Pieces of Love

Chapter 22

"Bye mum! Bye dad!" I yelled as I stepped out of the house.

"Stay safe!"

"Tell me if he mistreats you!"

I rolled my eyes at their sentences and went down to the driveway where Isaac was waiting. I felt slightly self-conscious in my skirt considering that I never wear skirts or dresses unless it was for an event or competition. I tugged down my skirt when I noticed Isaac's on me but my eyes were on him too. Even though I didn't like him in that way, my heart couldn't help skip a beat at the obvious care in how he dressed, for he simply looked impeccable in a long sleeved shirt rolled up to the elbows and dark denim jeans.

"Hey," I said softly as I reached him. He gave a small smile in return and I almost melted at his nervousness. Isaac cleared his throat and gestured for me to start walking with him. And that was how our date started.

I wasn't going to lie, it was extremely awkward at first, considering that both of us were socially awkward. Most of the uncomfortable silence was filled with nervous coughs and the occasional meek comment. I would find myself constantly playing with my French braid for something to do with my hands. However, we soon found a subject in which we could converse with ease: books.

It was a joy being able to talk with a fellow bookworm. Yes, Jacob reads Harry Potter, but he has admitted that that was the only book series he read other than the ones in which were necessary for Literature. We immediately went into heated arguments, gushed repeatedly about our favourite books and had intense discussions. In fact, the sky was already filled with streaks of violet, orange and yellow when we ended our argument on which was better: Harry Potter or Twilight.

Nah, I'm just kidding. I'm not cruel enough to subject Isaac to such torture. It was Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.

After deciding to have Italian for dinner, we walked to a well-known Italian restaurant in the city centre. I didn't do much shopping, and even if I did, it was usually at the local mall near my home, so being in the shopping district made me feel out of place. High fashion designer shops were located at every corner, high class restaurants were filled with crowds of people, perfectly dressed teenagers filled the streets; the atmosphere it gave off triggered the excitement in me.

Seeing as it was still late afternoon, we decided to roam the streets and malls for a while before going to the restaurant. I was eyeing the clothes and food displayed with interest as we walked around, and somehow Isaac slipped his hand into mine. In surprise, I glanced up to see him staring determinedly forward, but a hint of a smile lingered on his lips. I gave a smile of my own, but it was soon replaced with a squeal when I saw a bookstore, finally something that I could relate to.

I tugged on Isaac's arm excitedly as I led him in and a chuckle escaped his lips. I basically devoured the entire bookstore with my eyes as I went from shelf to shelf, with Isaac doing the same behind me. Time passed by in a flash and we soon found ourselves exiting the bookstore reluctantly to walk to the restaurant in the mall a few blocks down.

After ten minutes of waiting, we seated ourselves at a table beside the window, watching shoppers walk by. The food, oh my gosh, the food, was one of the best I have ever tasted. Sorry mum, but it's true. Isaac and I were simply too caught up in our food to talk to each other. One hour later, after devouring my serving of tiramisu, we split up the bill and paid, before leaving.

Stopping by a spectacle shop, Isaac and I made a fool of ourselves by trying on different wacky glasses and sunglasses. Of course, the shop assistant thought we were crazy, but it's not every day when I could try as many spectacles as I could at my own free will. Could you guess what the first pair of glasses I tried on was? Surprise surprise, it was the circular one.

Isaac literally had to drag me out of the store, but the date was still pretty enjoyable in general. I always expected my first date to be awkward and uncomfortable, but Isaac proved me wrong. He was now walking me back to my house as we talked non-stop about the events of the evening.

"Remember that circular pair of sunglasses? You made me laugh for five minutes straight!" I reminded Isaac as I chortled. "I still have a picture of it on my phone and I'm not deleting it anytime," I assured him and he groaned, covering his face with his hands.

"Don't you dare show it to anyone," he warned me and I laughed. "Don't worry, I won't. I'm not that cruel," I reached up to pat him on his head. His hands found mine on he held it tightly as we made our way up the porch steps.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," Isaac sighed, looking down at the ground.

"It's not. I'm seeing you in school on Monday."

"I guess so."

"I really had a great time by the way. Thank you for that." I said sincerely.

"Can I ask you something?" Isaac butted in, looking as if he might faint at any moment.

"What is it?"

"Well, you know about the Valentine's Day dance right? I heard you already have a dress and all, and I hope this isn't too late for you, but I was wondering if you could go there with me if you don't have a date and all. You can say no. I'll be totally cool with it."

I stared at him for a moment, my heart racing. I really felt special this moment and I didn't want to let this sweet, sweet boy down. And anyways, going to the dance with Jacob seemed pretty far-fetched now and Isaac and I could have another fun night like today.

"Yes."

Isaac's face lightened up and seeing his happy face made me do something that I usually wouldn't dare to do. I kissed him on the cheek.

Isaac froze as he stared at me with wide eyes, his hand reaching up to touch the spot where I kissed him. His cheeks turned red and I blushed too at my actions and for a moment we were a mess. But it was the good kind of mess.