Stuck on Earth - ONC 2020

14. New Territory

The rest of the week went by fairly uneventful for Hannah. Although, it saddened her tremendously that neither Eddie nor Tina were talking to her. They also weren't giving her a chance to talk to them. Luckily, she still had Jennifer on her side, and of course, there was Spencer too.

Ever since they kissed at the park, their time together was much more pleasant. While he still continued to help her develop her magic abilities. There was more kissing, hugging, and hand-holding. Spencer even requested to hold Hannah's hand as they walked through the halls at school. At first, it made Hannah feel awkward. Having never really had a boyfriend before, public displays of affection always weirded her out. Even if it was only hand-holding. After a few days, though, it seemed natural.

When Peggy-Sue passed them in the hall, she was instantly jealous, when she saw Spencer move to kiss Hannah on the lips, before he headed to his next class. He was taking all the senior "Slacker" courses. Including History of Pop Culture class, which he loved, as it was his way of catching up on everything that had happened on Earth since 1952.

At first, Peggy-Sue still tried flirting with Spencer every chance she got, but by the end of the week, she realized that her tactics were pointless and gave up. She even congratulated Hannah for snagging the hottest guy in school.

******

It was finally the weekend. Spencer thought it would be fun to take Hannah on a normal "Earthling date" as he put it. Hannah had never been on a date before, so she decided to spend Saturday afternoon with Jennifer at the mall to get tips on dating and buy a new outfit. Hannah had suggested Spencer spend his time checking out the stores in the mall, to give her and Jennifer privacy. He did not object, as he wanted to stop by the Retro Arcade to play the old-fashioned arcade video games. Though they were new to him.

"I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week," Jennifer stated. She and Hannah were hanging out in the food court after they had bought several new outfits, shoes, and accessories to match.

"I know! This month seems to be flying by," Hannah agreed, chewing on a pretzel bite. As she said that, she was overcome with a feeling of sadness. Realizing that Spencer would be leaving soon.

"So, are you excited for your first official date tonight?"

"I'm more nervous than anything. I don't really know what I'm expected to do or not do or say or not say." Hannah hid her face in her hands, feeling embarrassed at how naive she was, to the dating world.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. Spencer is the most genuine seventeen-year-old we know. Especially for a guy. Just follow his lead. And if you don't want to do anything he suggests, just tell him. He seems very understanding," Jennifer said with reassurance.

"Thanks, Jen," Hannah smiled. "So, have you talked to Tina much?" Hannah wanted to know.

"Yeah, I texted her this morning, inviting her to come to the mall. She was going to, but when I mentioned you were coming, she changed her mind."

Hannah looked sad, wishing Tina would forgive her already. Whenever they fought, they would never go more than a few days without talking things out. This distance was killing her.

"Don't worry," Jennifer said, placing her hand on Hannah's. "Tina just needs a little time. She'll come back around."

"I'm not too sure about that."

"Well, let's worry about Tina tomorrow. I say we go get a mani-pedi before you head home to get ready for your date," Jennifer suggested. She got up and threw her empty wrappers into the trash, grabbed her shopping bags, and gestured to Hannah to follow her.