I've always loved you.

Chapter 3

I had prepared myself in a cream coloured trench coat, a plain black pencil dress underneath, with stockings and boots. I felt that on the first date I didn’t know what to expect so I wore something neat yet casual. I opened the door to a fresh looking Jai. His hair was wet-dry again and he’d obviously just shaved. Mmm. “After you.” He ushered me out the door and we walked to the nearest bus stop. “I’m really sorry. Beau and mum are both out so they can’t drive us.” “It’s ok. Bus rides are more fun. We would have been hushed in the car.” The bus came within 3 minutes of waiting.

“What are we going to be watching?” “Oh, about that. I made other plans for us?” He looked so worried. “Fun! What did you have in mind?” “You see that part’s the surprise.” We got off at the shops and walked in. Hand in hand, Jai dragged me around until we reached our destination. ‘AMF Bowling’. “I know it’s really corny but I’d rather spend time talking to you than being quiet in the theatre. Besides, who wants popcorn when you can enjoy ‘The fine dining of fried chips, nuggets and tomato sauce?” “Mm, that does sound tempting. I haven’t had sauce with chips in years!” “Rina I was joking…” “Oh, yeh, right. Me too.” I lied. I really wanted those fries with sauce!

Inside there was a light shining in the far distance. “Shoe sizes?” The man behind the counter asked. “Uh, 8 please.” I was completely side tracked by what looked like candles. Jai pulled me by my hand to the table. “SURPRISE!” On the two seater table by lane 10 was two bowls of the most delicious looking spaghetti. “I know it’s really simple but my nonna offered to drop these off here and it’s my favourite meal. It seemed safe.” “I love spaghetti!” I was so excited to dig into the meal. I loved homemade spaghetti more than anything. Jai traditionally pulled out my chair and had me sit down. The candles had a rose scent. Everything he’d chosen I just adored.

“Parmesan?” “Yes please!” I wasn’t the type to always be shy to eat in front of boys or order healthy meals. If I wanted to eat something I would and nothing could stop me. “When are you starting school?” “Well, mum said I could take this week off to buy books and uniform. Soooo, next week.” I said stressing the o’s. “That sucks though! Remember James? He can’t wait to see you! Also the rest of the boys. They all miss you. They’re making fun of me though.” “Oh gosh, why?” “Because I waited so long to tell you.” “That makes you 10x more adorable than them.” I blushed at my own words.

We took an hour bickering and eating before it was time to bowl. “Boy, I haven’t been bowling since I was ten.” “As if!” As I picked up my bowling ball I felt Jai’s left hand land on my waist and his right supporting my right arm. We slowly took a few steps forward as his left arm glided and hugged me around my waist and our right arms moved together releasing the bowling ball. We stayed in position and watched the ball strike all the pins down. Jai spun me around from our hug and at this point I was facing him. Our lips locked in the heat of the moment. I could feel the warmth of his cheeks and his lips were so soft. I didn’t want this moment to end. This first kiss.