The Mystery of Us (You and Me Against the World)

Chapter Eleven

David pulls over his sleek Audi at the driveway. The sun is beginning to set, casting warm hues across the sky. He takes a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This is it. He hops out of the car, glancing at his reflection in the side mirror, fixing his hair. He walks confidently to the front door and rings the doorbell.

David's feelings under his breath. "Just relax, Dave. Whatever it is, you got this. Just breathe."

After a few moments, the door swings open. Nicole stands there, ethereal in an off-shoulder floral short dress, her hair cascading over her shoulders, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hey, you made it!" Nicole's smiling sweetly.

"Wow, you look amazing, Nicole. You always do." David checks on Nicole from head to toe.

She blushes slightly, stepping aside to let him in. David walks into the living room, glancing around at the cozy decor that reflects her vibrant personality.

"Thanks! I thought I'd make an effort tonight. It's... uhm, it's going to be special...I hope so." Nicole plays with her fingers feeling nervous.

"Special? So, what's the agenda for tonight? What are we talking about?" David gets curious.

"I know I have never been fair to you. You have done such amazing things to me and there's something I need to tell you. Something I've been thinking about since... well, last Friday night." Nicole looks into David's eyes.

David tilts his head, slightly confused but interested. "Ohh...last friday. Well it was quite intense but I guess it's..."David is lost for words.

"I have said things to you that I shouldn't have. For the past months, all you did was to show how much you really cared and I saw your sincerity, David."

Nicole avoids eye contact momentarily.

"You already have decided, I just have to accept and respect your decision," says David.

Nicole finally looks up. "I felt guilty.
I've been pushing you away because I was scared. Scared of getting hurt, scared of ruining our friendship. But today, I thought... I should..... that I should give it a try and give you a chance."

There's a brief silence. David's heart races.

David looks at Nicole intensely. "What do you mean exactly?"

Nicole takes a deep breath. "I want...I want to be your girlfriend, David."

David is momentarily dumbfounded, unable to process the words. His mind races as he absorbs her confession.

David couldn't utter a word properly.
"I... wow. I mean, that's..." He shifts closer, longing to bridge the gap between them. Nicole watches him, a mix of hope and fear in her eyes.

"You're surprised. I get it. I've been sending mixed signals, and I'm so sorry for that. It isn't too late right?" says Nicole.

David finally finds his voice. "No, it's... incredible. I just can't believe it. I mean, it's what I've wanted for so long but I never thought you're going to change your mind."

Nicole smiles. "I guess you're worth trying David."

David's breath hitches, the air thick with unspoken emotions. He reaches out, taking her hand in his. "You have no idea how happy I am right now."

Nicole's voice softens. "You really want to do this?"

David smiles with absolute conviction. "
More than anything."