Best Friends With Benefits: Anthony Ramos

Two: Happy Birthday

I walked over to Ryeli's around noon. I got her a birthday gift I thought she'd love. She had her dog on a leash and earbuds in. I knew she'd be walking. That was good. Her parents and I were gonna be setting stuff up.

"Did all my invitations disappear?" I heard before I ran to her house.

"Hey Anthony. Could you get some paper plates out please? They're under the cupboard." Bri, Ryeli's stepmom asked. I nodded and got out the paper plates, watching her parents as they walked around each other with ease.

A few hours later, Ryeli came back and we all hid behind chairs. Ryeli's moms had driven their cars behind my house so we could surprise her.

"Best birthday present ever! No people at the rec center and I could sing my heart out! And I had my beautiful puppy too. Also, no one else is here! Even better!" Ryeli had true happiness in her eyes.

"Surprise!" We all jumped out, scaring the hell out of the dog.

"Anthony, the heck man?" Rye said and I smiled.

"Happy birthday chica." I handed her the small box containing her present. She opened it.

"HOLY SCHNAUZER! You got me a ticket to Hamilton?!" She squealed.

"Yeah." I said and pulled out my own. "I got one too so I can accompany you. Also one for, what's her name? It's Lillie. I think." I said trying to get her psyched even more.

"ANTHONY I FUCKING LOVE YOU!" She wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me.

"I know that it's a bit much for a birthday present but you're already like my best friend." Ryeli smiled at me and I felt all my worries wash away. We'd only known each other for three weeks and I was already liking her. "The show we're seeing is in a month."

(One week earlier)

"Are you sure, Rye? You only lose your virginity once." I said. Ryeli nodded. We did it, we had sex.

(One month later.)

Ryeli, Lillie and I sat in the orchestra seats. I wanted so badly to take Rye's hand but I just couldn't bring myself to. I didn't want to make her nervous. But I also wanted her to see that I really liked her. In a more than best friends kind of way.

The show started and I was immediately engaged in it. I still knew all the songs by heart. I sang along quietly under my breath. Ryeli did too. I smiled. She was so happy. That was all the satisfaction I needed.

~~~

We ended up staying at a hotel after we met the cast backstage. Ryeli rambled to her friend about how sweet Mandy Gonzalez was. She'd even signed Ryeli's copy of Hamilton and In The Heights On CD, then being extra, Mandy gave her a Fearless Squad shirt. Ryeli had been speechless, and Mandy then signed the white and black shirt, hugging her as we left.

Lillie had changed into pjs as did Ryeli and I. "Alright, you two good? I can come check in on you later, or just come into my room if you need anything. Okay?"

"Sounds good Ramos." Ryeli said, smiling at me, waving goodbye lightly.

"Rye, can I talk to you out in the hall?" I had to tell her. We walked out of the room and I turned to face her, leaning down and kissing her. She kissed back. I matched her intensity. Things were heating up fast. I pulled back, smiling. "I like you Ryeli. In a more than best friends kind of way. I want to date you. Will you...be my girlfriend?"

"You just like the sex, Anthony."

"That's not true, Ryeli. I like you for more than the sex or your looks. I like you for who you are on the inside."

"Prove it. If you can make it three weeks without sex, then I'll know you mean it."

(Three weeks later)

"Okay, so we made it three weeks. So, Anthony, yes. I will be your girlfriend." Ryeli stood on tiptoes to kiss me.

~~~

Ryeli spent the night with me. We danced, ate pizza, drank soda. We had a blast. Even watched horror movies.

Ryeli was so engaged in the movie Spilt as we ate caramel popcorn and drank our sodas. At one point, I paused the film, just to ask her a question.

"Ryeli, I don't know if it's too early to say this, but I think I'm falling in love with you." At that, Ryeli launched into my arms, kissing me slowly.

"I'm falling in love with you too, Ant."

"Yay." I said. I knew we were gonna last for a long while, if not forever.

***Author's Note***

Next chapter is in September of 2018. You'll see drama popping up now!

Xo,
Ryeli