Cyber Mortality

Chapter 13:

"So you wanna get some food?" Nyle spins around to look at me. His baby blue eyes gaze at me and I realize with certainty the thing I've been dreading. Nyle likes me. As more than a friend.

"Uh, sure," I smile nervously. "When does Flint get home from work?"

"In about an hour," he grins cheekily.

"Well we could wait and order some Chinese food or something," I suggest and his smile falters slightly.

"If that's what you really want," he replies. "We could go back to our place and do something I guess."

"Sure," I smile and watch him grab the keys out of the pocket in his jeans.

"Top off or on?" he spins the keys and my smile drops.

"Wha-what?" I stutter and his smirk deepens.

"The Mustang! It's a nice day wanna take the top down on the way home?" he asks again with clearer language.

"Uh, sure," I reply and let out the breath I had been holding.

"Is it weird that I've always wanted to ride a dragon?" Nyle inquires once we are speeding down the freeway.

"No?" I raise an eyebrow while letting the wind run through my fingers. My eyes fill with water from the stream of wind blowing against my face and a grin parts my lips.

"I've seen one," Nyle replies. "Once in Cyber Mortality. It flew overhead while Flint and I were hiking through the mountains. Crazy huh?"

"Real crazy," I chuckle and move my hand like a wave through the wind.

"I'm sorry if you didn't like the aquarium..." Nyle trails off.

"No, no! I loved it! I had a great time. Thank you for taking me," I smile and reach out to touch his arm gently. His face perks up and his hand closes over mine.

"I'm glad," he grins. "I've never taken a girl on a date before so I wasn't sure what to do."

"Oh," I bite my lip. "Well, the aquarium is a nice place."

"I know right? I'm sure it was a bit of a bummer when I was spewing off facts about all the dying species through, right?" he turns his eyes on me and I feel them gaze into my soul.

"No, it was really neat to learn about how humans have really screwed up the planet," I squeeze his hand softly before pulling it away. My hands rest in my lap and I know I'm about to do a terrible thing, but I need the money for my mom.

"So I know this is kinda forward, but would you be my boyfriend..?" I press my lips into a smile and try to keep the deception from my face.

"You mean it?" Nyle shuts off the car in front of his house and turns to look at me. "You want to be my girlfriend?"

"Yes," I lie through my teeth and pray he will forgive me.

"I knew I would like you from the moment I saw you run into my brother at the library," he grins and takes hold of my hands. He leans in and closes his eyes until he is only a fraction of an inch away from me. I start to close my eyes to kiss him when I spy Flint's motorcycle already in the garage.

"Flint's home!" I exclaim and pull back but not before landing a soft peck on his cheek. "Thanks for the date, boyfriend." I wink and climb out of the car.

"Uh, you're welcome," Nyle blinks in surprise as I sprint up to the house.

"Did you do it?" Flint barricades the doorway when I enter.

"Did I do what?" I place my hands defiantly on my hips.

"Tell him you don't like him," he hisses.

"Who says I don't?" I question.

"I know girls like you, and you don't like guys like him," he gestures to Nyle strolling up the path.

"Oh because girls are only allowed to like you, huh?" I narrow my gaze and he blinks in surprise.

"Uh, well no. I just mean gah! Just don't hurt him!" he commands before quickly stepping away.

"Oh hey, bro!" Nyle grins when he spots Flint standing in the hallway waiting for him. "I see you've met my girlfriend!"

"Girlfriend?" Flint's eyes narrow at me.

"Yes sir! Your bro is officially official!" Nyle grabs my waist and pulls me against his hip. "Isn't this exciting! Now you and Jez can date and me and May are together!"

"Jez?" I blink.

"Actually," Flint rubs the back of his head. "Speaking of Jez."

"Is she here?" Nyle's eyes widen and Flint nods.

"So! I hear you went and got us a newby, huh?"