𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋 → RICKY BOWEN

epilogue → first dates

Reagan watched as her brunette locks slid off of the curling wand and fell on her shoulder in perfect waves. She was trying her absolute best not to burn her fingers, or her hair for that matter.

Ricky had told her he loved her... and despite knowing that very valuable information, Reagan was beyond nervous for their first date.

In reality, there was absolutely nothing Reagan Ellis could do that would make Ricky Bowen fall out of love with her. He was in it for the long haul. He had spent weeks planning the perfect first date for them. It had to be different, feel different. This wasn't just another one of their Saturday-afternoon hangouts. This was the first step of their new-found relationship and it had to be a good one.

Reagan paced around her living room, anxiously waiting for Ricky to pick her up. She hadn't been given much information on this date, except for the fact that he'd be picking her up at 6pm and to dress cute, but comfortably. Obviously, the girls had helped her pick out an outfit the night before. And after turning her entire room upside down, Reagan had finally settled on an olive colored wrap dress and white tennis shoes.

A soft knock at the door was all it took for Reagan's hands to start sweating and the butterflies in her stomach to go insane. Before Wesley could hear the knock and start bombarding Ricky, Reagan decided to go open the door.

"Hi," she mumbled, a shy smile playing on her lips.

"Hey," Ricky exhaled. "You-you look amazing sunshine." he smiled.

"Thanks," she grinned, "You look great too!" she smiled down at his outfit that consisted of a pair of black jeans, a button up and a jean jacket that was draped on his shoulder.

The pair, both a blushing mess, continued to stare at each other - too nervous to make any moves.

"Oh, uh these are for you." Ricky stuttered, lifting up the daisies to hand over to the beautiful girl in front of him.

Reagan gushed at the adorable gesture. "Ricky they're beautiful. Thank you."

After placing them in a vase with water, Reagan rejoined Ricky at the front door. "Ready?" he asked, and the girl nodded in response.

As she shut the door behind her, and the two made their way to Ricky's car, Wesley's voice yelled out behind them. "Have her home by 11 Bowen!" he shouted from the upstairs window.

Ricky and Reagan were in a fit of giggles as they entered his car. "So where are we going?" she asked, feeling slightly less nervous.

"You'll see," Ricky shrugged with a smirk on his face.

Reagan knew better than to keep asking because Ricky wasn't going to give in. Instead she turned on some music and the two jammed out the entire car ride.
It wasn't until she noticed they were pulling in to East High, that Reagan lowered the volume. "We're at school?" she asked, confused.

Ricky sucked in his lips and simply shrugged. He pulled into a parking lot at the back end of the school, and shut the car off. "C'mon," he called out to the girl as he exited the car. Reagan watched in confusion, as the curly-haired boy pulled a duffel bag and his guitar case out of his trunk. He then walked over to her, slipping his hand effortlessly in to hers. "I promise you'll love this... I think," he said, starting to get nervous about his idea.

"Hey, I'll love anything you have planned. I know it." she smiled warmly, slightly squeezing his hand in reassurance.

Ricky glanced up at the girl in admiration. With his hand that was already interlocked with hers, he pulled her closer, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
"Sorry, I was dying to do that the moment I saw you," he blushed as they pulled apart.