Before Everything

Chapter 39

The car honk made me instantly feel butterflies in my stomach. I was so excited. He was here. I quickly put the last layer of mascara, grabbed my bag and ran downstairs.

"Oh, honey, you look gorgeous! Mama's gonna cry soon!!" mom said and tried to wipe her tears.
"Maddie, you look very nice", dad said and gave me the biggest smile I've seen on his face.
"Yeah, you look nice", Ty yelled from the couch and put his thumb up very brotherly.
"Stop it... I have to go..." I said and smiled shyly at them.

I was just going to open the front door when Mike opened it.
"Oh hi!" we said almost at the same time.
We hugged and he gave a kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, you young ones are so cute! Let me take a picture of you two", mom said and went to get her phone. She put her glasses on and started to tap her phone with one finger. You know, like moms always do.

"Derek, could you help me... this stupid phone doesn't work!"
"Let me see that... oh, Evelyn what are you doing in iBooks? Let me show you... okay, there you go."
"I'm so in trouble with this phone... okay okay, I'll take the picture now!"

She took a picture of us and of course, she had to post it on Instagram. We just left them wondering how the amazing world of social media works. Sometimes they just amaze me how they're so smart in general but when it comes to using these little pieces of plastic, glass, and battery thrown together, they just completely freeze. But it's fine, I guess everyone's parents are the same.

"So, Mike... where are we going?"
"Well... I can say two words for you. Escaping and pressure", he said while driving the car.
"Hmm... could it be... no. Wait, I'll figure it out. Escaping and pressure... no! Could it be!? Are you taking me to the Escape Room?!"
"Maybee..." he said and grinned.
"Yes yes yes!! You remembered! I told you about it like three months ago! I have wanted to go there for such a long time!"
"I know. That's why we're going there!"
"This is going to be so amazing!"

We drove for a little bit longer and then he parked the car near Central Park. We walked through Central Park, listened to the street singer who actually singed so good that I had to throw him a nickel or two. Mike bought me a coffee, a small cappuccino. We were holding hands and everything was... I know this will sound so cringy but it was almost magical. The snowflakes were slowly flying down, everyone around us seemed to be in a good mood and the Sun was shining a bit. I leaned on his shoulder and sighed as we were walking.

"Everything good?" he asked and smiled at me.
"More than fine. Everything is great. It's such a lovely day. I love NY in winter."
"Yeah... me too", he said and grinned at me.

Soon, we were at our destination. I had finished my cappuccino with a little help from Mike because I really can't drink coffee that much but I couldn't say no when he offered to buy me one.
He opened the door for me, such a gentleman, and we walked the stairs all the way to the third floor. I opened the big, black door this time. It said CENTRAL PARK ESCAPE ROOM, COME IF YOU DARE on it. I was so ready.

"Hello and welcome to Central Park Escape Room!" this perky, little woman said us in a clear, high-pitched voice.
"Hello, we have a reservation for the Crime Room", Mike said and smiled.
"Yes, can I have your name?"
"Michael Blevins."
"Yes, thank you. Here you go, the key to the escape room. You have exactly two hours to get yourselves out of there. If you do that, a reward will be waiting for you. If you don't do it in two hours, you'll just leave your minds full of new memories! And please notice that we can't refund your fee if you don't make it in two hours."
"Absolutely. Thank you!" Mike said and took the key.
"Where can we leave our jackets?" I asked.
"There is a cloakroom when you go through those doors. There are also the bathrooms and the escape rooms!"
"Thank you!"
"Enjoy your escaping!"