Bikes, Beaches and Afternoon Waffles

20 | Broken Trust

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SONG FOR THE CHAPTER

❝ Little Hell ❞ by City and Colour

OR

❝ Paint ❞ by The Paper Kites

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I have become a nervous wreck; the mere thought of attending my official first date with Casper Collins gave me a terrible case of the collywobbles. Although we have experienced many fun adventures and summertime shenanigans together, I knew somehow this would be different. Quite frankly, this just might be our very chance for us to become closer.

However, the anticipation is killing me, as well as the tremendous pressure to look presentable. Therefore, I can't decide what to wear or how to style my hair. The stress causes me to frantically pace back and forth across my room, panicking and contemplating my options. This will be our first official date and I simply can't dress how I would every other day.

I scour my closet and whatnot for something special. However, I realize that I'm a lost cause. Eventually, I settle for a plain black t-shirt and faded denim jeans, accompanied by my favorite black sneakers. As for my hair, that will be as boring and typical as always.

As I stand in the mirror, primping and preening to no avail, I suddenly overhear something rapping against my bedroom window.

TAP, TAP, TAP!

I open the window and glance below, meeting the utterly cheerful expression of Casper who stands with his hands behind his back. Once I wave at him, I depart from the window and squeal with excitement. However, I realize that I am far too eager and I need to stay calm and collected. Therefore, I give myself a quick pep talk before inhaling a deep breath of much-needed courage. Then I say goodbye to Fred the Fish - swimming in his new aquarium - and scurry downstairs.

Susan is cooking in the kitchen as per usual, "You seem awfully chipper today," she mentions.

Robert is reading the newspaper as per usual, "What - or might I ask - who is responsible?"

I manage to evade the question, "A friend of mine."

"Well, isn't that just fine and dandy?" Susan chirps with a smile, "I'm very happy for you."

"Thanks," I reply while already halfway out the front door, "I'm heading out."

"Okay, sweetie!"

"Be home before supper," Robert says.

When I approach Casper outside, I can feel the butterflies fluttering their wings inside my belly. He looks so handsome! Although his mop of curls seems to be the typical tangled mess, Casper still appears charming and rugged in such an effortless way. I absolutely adore the loose ringlets that dangle over his emerald green eyes, the adorable freckles and dimples upon his cheeks, and the winsome grin that creates such an utterly endearing expression.

Casper greets me with a smile as warm and gentle as sunshine, "Hey..." he murmurs softly.

Casper is wearing a white t-shirt, denim jeans, and sneakers - and looks amazing while doing so. Although this is our first official date, I'm quite relieved by the fact we both decided to dress casually. I had been worried all this time for nothing. Casper is the boy that gives me enough comfort to be myself and truly makes me feel good in my own skin. I admire that very much.