We Come Alive 5

Big Question, Small Answer

All day Friday was the best one for the students across Dallas. Today was a school holiday meaning there was no school. Since she had moved back into Mateo's home, Clover had just been hanging out around there all day along with Manny. But now, she was getting ready for her date night with Dante.

Clover was bouncing Esmeralda in her arms while Manny was fixing Clover's ponytail. Manny had added extensions to it so it would be longer. Clover kept bouncing Esmeralda who was staring at herself into the mirror with her pacifier in her mouth. Clover looked over her outfit of a black bodysuit, high waisted blue jeans, and her favorite dark sneakers.

"Nervous?" Manny asked, smiling widely while making sure Clover looked good. "You sure you don't want makeup?"

"I don't like makeup." Clover reminded her. "But yeah, I'm nervous. I haven't gone on a proper date with him since the accident."

Manny walked along side Clover to the front of the house where Clover's phone and keys were on the kitchen counter. Mateo and Kiara were sitting on the couch in the living room watching a Rom-Com that Kiara was more into than Mateo.

"Where y'all going?" The Mexican girl asked, taking her daughter from her best friend.

"His dad's restaurant." Clover shrugged. "Something lowkey. Somewhere familiar."

Manny didn't reply when they heard the doorbell ring. Esmeralda jumped from the sudden noise, but calmed when Manny soothed her. She walked with Clover to the front door and both smiled at Dante standing on the other side.

Dante smiled to both of them. His muscles flexing in his grey long sleeved knitted sweater. It was paired nice with black jeans, black sneakers, a gold watch, and a simple gold chain. His hair was in its signature braids and his forearm crutches helping him hold his body up straight.

"Hey, baby girl." Dante greeted. "Hey, Manny. How are you? How's Esmeralda?"

Manny adjusted Esmeralda in her arms and smiled back. "I'm good. She's doing pretty good. She's due for a nap, but you two have a good night."

Dante nodded his head to Manny. "You too."

Manny went back inside while Dante and Clover made their way to his car. Clover went to say something to Dante, but chuckled seeing his best friend Julio jump out the driver's seat. He limped slightly from his prosthetic replacing his left leg, but greeted Clover with a bright smile.

"The beautiful couple!" Julio laughed. "A pleasure to be driving you both tonight." He walked around the car and opened the back door for them. "In you go."

Clover laughed, but obliged and got in. Dante was right behind her, sliding in beside her. Julio closed the door and did his best to run around the car. Dante and Clover just laughed while Julio got back in and started up the car.

"To The Lighthouse!" Julio shouted, driving off.

Clover kissed Dante's cheek and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. "You two are some goof balls."

Julio scoffed at her. "What? Surprised I can drive? Just because I have a fake leg doesn't mean I can't do simple tasks."

Dante laughed at his friend. He wrapped his arm around Clover's shoulder and kissed her temple. "He's got a handicap sticker for his prosthetic." He informed her. "I'd never let him drive you around if I ain't have faith in him."

Clover looked up at Dante and smiled back. "Thank you."

Dante kissed her, but broke it when Julio pulled into the parking lot of The Lighthouse. The parking lot was empty and the smell of food was filling their nostrils.