If It's Meant To Be

6 February 2012

"Is that a yes?" Startled, Anna turned around to find Tommy standing behind her, with a polite smile.

"For what?" She responded, watching him step closer to her.

"The date. Your mom interrupted us before you had the chance to reply on Friday, remember?"

Smiling, Anna turned around and continued putting her books into her bag. Her last class for the day had just ended and almost everyone was out of the class. She took her time. He didn't need to know how excited she was that he was there. All morning she had worried whether he had lost interest in her already.

"I'm still thinking about it." She responded, picking up her bag and turning to face him.

His polite smile disappeared and his eyes narrowed in thought.

"What are you questioning?" She asked, curious.

"Whether I read the signals wrong or not." He said, a hand gliding through his hair. Anna followed his movement, wondering what it felt like, suddenly urged to touch it.

He caught her and smiled.

"If you go out with me, I'll let you touch my hair." He teased, shaking his hair out and letting a handful of dirty blonde strands fall into his face.

She laughed and reached out before he had time to pull away, placing a hand in his locks and pushing the hair out of his face. The movement was slow, Anna reveling in the softness of his hair, delighted by the feel of it. 

Then time moved and Tommy pulled his head back.

"Hey," he exclaimed, "not fair!" He took two steps back and pointed an accusing finger at her, "You cheated."

"No," Anna said calmly. "You said you'd let me touch it if I went out with you. In case you hadn't noticed, my answer is yes."

A smile crept onto Tommy's face. He felt as if he was feeling the sun on his skin for the first time, warm and content. Also, was she always this cryptic?

"Well then, let's go!" Tommy grabbed Anna's hand, leading her out of the now empty classroom and down the stairs that would take them out of the school.

"Wait, were you already expecting me to say yes?"

"No, but I hoped you would."

They stopped in front of an old Kia. Tommy opened the door for her but she simply stood still.

"Uh... how are you driving? We're only in grade 10."

"I didn't say I was driving, now did I?"

"Well no but I assumed-"

"Ha!" Tommy cut her off. "Look who's the assumer now." He said, clearly pleased with himself.

Anna rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Fine then, explain yourself so I don't assume."

"My brother's going to take us."

"Where?" She asked.

"To the park."

"The park?"

"The park."

"The park." She repeated. "Okay."

That was all Tommy needed hear. All of his last girlfriends had given him grief every time he mentioned the park. Apparently, they were above siting on the ground even if a blanket was lain under them. They had both been stuck up girls who liked him because his brother could drive them places.

"But first we have to ask my mom."

"Please don't tell me I have to meet your mom on the first date."

"Only if you want to."

"Uh-"

"Fine, I'll tell her myself." She laughed and walked away. The idea of him meeting her mother when she wasn't even sure where their friendship was going was just as frightening to her. 

"Wait! I hope this isn't some trick to leave me standing here waiting for you while your mom takes you home!" He yelled after her.

"No, but if she says no that might end up happening!" She shouted back at him.