Never The End

Chapter 14 - Mistakes

Adrenaline was pumping through my veins as we pulled up on double yellow lines. I had my eyes closed. Jason turned around as he switched the engine off. "You can open your eyes now." He laughed.

I realised I was still gripping his torso and I pulled away, shaking. My whole body was trembling - half with terror, half with exhilaration.

"Pizza?" He asked.

I nodded, too numb to cooperate. We held hands and walked across the wet road. My feet nearly slipped out from under me. Jason grabbed me under my arm pit and steadied me. We looked each other in the eye and grinned.

The pizza restaurant was warm compared to the harsh, outside air. My hands were still vibrating. Jason pulled out a chair for me and I sat down, after curtseying. Jason pulled his chair in behind him as he took a place opposite me. He passed a menu across the hideously coloured green table cloth.

I'd been to this restaurant lots of times when I was younger. My dad used to take me here after we'd been to the theatre together. He would always have a chicken and sweet corn pizza with stuffed crust and he'd say, "You can't have any, it's too good for kiddies." I'd beg him to give me just a tiny bit and he'd cut off the smallest crumb he could.

"I'll have a pepperoni pizza with extra cheese please." Jason cooed politely to the waiter, making me snap out of my flashback. He acted so polite; smiling and complimenting the waiter on his tie – I’m not sure he realised they got given it as an employee but it’s the thought that counts.

"Same." It felt like my brain was disconnected from every sense in my body. A combination of nerves, guilt and adrenaline made me feel numb... I liked it.

I became aware of Jason growing closer towards me. "You look beautiful tonight." He whispered.

My cheeks instantly inflamed to a bright shade of scarlet. I tucked my hair behind my ears, suddenly very self conscious. "Thanks." I blushed.

Jason laughed and pulled the hair back to my face. He smiled and twizzled the strand round his fingers. A waitress interrupted us by placing a steaming tray of pizza in front of us. Jason thanked her and started cutting it into squares. “That was fast.”

He laughed loudly, “You’re too easily impressed!”

“What’s wrong with that?” I asked, unwrapping my cutlery from the napkin.

“Nothing.” He smiled to himself. “Just an observation.”

I leant forward to cut the first slice of pizza before I was interrupted by Jason tapping my hand away. "Wait! Close your eyes."

"Why?" I replied, curious.

"Just do it, don't open them until I tell you to, ok?"

I did as he asked. I could feel his arm brush against mine vigorously.