Ecstasy

11: First Date

I stood next in line at the snow cone truck, the lingering sense of tension from earlier slowly fading as I focused on the colorful treats in front of me. Mason leaned against the truck, casually close, our shoulders brushing. "What flavor are you getting?" he asked, eyes sparkling.

"Blue raspberry," I said with a smile. "And you?"

"Classic cherry. Can't go wrong."

The lady behind the counter handed us the snow cones, and we carried them back to the group, who were sprawled out on towels after a long volleyball game. Everyone decided to take a rest and enjoy their cones, the sound of the ocean crashing behind us, adding a calm vibe to the late afternoon.

I sat down next to Mason, spreading out a towel on the warm sand. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the beach. Mason took a seat close to me, his knee lightly brushing mine as we ate in silence for a moment.

"You're really good at volleyball," he said, breaking the silence with a grin. "I thought I'd have to carry the whole game, but you're surprisingly competitive."

I blushed at the compliment, focusing on my snow cone. "I try. I didn't expect to be good today though. You made it look easy."

"Well, I'm an athlete." He winked, leaning in slightly. "But seriously, you were impressive."

My face heated up even more, and I couldn't help the small smile tugging at my lips. There was something about his playful energy that made me feel comfortable, more relaxed than I'd felt in a while. It was like a break from the strange shadow that had loomed over my life since Chaos appeared.

"So," Mason continued, his voice dropping a little lower, "I was wondering if I could get your Instagram? You know, to get to know you better. Maybe even... take you out sometime?"

I blinked, surprised but happy. "A date?"

"Yeah, if you're up for it," he said, grinning with confidence. "I'd like to see you again."

For a moment, I thought about my mom and how she'd always chased guys away, thinking they'd ruin her "plan" for me. But as I looked at Mason's expectant face, I decided to say yes. For once, I'd make a decision for myself. "I'd love that."

"Great," he said, his grin widening. He handed me his phone. "What's your handle?"

I typed my Instagram in and handed it back to him, trying not to look too eager. "Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," he confirmed.

After some more small talk and laughs with the group, it was time to head home. As we said our goodbyes, I couldn't contain my excitement. Walking back with Jessica, I finally blurted out, "I have a date tomorrow!"

Jessica beamed, happy for me. "Finally! Oh my God, this is huge. Mason's cute too. You've gotta tell me everything afterward."

I laughed. "I will, promise."

We reached home, and the moment we stepped inside, I felt a little flutter of nervousness in my stomach. I hadn't called my mom in over a week, and I knew she'd be upset. With a sigh, I asked Jessica if I could borrow her phone.

The phone rang only once before she picked up. "Well, look who finally decided to call," my mom's sharp voice came through, dripping with sarcasm.

"Hi, Mom," I said quietly, bracing myself.

"'Hi, Mom'? That's all you have to say after ignoring me for days?"

"I've just been busy—school and everything," I tried to explain, knowing it wasn't enough.