A Lily For Joshua

Chapter 13: The Truth

Chapter 13: The Truth

Okay, I can do this. I just asked Lily on a date. I'm planning, on the date, to ask her to the dance. It's gonna be fantastic! In English class on Friday, Vanessa got asked to the dance by Jack Stevens. She said yes, but I know she wants to go with me. Hopefully what I have planned will knock her socks off and away towards Jack, because I am taken by my mysterious angel from Kansas, who does not yet know that she took me. At lunch, Avie and the boys were looking between Lily and I waiting for...something. What they were waiting for, I don't know. Vanessa came over at some point during lunch, hanging on Jack's arm, trying to get me jealous. I pointedly ignored her and focused on my lunch. After a while, she left in a huff.

"Hey, Eli," I said.

"Yeah?"

"I know a girl you could take to the dance," I said. I pointed across the lunch room to a girl who's often in one of my classes. "Her name's Danielle Eddy, and she likes you, I know she does. She asks about you all the time."

Eli scoffed. "Yeah, right," he said.

"No, really, she does. She told me so," Lily piped up.

"Really?" Eli asked, looking interested. We nodded together.

"Okay, then," he said. "On Monday, I'm going to ask her. James, Jacob, you gotta help me, okay?" They nodded. After school, I headed home and got showered and dressed for my date with Lily. Then I headed to the restaurant to set up. I hope she likes it. I picked her up at seven, just like I said. She was waiting, dressed in a nice casual shirt and skirt, just like I told her. I was borrowing my dad's car, so I opened the door for her.

"Milady," I said, bowing.

"Thank you, sir," she said as she stepped into the car.

"Any time," I said as I started the car.

"So, where are we going?" She queried.

"My favourite restaurant. You're gonna love it," I replied earnestly.

"Can't wait," she said with a smile. I pulled into the parking lot of Olive Garden.

I opened her door and led her inside. I whispered to the waiter at the desk, "Noble, special request." She nodded and pointed to a waiter named Joe.

"Follow me, please." I took Lily's hand and we followed Joe to a back corner where it was practically empty. Perfect. We sat down and ordered. I ordered a lasagna and she ordered a spaghetti.

"For dessert, you have to try their gelato," I said, "it's to die for. And there's this special one I always ask for. You have to say 'Gelato, Noble, special.'"

"Huh," Lily said, "I'll have to try it. Sounds special," she said with a laugh. I laughed with her.