Trapped

Chapter 3

                                          Chapter 3

I hurry inside and go straight up to my room. Finally! I run over to my desk and rip Frey’s file open. There it is; the picture that captivated me from the start. I love this feeling. The tips of my fingers trace over his face. I wonder what he thinks of me. Is he as enchanted as I am? Before I’ve stared long enough to be alright with looking away, mother calls me to dinner.

“Actually, I think I’ll skip tonight.”

She stays silent, waiting for my explanation.

“I don’t have much of an appetite. I think it’s the nerves I have about tomorrow’s date.”

“Well, make sure you eat something before you go to sleep.”

“I will.” I call out to her while going back to my room. This is the first date I’ve been nervous about. I don’t do well when I’m nervous and I have to impress him.

My mind drifts to Elias. I’ve fallen for him and I think he’s fallen for me as well. It’s hard to stop myself from day dreaming but I do. What’s the point? Day dreams aren’t real. Dreams don’t come true.

I spin around in the mirror once more. I’ve never felt so beautiful. I can hardly enjoy the feeling though because the anxiety of meeting him is too much. There are 2 sides. If he doesn’t like me, I can be with Elias. But, if he does, who will I choose? I’m probably over-thinking this. After today, my choice should be clear.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart.”  Mother says, coming up behind me.

“This is the one.” I look at her in the mirror. “I can feel it.”

She looks almost as excited as I feel. But, the mood dims.

“I wish dad were here to see me.”

“He would be proud. You’re so grown up.”

I can’t help but let out a laugh. “Not to him. I would have always been his little girl.”

A few moments full of thought pass and then the doorbell rings throughout the house. I slowly make my way to the door, making sure I don’t fall over because of my heels, and open it.

“You must be Julianne.”

Oh, my gosh. Why is he early?!

“Since we’ll be spending all day together, I thought I could meet your mother.”

I don’t know what to say. Even if I did, I can’t force any words out of my throat.

“Sure.” I manage to whisper. I open the door wider, letting him step in.

“Hello.” Mother says cheerfully, greeting him with a light handshake.

“Hi. I’m Frey.”

“It’s very nice to meet you Frey. Can I get you a drink?”

“No. I’m fine, thank you.”

I need a drink. I excuse myself and escape to the kitchen. By the amount of water I gulped down, I’m surprised I haven’t drowned myself. After a few minutes of calming myself, I made my way back to mother and Frey, following their voices to find them.

“Julianne, did you know Frey would love to be an English teacher?”

I took a seat next to mother, trying not to stare at Frey too intensely.

“Yes. It was mentioned in his facts.”

“Our facts made it seem like we had so much in common. We should have a lot to talk about.” He stood up and offered his hand to me. After a quick moment of consideration, I took it and stood up as well.

“You two have fun.” Mother told us as we walked out of the house. It’s prettier today. The sun is perfect and the grass is a brand new shade of green. Our hands parted as we got into the car.  

“You shouldn’t be so nervous.” He told me as he started the car. Not even a minute into the date and he knows the one thing I was planning on hiding.

“What do you mean?”

“Your hand was shaking.”

I feel stupid. My whole body was shaking. “Oh. Sorry.”

He smiles and his face lights up. He’s beautiful.

“Don’t be sorry. It’s cute; you already wanting to marry me and all.”

“What?!” Mother.

“You shouldn’t have left me alone with your mother.”

I knew it. I look out my window, trying to hide the fierce blushing that was coated on my cheeks.

“Where are we going?”

“That’s a surprise.”

I love surprises! But, he knows that. It was probably in my facts.

The ride to my surprise was silent. I’m sure he was waiting for me to start up a conversation but I didn’t know what to talk about. All I wanted to do was stare at him. I’ve memorized him almost. Every so often, he would glance over at me, catch my eye, and smile. I love those moments. Those moments when I make him smile.

After half an hour of driving, he pulls off to the side of an empty road.

“Is this the surprise?” I ask him, my confusion showing in my voice.

“Almost.” He tells me.

We get out of the car and, once again, his hand meets mine. The feeling is already so familiar. We begin walking through a forest that line the outskirts of the state. It’s still wet from yesterday’s rain.

“Can you give me a hint?”

“Nope.” There is amusement in his voice.

“Well, how long do we have to walk?”

“Only for a minute. Are you already tired?”

I guess the lack of athletic ability I have isn’t listed in my facts.

“Lazy.” He states, jokingly. “It’s worth it. Trust me.”

And I do. I trust him.

It’s not long before I can see it. It’s a waterfall. It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never seen one in person before but I’ve always wanted to. He lets my hand fall to my side, allowing me the freedom to explore. I check back to make sure he’s still there, and when I’m sure he’ll stay, I take off. I run in the water and climb on the rocks while he watches. I would ask him to join but he seems perfectly content watching me. I can’t get enough; the smell of the water, the color of all the plants and the sky. It’s all so perfect. I don’t ever want to leave.