caller • mattia polibio

023.

Claudia sat up and faced the brown eyed boy.
She pulled the blanket tighter around her body as the wind picked up a little, sending goosebumps through her. Her face looked concerned but still held a smile on her lips. At that moment, Mattia was lost for words, taking in her beauty, the dimples on her face, how the sunset complimented her skin, how her eyes had a sparkle in them.

"I haven't thought about what i'm supposed to say, or even how to start this, but Claudia I can't deny myself any longer. I really like you. You're a big part of my life now, I don't think I go a minute or even a second without thinking about you. I love how much my hoodies bury you and how you sleep practically hugging my legs, you're smile is the prettiest thing, especially with those dimples. I can't help but want to take you to all of these places, buy you flowers, candy and treat you the best I can."

By now, Claudia welled up, even though he continued to ramble on about everything he loved about her and their growing relationship, she listened to every word, she had never been with a boy before, let alone one that cared so much, liked her so much, and made her happy so much. It was like a dream, just like something she would have put in her "ideal life" scrapbook with Laura. Her stomach felt warm, warm with happiness, her heart was swelling with each kind word.

"So what I'm trying to say is, Claudia, will you be my girlfriend?" Mattia let out the breath he had held in.

"Of course!"

Mattia pulled her into his side, kissing her on the forehead. He had done it, he had finally gotten her. They both sat in comfortable silence, watching the last of the daylight fade into the darkness.

When the air had cooled too much to stay outside without any jackets, Mattia helped Claudia back down and they headed off for somewhere to eat. They drove back into the city, heading for the nearest Taco Bell. Throughout the drive, Mattia would hold onto her small hand, kissing the back, playing with her fingers, rubbing her palm with the pad of his thumb. Unable to stop showing her little bits of affection.

"Does this day have to end?" Mattia mumbled with a mouth full of taco.

"Sadly we can't stop time, maybe I'll come see you and the boys after my shift, I'm sure Laura will come along." She said, taking a sip of her Sprite.

"That sounds good to me."

After food, Mattia drove Claudia back to her school parking lot, so she could get her car back, and bid their farewells. He hugged her extra tight, wanting to hold on forever, and kissed her sweetly. Off he went home with a heart full of joy knowing he had finally got her.