Every year, the city hosts a night movie screening near campus. The whole yard fills with food stands, laughter, and people sprawled out on blankets. I've only been to one or two before, but this time feels different. It's going to be fun-especially with these idiots.
"Hey baby, stay close, okay? Don't get lost," Max teases Kellup, who's already rolling his eyes. Poor guy, they love to mess with him. As we jump down from the truck, I decide to hug him for good measure.
"Love you," I say, grinning. The crew bursts into laughter, and Kellup just shakes his head.
We're starving, so food comes first. "Can I get a hot dog and a large Coke?" I ask at one of the stands. Right next to me is Michael, and he's with that guy from the party again.
I wait for him to say hi, but he doesn't. Typical. Distracted as always, I manage to drop my Coke. The whole crew erupts into boos, and I can't help but laugh along with them. Shit happens.
---
The movie drags on forever, and eventually, I can't hold it any longer-I need to pee. Luckily, the line for the restroom has finally cleared.
"This line is moving fast," I say to Michael, who's standing in front of me. Nearby, the girls' line is ridiculously long. One girl, probably fifteen or so, looks like she's about to burst.
"Let me walk you to another restroom," I offer. She nods, and we head off together. This probably looks wrong, but she really needs to go.
"Where you going?" Max yells after me, but I ignore him.
We find an empty restroom, and I wait outside until one of her friends shows up. "I got it from here, soldier," she says, giving me a knowing look. By the time I get back, Max's truck is already waiting.
"Let's go, Mr. Humanitarian," Max says, mocking me as usual. The jokes start flying, but I tune them out. Nicole just texted me-she's coming to campus tomorrow.
---
The next morning, I wake up early and put on my best clothes: a red button-up shirt, black trousers, and polished black shoes. Today's the day. I'm going to propose to her.
"Hey Michael, can you help me with something?" I ask. He nods and walks over, curious.
"I'm going to propose, and I need to practice. Can I... you know, practice with you? If it's too weird, it's okay-"
"Sure," he says, cutting me off.
I kneel on one knee, my heart pounding. "Would you marry me?" I ask, almost sweating. It's not even Nicole, and I'm already nervous. She's the only real girlfriend I've ever had, and this feels huge.
"No," Michael says flatly, and I burst out laughing. He's such a clown. We both laugh until his phone buzzes, cutting the moment short.
"I have to go," he says, standing up. "But you're doing good. You'll be fine. Trust me-she'll say yes."
As he leaves, I stay behind, practicing a few more times. I need to get this right.
YOU ARE READING
Unusual You
RomanceAn Unusual You tells the story of Taylor Rhodes from another point of view. His own and about his journey to finding out who he is. Follow him through his journey through love and war. The beginning of college was more profound than he expected. Sin...
