The Fall of Family

Chapter Twleve

After I picked up the ice cream from Sonic, I drove to the park where I fell asleep the night before. I grabbed the same, thin blanket and walked over to the same spot where I slept, all while eating my ice cream.

After I laid the blanket out, I got out my phone and texted Mathew and wrote I applied for a job at the laundromat downtown today. He seemed really interested in me. Anyway, I am at the park. Want to hang out? After sending the message, I thought again and sent another message saying Thank you again for staying with me at the hospital, you really helped me.

I set my phone down, licked my ice cream again and got a message almost immediately.

Sure no problem. And I would love to hang out, I'll be there in a few minutes. I sighed in relief after reading the message and was glad he was coming.

After about halfway through the cone, I saw a small, red car pull up behind mine. The driver side door opened and out came Mathew.

I ate some more of my ice cream and looked away from him, trying not to make it awkward. I staring at the kids playing on the play ground, having a good time. I remembered my dad pushing me on the same swings when I was younger and I smiled at the memory.

When he got close enough, I looked toward him and gave him a huge smile. He smiled back and sat down next to me, sitting with his legs crossed and arms supporting him behind him. He sat with a few inches between his hips and mine.

He started the conversation, "So, what's up?"

I thought of telling him what I really thought of him, but I just shrugged and said, "Nothing really. I'm just sitting in the park with a guy from school. Speaking of school, did anything happen while I was gone?"

He shook his head and answered, "Not really, just Abby swore to get revenge on you and we had tons of homework. Regular school week."

I nodded, understanding and sighed out loud. Abby would probably use her boyfriend in the revenge, as he was the star wrestler and QB, a perfect three-season athlete.

Mathew spoke again after a while. "Ya know, I... I think I like you, like you."

I smiled inside and my heart skipped a beat. I let myself smile a cute little smile and looked at the kids again. "I think I like you, too." I said.

He looked over at me and smiled. I'm sure fireworks were going off in his head and his brain was celebrating.

I looked at him in the eye and continued, "From the moment I ran into you and you stumbled with your words and were so sweet and your eyes, your eyes. I, I... I kinda, maybe..." I stopped and took a deep breath and just spat out, "Ikindamaybefellinlove."

He smiled a smile I could tell was legitimate. I looked back at the kids and waited for his response. I can't believe I did that, it was too early in our relationship and it was too much, too soon. I held back my tears at the 6 words I regret saying and held my breath as I continued waiting.

"That's what I was gonna say."

I let out my breath and felt all the anxious feeling leave. He chuckled and I laughed. He pulled something out from behind his back and held it out.

In front of me was a red, heart-shaped box.

I smiled again took it from him. "Thank you so much, Mathew! That's so sweet!"

I set it on the other side of me, not wanting to look in it and look shelfish. I looked back at him and saw a look that I wasn't expecting to see. His eyes looked excited and wanting, but his lips formed a sad expression.

I, confused, asked, "What's wrong?"

He smiled again and replyed, "Open it."

I said okay and reached over and put the box in my lap. I carefully lifted the box and saw the contents inside.

In 5 adorable chocolates, the words PROM? was written on top of them.