Giving Love a Chance: Jena's Story [3]

I thought I would never hear from Brad again. I was a freshman and he was a sophomore; an "older man" with older friends. To my surprise, he actually called me after school that day. He asked me out on a date. Of course I said yes. How on earth could I refuse? It was Wednesday and our date was scheduled for Friday night. How could I possibly wait that long?

For the next two days, Brad never left my mind. While passing him on my way to anatomy, our eyes locked and he gave me a wink. Butterflies formed in my stomach and my knees grew weak. I quickly gained composure and went to my class.

Friday finally came. After school, I ran home and pieced together a flattering outfit. He was coming to get me at seven o'clock. He turned 16 at the beginning of the school year, so he had had a car. It was scary yet exciting to be alone with him... On a date!

He knocked on my door at 7:07. I remember this time precisely because I had been sitting on the bar stool behind the counter, staring at the clock on the oven. I could not believe this was truly happening. The guy of my dreams was really taking me on a date. It felt as if I were in some sort of reverie.

I opened the front door, and there he had stood. He looked so good, I thought I was going to turn into goo. I had it bad for Brad... Real bad. He was wearing a multi-colored, vertical-striped, button-up shirt with a small eagle on the left pocket. He had on a nice pair of jeans and some Sperry flip-flops. He smelled of Antonio Banderas' Blue Seduction cologne.

He smiled at me. I smiled back. He came in and met my mom She quickly approved of my date and off we were.

To top everything off, he also had a nice car. It was a Mustang GT; navy blue with white racing stripes. We got in the car and began to drive to our destination.

Neither one of said anything for a long moment. I decided to break the ice and say something.

"You look really nice tonight."

"Thank you. You look lovely, too." He smiled

I smiled back at him. "What do you have planned for tonight?"

"Have you ever had a picnic at night?"

"No, I sure haven't," I admitted.

"Well, you're about to".

*******

We arrived at the park. Using the car's head-lights, we quickly set up our spot. He had packed a blanket and a few other things. To my surprise, he had also packed candles. He surrounded the blanket with the candles, lit them and then turned of the head-lights.

We took our seats on the blanket. He had brought a classic picnic basket full of goodies. This couldn't possibly get more romantic. He looked at me and flashed his most sexy, seductive grin. I began to blush, hoping the lack of light would disguise my nervousness.

"You really do look beautiful tonight," He said.

"Thank you very much," I smiled and looked away.

"Have you ever been on a date before?"

"I can't say that I have."

"Nervous?"

"Very!"

"You shouldn't be. I'm a nice guy. Because of my status at school as a "jock", people look at the exterior me. They don't know that I am intelligent and romantic. They see muscles... Nothing more."

"At least you're not considered a nerd. I certainly am."

"A cute nerd."

I laughed and gently pushed his shoulder. Our eyes met. We stared at one another for what had seen an eternity.

"What made you ask me out on a date?" I asked.

"You'll laugh if I tell you."

"Try me."

"I see something in you. I know that sounds crazy. You're obviously not like the majority of the girls at our school. I've seen you around and you are so kind. You're kind to everyone. I don't understand why, though."

"I've always tried to live by the golden rule: 'treat others you would want to be treated'. I'm just a compassionate person, I suppose."

"I can see that and I like it."

"Can I ask you some thing?"

"Sure."

"Why do you always stare at me?"

"The first time I saw you, my heart fell. The second time I saw you, my heart fell. The third time, the fourth time, the fifth time and every time since, my heart has fallen. When I see you, the world stops. It stops and all that exists for me is you and my eyes staring at you, There is nothing else. No noise, no other people, no thoughts or worries, no yesterday, no tomorrow. The world just stops, and it is a beautiful place, and there is only you. Just you and my eyes staring at you. When you're gone, the world starts again, and I don't like it as much. I can live in it, but I don't like it. I just walk around in it and wait to see you again, and wait for it to stop again. I love it when it stops. It's the best fucking thing I have ever known, or felt... The best thing. And that, beautiful girl, is why I stare at you."

"James Fray... I am thoroughly impressed."

"You are so amazing."

"I'm not so sure about that. You certainly are. I can't believe you... You're just... Just... Too good to be true."

"Jena. I know we hardly know one another, but I want you to be mine."

"Yours?"

"Yes, mine. Please?"

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive." He placed his hand on top of mine.

"I will be yours... Only on one condition."

He chuckled, "And what's that?"

"You have to be mine, too."

He gave me a very serious look. He then leaned in closer to me. I knew what was coming. Oh my gosh, he was going to kiss me! I have never kissed a guy.

He placed his hand on my cheek and gently pressed his lips to mine. I finally got to feel his lips. It was warm and arousing. I pulled away and looked into my eyes with a deep look of sincerity.

"I'm so happy," he said.

"Me, too." I replied.

He pressed his lips to mine once more.