The Jerk Next Door

Chapter 13: Surprises Galore

Maksean

"You've never heard of Animaniacs? It's the best cartoon there is!" I shouted as my jaw practically fell to the floor. I have no idea where we are going, but Asher was driving to the country side of town with less houses and more woods and ponds. He refused to tell me what we will be going on our date. His only response is "You will be falling in love with me, what more must I tell you?" I don't really mind since I know he can't kill me due to my father scaring him, so I just settle in and fiddle with my shirt. For some reason Asher had asked me about my favorite cartoon. I replied with Animaniacs to which I discovered he has never heard of. Then I remember how it was an older cartoon before we were born. I only know of it due to my father since it was the only thing he could find to watch while overseas. "You have to watch it! It is awesome." I exclaim happily.

My body is almost completely facing him. I had to put the seat belt behind me because it was hurting my neck. Maybe not the best way to be sitting if we were to crash, but I didn't care. I prefer to face who I'm talking to.

"Oh really? I guess so." Asher replied with a smile adoring his face. Every now and then he would look at me and smile that bright smile. I didn't know how to feel about it. It was nice to see, but it felt weird to know that it was me he was smiling at. "Maybe one day after school I'll come over to watch it with you? We could even see about watching the two rascals even. They seemed to miss you."

I laugh remembering how happy Carlos and Lila were last week. I don't get to see them often due to my aunt not liking me. "I'm sure they would love to see their 'Prince Asher'," I tease, causing him to let out a few chuckles. "They really did like you though. You were actually a lot better with kids than I thought." I continued earning myself a small smack on the shoulder.

"Well, what can I say? I'm full of surprises," He exclaimed, pulling into a field. "Like this one."

I scan the area surrounding us. We were heading towards the middle of a large open field that was a few miles off the road. He didn't stop until we were directly in the middle. "Stay here for a sec." He cut the engine before hopping out of his seat only to open the back door to grab a box under the seat. I saw it earlier but just assumed it was something baseball related.

I waited for a few minutes listening to the sounds of the night. The sun was just beginning to set and the trees were whistling with the wind. There was always some kind of sound. From the frogs croaking to the crickets to the wind. It was peaceful. I breathed in the fresh air while I played with the end of my skirt. It was still weird to see my legs in a skirt. I couldn't tell how I felt about it, but it was not as bad as I thought. As I got wrapped in my own thoughts, my door was opened.

"Well, hi there" Asher said, giving me his hand to help me out. I give him a confused look as to why I would need his help, but I allow him to do so anyways. "Just in case you take falling for me literally." He smirked before smiling. I would've hit him for the smirking if his smile didn't catch me off guard.

"Whatever you think Asher." I say before he covered my eyes with his other hand. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Relax, it's a surprise. Just be patient Maksie." I didn't really hear his words due to being focused on how close he was. I could feel his breath against my neck. It was warm against the chilled night. I am beginning to thank Adrian for picking out leggings. "Alright, ready?" I felt his warm hand move from my eyes down to my other hand. I paid it no attention as I just stared at the scene in front of me.

Asher had set up a sheet over the back of his truck that had Animaniacs season one episode one projected onto it from his phone. There were pillows and blankets spread out on the bed of the truck along with a basket of various snacks, and drinks. Then to prevent bugs, he had two tiki torches with citronella oil on each side of the truck.