Just Different

Chapter 11

Rob lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. He couldn't stop thinking about the previous afternoon. Even though it seemed like a small, insignificant get together, Rob couldn't help but feel like it was more, fantasizing that his friend was falling for him. He sighed contently, letting his eyes close.

It seemed like it was just a silly crush, only infatuation, but it wasn't only because Rob found Brad cute. He deeply appreciated his friend's kindness and wanted more of that.

And then Brad had stared at him too. He didn't know if the other boy had just dozed off or was actually looking at him. He hoped it was the second thought. Rob smiled and hugged himself. He felt so silly acting so obsessed, but he couldn't help it. It made him feel happy. It made him feel good.

He couldn't wait to tell Chester either. His friend had helped him gain a little confidence and it was really paying off. Rob felt like he should maybe mention to the others that he and Chester were friends, that he wasn't all that bad. But considering how Chester treated them at times, and how much everyone despised each other, they might not like it. 

Rob sat up and got ready to meet Mike and Joe. They were spending the night in the cabin since the rain had cleared up for the weekend. But he wasn't really looking forward to hearing Brad talk about is date with Elisa, depending on how well it went.

***

"Not what I pictured a first date to look like, but I love it," Elisa smiled sweetly at Brad before taking a sip of the iced tea she ordered.

"I just really like this place," Brad said sheepishly.

"I can see why, fresh food, quality service." Brad chuckled nervously, fiddling with a straw wrapper.

"I had no clue this place existed actually," Elisa said.

"It's local. I wish more people knew about this place. I bring my friends here all the time," Brad replied. He rolled the wrapper into a small ball in between his fingers. It was the same place he and Rob ate out at a few weeks prior. He had a small feeling that Elisa wasn't liking it as much as he thought she would.

"I should bring the team here then. But only after a win." Elisa grinned. Then she looked up and made a face. "What is playing," She asked, referring to the music the restaurant was playing on the over head speakers.

"It's The Trooper, by Iron Maiden. Great band," Brad said smiling.

"Oh, it's metal isn't it? I'm...not much a fan," she chuckled. Brad tried his best to keep his smile. He actually wasn't surprised that Elisa didn't like this kind of music, but it would've been better if she did.

"What do you like to listen to?"

"Anything that's playing on the radio honestly. I don't really delve into music."

"Oh. I'm a pretty big music fan actually. I like all the classic rock, classic metal."

"I can see," Elisa giggled. "I've seen you around school, and at Mark's parties with your guitar. You're good at it."

Brad smiled. "Aw I'm not as good as you think."

"I'm no expert, but I've heard you play enough to know you're a good player."

Brad blushed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ha, well thanks."

A waitress arrived with a tray with the couple's food on it, giving then each their basket of food.

"The fries are amazing," Brad gushed as he tore open a ketchup packet. Elisa took one and popped it into her mouth.

"Oh wow, they are," she laughed, taking another one. Brad drizzled the ketchup over his fries and then took one to eat himself. "They have this smoky taste to them."