Boy meets Girl

First Date Jitters

Little after our chat in the subway station we walked our way to the fair. It's a place we've gone many times before during Thanksgiving Break. After a while it just felt like our place.

"So," Josh said after we purchased our tickets. "Where should we start?"

I cross my arms and smirk. "I think there's a snow cone somewhere with my name on it."

Josh slouches and frowns. "But we just got here.. and it's like 39 degrees.."

I giggle then link my arm with his. "Just kidding. How's bumper cars sound?"

They sound like sweet victory.

Next, we played on a race car track.

Now that.. sounded like sore loser town..

After riding a few more rides we eased our way inside the arcade building.

They had games from the 80's, 90's and early 2000's. My personal favorite is "Galaga". Josh sucks at it. No matter how many times he tried (12) he still didn't get past the second stage down.

Josh's favorite game was "Dance Dance Revolution". I have no idea why or how he could dance so easily to the game. Although we stayed to our own pace during the game instead of trying the hardest level that exists.

After five rounds I'm out of breath. "Hey," I start trying to slow my breathing. Josh looked down at me while panting. "Yeah?" He managed to get out.

I gulped. "Can we get those snow cones now?"

On the walk home people might have actually thought we were a couple Josh and I. Our arms were linked together and my head was rested against his shoulder. The sound of the not too busy streets made this moment all so calming.

As we walk I hear Josh sigh and I lift my head off his shoulder. "What's up buttercup?" I ask looking for an expression on his face.

He shrugged. "I was just thinking about tonight."

I unlinked our arms but reached for his hand to create some distance. He locked his fingers with mine and squeezed.

"What about it?" I responded looking straight ahead. Did he not have fun? Was I too playful? Does he just want to be my friend? Is he interested in someone else?

"It was interesting." He said stopping in his tracks.

I stood in front of him and crossed my arms. "Interesting?" I scrunched up my face. I know I did. I felt it. Josh's laugh confirmed my expression.

"I mean, I'd like to do it again." I felt a small smile make its way to my mouth.

"I know we've been hanging out a lot at the fair after school and I've been trying to get to know you better ever since that Mom and Dad incident." He continued. "And maybe,"

Maybe? He reached out for my hand and linked his with mine again. Maybe.

"Just maybe, we can be a little more than friends." God, he's making his eyes really hard to look away from. I bite my lip. The same lip bite I get when I'm feeling playful.

"You mean," I wrap his arm around my shoulder. "Like best friends?"

He smirks and places his arm around my back. "No.." He played along. We continued to walk before I played again.

"Like, super mega best friends that have sleepovers and brush each other's hair?" I let out a soft giggle.

Josh rolls his eyes and shakes his head. He then places his arm around my waist as we walk. I feel a light blush rush up to my cheeks.

We stop in front of my building. Before we step inside Josh leans closer to my ear and whispers,

"I was hoping more like a girlfriend-boyfriend kind of thing."