Serendipity

Ourselves

"You want to go on a date with me?" I ask in shock.

"Why so surprised, mon trésor?" Jax leaned his arm against the frame of the swing set. The moonlight danced on his skin, outlining every muscle. He was like a statue trapped in time.

The night was quiet and it felt as if we were the only ones awake in the world. The wind stopped its whispers and the leaves slept. But the sound of my thoughts interrupted the calm before us. Everything about him made me question my morals. I was scared to let people in, scared to be seen. I always kept to myself because that was safest. Was I ready to let someone break down my walls?

"You're hesitant." His honey eyes appeared dark, but they never lost their fire. The thing about fire is that it's hard to look away, but it's also easy to get burnt.

"I'm busy, maybe it's not the best idea."

"Tell me the truth." His demanding tone sent shivers down my spine.

"Fine, you want the truth? I'm scared." My hands gripped the chain of the swing, "I'm scared of the unknown and I'm scared you'll be disappointed by me."

I stand up and turn around facing the empty street. I was embarrassed that I couldn't be girl he hoped I would be, embarrassed that I couldn't be brave. I can never give people what they want. But the worst part is, I don't even know what I want.

"You know, I'm scared too." he calls out from behind me. "Ever since my mom died, I sort of cut myself off from the world. I stopped allowing myself to feel happy because of the guilt that came with it. The guilt of me being down here and her being, well, gone. I've been afraid to allow good things to happen to myself, until I met you. I hardly know you, but you make me feel like I deserve to be happy and that scares me. It scares me because it's not something I've felt for a long time."

I turn around and face him, "So here we are. Two scared people with messed up pasts."

He chuckles and crosses his arms, "Two scared people."

"Fine."

"Fine, what?"

"I'll go on a date with you." I build up every ounce of courage in my body, "In fact, I'll go on a date with you right now." Wait, right now? Did I really just say that? He probably doesn't want to go out at this time he-

"Yes!" He yells interrupting my thoughts, "I-I mean yeah, sure."

Jax shyly rubs his neck, surprised at his own outburst of excitement. He's so cute.

"If you'd like, I can take you to my Uncle's diner. I'm sure he wouldn't mind us hanging around. Plus, you gotta try some real French food."

"You're telling me french fries don't count as real French food? Have I been living a lie?" I say pretending to act shocked.

"Oh, ha ha. You should be a comedian." He smiles, glancing up at the stars, as if to tell his mom that everything was going to be okay.

*************************************************

We arrive at the diner Jax suggested. It was small, yet charming. The sign on the front read, Le Renard Roux. Although the lights were still on, the door stated it was closed.

"Are you sure we can be here?" I ask pointing to the closed sign.

"Don't worry, my uncle doesn't mind. Plus, I work here. I always come here after hours."

As we step inside, the interior looks like a scene out of a 50's movie. A black and white checkered floor with bright red booths. The walls were flooded with posters from vintage French films. It was a place that felt welcoming .