The Man I Love (Cashby)

"He said to dress casual."

Chapter 15

Alan's POV
Much to everyone's displeasure I insisted on going back to classes the next day. I was already behind, but still going back to classes were unsettling. I was scared and I had a right to be. Turns out James was waiting outside of my classroom doors all day. I would see him and he would wave. The good thing was that Austin wouldn't let me walk to and from them alone. As soon as I came out the door he was right by my side and I couldn't help but to feel safe around him. We would avoid going in whatever direction James was and that was mostly my doing. I didn't want to even give him the chance to think of doing something.

It was my last class of the day and I couldn't help but feel excited. Kellin was going to, with Vic tagging along, get me from my last class so I could get ready for my date with Austin tonight. I was so giddy. I hadn't been this excited about a date in years, but then again James only took me on dates when he had hurt me.

I hopped in Kellin's car and made Vic sit in the back. "But my Kelly Bear is up there." He whined.
"Awww." They were cute. "But I'm sorry Vic, I have to steal your Kelly Bear for a while."
"Okay fine." He mumbled and me and Kellin both laughed. Kellin turned up the radio and we both sang along wildly. We danced in our seats and even though I still had an uncomfortable ache in my side, it was the best time ever.

Once we got to the house Kellin and I ran to my room. Vic and him had managed to get most of my things that were already packed when Austin had carried me to the car, I was in too much of a shocked state to notice.
"He said to dress casual." I reminded Kellin as he searched through my suitcases, I still hadn't unpacked, for a shirt.

"Found it!" He pulled out a dark blue sweater I had and a pair of black ripped skinny jeans. I smiled and nodded. I got a quick shower and straightened my hair before pulling the sweater over my head and slipping into the jeans. I pulled my black vans on and looked in the mirror. I looked cute. This was the first time in a long time that I had thought I looked cute and I was going to show it off. Even though the still slightly purplish bruise was on my face i wasn't going to let that put me in a bad mood.

I skipped down the stairs and into the living room. Vic and Kellin were both on the couch and I stood in front of them hands on my hips smiling.
"I myself think I look pretty cute." I said.
Kellin smiled the biggest smile. This is probably the first time in years that he had heard me give myself a compliment. "Yes yes you do." He said and he pulled me to the couch so I could watch tv with them. The closer it got to the time Austin was supposed to come pick me up the more anxious I got. I was nervous and I kept constantly pulling at my sleeves to make them completely cover my hands.
The doorbell rang and I eyed it nervously. I got up slowly and walked to it. Vic and Kellin's eyes were trained on me as I opened the door.

Austin was standing there holding a bouquet of, it seemed, every flower imaginable. "They were all so pretty but even put together they can't compete with your beauty." He said as he handed them to me. I blushed and pulled him into a hug.
"Thank you." I stood back and took in his appearance. He was wearing black skinny jeans like me but without rips, a red flannel opened with a white shirt under it.
"You look amazing." I said.
"And you my Princess look so adorable and cute."

I grabbed his hand to pull him in while I put the flowers in some water. After I was done we said goodbye to Kellin and Vic and left. I got in the car and buckled up.
"So where are we going?" I asked as he pulled out of the driveway.
"You'll see." He smiled and turned up the radio. He reached for my hand and held it as he drove.

"Ta-da!" He said once we got to our final destination.
"The carnival." I said and his face fell.
"You don't like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" I said jumping to him to hug him. I grabbed his hand and pulled his towards the entrance. "Come on Austin." I hurried him and he laughed.

We rode the different rides and Austin eventually talked me into going into the spook house. I hide my face in his shoulder the whole time, jumping when random sounds were heard. The whole time his arm either hug around my shoulders or his hand was in mine. We shared a corndog and he bought some pink cotton candy. Austin also won me a giant bear at one of the baseball throwing games.

It was almost closing time and there was still one thing I wanted to do. I wanted a cheesy romantic moment and I was determined to get it.
"Can we go on the Farris wheel?" I asked.
"Your wish is my command Princess." He said and lead me over to the giant wheel.
We climbed on and I hoped luck was on my side. The wheel rose and rose and made a complete circle before starting its journey again. Come on, come on. Just to my surprise it stopped at the top.

I turned to Austin and took his face in my hands. I kissed him hard. When I pulled away he ran his thumb over my cheek. I knew Austin wouldn't ask until he was sure I was completely ready, but that's the thing I was. So I asked.
"Austin," he looked into my eyes and I laced my fingers with his. "Will you be my boyfriend?"