A Squeeze of the Hand

Dates: May Include Dancing

A/N: So I went off script again so that's why it took so long but I love it and the use of a HSM 3 song. Since it's Disney I thought it'd be okay to include since this whole chapter was born from an idea revolving around the song. I linked it above if you don't know it. Enjoy!

Chapter 5

The next day, Raphaela wakes up early yet well rested. She's the first one to arrive in her first class; music. Not even the teacher has arrived yet. She sits in her unassigned usual seat behind Carlos's desk. She takes out a spare piece of paper and begins to scribble her thoughts onto it.

Every few words, she scratches them out. She's trying to think of what to say to Carlos now that the picture is done. She wants to show it to him after classes. She's nervous, however, to share the image she drew with him. She doesn't want him to laugh at the drawing.

She has to write down her words because if she asks him in person she would freeze. She wants to share her work with him and spend time with him. She wants his opinion of her work. So she needs to write it all down. But is it a date?

Where did that thought come from?

Well, what is a date really? Two people getting to know each other? No, that could be considered two friends getting to know each other.

Two people sharing their personal thoughts about the world with one another? No, she does that with Lonnie at three in the morning.

Two friends expressing what lies deep in their hearts, whether it be humor or world views? That seems about right.

But then, Raphaela and Carlos have gone on a date with that definition. They have bonded and given each other strength in crisis and always enjoy each other's company; they are friends. She has shared more of herself with him than with anyone else, even her brother. Carlos even opened up about his past. She can't deny the way her hands show the affection she cradles in her heart. Offering him a squeeze whenever she can. She isn't going to deny she cares for him. That she does indeed like him in that way and the feelings are growing stronger making her weak in the knees and unable to think when his eyes meet hers.

It is too early to be thinking of such things, she thinks as she resumes writing.

The teacher and a few students begin to file inside the classroom, including Carlos. She hardly notices this as finally a string of words fall from her onto the paper. It's only when she is addressed by him does she stop.

"What're you writing?" he asks.

She quickly grabs her paper and holds it to her chest in an effort to avoid his eyes from reading the words. They aren't perfect yet.

"Nothing. Homework. A doodle," she says, freezing, unable to stick to one lie.

"Can I see?"

"No!" She presses it closer to her body.

She notices the hurt expression on Carlos's face. As if he's hurt she's not sharing her doodle with him, as she usually does.

"Later," she promises. "I'll show you when it's done."

As class begins, Carlos's attention shifts from her to the teacher, allowing her to smooth out the wrinkles and finish her sentence.

Now she just needs to muster up the courage to slip it into his bag.

"The first big project of the class is approaching," Professor Benson announces as students begin to groan, "Nothing too complex. Simply chose a song you enjoy and plot out the notes you sing on the staff, handwritten. Then you must perform it in front of the class."