Dashing Through The Snow

Chapter Fifteen - Nick

Chapter Fifteen

Nick

Isabella rolled her eyes and sat down on the couch next to Jack, who she ignored. I could tell she was still angry at us for adopting the dogs, but I'm sure she'd get over it. The black dog bounded over to her, jumped on the couch, and shoved his face into hers. She playfully pushed him away, but he just licked her hand. I smiled and sat down near them as the dog hopped off.

Isabella wiped her face and glared at me. I smiled and called the dog over. He raced forward, and then began to lick Isabella's face again.

"Nick, that's not funny," she said, laughing as she pushed the dog away.

When Jack changed the channel, something rang from Jack's pocket. He fished around in his pocket and handed a cellphone to Isabella. She looked at it, her face whitened, and she pressed a button, leaving. I heard her talking frantically into the electronic as I glanced at Jack.

"Who was it?"

He shrugged, his attention on the TV. I sighed and ran a hand through my brown hair. Finally, I asked Jack another question.

"Jack, what is Isabella's favorite restaurant?"

"Why?" Finwë questioned. "Does our little Nick want to take her on a date?"

I blushed and looked at Jack, who was smirking. "Stripepins."

I racked my brain, but I had never heard of that place. Whenever I visited Jack and his family in the past, we always went out to eat. I always thought we had been to every restaurant in town, but I guess that wasn't the case.

"Where is that?"

"It's an hour away," he answered, flipping the channel. "We only go on special occasions."

"Christmas is in two and a half weeks," Finwë stated, rubbing his puppy's belly. "That could be our special occasion."

Jack nodded and turned the TV off. He turned in his seat and looked me over, as if he were making sure I wouldn't hurt her. Jack was like an older brother to Isabella, therefore he was very protective of her. Ever since I met her, I had a feeling to protect her with all the strength I could. I didn't want to see her get hurt, especially by Sylvia.

"Do you want to take her on a date?" Jack asked. "You know, she doesn't kiss on the first date." Jack poked my side, chuckling. Finwë burst into a fit of laughter, and my blush darkened. The tips of my ears were warm from it.

I had wanted us all to go-- Jess, Jack, Finwë, Isabella, and I-- because I couldn't drive, I didn't know where the restaurant was, and because it might be awkward without the others to accompany Isabella and I. I didn't want Isabella to think I was weird in case I didn't talk from nerves. Usually, I could have a whole conversation on rocks, but something about Isabella made me want to have her like me. Maybe even as more than a friend, but I'd jump that obstacle when I got to it.

"No," I hesitated, "I was thinking we could all go."

"When?" Finwë perked up at the mention of food. He could eat all day and never gain a pound. "Can we go today?"

Jack shrugged, rubbing his hands on his jeans. He raised an eyebrow in my direction, waiting for me to answer. I thought about it for a moment.

"Why not?" I reasoned. "We could go right after Jess comes out of school and have dinner. I'm sure we'll be able to arrive back in time before her bedtime. Do you mind driving, Jack?"

He shook his head as Isabella walked back into the room. She handed the phone to Jack and shrugged her jacket on, walking toward the door. I instantly jumped up as Jack called to her.