Chad
What the fuck am I getting myself into? I thought, lying on my bed. I'd been staring at the ceiling for longer than I could remember, thinking about Arabella.
I wanted her, oh god did I want her. But I wasn't used to girls like Arabella. I wasn't used to talking about my feelings and buying flowers and opening car doors. I know that's what she wants. Her entire being just screams: I want to go steady like it's the 1950's.
I will surely fuck this up. It's only a matter of time before she realizes that I'm basically emotionally devoid and can't please her in the ways she wants me to.
I honestly couldn't remember the last time a relationship wasn't about sex for me. Middle school, maybe?
Why does she even like me? That was one question I'd been asking myself ever since this 'thing' started. She doesn't like my lifestyle, I can tell that. Sure, she drinks, but not like me. I doubt she's even touched a cigarette. I don't think she has any interest in getting to know my friends, and if she knew my family she'd either pity me or call child protective services- neither of which I needed or wanted.
I knew somewhere deep within me that we could be good for each other, but I didn't know whether it would ever really work. Her being my light and me being her darkness. Is that even a healthy balance? Fuck, I don't know what healthy is.
Finally I decided that despite all my insane worry and self-doubt I needed to try this. It just felt good to be around her. Better than any drink or smoke had ever felt.
I picked up my phone and composed a new text message.
"I'll pick you up at 7 tonight."
It sounded so emotionless and straightforward. I tried again.
"Arabella, if you're still willing to let me take you out, I'll pick you up at 7 tonight."
That was okay, right? I hit send.
Moments later she texted back.
"7 is perfect :)"
***
Arabella
I didn't know what to expect for this date. Would it be any different that the other time we've hung out?
I wasn't sure where we were going, but I doubted it would be too fancy. That's not Chad's taste. I felt giddy picking out an outfit to wear tonight. It was getting cold out, so I chose pants over the skirt I'd been eyeing.
I devoted the rest of my afternoon to homework, but my eyes kept drifting to the outfit I had hanging up. I couldn't focus and ultimately closed my copy of Mrs. Dalloway and opted for a shower.
I let my mind wander as the warm rain fell onto my back and shoulders. I didn't realize how long I'd been inside until the water began to turn cold. I quickly got out, drying off.
The minutes ticked by and eventually it was almost time for Chad to be here. I applied the finishing touches of mascara to my lashes and gave myself a once-over in the mirror. Better than usual, I thought.
"Where are you going?" My mom asked, when I appeared downstairs.
"Just out to dinner," I told her. I did not want to have the 'date discussion' if it could be avoided.
"With Dylan?" She asked, excitedly.
"No, mom. Just a friend. It's not a big deal," I stressed to her.
Surprisingly, she let it go. I couldn't tell if she was mad and giving me the cold shoulder, or if she really did believe that it wasn't a big deal, and decided not to push it.
Just after 7, I heard a car horn from outside. I sank just a little. I hadn't really been expecting Chad to come to the door, but I thought that maybe he would, given this was different than before.
I said goodbye to my mother and closed the door behind me.
Chad's car was still running and he was still seated inside. I opened my own door and slid into the passenger seat.
"You look... wow, you look amazing Arabella," he said, his eyes wandering over me. I blushed a little and thanked him, it wasn't until now that I realized how few compliments we'd given each other.
I wanted to squash the awkwardness, so I looked over, "You don't clean up so bad yourself," I said, wiggling my eyebrows.
"Well, you may be hot, but you're still such a dork," he told me, really laughing for the first time that night.
This was going to be different for us. But I had the feeling that if we could keep things lighthearted and not too serious, maybe it would be different in a good way.
A/N:
Hi guys,
Sorry, I know this is short but I really wanted to get something updated. I hadn't realized it had been so long (I'm too busy and I hate it).
Anyway, what did you think about Chad's POV? I might start doing more of it, if it's something you guys like. Let me know.
As always, your feedback gives me life so vote/comment and make my day.
All the love,
L.B.
