Too Close [Wattys2015]

Chapter 22: Rule Book

One thing about having no friends except the person you are going on a date with which is a boy is hard to do since that you have no one else to give you advice. Advice as in what to wear on a date.

I have my mom here which she hasn't even met him nor do I wish to have her help me with clothes.

My brother? Not even an option to be honest.

Are we going somewhere fancy? Should I wear a dress?

Haha!! You are hilarious!! My subconscious laughs.

I can just wear a skirt- no way! Maybe just some jeans and a nice shirt.

Almost like everyday? My subconscious asks.

I groan, changing my shirt.

Again.

I put on skinny jeans and a red tank top with a brown cardigan with brown boots.

This looks good enough. It's starting to get colder nowadays.

"Where you going?" My brother asks.

"To hang out with Collins." I say, attempting to put make up on.

"You're putting make up on!" He notices. "You never put that stuff on! I didn't even know you had any, are you two going on a date?"

I widen my eyes. "W-What? Ew, gross nooooo way!"

Austin rolls his eyes. "Okay, whatever."

Well I'm sure he knows now.

But my mom doesn't and won't at the time.

I walk down the stairs, nerves jumping like kernels in a microwave, making popcorn. But, of course, I'm not popcorn and I will not pop into a buttery treat one eats at movies.

I sit down and wait for him to come pick me up.

***

"Hey," he says after he knocks the door with me quickly answering.

"Hi," I smile towards him.

"Ready to go?" He asks.

"Yes," I push him back so I can walk past him blocking me out.

He grins as we get in his car with him opening the door for me. "I see that you aren't going to be nice?"

I look over at him. "Do you not want me to be myself?"

He ponders over my reply. "True." He says. "Okay be yourself."

I smile. "Did you just say I can be mean to you?"

He rolls his eyes. "No, cupcake, I said that you can be yourself."

"Which is me usually being mean to you or at least teasing." I say. "I thought we went over this, but your stupidity has yet proven it's extinction. But it still lives."

He laughs, the sound filling the car which brings a smile to my lips. "You sure are something."

"I shall take that as a compliment."

He looks over at me. "I meant it as one, cupcake."

***

"I've missed this place." I say as we enter Get Away Delights.

"Yeah, but we're getting it to go." He says, grabbing my hand to pull me away from the tables.

But he doesn't let go as we see Mandy at the counter. She notices the gesture and smiles sweetly.