The Rainbow at the end of my storm

•16•

Mason: Tell me, do you think Mr Bennett grows that awfully long beard to compensate for the lack of hair on his head?

I shook my head, holding back a laugh as I read masons message. He was sat next to me, but felt the need to text his thoughts instead.

Another text came through.

Mason: well?

Trying so hard not to get caught, I took slow breaths to stop my laughter and slid my fingertips across the keyboard writing a reply.

Me: I'm not sure. You could of just whispered it to me, neighbour.

From the corner of my eye I saw a small smile play on his lips as he typed his next reply.

Mason: I wanted to ask something. I don't have the balls to say it your face, I'm just stalling.

Confused, I looked over to see his eyes concentrating on Mr Bennett when just a second ago they were focused on his phone. He had a pink hue to his cheeks too. I'd came to know a Mason that didn't show on the outside; his real personality and fake personality were so different and I was glad I could see the real him. No matter what he said, he was no bad boy.

Me: what is it? Now you've got to spill the beans.

I checked over at him to see his eyes fixed on me. They were filled with so much emotion and fear, I wasn't quite sure what was going on. We stared at each other for minutes, the sound of Mr Bennett's voice filtering in the background until he declared class was done.

Slam! He shut his textbook and shouted, "you are dismissed!" Making me jump. Mason smirked at my response.

I pulled my books from my small wooden desk perched in front of me, and shoved them into my bag. Along with my colourful pens that I didn't get a chance to use. Such a nerd, I thought to myself. I really was. I lifted from my seat, halting when a familiar grip came round my forearm.

"Wait," I saw his head drift around the room, checking that everyone had gone, before he stood with me. "I need to ask you something."

Confused, I stood and stared until he opened his mouth again. I was getting impatient. "What is it?"

"Are you busy on Saturday?" He rubbed the back of his neck from nerves, the movement making his black T-shirt rise and reveal the small patch of hair leading past his jeans. A sweat broke out across my skin at the sight. I could see a perfect V too.

"Victoria?" It came out soft and shy, making me realise I hadn't answered him yet. Guilt riddled me.

"Oh my, I'm sorry. Erm, no I'm not. Why?" I smiled, hoping to god I hadn't just come off as ignorant.

I was too busy checking him out I hadn't actually thought about what he was asking me, the motive behind it.

"I'd like to take you somewhere, like for dinner or something. You know, a date kinda thing..." his words trailed off into nervous silence and my breath caught. A date?

I'm not sure why I panicked so much, but a date definitely meant serious. This was good, wasn't it? Only my body automatically shuddered with nerves of the bad kind. I had to tell myself everything would be fine, but I was struggling. What if he was like Kieran? What if we went out, I fell for him, and he hurt me? My mind travelled to yesterday, how frustrating he was but how happy he'd made me. I hadn't had that much fun in such a long time. We also shared several kisses that almost made me do something I hadn't even considered before. So, was I ready?

As I weighed out my options, Masons eyes searched my face. Panic and embarrassment written all over him at the possibility I was about to say no. I knew if I did, I wouldn't get another opportunity, he wasn't that type of guy; he was already out of his comfort zone.

"Yes" I breathed, a flutter of excitement filling my tummy as I said it. I had to do this. I had to be strong and face my fears.

A sigh of relief fell from him and his body relaxed. I hadn't noticed how stiff he was until his shoulders slumped and his stance became less formal. "I thought you were going to say no."

I ducked my head, focusing on my shoes as my cheeks heated.

"Hey, cupcake, don't do that. What's wrong?" He lifted my chin up, the same way he always does, and studied my face.

I enjoyed the feel of his intense stare on me for a second, before answering. "Nothing, it's just, this is difficult for me. That's why it took so long. I don't want to get hurt, Mason."

He came closer, his hand moving from my chin to cup my cheek, and rested his forehead against mine. He was slightly sweaty.

"I won't hurt you, Victoria."

I sighed. How did I know that? As if he read my mind he said, "yeah, I know. You don't know if that's true, but I'll prove it to you. Watch me. Saturday, five pm, I'll pick you up."

I nodded, smiling up at him, before making a joke, "Bit nervous, Mason?" I flicked my finger across his sweaty forehead and laughed. He joined in and closed his eyes. "You could say that."

He had a hell of a lot of proving to do, and I was nervous in case I couldn't get past what had happened. I was praying and hoping inside that I could.