It Started in Paris

Chapter Sixteen: Our First Date

Come on, Lauren.

You can do this.

This is what you've been longing for.

This is the day.

This is it.  Make it perfect.

Don't make a fool out of yourself.

Do this right.

Think straight.

Just be yourself.

A knock on the door made me jump a mile.

"Ready?"  Leila called from outside the room.

"Just a minute!" I answered.

I stood right in front of the mirror with my hair braided across from left to right like a hairband--I don't know how Leila did it but she did a great job--double pearl necklace, white ruffled tube dress, and to top it all off with white flats.  I breathed long and hard before heading out the door.  And there he is.  Standing by the door in a gray long sleeves, worn underneath a darker shade of gray vest, black pants and his reliable Converse sneakers.

"You guys look so cute!" Leila squealed.

I could feel my heart beating in my chest as I made my way towards him.

"Shall we?" he said.

I smiled nervously as I nodded silently.

He opened the door to the way out.

"What about the report?--" I said, worried.

"All taken care of," Leila cut off as she pushed me gently out the door.  "Just enjoy the day out."

Jack had followed me out and had closed the door behind him.

"Where are we going?" I said.

"Surprises," he answered randomly.

It was the first time that I felt this special.  Guys would always take it easy on me and probably, even place me on a bet with their friends that they'll be able to get me in a few days.  Jack was different.  It was fun hitching a ride with another of Jean's tour buses that was headed to the Rodin Museum but, he asked the driver to stop in the middle of the trip to drop us off at Au Duc la Chapelle Patisserie.  He picked up some baguettes and some fresh fromage.  He took my hand and waited for another of Jean's tour buses to pass by.

We climbed aboard on the way to the Eiffel Tower.

"Bonjour, monsieur," the driver greeted Jack in French.  The chauffeur glanced at me then, smiled widely at Jack and winked.  "Et quelle belle petite amie, monsieur."

Jack chuckled and said, "Merci."

"What did he say?" I whispered after we've found a seat.

He looked at me with a subtle smile and said, "He said that you're beautiful."

I nodded.  "Oh," I smiled.  "Thank you."

After a long silent ride to the famous tower, we got off the double-decker bus.

"Can you take the dare to climb up to the tower?" he asked challengingly.

I looked at him to see whether he was joking.  "Seriously?"

He laughed.  "Just kidding.  We need to ride the lift--no stairs to the top."

And so we fall into the long line of people who are waiting for the lift.  When it was our turn, the whole trip to the pinnacle of the tower was silent.  When we got there, he held my hand and led me to the breathtaking sight of Paris, France.

"It's beautiful," I said breathlessly.

"Get one, it tastes really good," he said, offering the basket of baguette.

I took one piece and he was right.  I felt the flavor melt into my tongue.  The sweet sugary taste was the most delicious thing I've tasted.  We ate at the top of the tower and watched the marvelous sight before us.  After we have finished everything, he looked at me and said with a charming smile, "Come on."

He took my hand and we waited for another of Jean's tour buses and hitched a ride to Jardin des Plantes.  We unboarded the bus along with the other tourists.  Walking along the flowerbeds, he suddenly stooped down and picked the most beautiful flower I've ever seen.

He handed it to me.  "For you."

"Thank you." I felt my face heat up.

Darn it.  I hate it when I do that.

We walked along the flower beds until it was time for the bus to leave.  He stopped the ride in front of a street named Rue Mouffetard and thanked the driver in French.

We talked as we took a stroll down the lovely boulevard.

"Have you ever taken a girl out?" I asked, then, immediately added, "I mean, I know I have asked you the same question before but, it seems unbelievable that you haven't."

He chuckled.  "Yeah, I had."  He nodded meekly.  He shoved his hands in his pocket and looked straight ahead.  "Grandpa told me to hang loose and just make friends and if it works out well, I should go for it."

"But...you never had a girlfriend?" I asked.

He shook his head.  "They were all too superficial, you know," he sounded agitated.

I thought I should stop asking questions.  I don't want him to get annoyed and walk away.

I didn't notice that the sun was setting down before us.  We both stopped and stared as the sun sank down and darkness slowly took over.

"Come on," he looked at me as he grabbed my hand.  "There's one more place we have to go."

We turned a corner and saw one's of Jean's tour buses passing by.  Jack raised his hand and without delay, the double-decker bus stopped in front of us.

"Il nous faut un tour à la Seine," he said.

"Viennent dans," the driver motioned his hand to board.

We got in and sat on an empty space.  We arrived at the Seine and there was soft music and dancing everywhere.

He turned to me and spoke tenderly.  "Do you dance?"

I giggled.  "No."

"I'll teach you."  He grabbed my hand and lead me to the center of the crowd.

He put my right hand over his shoulder and the other one on his arm.  His hands rested lightly on my hips that sent a little tingle to my spine.  We were looking at each other's eyes when he said, "Closer."

I took a step closer and until we were just an inch apart.  I took great courage and dared to put my arms around his neck.

"You look so beautiful," Jack whispered.

I smiled softly and wanted to say, "You look handsome ever since I first saw you."  But, decided to just keep it inside my head.  Instead, I closed my eyes and leaned in until my nose and forehead touched his.  I know we weren't going to kiss but, so far, this would be the best night yet.