Not a love story

2

It's two and I'm waiting for George at the side of the street we talked yesterday. I'm a little anxious again. What if he changed his mind? What do I do then? I've already embarrassed myself enough as it is.

As I stand there I spot him walking towards my direction. He has his work backpack on his shoulders and of course is walking confidently as always. Oh that walk is the reason of all my problems.

"Hey"- he greets me as soon as he approaches me. -"Hi. Thank you for coming"- I say. I'm really trying to make him feel comfortable. I wish I could read his mind. -"Yeah sure"- he shrugs. I can tell he's still a bit unsure about this.

"Walk with me"- I suggest and start taking small steps. He follows me and I walk the opposite direction of our neighbourhood. The last thing I need is someone from my family seeing us walking together. They're all so noisy.

"Should we go over the rules? I've thought of a few but you can add whatever you want or you think is right for this to work. I want you to be comfortable"- I admit looking at him.

"Honestly I don't care. It shouldn't be this serious anyway so let's get this over with"- he doesn't glance at me once while saying this. -"Okay"- I sigh. To be honest, it's fair. I know this is weird for him as it is for me.

I get it.
I don't expect him to be excited about this.

"I know you probably think that the rules are a bit much but trust me we're gonna need them. I don't want things to get out of hand and I'm sure you don't want that either. Human nature is really strange and complicated and I don't want us to mix up the fake with reality in the process"- I explain.

"Fine"- he shrugs nonchalantly.
I sigh again.
This is going to be harder than I thought.

"Alright then. Rule number one is probably the most important rule: don't tell anyone that our relationship is fake. It will only complicate things"- I say and he nods in approval.

"Great. Rule number two: always tell each other the truth and never lie about anything that has to do with this agreement"- I continue. We're still walking as I patiently wait for him to say something.

"So I'm supposed to tell you everything? That sounds a bit controlling"- he says. -"Not really. Trust me it's for the best. You'll see that you'll agree with this rule later on"- I try to explain. -"Okay whatever, go on"- he shakes his head hinting me to continue.

I nod. -"We should meet at least two times a week. This way we can get to know each other and help each other out"- I say biting my inner cheek. A thing I tend to do when I'm nervous.

Will he agree to this one? I mean I know I'm a complete stranger and he'll probably want to spend time with his friends or Stephanie but quality time is important for me and my novel.

"We'll be seeing each other a lot then"- he grins. -"Only if you're okay with it of course "- I say. -"Yeah I'm okay with it as long as you don't annoy me too much"- he chuckles a little.

Well, you've got it bad because I've been called annoying a lot by my family.

"I promise I'll try to not be annoying but trust me the days we'll meet are very important for the plot"- I rush my words out. -"What?"- he looks at me confused. -"Nothing"- I clear my throat. -" Moving on.."- I continue.

-"Are you okay with holding hands?"- I ask. -"Sure"- he responds. Cool. -"Hugs? Cuddles?"- I question. -"Yeah, it's fine"- he shrugs. Great. Now the hardest one.