Tattooed

XIX

       It was hard to act normal with a bunch of secrets about your state's history weighing on your chest. Luckily I just finished my long Friday shift and I was back at home with a hot cup of tea trying to relax my nerves. I stopped reading the book because I wasn't sure I could handle anymore scandalous revelations. It was too much, all the information that made me question everything I've ever known. I even debated whether or not I should spill to Wes. He definitely knew something was up now but I kept on dodging his questions. What good would it even do to tell him? But I hated keeping all this information to myself, it wasn't healthy.

        Wes told me last night he would be coming later than usual, so I was already in my pajamas and half asleep when he did our secret knock on the door. I shuffled to open it when I was greeted with a surprise.

        "What the-?" Wes was standing outside my door, in fancy clothes, with a picnic basket in his hand. I felt self-conscious in my pajamas and messy bun. "What are you wearing and why do you have a picnic basket?"

        Wes grinned. "I know you've been stressed all week, so I decided we should go on our first real date."

        My eyes went wide and I wondered if I heard him right. "You mean...outside my house. Past curfew. Where we could get in trouble."

        His green eyes sparkled in mischief. "Exactly. It's the Courageous thing to do."

        I bit my lip. It was an extremely romantic gesture, but if we got caught we'd be in so much trouble.

        Wes persuaded me more. "Come on Cecil, you don't even have to change out of your clothes. Let's walk to the park and pretend we're in a normal relationship for once."

        I raised an eyebrow. "Normal couples have midnight picnics?" I asked.

        Wes laughed again and took my hand, not even waiting for my answer. I had no intention of really saying no anyway.