Chapter Eighteen

After talking to Mr. Brians over the phone the next day, I convinced him that I was fine to begin work again. He was happy to hear the news, if not relieved, but requested that I didn’t start again until next week. It was a bit of a setback for me, but it also bought me more time to find an apartment that would be perfect for me. I was excited by the thought of being able to save up more money for my very own apartment.

Between my classes, studying, spending time with Chad and my friends, along with apartment hunting, I was too busy the entire week to ever think or bump into Liam. I felt like I was starting to return to normalcy.

Saturday was the day Chad and I decided to go out on our first official date together. He was so nervous, unsure of what we should go do. Friday night when I was talking to him on the phone, he told me to expect to be gone all day because he had so many activities planned. The prospect of it excited me.

Saturday morning, I made sure to wake up extra early. I wanted to leave before anyone woke up. Quickly, I take a shower, blow dry my hair, apply makeup, and get dressed. Before leaving my room, I look over myself in the mirror. I was about to place another bit of gauze over the unsightly wound but decided not to. It didn’t appear as bad as it had a few days ago. A little touch of with some concealer, being careful not to get too close to the stitches or the line they followed, making it almost unnoticeable. There… Now I can walk around without it looking like I’m wearing a pad on my face.

When I finished that, I made sure my dress looked all right. Wearing a dark blue T-shirt, paired with my favorite blue and green plaid mini overall dress with black knee-high socks and a pair of boots.

This is my first date, but I didn’t feel nervous at all. But I did feel a little silly. Chad and I have been friends for so long that it didn’t feel like a date at all. I felt like I was just going to spend the day hanging out with my best friend. I can’t believe I agreed to go out on a date with Chad, I thought to myself.

Once I was satisfied, I quietly walk out the bedroom door. Tiptoeing past Liam’s bedroom and downstairs. I was confident that I was the only one awake and would soon be out of the house.

“Where are you going this early in the morning?” Oscar questions with a sleepy voice from behind me.

I spin around, my heart almost shot out of my chest. After taking a breath, I start “What are you doing up? It’s Saturday morning! Shouldn’t you be sleeping in?”

“Why is your hair done? Why are you wearing makeup?” He questions, observing me. “Why are you wearing a dress?”

I let out a sigh, becoming angry by all the questions he was throwing at me. “Fine… If you must know, I’m going out on a date. Since you are up, could you let mom know that I will be gone all day, for me, please?”

Oscar narrows his eyes at me. “Are you trying to make my brother jealous?” Rolling his eyes, he gave me the same look Ember did.

“No!” I respond annoyed. “What I do is none of his concern and what he does is none of mine!” My voice grew louder than I intended it to, causing me to worry I may have woken someone up. Quieting down, I continue, “Liam is not going to be the center of my universe anymore, okay? I may have been a pathetic girl chasing after someone who hates me, but I’m not that person anymore… I can’t be that person anymore…”

Oscar looked sad for a moment as something occurred to him. “Bree, are you planning on moving out?”

“What?” I ask perplexed with irritation. Why is he asking me so many questions?

“Well, the other day I went into your room. Mom wanted me to check on you, but you weren’t in there… and, well… I saw apartments for rent with a few listings circled…”

“Why would you care? I thought you said you wanted me gone.” I respond defensively.

“Well… I do…” He started slowly. “But… I also kind of don’t…” His eyes grew big as he started to pout.

I let out a sigh of exacerbation. “I don’t have time for all of this right now, Oscar. I need to get going.”

“Are you leaving because of Liam?” His voice sounded so small.

“What’s with all these questions?” I ask peeved.

He stares at me accusingly.

“Look, I don’t necessarily want to leave… I love your mom and dad. I’ve even grown somewhat fond of you,” I reply becoming light-hearted, tousling his hair again, the way he hates. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else, really, but… I can’t move on while staying here…”

“When were you planning on telling us this?” Oscar’s voice filled with betrayal, ignoring his now even more disheveled hair.

“I guess after I actually find a place…” I admit sorrowfully.

“Oh…” He continued with a long face, appearing as if he wanted to continue interrogating me, but not sure how to continue.

I look at my phone. Everyone would be getting up any minute. I didn’t want to answer a million more questions from everyone else. “Listen, I need to get going. Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah…” He replies unconvincingly.

“Okay, remember, tell mom I’ll be out all day, please.” I know he really wasn’t okay, but I needed to leave.

I had a strange feeling after leaving the house. The way Oscar reacted to the fact that I may be moving out soon troubled me. If he reacted that way, how would his parents react to the news?

Putting that aside and out of my mind, I met Chad at a local family-owned diner for breakfast. The restaurant was a little brick building that had a large window on either side of the entrance door. It was perfectly symmetrical. Inside, the place was brightly lit with circular tables with lined tablecloths scattered all around the open floor space, all with four chairs with cushions that matched the tablecloth.

Sitting down, I order scrambled eggs with bacon and toast, while Chad gets an omelet with sausage and a biscuit.

While we were eating, I began, “So what do you have planned for us today?”

He smiles. “You’ll see.”

“Is it really a secret?” I pose.

“Yep,” Chad responds with a teasing smile.

I pout. “Why?” I continue, suspense getting the better of me.

Chad gives me a longing smile, seeing my pout. “So I can see that adorable face.”

My cheeks felt hot.

He laughs. “I just want it to be a surprise.”

“Ah… A surprise. I hope it’s nothing like the surprise last time.”

His face contorts. “What do you mean?”

“Remember when you made me a cake when we were little?” I responded laughing.

His face turns white as his eyes grow wide. “That was like ten years ago…”

“But still, that was—“

“This surprise will be a lot better,” He interjects, becoming embarrassed, wanting me to stop talking about it.

I giggle. “Okay. I’m sorry.”

After eating, we went for a walk around town, catching up on each other’s families.

“So, how is your dad doing?” Chad questions.

“He’s good,” I respond. “I don’t really see him much since he sleeps in the guest house, but from what I do see of him, he looks like he is doing well. How are your mom and dad doing?” I begin curiously. “I haven’t seen them in a long time.”

“They are the same as usual,” he retorts. “My mom is always yelling; my dad is always screaming. They are always fighting…”

“Oh…” I respond. “I thought maybe they would’ve stopped all of that by now.”

“Nope.” He states with shortness.

“How is your sister doing?” I continue, trying to ask about someone he cared more for than his parents.

“She is doing good. She will be graduating college soon,” He replies with a smile. “So, I’ll probably go for about a week, two months from now to see that.”

“Aw… whatever will I do without you?”

“You could always come with me.” He offers with a seductive smile.

My heart skipped a beat. “Oh… um…” I could feel my cheeks starting to burn again.

“It would be like a little getaway from all your problems here.” He smiled. “I could set up something really special.”

I smile, still blushing. “We’ll see,” I reply, not wanting to look that far into the future right now. “How are your grandparents doing?”

“They are good,” He replies. “They are still enjoying their retired life in Arizona.”

“Well, that’s great!” I state happily. “Do they ever come to visit or plan on visiting?”

“I’m sure they will. Or they may have us come visit them,” He explains. “They aren’t really cut out for traveling anymore.”

“Oh, I see.”

We stopped talking once we arrived at the movie theatre.

“What would you like to see?” He questions, looking at the options.

Ugh… Most of these are romance movies… I don’t want to watch steamy love scenes with Chad! I thought as I looked through our options. That’s a horror movie…No, thank you. Oh, what’s this? “How about this one?” I point to a comedy, appearing to have a minimal amount of romance. Thank God.

He agreed, walking up to the counter, he bought the tickets. Heading inside, we went to the concession stand. Chad then bought me a large popcorn, a large drink, and some candy. As we sat and watched the movie, I looked over at Chad. He was thoroughly enjoying himself. Glancing over at me, he noticed me staring at him, so he gave me a beautiful smile.

By this point, I couldn’t help but smile. I was enjoying myself. Nothing was worrying me at that moment, and I felt like I could finally breathe. I felt lighter than air, thanks to Chad.

When the movie finished, we walked outside. It was now just after lunchtime.

“Do you want to get something to eat for lunch?” He questions.

“Hm… Maybe something light?” I request, feeling all the popcorn and candy still in my tummy.

He laughs. “Okay.”

We walk together down the street from the movie theatre to a little deli. Ordering sandwiches and some chips, we bring our food to the park a few blocks over to the park to enjoy a little picnic. Sitting on a bench in a shady part in between two large trees, we sit next to each other, watching the birds play in the pond.

“Are you enjoying our date?” Chad suddenly asks with a smile.

“At first, it felt like I was just hanging out with my friend. But now I feel like we are an actual couple.” I admit, feeling my cheeks burn. “It has been a while since I’ve felt this happy.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” He replies, smiling at me.

“Today has been great. Thank you,” I say, kissing him on the cheek.

Chad’s face turns red. Clearing his throat, he started, “Well, the day isn’t over yet.”

I look at him with shock. “We’ve already done so much. Is there really more?”

“I told you I was going to take you out all day. We have years to catch up on!”

“But if you keep going, how are you going to top this date? Our next dates aren’t gonna be able to compete with this one,” I tease.

He smiles slyly, his face slowly drawing closer to mine. “I can think of something,” he states before kissing me.

His kiss was gentle. I could tell he was trying to hold back, which didn’t get me excited. Nothing comparable to how I felt when Liam kissed me. He pulls away, smiling at me.

I smile back, contemplating. Maybe it was because he was holding back? Should I? Screw it… I pull his face back to mine, kissing him. My tongue brushed against his lips, asking for more. He willingly parted his lips, allowing me to start kissing him deeply.

Excitement began to surge through me, as he wrapped his arms around my waist. Embracing him, a quiet groan rose from within him as my fingers play in his blonde hair. I started to pull him closer, hungrily kissing him. Enjoying the rush of energy that radiated throughout my body.

Suddenly, he pulls away, breaking the passionate kiss.

“What’s wrong?” I question, trying to catch my breath. Worry filled within me, wondering if I had done something wrong.

“Nothing,” He replied with a smile, stroking my cheek with lust-filled eyes. “We just need to stop before I get… too excited.”

“What?” I stare at him in confusion for a moment before I realized what he meant. “Oh…” I begin to giggle a little. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” he replied with a smile, before giving me another soft, gentle kiss. “It was great… But if we keep up that pace, I’m not sure if I can stop myself.”

I smile, understandingly. “Okay.”

***

After our brief make out session, Chad and I remained in the park talking and feeding leftover bread to the pigeons, ducks, and swans. Elderly couples passed by us, feeding the birds also while younger couples and couples with families walked by, enjoying the cool air and scenery. Some people walked by with adorable dogs, giving their pets, as well as themselves some exercise. We spent so long doing this, that we lost track of time and it started to get dark. The sun began to set, creating a beautifully romantic scene.

“Wow…” I say, looking off into the sunset. The magnificent range of orange hues blended so stunningly with the pinks and the darkness of night, which acted as a veil, slowly allowing the stars to shine through. Almost as if you were staring at a painting, the colors blending effortlessly into each other, as the clouds changed colors to match their background.

Chad looks at the picturesque scene. “Oh, where did the day go?” Disappointment filled his voice.

I smile. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“Yes,” He continued, “But I had so much more planned.”

I giggle. “Well, I guess you’ll have to wait until next time.”

We fall quiet for a little bit, watching.

“I should probably go home,” I begin sadly, not wanting the day to end.

“I’ll walk you home,” Chad says, holding my hand as we walk together.

“So, what are you going to plan for our next date, since we didn’t get to do everything you wanted this time?” I ask curiously.

He shrugs. “Maybe we can finish the date tomorrow? Did you have any plans?”

“Oh, I was actually going to see Carey tomorrow. I haven’t seen her in a while. And I’ve heard that she has been very worried about me.”

“Can I tag along?” Chad asks. “I’m sure she will also enjoy what I have planned.” He smiles.

“Of course, you can!”

We walked in silence for the rest of the way, until we reached the house.

“So, what time should I get you tomorrow?” He asks as we stand at the end of the driveway.

“Noon would be good,” I reply.

“Ok,” he replies, pulling me into a tight embrace. His voice soft, “I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

He begins kissing me deeply as I wrap my arms around his neck, not wanting him to leave. I nibble on his lower lip.

“Mmm… Why did you do that?” His voice was seductive.

I giggle, “For that response.”

“You’re naughty.” He states, giving me a final kiss. “Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye,” I breathed.

Standing at the end of the driveway, I watched him walk away. A smile remained on my lips.

When I couldn’t see him anymore, I went inside. Mrs. Hall was eagerly awaiting my return, causing me to bump into her as soon as I entered the house.

“Hi, mom,” I laugh at the surprised look on her face.

“Did you really go out on a date?” She questioned with intrigue. “With who? Where did you go?”

“Do you remember my friend, Chad?” I respond.

“Oh!” She responded. “Well, where did you go?”

I stayed up for a little while talking with Mrs. Hall, telling her all about the date with Chad.

“That sounds like a lot of fun!” She replies. “Are you going to go out with him again?”

“Yes. We have plans to go out again tomorrow.” I reply smiling.

“That’s great, dear,” Mrs. Hall responded.

I could tell by her facial expression that she was feeling conflicted by the situation. She was happy for me, I could tell. But I could also tell that she was saddened.

“I’m going go to bed now,” I state, getting off the couch, heading up to my room.

“Okay, good night!”

Once I was in my room, I pull my phone from my purse. I had 10 missed calls from Ellen and Dawn and about 50 text messages from each of them.

Calling Dawn, she answers after the first ring. “How was your date?” She questions, immediately.

“Normal people usually say ‘Hi’ when they answer their phones,” I reply.

“Yeah, yeah, so how was it?” She demanded impatiently.

“It was great,” I tell her all about the date and the kiss.

“You did what!?!” Her voice screeched.

“It was an experiment! I needed to know if it felt right.”

“Oh my gosh…”

“What?” I ask becoming worried. “Do you think it was a bad idea?”

“No, no, it’s not that. I just… Wow… I never thought it would happen is all.” Dawn responded with astonishment. “So, did it feel right?”

“I’m not sure…” I admit. “It was something… But not what I experienced before…”

“You mean with Liam?” Her voice filled with curiosity.

“Yeah…” I answer sadly.

“Well, of course, it wasn’t anything like that,” Dawn explains, trying to play the devil’s advocate. “You were always pining after Liam, so why would you feel that same spark with someone other than him? Chad is probably in your shoes. You made out with him, and he most likely felt the way you did with Liam.”

I let out a groan. “Dawn, what am I going to do?”

“I don’t know…” She retorts. “But you don’t need to act so hastily.”