Time to Move On

2 Weeks later

It's been 2 weeks since the run. Jo and I are planning to go swim in the Delaware river tomorrow. She's out hiking, my mom's visiting her friend, and I am meeting Chris tonight. I told my mom about Chris the day after the marathon. She was really supportive of me and was eager to meet him. Chris and I have met up once since the marathon, this being the second. He is sweet and kind. Always making me laugh. Tonight we are watching a movie. We planned to watch Grease at my house. He'll be here in 5. I pace the room going through all the scenarios that could unfold. I dress in shorts and a hoodie and get some snacks ready. DING DONG! It's him. I brush myself off and open the door.

"Thought you might need these," he says shyly. Holding up Sour Patch and Skittles.

"Hey, you didn't have to," I reply smiling.

We go in and settle on the couch. We aren't on either end nor are we together... in between. I set out the snacks and I start the movie. If you've ever watched Grease, romance is no stranger. I sense that it's becoming a bit uncomfortable. Just a bit.

"Do you mind if we just talked?" I blurt out. Oops.

"Yea sure, the movie was getting old for me anyways."

"I'm sorry, excuse me for a moment," I say as I rush to the bathroom with my phone. "JO SAVE ME. I stopped the movie because it didn't feel right. What do I do?" I text. Within 5 minutes she says, "TALK. Say something and be yourself, don't be someone your not. No pressure :)" Thanks Jo" I say (in my head of course). I walk back into the living room.

"Is everything ok?" Chris asks. It sort of has a protective tone to it. Hm.

"Yea just some girl business," I reply. EW. Why did I say that? Every other time I can come up with some excuses. Doing a project, hanging out with friends, had to use the restroom, need some water...he chuckles and motions for me to sit down. We sit facing each other, but this time closer. Chris fiddles with his fingers and starts breathing a little faster. Then he takes a deep breath. He wants to say something. I toss him a popcorn before he can. He looks at me with sly eyes and tosses one right back. I squeal. We keep having our little popcorn fight and laugh so hard I had to hold my side. I smile and he does too. We both look at each other for what feels likes hours. I break away looking at my feet, blushing. At this point, I've figured out that I like him. That giddy feeling you'll see him, but the nervousness of embarrassment? That is a crush. I was in denial at first but then I realized I needed my heart to heal. Jax wouldn't want me to be held back by him, so I'm trying to move on.

"Listen," Chris starts. "I don't know what it is but from the moment I saw you, I had a feeling, something I couldn't explain. I came to realize that..." He takes a deep breath. "I like you, Cathy." He looks at me for a reaction but then looks down soon after. I take his hand and say, "I like you too." He looks at me with a smile ever so slight and squeezes my hand. I turn the movie back on, but this time we are next to each other. I lay on his shoulder and he rests his head on mine. Time stops. I don't know if I'm replacing Jax by filling his space, but I like to think of it as Chris filling a hole in my heart. The infamous kissing scene is on and I can see out of the corner of my eye, Chris is looking at me. I pretend not to notice and keep watching the movie. The movie ends and I show Chris to the door.

"I had a great time with you, it was relaxing," I say yawning. It was pretty late.

"Me too, we should do this again." he replies. He bites his lip and we move closer to each other. Soon enough there is an inch gap between us. I look into his deep blue eyes which reel me in. Then I feel a moment of warmth and sweetness. His lips are smooth and taste sour from the candy. I kiss back and Chris seems to relax. We pull apart and we look at each other. I blush. He smiles.

"Goodnight Cathy." Chris says. I nod as a smile peeks from my lips. I close the door and take a deep breath.