Safe Haven

Chapter 10: The Date

"Seriously, how did you do this within the half hour it took me to shower and get ready?" I asked after we finished lunch. Chris wiped his mouth before smiling over at me. 

"Maybe this wasn't as impromptu as I tried to make it out to be." He laughed. "I wanted to show you what a date with me could be like."

"So you had this all planned out, hoping I would say yes?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him. "You're nothing but a little sneak." 

"Maybe but you're having fun, am I correct?" He leaned forward and fixed me with a look. 

"You're something else, you know that?" I took a sip of my water before continuing. "So this is a date. Two people eating and talking together? I like it." 

"Oh we're not done here, Cabela." He stood from his seat and offered me his hand. Getting up, he led me away from the table and took something out of his pocket. Pressing a button on the little remote he had, music started to play. It was a little slow in pace and the man singing it sounded passionate about what he was singing. Chris pulled me close and started rocking us back and forth. 

"So we're dancing now?" I smiled. He grinned down at me and swept us across the rooftop. 

"I could serenade you, if you'd like." He started squawking along with the song causing me to start laughing. "The sound of my voice will have all the girls swooning."

"Or running for the hills." I laughed. He gave me a playful glare. "So this is a normal American date?"

"As normal as it can get during lockdown." He said before twirling me. "Usually, for younger teenagers, we go to movies or sporting events."

"So where would you have taken me, if we weren't in lockdown? A movie or a sporting event?" I asked as we swayed to the song. 

"The beach." He said after a moment. "You seem really happy there. So I'd want to take you somewhere that made you happy."

"Oh really? Well that would be a fun spot. What would we do there?" I asked as the song ended and another slow song came on. "Assuming I say yes to any future dates with you." 

"Oh you will. I'm too charming for you to not go out with me again." He smirked down at me. 

"What happened to this being just for experience?" I laughed as I was spun again.

"You're going to judge dating me based on one date? Cabela, that's not fair." He fake pouted. "I at least deserve two dates to impress you."

"Anyways..." I laughed. "What would this beach date be like?" 

"Well, the date wouldn't be until just around dusk, candles scattering the sand. A few blankets would be spread out with a picnic dinner. We'd watch the stars pop out and then dance like this in the dark." He pulled me flush against him and rested his head on my shoulder. I found it natural to lean my head against his shoulder. "We'd just dance and enjoy each other's company. Allowing the music and the sounds of the ocean to be the only sounds."

We danced like that for quite a while. Swaying to the music, feeling his heartbeat, lost in each other's company. The movies never quite captured this simple moment. I thought of all the times I rolled my eyes at the women in these movies who clung to their men. But I saw why they did now. The safe feeling he gave off, the security I felt with his arms around me. I never saw myself as the girl to want a man to protect me. I was the girl who walked with lions, explored jungles, learned about different cultures first hand. I didn't need a man to protect me, but as we danced there on that rooftop, I realized it was nice to have him by my side. 

"Then, when the date comes to an end, I'll lean in to kiss your cheek." Chris said after a while. We pulled away to look at each other. I liked Chris and I wouldn't mind seeing where things go with him. The thought of having someone by my side during this creepy time in my life felt nice. I wouldn't have to go through this alone. Although, I didn't want anything to happen to Chris like the last time something happened to me. What would happen if he got hurt? I couldn't handle the thought of my friend getting hurt because of me.