Floating On A Dream

f i v e

Jake's POV

I woke up, a thin stream of sunlight pouring through my window. I turned off my alarm and stood up.

Rose and I had a fun date yesterday. I think I'm going to ask her to the beach again today. I've always loved her, just not romantically. Now, I'm starting to change my mind.

I remember the first time she told me she loved me. We were both eleven.

I've always loved stargazing and with Roseanna, it was even more fun.

We were staring at the stars in silence, when Roseanna broke it.

"Hey Jake," she said.

"Yeah?"

"Have you ever loved someone you've know for a long time?"

I don't think so.

"Well my parents."

"No, not like that, I'm mean like true love. Like you want to be theirs forever."

Actually, I wanted to be with a girl named Clara in kindergarten.

"Uh, yeah I have."

"Jake, I love you," she said suddenly.

She's so sweet.

"Me too!"

I really loved her as a friend.

"I love you so much, I'm glad you're my friend!" I said.

"Friends?" She asked frowning.

"Yeah, I love you!" I said again.

"Yeah, I love you too," she said, her energy fading.

I heard her sniffle and turn around. The stars around were so bright that I could see tears down her face.

That's when I knew she liked me more than a friend.

Quickly, I got dressed and headed out the door.

I'm more of a morning person, so I usually get to school early. When I got there today, I was the first one.

I sit at my usual spot in the cafeteria, right next to the window.

After sitting there for a while, I saw Dave approach me.

"Here's the $300," he said grumpier.

"Thanks, I always know these bets are going to go my way," I  said with a smile.

Dave and I have been competing since ninth grade. I usually win all the bets and I use the money for my father.

I don't know what Dave uses the money for though. He's pretty well off, middle class. I'm kinda glad we do these bets or else my family wouldn't have any money for the hospital bills.

I gladly took the money from him, laughing as he stormed off. Knowing Dave, he's going to probably ask Rose out again, even though she already said no. He tries to be sneaky in any bet, but it usually doesn't turn out good for him.

I saw the school doors burst open and Roseanna stood there looking around desperately.

Roseanna was almost always late. It's just in her blood. Even though sometimes it can be a pain, it is funny.

Before she could talk to me, the bell rang for first period.

I left my seat and went to my locker. My locker was on the bottom which annoyed because even when I get there, someone's already blocking my locker. I really try to rush and get there but it's just no use.

I have to wait, and I am not a patient person. Finally, I get to go to my locker. I put up my stuff and head to my first period.

I sit at my desk and a few minutes later Roseanna appeared.

She sat next to me smiling. Her big brown eyes looking at me. Hair so soft and smooth.

I decided it would be the perfect time to ask her on a date so I wrote a nite and sent it to her desk.

I wrote:

We can go to the beach again tonight. Are you up to it?

- Jake

As soon as my note hit her desk, she opened it and smiled. She wrote something back and sent it to me.

Yes! I totally am! See you there!

- Rose

"Good," I mouthed to her.

She smiled and we turned back to listen to the teacher.

We continued to work the rest of class.

When the bell rang she got up and said, "See you tonight." She winked at me.

"See you!" I said and ran to second period.

All of second period was a blur and I walked into third period facing Clara.

"Clara, I told you I don't want anything to do with you."

"Yes you do."

"No, I really don't."

"Dave told me all about you're little bet about Roseanna. I'll make you a deal. If you kiss me tonight at your date I won't tell Roseanna it's a bet. Deal?" She said, sticking her hand out.

I had no choice but to agree.

"Okay, deal."

After we shook hands I quickly ran to the restroom wash my hands. I really don't want anything to do with that girl.

I hope she won't ruin our date. What of she does? If she does, I still won't tell Rose it's a bet. I really like her and want to date her.

When she kisses me, I'll tell Rose Clara forced me to, and if I didn't do it, she would hurt us.

Okay, my plan is perfect. I just have to make sure it works. Hopefully it will.

~~

I don't remember anything else that happened during school. I was just thinking of Rose the whole time.

I hope she was thinking the same of me too. After all, she was the one who told me she loved me since she was seven, right?

All I can do is pray everything will go well.

But I'm not so sure.