches, Hermosa."

Her face lit up, walking backward, "I know that's goodnight!"

"Look at you learning!" He winked, holding his arms out proudly, causing her to laugh lightly.

Amber then turned around, nearing her house, and when she found the empty driveway, it finally sunk in that it was past midnight.

Her heart raced stepping into the house, shutting the door quietly behind her with slow steps, but the kitchen light was on and she knew that she was busted. She hesitantly walked into the kitchen and found her father at the island. 

He sighed as a wave of relief washed over him. Despite his frustration, he rushed to give her a hug, which she gratefully accepted.

"Usually when kids sneak out, they climb through the window." He was almost amused, pulling away.

The corners of her mouth quirked up in a guilty smile, "Well, I'm kinda new to this."

He nodded, analyzing her, "I'm just glad that you're not in a ditch somewhere."

"I was safe, Dad, I promise." She assured him, before glancing down, "I'm sorry for what happened at dinner."

"Listen," He hesitated, gathering the right words, "You know I love you, Bambi. All of you; your pure heart and positive outlook, but I never want you to express your unrealistic expectations in front of the wrong people, because not everyone can handle it."