Broken

Chapter-12: First date, maybe

I didn't know how I ended up agreeing to go out with Tyler but somehow, as strange as it sounds, I did. I wouldn't call it a date, though. We were just hanging out as friends. A giddy feeling welcomed me and sent a rush of heat and excitement through my veins. Out of anticipation, my mind could already picture the glimpses of beautiful moments awaiting us.

We walked several blocks together, taking it as an opportunity to get to know each other. As the sun settled, the light of the day drained away and the mild heat ebbed into a gentle breeze that soared through the air. I couldn't remember the last time I had been particularly happy as I felt at that moment.

The streets were crowded with people paving their way through the crowd. Couples were clustered at the spots outside the restaurants and cafes, their chatters and laughters echoing in the air. I instinctively sniffled in the air, inhaling the aromatic smell of barbecue and French fries.I was quite familiar with this place. I and Justin used to hang out there quite often on weekends. It was out perfect hangout spot.

A heaviness settled in my chest and my heart longed for the memories that once made me smile. My pace slowed down as my mind drifted into the haunting yet beautiful past, making me yearn for more. My raging thoughts made me stop dead in the track.

Tyler who was walking beside me cocked his head in my direction.

"Are you alright?" His edgy voice made me turn my head over in his direction.

His eyes glowed with concern. Nodding my head, I smiled back at him.

"I know the best ice cream parlor. Trust me, you would love it, Lizzy." he spoke, his voice becoming higher with excitement.

Redness crept over my face and a wave of happiness spun through my course as I acknowledged the nickname that he had just given me.

"Are you sure, you are okay?"

Gulping the saliva down my throat, I smiled meekly,"Yes, of course."

As if unsatisfied by my answer, he stared at me, an unreadable expression plastered on his face.

"I'm fine. Don't worry about me Tyler. Let's get going," I threw my hands up in the air, trying to convince him.

A deep furrow ran across his forehead. He inched closer to me, making my breath hitch in my throat. Stepping closer, he allowed his fingers to gently hold my arm. Blinking my eyes, I looked up at him, surprised my his move. Shyness took the best of me and I tore my gaze away from his face, smiling timidly. My heartbeat accelerated when he gave me a grin, his eyes shining with pure passion.

"Shall we, princess?" He whispered into my ear, giving me goosebumps and I glanced at him, giggling like a child.

His hand travelled down my arm to my hand and he held it protectively, intertwining our fingers in a lose grip and led us through the crowd.

A few moments ago, he was a complete stranger but sitting with him outside the ice cream parlor under the starry night sky, I felt as if I had known him for a long time. His face was somewhat familiar, and it made me feel at home.

I looked around, taking note of the surroundings. The atmosphere was beautiful. Fragrances of perfumes and food were lingering in the air and the gentle music felt calming and relaxing on my ear, stirring a romantic essence in the environment.The thought that I had to return home soon crossed my mind, but I simply ignored it, not wanting to kill the vibe. For a brief moment, I stared openly at the night sky, the stars twinkling back at me. I let out a deep exhale and leaned back into my chair.

Tyler's eyes were focussed on me, observing me intently.

His piercing gaze made me aware of my insecurities, making them flood into my mind. Completely feeling insecure about the way I was dressed casually in a black top and jeans, I kept fidgeting with the hem of my top, aiming to avoid eye contact.

"You look pretty," he spoke out of the blue and I snapped my head up at him, my lips tugging into a genuine smile. I hadn't felt pretty in a long time, considering the fact that I was often reminded about the ugliness that possessed me. Clenching the edge of the table with my polished fingers, I pursed my lips shut for a moment.

"Thanks," I shot a quick glance at him and reverted my gaze to the menu, pursuing it.

"How come you are single?"

My smile faded away, a gloomy expression making its way on my face.

"I dated once. Things didn't turn out well."

Giving me a tense nod, he drew in a heavy breath and stretched his neck, the stiff and taut muscles of his neck popping out.

The waiter returned with the order. I mouthed him a thank you and we dismissed him.

"What's the obsession with sprinkles?"he straightened up, grasping the spoon in his hand and pointing it towards my chocolate ice cream scoop that was loaded with colorful sprinkles.

"I love them. They are so colorful." I smiled at his expression, giving him a pouted face.

Raising his brow, he chuckled as if he were amused by my response.

After a few minutes of eating in silence, all of a sudden he put his spoon down and turned his attention to me.

"I am throwing a party on my birthday next week. I would love if you could make it."

"Are you inviting me?" I said, licking the sprinkle off my finger.

"Yes.", he shrugged his shoulders, glancing sideways, his appreciative eyes taking a view of the surroundings. "Oh, you can bring your friends with you. It would be a pleasure meeting them." He continued, all the while twisting his fingers.

"Sure," I blurted.

"Not too bad for our first date, huh?" he smirked, setting his eyes on my face.

My eyes widened at the realization of his words. I overcompensated my shy emotions by letting out a scoff and pinching a bridge of my nose. No wonder, my cheeks would be rosy red.

Everything seemed perfect at that moment. From the street lights to the music that owned the air, everything seemed to fit perfectly into the canvas of the starry night. I wasn't sure if I was ready for this but there was no reason to deny it either. Closing my eyes shut, I embraced the gust of wind, welcoming whatever the night had to offer.