Mialotte: Eternal Sweethearts

42. Striiike!

= Jake meets Carly in the staff room. Mia and Charlotte play the role of guardians. They have their own fun too.

Jake stood in the staff room, his palms slightly sweaty as he rehearsed what he was going to say to Carly. Reece's advice echoed in his head, a mixture of wisdom and warning.

He smiled a little thinking about how Marjorie had once told Reece that 'Dating amongst the staff was frowned upon.' to only end up with them falling for one another even more.

He was determined to be a gentleman, to show Carly that he was serious about getting to know her. He took a deep breath, glancing at the door every few seconds, hoping Carly would walk in soon.

Charlotte, having eavesdropped on the conversation between Jake and Reece earlier, couldn't resist texting Carly in a panic, letting her know that Jake was talking to Reece about something and seemed too shy to tell her himself, maybe something was going to happen. Char was sure this wasn't delusion, and that there was definitely something growing between the two youngsters, why not let it bloom?

Carly's phone buzzed, and she saw the message from Charlotte. She replied quickly, promising to tell her what happened during their break. She was hoping it was something happy and not something upsetting. She could not stop thinking about how Jake wanted to speak with Reece alone, he had hesitation and worry in his voice. Carly's heart raced with anticipation. She liked Jake, but she had always been awkward with her own feelings, despite being great at reading others.

The door to the staff room opened, and Carly walked in, her eyes meeting Jake's. There was an awkward pause before Jake finally spoke up, his voice slightly shaky but determined.

"Hiya Jake, you alright?"

"Hi Carly, yeah. I'm ok."

"Ok? Why not good? Is it to do with your conversation with Reece?"

Carly started to ramble.

"I know you wanted to speak to him alone so you aren't yaknow like entitled to tell me, but I I was just so worried about you, and I know it sounds stupid because we haven't known each other for that long but to me it feels like I've known you for so much longer. I just want you to be alright. Please tell me if something is wrong..."

Jake just smiled at her, loving the attention and concern.

"Hey, Carly. Well Um, I was wondering if you'd like to go out on a date with me?" Jake asked, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

"I was just in the office to ask Reece for his permission, that's all. If something really had gone wrong, I would've told you, don't worry."

Carly squealed softly, unable to contain her excitement. "Yes! I'd love to," she said, trying to keep a nonchalant front but failing miserably. Her bright smile gave her away, and Jake couldn't help but grin back.

"...although Jake, did you ask Reece because he's my work dad.. Or?"

"Well, asking your actual dad sounded a bit too formal, I think that would scare you away too, I just wanted some advice on how to be best for you, and I guess this is my test-run. If this goes well with us, then yeah maybe ill talk to Papa Carly, if that's ok with you?"

The bowling alley was lively with the sounds of pins crashing and people chatting. Jake and Carly had arrived together, and soon after, Charlotte and Mia appeared, ready to keep a watchful eye on Carly while also enjoying their own date a few lanes down.

Jake took Carly's hand gently, leading her to their lane. "I booked us a lane just for the two of us," he said with a shy smile. "I know we were talking like 3 weeks ago about you having some anxieties about eating in public, so I thought we could keep it low-key. We can just focus on having fun and getting to know each other. You know?"

Carly felt a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Jake. You are just so sweet, let's play!" she said, squeezing his hand appreciatively.

They began their game, and Jake proved to be a patient and encouraging partner. Whenever Carly felt anxious or uncertain, he was right there with a reassuring word or a kind gesture.

As Carly prepared to bowl, she glanced over at Charlotte and Mia, who were clearly enjoying their own game. Charlotte had just made a strike and was doing a little victory dance, much to Mia's amusement.

When Jake wasn't looking, Carly mimed being swooned, fanning herself dramatically. Charlotte caught sight of it and burst into laughter, causing Mia to look over and join in the mirth.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Mia's playful banter filled their lane with laughter even more. "You know, Char, if you keep scoring strikes like that, I might have to challenge you to a dance-off next," Mia teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Bring it on, redhead," Charlotte shot back, grinning. "Just don't be jealous when I out-dance you too."

Mia rolled her eyes playfully. "As if. I'm the dance champion, remember?" she said, doing a little twirl before picking up her ball for her turn.

"...or do I need to give you a reminder about a different kind of dancing I know you enjoy."

"Amelia Roberts! ...May I need to remind you about my lapdancing, that seems to shut you up!" Char winked at her sweet.

"Oh Char, that wouldn't make me quiet at all, I'd be sooooo loud."

"Behave, Amelia Roberts, we are here to make sure Carly's date goes smoothly."

"Char, it's going well, come on. He's the only boy at Reecey's nursery that has had an intellectual conversation with me, and not some remark about me or my body. I say that I trust him to be a massive green flag with Carly."

Their playful exchange continued, and soon, Jake and Carly joined in with Char and Mia, to enjoy a final game with the four of them, everyone laughing and enjoying the evening together.

After a few rounds, Jake and Carly took a break, sitting down to chat while Charlotte and Mia continued their game.

"You know, Carly, I do l- I mean, I like you in any way, shape, or form," Jake said, his voice earnest. "I know your uh- you know, physical image. It shouldn't be my concern at all, and aside from the fact that I still have a lot to learn about you. I just want you to be comfortable and I want you to feel happy."

Carly felt her heart swell with affection. "Thank you, Jake. That means so much to me," she said softly. "I really like you too, this is going super well."

As the evening progressed, Jake's sweet nature and Carly's bright smile made for a perfect first date. Charlotte and Mia, having kept an eye on them, exchanged satisfied glances

Jake couldn't stop smiling. Carly felt the same, her heart fluttering with excitement and happiness.

Mia nudged Charlotte playfully. "I think your little eavesdropping session paid off, Char. Carly and Jake look so happy together."

Charlotte grinned. "Yeah, I'm glad I overheard. I just want Carly to be happy for once, she's so intelligent and loving, she deserves someone who hears her out."

(Don't know where I'd take this from here onwards! I think unless I come up with a good idea, we'll probably leave this segment here. It was really wholesome. "Jake" and his personality is actually inspired by one of my bestfriends. I have known him basically since I was 11, and we used to make fun of each other a little. We are now inseparable, and he never fails to show me and those around him that he is a gentleman. Love him with all my heart, he acts just like Jake which makes this kinda funny for me to write xx)