Leap Year Wishes

Chapter Four

I close my book and stare at the cover. Simple, maroon color with a golden outline. My name is printed in gold marker in the center. I trace the letters and remember the old days when my mom, grandma and I used to scrapbook all the time. I open my book once more and look through the rest of the pictures.

A few minutes later, I notice the time and remember I need to get up early. I set my book aside and return to my dreams

Brushing my hair, he texts back telling me to meet him in an hour. I smile and remember last night at the bowling alley.

“So, uh, wanna hang out sometime? Maybe Sunday?" Jason asked sheepishly as we untied our bowling shoes.

What?! Was I just asked out on a date? By someone I used to have a crush on in the 6th grade?!

“Sure!" I said smiling, and possibly too enthusiastic.

“Cool. What's your number?" he pulled out his phone. “So we can plan it." he added quickly.

I tell him my phone number as the rest of us finish getting our normal shoes on.

As we head out into the warm parking lot, Jason and his friends are talking among themselves and we are doing the same. Before we all separate to go to our cars, I feel Jason pull me into a big bear hug as he whispers “Happy early birthday." His breathe brushed along my ear and the side of my neck, leaving chills running down my neck. I may have winked at him, I can't remember, but I said thanks and caught up with my friends.

I feel the flutter of butterfly wings in my stomach just thinking about what happened. That's when my phone buzzed again.

Jason: Sup, Linn? Ready for today?

Me: Yea! Where/When do u wanna meet?

Jason: Meet me at Chipotle in one hour. I've got a surprise for you ;-)

Me: Ok see ya then!

Jason: Bye, love.

Love?! I thought in shock. It's not a bad thought; I'm just surprised he called me love. Chills ran up my spine again and the flutters in my stomach return.

Could I possibly have a crush on a guy I had a crush on in the 6th grade?!

I walk in the restaurant and immediately look for Jason. I spot him in the line, getting ready to order. I walk quickly up to him, saying “Excuse me, pardon me." as I make my way through the line.

“Hiya!" I exclaim as I stand by Jason.

“Hey, you made it!" he says with a wide grin on his face. I nod in response and we order our meals.

Sitting at our table, I cross my legs and start to eat. I listen to him tell me funny stories about his friends and family. But the whole time, I'm examining him carefully. Not in a creepy way.

I look at his hazel eyes. The sunlight leaves a lighter tint of green. His light brown hair is swept to the side. The short hairs form spike like shapes, could be gelled. He is roughly 4 inches taller than me with a strong build with fairly noticeable muscles popping out of his T-shirt sleeves. He is very athletic; star player on the baseball team and plays basketball.

People think we could be siblings. We both have hazel eyes, light brown hair, and play the same sports. When we finish talking, I realize we have almost identical personalities.

We are still talking by the time we reach my car. I go in my car and he hands me an address.

“Meet me there. It's just down the street." Jason says before heading to his truck. I smile as I  watch him leave and look at the address. I soon find out he handed me the address to the movie theater.

I smile and start the car. I end up following him to the theater. When we park, he gets out if his truck and waits for me by my car. The butterflies come back as I exit the car. He smiles at me and grabs my hand in his. I feel my heart beat faster and we walk in the theater.