Standing Still

Chapter 7: Do you love me?

I can't tell you how fast I ran home. I'm pretty sure that my feet weren't even touching the ground, but I could care less. I was a block away from my house as the previous events rushed through my head. The library. The lesson. The kiss. What just happened!

I ran into my house and slammed the door which starlted my dad, who must have been crying before I came home. His eyes were red and puffy.

" What is it?" he asked concern in his voice. I shook my head frantically saying,

" Nothing," I say and start to walk away, twoards my room, when a hand on my shoulder stops me.

" Antonio, I want to know whats going on with you," said dad.

I stared at him hard in the eyes, teenage rebellion sparking in my eyes. But in my dads was the overbearing, dominating stare of a parent. So I relented and told him.

" I like her," I whispered. I knew he heard me so all I could do was stare at my shoes. Suddenly interested in the fabric.

" Oh," he said finally understanding my dilemma. So I guess he did the only reasonable thing he could think of. Give me fatherly advice.

" Why don't you talk to her," he suggested.

" It's not that easy dad," I said flipping on the sofa with my arm covering my eyes.

" Yes, it is, just go tell her how you feel and everything will work itself out."

I glared at him. Half of me saying that that was utterly ridiculous, the other half knowing it was the only option. We both stared at each other. Then a decision was made.

* * *

I sat awake in my room for hours. I didn't even feel like eating. I had to do this, even if it kills me. I'm going to text Isabella.

I had my phone sitting in my hands, thinking of what I could tell Isabella. It was about 9:30 when I finally settled on just being blunt. What was the harm? We already kissed twice, what was the use. So I picked up my phone and texted,

Antonio: You kissed me

Was she really going to reply to this? Half of me seriously doubted that she would, the other half really wanted her to. I sighed and got into my Pajamas. As I looked into my mirror, I realized how haggard I must look. My hair is always messy and I'm always dressed in dark colors. Could she really like me?

I go and lay backdown on my bed and start eating some food from my stash. Yes, I have a stash of food hidden in my draw. I have pretzels and some chips, just to snack on in situations like this. I go for the pretzels and start to eat them. I'm drifting into sleep when I hear a tweet. I jump a little and look down to see that Isabella has finally answered.

Isabella: yes

Okay, this is a start. She didn't deny it, this is good. But what do I ask her now? Do I be all mushy and tell her my feelings? Or do I just ask about homework and play it off cool. Moms words ring in my brain, your heart says you can fly. I fly.

Antonio: What does that mean?

Isabella: What do u want it to mean?"

I know exactly what I want it to mean. This time I go with the truth.

Antonio: Isabella, I like you. A lot. You have no idea how much I want you to be mine. You mean a lot to me.

I was worried when I sent this. What would she think? Would she think I'm coming on too strong? Even I thought that was a little intense. I hear the tweet from my phone and look at the text Isabella sent me. Let me just say that this made me scrunch my forehead.

Isabella: u txt like Shakespeare

Antonio: Thanks?

I wait for her to respond and tell me anything else. That she felt the same way. It would definitely ease my mind. So I waited. As long as it would take, even if it would take a thousand years. Finally she responded.

Isabella: I really like u too

YES!!!!!

Antonio: What now?

Isabella: Don't know

Then, I had an idea. A brilliant one. One that would change my life forever.

Antonio: Would you go on a date with me?

Almost instantly I had a reply.

Isabella: yeah, were to?

Antonio: It's a surprise just dress casual

Isabella: Okay when?

Antonio: Tomorrow? at 10:00?

Isabella: That sounds great, see you then

Antonio: right, see you

I shut down my phone turned off my light. As I laid down and stared at the ceiling, I couldn't help but wonder what would happen tomorrow. But first I have to find out where we are going tomorrow.

.