Seven

13

The gentle hum of the morning routine fills the house on this Saturday morning. As I wake up and make my way downstairs, the kitchen is still quiet. Both Alex and Mom are asleep. I quietly pour myself a glass of water and head back to my room. As I sink back into my bed, I pick my phone off the nightstand. I missed a text from Aiden.

Aiden: good morning eve :)

Me: Good morning!

Aiden: do you want to go out to dinner tonight? it's on me

I smile at the text, feeling a flutter of excitement. Is this a date? Even if it's not, it's nice to know that he's thinking of me. I quickly type back.

Me: Sure! Where?

Aiden: that new grill on route 1

Me: That sounds great. I think that I should drive this time. :D

Aiden: oh god

I put my phone away, a soft chuckle at his last message. I turn my attention back to my peaceful morning. The air is consistently warm now. School is almost over, and summer will be better. I'll be able to spend more time with Mom, Aiden, and Alex.

I look out the window as the sun shines into it. I feel myself becoming tangled in the sunlight. The sun is warm even through the window, and it's so bright that I can't even open my eyes fully.

I'm looking forward to the evening. I don't know if it's a date. To be honest, I'm not even sure he likes me like that. I think we are just really good friends, right?

He never clarified if it's a date. I don't want to make it awkward by asking. I guess I'll just see how the night goes?

I know that I like him. I've had plenty of crushes before, but not like this. He is the kindest, most considerate, and charming guy I have ever met. I've never felt this way before, and I don't think I will ever feel this way again.

The morning takes off and quickly becomes hectic. As Mom wakes up, I direct my focus to taking care of her and making sure she takes her medications.

"Good morning, Mom," I stroll into her room with two plates in hand. One for me, one for her.

"Good morning," she replies as I walk out of her room to get our drinks.

"How did you sleep?" I say with two cups of orange juice in my hands as I close her door with my leg.

"I slept alright. Any plans today?" Mom puts a piece of buttered toast in her mouth.

"Yeah," I smile, looking down at my plate. "Going out to dinner with Aiden."

"A date?" she asks, her eyebrow raised with curiosity.

"Maybe," I smirk and slightly cover my face with my hands.

"Eve!" Mom exclaims, thrilled.

"I'm not one-hundred percent sure it's a date."

Mom leans a little closer to me. "What do you mean?"

"He asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner tonight, but he didn't specify if it was a date," I jabber.

"That sounds like a date to me," she squeals, unable to contain her excitement. I like that she's happy for me.

After breakfast, the day passes quickly. I spend the afternoon helping Mom with her usual routine and spending some time with Alex. As the evening approaches, I head to my room to start getting ready for my evening with Aiden.

I stand in front of my closet, sifting through my clothes. I want to look nice, but not like I'm trying too hard. Finally, I settle on a simple black dress that feels just right. It's stylish, and it makes me feel confident. Dare I say sexy?