Woke

23.)

Chris:

"Let's go on a date."

Kiara looked up at me, as we walked to our first free period. "We have exams."

"No, not today." I shook my head. "I meant Wednesday, after our last class."

"I mean, maybe. We'll be done with midterms by then, and I don't have cheer practice until next Monday. What do you have in mind?"

I smiled, sitting beside her at our designated table in the library. "We're going to DC."

She rose an eyebrow at me. "Washington DC? That's like 3 hours away."

"Yeah, my parents were supposed to go there on business, but it was canceled." I explained. "They're gonna have a miniature getaway in Tampa instead, so I asked if I could have the room."

"And they actually said yes?"

I nodded. "My parents also talked to your mom, and she gave us the green light."

"My mom said yes?" Kiara looked stunned as we pulled out our laptops. "That's honestly really-- wait a hotel? You're talking an overnight trip? Like, just you and me together in a hotel for a night..."

"Well... more like 3 nights. The reservation's from Wednesday to Saturday. Are you down?"

I could tell she was thinking hard, trying to think of any potential downsides. Because of midterms, we weren't allowed to have any practices or games until the week afterwards, and winter break began after our last class on Wednesday. It was the perfect timing. After the party on Saturday, and with all the stress from Taylor, cheerleading, and reviewing for our midterms, I felt Kiara deserved some time away. It was only Monday and I could tell the situation was causing a shift in her peace. I wanted her to know I was going to be there for her no matter what. I figured getting her away from the area causing her stress would help.

"You know what? Yeah, let's do it." Kiara finally answered. "I know it'll be fun."

I sighed in relief. I didn't even realize I'd been nervous about her possibly saying no, but that didn't matter. Kiara and I were going on an overnight trip together, and it was going to be perfect.

"Awesome." I excitedly said. I already had so much planned. I placed my AirPods in my ears and was about to browse through my Netflix account, when Kiara stopped me.

"Did you submit your paper? It's due at 3:15."

I exhaled through my nose. Kiara had made so many notes and edits on my English paper, I thought I was going to have to rewrite it. She might as well be my damn teacher. "I haven't finished working through your corrections."

"Chris, baby, I made those notes almost a week ago. Get to it."

I froze for a second. My heart's reaction to her calling me baby was scary. My mind went back to during the party when she told me our sex life was actually us making love. I liked when she said that. Maybe we were moving too fast, but I always thought love was so subjective. What if we really were...? Did I love her? Did she love me?

I smiled through the many forming thoughts in my mind. "Your wish is my command."

With Kiara's help, I quickly finished the assignment and submitted it with ease. We decided to spend the rest of the period studying for chemistry and AP US History. Our band concert was also occurring later that night, and we agreed to ride together and get a late dinner afterwards.

"Okay, I wanna know the details of this DC trip." Kiara said.

I cheekily grinned. "No."

"Chris!" She whisper yelled. "I needa know what clothes to pack."