Speak

Chapter 12

"It is the false shame of fools to try to conceal wounds that have not healed."
~ Horace

Tonight, Wes seems a little more nervous than usual. I don't know why. Over the past eight weeks, we have spent so much time together that our conversations have felt perfectly natural.

Everything about being with Wes feels natural. When we are out at a restaurant, and I start to feel overwhelmed, he asks if I'm ready to leave without me signaling that I need an escape, and sometimes without even finishing his own meal.

When Wes touches me, he moves slow, and deliberately, looking to the area he wishes to touch. It's as if he is alerting me of his intentions, even just to move a strand of hair from my face. The whole time, he keeps his eyes focused on mine, studying me, scanning for any signs of distress.

For once, I feel like someone understands me when I don't even understand myself.

"So, my parents are hosting a little charity event next month," Wes states, sheepishly after a long silence. "I know you don't really like being around a lot of people, but..."

Wes takes a long hesitate breath like he is gathering his courage.

"I would like it if you could come with me."

"You want me to meet your parents?"

"I do," Wes replies with a smile. "I'd like them to meet the girl that has mesmerized me."

I don't know how I have mesmerized Wes, and I know Wes and I have become close, but meet his parents? The very thought petrifies me.

"I had hoped that they could meet my girlfriend."

Girlfriend?

I take a deep breath because I honestly don't know how to react. I have felt myself being drawn more and more to Wes, but I still don't know if I can trust my heart.

"Are you asking me out?" I sign, already knowing the answer.

"I do believe that is how this works," Wes replies with a playful chuckle. "So, what do you say, Liz? Will you be my girlfriend?"

Wes no longer seems nervous like he was moments before. There is a confidence in his voice. I just have a hard time believing that Wesley Parker wants me to be his girlfriend. I stare at him, scared to say yes, but I don't want to say no. The past eight weeks have been so wonderful, and I don't think I've been this happy in a long time. It would be daft to say no, right?

"Liz, you're the most amazing girl I have ever met, and even when I try so I can focus on school, I can't get you out of my head," Wes continues, seeming to sense my hesitation.

I nod my head, which gains a broad smile from Wes.

"Is that a yes?" he asks.

I nod my head again.

Wes beams as though he is on cloud nine or just won the lottery. I try to keep from rolling my eyes, because I'm just a nobody, yet he acts like some famous celebrity agreed to go out with him.

"So, does that mean you'll come with me to my parents?" he asks, reasserting the basis for asking me out.

Charity event?

I've been to one or two when I was younger, and it usually consists of frivolous formalities, elegant ball gowns, and auctioning off of mundane items for extravagant amounts of money. If the event is in October, it should be cooler and give me a valid excuse to avoid sleeveless and strapless dresses.