For nearly two weeks, I divided my time evenly between Lexi and Conrad's group of friends. I spent a lot of time with both, making sure they all knew the extent of my gratitude for their kindness. I was learning much of Lexi's personal life from both our school breaks and meetings at the library, but I felt as though I was getting nowhere. And I was becoming highly confused with the task; knowing exactly what needed to be done but having no clue how to do so. I couldn't just keep subtly complimenting her. Lexi needed a lot more than that.

     Once again, lost in my thoughts of Lexi, I pulled my books out of my locker, paying no attention to my surroundings. Someone fully opening my locker to lean against the door, I jumped, fumbling with my nearly fallen books. Recovering myself, I looked up expecting to find a laughing Conrad. Instead, I met blue eyes. Oh no.

     "Hello?" I frowned at the blonde.

     Though I had spent much time with Lexi's group of friends and was getting to know Angela nearly as much as Lexi, she had never approached me alone.

      "What are you thinking about?" she teased.

      I made move to deny her insinuation, but my body betrayed me; cheeks flaming. I huffed indignantly as she laughed.

     Smile quickly fading, Angela's expression turned to that of neutral displeasure. I recoiled, my features displaying both surprise and confusion. I had yet to see Angela anything but chipper. An angry Angela was terrifying.

     "All jokes aside, I think you're confusing her."

     "What?" I asked, voice an octave higher and brows furrowed in a frown so intense that it required the use of every muscle of my face.

     "You. Are. Confusing. Her," she repeated slowly, enunciating every word. "And if I'm being frank, both of your tiptoeing around each other has me on the verge of exploding."

     Somehow my eyes grew wider, taken aback. Lips moving but no sound escaping them, I found no words. Desperately trying to find a response to disagree with whatever nonsense she was getting at, my attempts were futile as I shuddered under the fierce, thin cocked brow directed my way.

     "I don't know what to say, Ange," I whined. "You're making me uncomfortable."

     With a sigh Angela's features softened. "You like her, don't you?"

     Again, in a nervous panic, my face grew warmer, gaze shooting away from Angela to search the hallways. I had to make sure Lexi wasn't within hearing distance.

     "This isn't middle school, Jaxson." Angela rolled her eyes. "A crush really isn't that big of a deal, especially when the feelings are reciprocated."

      I disagreed. I very much disagreed and shook my head to show her my belief. My nervous state was well warranted. It was only when I replayed the full extent of her words that I blinked in surprise. My head shot up hopefully. When the feelings are reciprocated, she had said.

     "You think the feelings are reciprocated?"

     "I know they are."

     "She told you so?" I inquired eagerly.

     "No, but I think she's been quite obvious."

     "Obvious?" I sniffed. "She has shown absolutely no interest in any romantical involvement... And if friendship is all she wants, I'm alright with that."

      Eyes shut, Angela groaned, shaking her head in exasperation. "You have got to be the most oblivious human on earth!"

     "Am n—"

     "I have known Lexi since pre-kindergarten," she interrupted. "I have never seen her act this way. You bring out a different side to her... I wouldn't set you up for failure."

     Chewing at my lip, still I wasn't convinced.

      "Lexi has never really had crushes or shown interest in relationships... Until recently she seemed repulsed by the mere thought of holding someone's hand, but believe me, I can tell she would do a lot more than just hold your hand—"

      Grunting, my blush deepened. I waved my hands urgently, to put end to her words. "Please stop talking," I begged.

      "I didn't take you for a prude. Do you not want—"

      I interrupted her with another grunt, closing my eyes as though too embarrassed to look at her while I spoke. "Believe me, that is not the problem, talking about it with you is... I'm taking it slow."

      "Slow?" she exclaimed. "You've got to make some kind of move before she thinks you're not interested. There's such a thing known as going slow and another known as chickening out."

      "I've only known her a few weeks," I defended.

      "I'm not telling you to profess your undying love for her, just ask her out! I think you know plenty to at least do that."

      "What if she says no?"

     "I highly doubt she will, but if she does... yes, it'll be awkward, but she wouldn't just disregard you for it afterwards. You could still be friends."

      Still, I had doubts. Angela didn't understand the stakes. Imagine being rejected by the person you were destined to meet. Ouch. "I don't want to put her in an uncomfortable position where she feels obliged to say yes. I don't want a pity yes."

      "I promise that as shy as she is, no matter how much it might pain or embarrass you or her, she wouldn't let herself get caught into something that makes her that uncomfortable. She's too much of an honest person."

      Though I remained uncertain, I promised to consider her request. My uneasiness lasted a good portion of my morning spent with Lexi and her friends. By the time I switched my seating arrangement to Conrad's group, my lips were a deep shade of red and achy from the constant gnawing. Conrad immediately picked up on my distress, quick to correctly associate it with Lexi. I couldn't catch a break. The boys teased me endlessly, quick to try to knock some sense into me, as Angela had. I made countless attempts to change the subject, but somehow my friends' focus always returned to me and Lexi. I did my best to drown out their ideas, not wanting their beliefs to affect my actions. I wanted to act purely on my own instincts.

      For once I was happy to listen to a teacher go on about chemical reactions. Pushy opinions silenced, I managed to calm myself. No matter what they said, the final decision would always be mine to make. No matter their endless attempts of persuasion I would only make a move when I believed it was the right time. They didn't understand how important this was; they didn't know how much I had to lose.

      Much to my dismay, my calm state didn't last long. It irritated me greatly how easily I became nervous these days. Previously I had never had to deal with things of the such. I had never really had to give a care, and now, way too many cares were given.

      Usually, I loved the sound of rain. It reminded me of the days I spent camping with my family, rain drops pelting down on the camper's tin roof. But today it caused a cheek chewing dilemma. Taking notice of Lexi's look of annoyance shot at the window and remembering her mention of a shift at the library, my shoulders slumped. I couldn't let her walk, but the thought of offering her a ride was incredibly nauseating. She really didn't know me well and I didn't want to scare her off. But I had every intention of going to the library anyway, and the thought of the likeliness that someone else would offer her a ride turned my stomach upside down.

     Briefly pacing by the side of my locker, I let Conrad and the boy's go ahead, before collecting my belongings and heading towards Lexi's locker. Lexi wore a purple raincoat, her pair of running shoes replaced with a small pair of black boots and an umbrella was placed on the ground next to her. She was prepared for the weather. Not many people pulled off rain clothes, but she certainly did.

      Lexi appeared to be arguing with Angela, or more so getting few words in between Angela's seemingly passionate sharing of an opinion that hadn't been asked for. I noticed that it wasn't an unfriendly argument, but very much resembled the talk Ange had had with me that very morning. Ignoring the crazed looks received from passing students, I groaned loudly.

      Kianna, Julia, and Angela took notice of my approach, and immediately left Lexi at her locker. If not for nerves, I would have rolled my eyes at Angela's wiggling eyebrows. Instead, I ignored her knowing look. I was just a friend doing a favor for my soulmate... No pressure.

      Standing from her crouched position, Lexi frowned at the retrieving figures of her friends, expression changing to realisation when she met my eyes. I smiled earning myself her signature blush, and downcast gaze. Though the behavior wasn't of odd occurrence, it had been occurring much less often in my presence and I knew I had been right to assume that I had been Angela's recent choice of subject.

      "Hey," I greeted, word a little chocked at the thought of Ange's meddling.

      Smiling softly, Lexi fell into step with me. We walked towards the exit, not saying much.

      "You're working tonight, right?" I eventually worked up the nerve.

      "Only until 6... Were you planning on stopping by?"

      "I'm actually heading there now... Would you like a ride?" I released the words in a single breath.

      "I'm okay. Thank you," she answered almost instinctively, as though accustomed to politely declining most offers. "I don't mind walking."

      My gaze returned to the pouring rain. Even with an umbrella, there was no way she was escaping the walk dry. The trees swayed viciously, strong wind pushing the rain. I bit my lip.

      "I completely understand if you're uncomfortable with it, but if that's not the problem, please don't walk in the rain just because you think you'll be a bother."

     Lexi chuckled lightly but made no move to answer. I watched her patiently, waiting for a response.

      With a soft sigh, she smiled. "It wouldn't make me uncomfortable," she promised, choosing not to elaborate.

      "So, this is you thinking you'll trouble me?"

      Lexi shrugged nonchalantly, but I knew by her small smile that I was correct.

      "You can be blatantly honest; I won't be offended. But I am driving to the library no matter your decision, so it really would not be of inconvenience."

     "You're driving straight there?" she asked, looking anywhere but my way.

     I hummed in response, shooting her a small nod. Lexi paused, contemplating her response. "Well, if you don't mind—" she started very softly.

     "I wouldn't have offered if I minded," I assured, relieving her from the need of finishing her sentence.

     With a quiet "Thank you", we walked out the door. I took the umbrella from Lexi's hands and held it above us both, making sure she was fully covered before me. Opening the door for her, a blushing Lexi took a seat in my old Toyota. Walking to my side, I groaned as a bus window revealed a wiggling eyebrowed Angela. I prayed Lexi took no notice of the girl's actions.

     Unable to get Lexi to choose a channel, I put my own favourite on, hoping the noise would lessen the awkward atmosphere. I was pushing new boundaries to our friendship and as a result my palms were sweaty against the steering-wheel. Though I was panicking internally, Lexi looked relaxed. Noticing her easiness made me pause. She clearly didn't think anything strange of the situation. Once again, I was making a big deal out of something small. Why was I always so quick to fall into a panic around her? I blamed Angela. She was getting into my head. I needed to push away her assertive thoughts... Easier said than done, especially when most of her beliefs reflected mine. Mind returning to Angela and I's earlier conversation, through the middle mirror I snuck a glance at Lexi. She was evidently at ease. I was perceptive enough to notice that the comfort Lexi displayed around me was significantly greater than that she showed around her other classmates. For the briefest moment I wondered if she did like me as Angela had suggested. Did she want more? Or was her ease a result of her belief that I wanted nothing more than a friendship?

      I spent much of that night analyzing Lexi's behavior, desperately trying to determine where we stood. I analyzed every smile, every gaze or brush of hands as I did my homework, and she completed her work duties.

      Considerate of her job, I sat quietly at one of the desks, bothering her only a few times with homework questions. Few hours in, I tired. I couldn't stand to look at my assignment anymore. So, I put my things away and joined Lexi. She was putting away the newly returned books. Naturally, I followed her like a sad little puppy, holding up the bin of books with an eagerness to be helpful. Despite my eagerness, we chatted easily. As she laughed at my reaction to her pointing of all the books she had read, I watched her carefully. Subtly, I tried to get a grasp of her opinion of me. I spotted the smiles she seemed to save just for me. Revered in the way she didn't shy away from our proximity or accidental brush of hands. But I couldn't tell if she was just being friendly. Was this the way she looked at all her friends? If the actions meant anything to her, would she not show some sort of sign of greater worry than usual?

      "Out of all of these books, which would you suggest I read?" I questioned, careful not to get lost in my thoughts for too long.

      "Just one?"

      I laughed at her tone, as though she thought my request difficult. "I will of course listen to any of your suggestions, but which would be your first choice? Is there any book you find yourself reading repeatedly?"

      Still walking through the aisles, rearranging the books on the shelves, Lexi pursed her lips in thought. Though she wore an expression of deep thinking, I could tell a novel had already crossed her mind. I smiled reassuringly, urging her to go on. She let her hair fall forward, shielding part of her face before answering.

     "I have, since I was very young, loved the Percy Jackson series. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've re-read it."

      I grinned. "That's not the answer I expected, but I certainly respect it." I was expecting something more like Moby-Dick or Jane Austen.

      "I read a variety of genres."

      "I see that." I laughed. "You also seem to read just about every book you come into contact with... I mean you must have read at least half of these books."

      "It's a small library." She shrugged.

       She hadn't even tried to deny my exaggeration. I snorted, and we made our way down the last aisle.

      "Do they have the book here? I've been meaning to start reading more regularly." Truly, I had been meaning to find another topic of interest that we could share. The book would do.

      "They don't, but I have a copy at home if you want to borrow it."

      "You sure you can do without it for a few days?"

      "I wouldn't have offered if I minded." She smirked. "I'll bring it to you tomorrow."

      I chuckled, thanking her as I handed her a pile of non-fictions. Book pile slowly growing smaller, I continued to quiz her about her favourite reads; a genuine smile on my face following each of her responses. Finally handing her the last two novels, I took notice of Lexi's frequent quick glances at the buzzing phone in her jean pocket.

      "Your dad running late, again?" I guessed.

      She nodded. "Amy-Lynn and Beau have their belt ceremony tonight. Should be almost done by now, but with their excitement it might be difficult to convince them to leave... I don't mind though; he shouldn't be too long."

      She spoke casually, attention still focused on the rearrangement of the books before her. I leaned against the opposite shelf, squeezing my eyes shut. I knew it was stupid... But I did it anyways. "If it saves you and your dad trouble, I could drive you home."

      "Oh no," she said immediately, light blush blooming on her pale cheeks. "I mean I appreciate it, but I couldn't bother you with that."

      "It would be no trouble, I've really nothing better to do... I wouldn't be offended if the idea just makes you uneasy."

      She shook her head amusedly. A smile played on her thin lips. "You need to stop thinking everything you do makes me uneasy. If I had concerns, I would let you know."

      "Promise?"

      She rolled her eyes. "Promise."

      I held out a pinky to make sure. Lexi scrunched her nose upwards, lips in a tight smile as she failed to contain a laugh. Despite the absurdity of it all, she wrapped her finger around mine. I heaved a breath of relief as though the gesture was of significant importance. Unwelcoming thought crossing my mind, my expression changed to concern.

     "You would actually be comfortable with a fairly new acquaintance driving you home?" I asked, brows furrowed. I felt a strange need to protect her, already. Perhaps I was overcompensating for the pain I knew I would one day bring her. Though I posed her no threat, the thought of her acceptance of a ride from someone with ill intentions caused me great distress.

      "Should I have a reason to think otherwise?" She cocked her head.

     I mentally slapped myself. I would never cease to be amazed by the stupidities her presence triggered from me.

      "I really need a better way with words... Do you wish to revoke your latest promise?"

      Lexi laughed. "I trust you Jaxson... And if my instincts fail me, I have self-defence to fall back on."

      It was my turn to cock a curious brow.

     "It would be unwise of me to share my strategies with a potential attacker," she joked.

      I scoffed, laughing as I returned the empty book bin to its rightful spot. Few steps short of the desk, I paused. "So, does that mean you want the ride?"

      Slowly her smile faded, bottom lip drawn inward as she chewed it. I watched her carefully, remembering her promise. I genuinely believed she wanted to accept it but felt morally obliged not to. She looked at her phone again.

      "If it makes you feel better, I'd just be going home to watch TV. You'll save me few minutes of rotting my brain and instead likely provide me with an intellectual conversation."

      Lexi laughed, again shaking her head. She joined me at the desk.

      "You really don't mind?" she asked warily.

      I cocked my head to the side, dark brows slightly raised as though to say Really?

      "You need to stop thinking that my offers aren't meaningful," I teased. "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it."

      Relieved by my reassurance, Lexi agreed. A half hour until closing time, we chatted lightly. Lexi worked on her essay, whilst I played with a stack of post-its.

      This time, the car ride was much less awkward. Lexi gave me the directions whilst telling me about the only home she's ever known. I in turn told her about both my old and new home.

       The Broughton home was deeper into the secluded area of town, small house found in the middle of nowhere. The house was old and not very big, but I smiled at the coziness it displayed even just by its outside. Color of the red bricks fading, and unfixed cracks and scratches on the white front porch railing, were signs of their busy life; little time for home repairs, but plenty of time for play. Without knowing the family, anyone could tell the home housed many children.

       Mr. Broughton arrived only moments before we did. He amongst three children piled out of the garage door. Not a hair a top his round head, he shared the same dark eyes as his daughter, with a pointed chin and round cheeks. The older man chased three of Lexi's siblings towards the front door. Even from the car, their shrill-like giggles could be heard. Youngest boy turning his head towards the driveway, he caught sight of Lexi and I and instantly redirected his run our way. Almost in a sudden panic, Lexi made a desperate grab for her things, reaching for the door handle.

      "Thanks for the ride, I really appreciate it. I'll—" she uttered in a rush, stopping short with a soft sigh as a little hand knocked on my window. Lexi smiled apologetically in anticipation.

      Returning my attention to the young boy in a white robe and blue belt, instantly I could tell that he was Lexi's brother, same facial structure, soft, round nose, and striking cheekbones, amongst a pale face, and dark hair and eyes. Warily I rolled down my window.

      "Hello?"

      "Hello," the young boy replied, much enthusiasm in the short word. "Who are you?"

      "I'm Jaxson—"

       "I'm Beau," he interrupted. "Do you like chicken?"

       Taken aback by his excitement and odd question, I frowned, stuttering incoherently before formulating a proper sentence. "Um, yes... Do you?"

      "I prefer pork," the kid admitted. "But we're having chicken, tonight. Do you want some?"

      Once again, taken aback, in a panic I made move to turn towards Lexi, who was shrinking in her seat, but the appearance of another child stopped me.

       "Hello!" The blonde with glasses shared her brother's enthusiasm. Though sharing less similarities than Beau, I assumed the young girl was Lexi's sister, Amy-Lynn. She had Lexi's pink lips and was an inch shorter than Beau.

      "This is Jaxson," Beau told her. "He's having chicken with us."

      Eyes widening at the decision made without my output, to my relief, Lexi finally intervened. "You can't force him to have supper with us," she reprimanded, cheeks flaming.

       "I'm not!" Beau defended, tone indicative of his belief that her statement was stupid. "He said he liked chicken."

      Lexi groaned quietly at his response, sinking deeper into the passenger seat as her dad joined the four. If she sank down anymore, she'd be hidden by the dashboard. Mr. Broughton greeted me with a smile, pulling his two youngest children a step away from the window.

      "The library friend," he established aloud. I swore I heard another soft sigh of exasperation escape Lexi. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Edward. You can call me Ed."

      Nervously I shook the man's hand. This wasn't how I expected dropping Lexi off to go. I hadn't mentally prepared myself for meeting her family. "I'm Jaxson. It's nice to—"

      "He's staying for supper!" Beau interrupted.

      Ed's eyes widened briefly, pupils twinkling with amusement as he looked down at his son. "You are certainly welcomed to stay for supper, Jaxson," Ed clarified. "But don't feel obligated to do so. I know Beau can be pushy."

      Beau huffed indignantly, crossing his arms. "I'm not pushy."

      Ed laughed, already guiding the two towards the house. "Do you recall asking him?"

      Walking backwards, Beau kept up with his father's guiding hand, brown eyes simultaneously looking at me. Small frown on his face, he took a pause.

      "Do you have other plans?" he tried again.

      "Um, no..."

      "Perfect!" he exclaimed. Ed chuckling knowingly, Beau corrected himself, toning down the excitement. "I mean... Do you want to come?"

      Though his tone was remarkably calmer, his hopeful state remained visibly apparent as he nearly shook with retained excitement.

     I knew saying yes would mean for an awkward night, but watching the two youngest Broughton's smiles I couldn't imagine saying no. I'd known them all of five minutes, I didn't think disappointing them this rapidly was a promising sign for the future. Eyes moving from the kids to Ed's face, finally I turned towards Lexi, wide eyes silently begging her to tell me what to do.

      "Doesn't matter to me," she spoke softly. "It's up to you."

      I took a breath of relief. Lexi's calm state rubbing off on me, I was able to think clearly. Noting the genuineness of her statement, I returned my attention to Beau.

      "Alright," I agreed uncertainly.

      Another quick apology in advance from Lexi, we exited the car.

      Abandoning his father's side, Beau grinned widely, performing a small victory dance before joining us. I clung closely to Lexi, following the four, as Beau bounced happily around us.

      "Did you see our new belts?" he asked, giddily skipping in front of Lexi, hips swaying as though to show off the new garment.

      Lexi nodded with pink tinted cheeks. "They look great."

       Though she tried to hide it for my sake, I could tell she was nervous. Frowning at his sister, Beau picked up on it too.

       "I always forget." The palm of his hand met his small forehead. "She's shy cause you're here," he informed me, before, to both my and Lexi's relief running off.

       The chicken was much better than the meal I had planned for the night. And despite the many awkward moments, the company sure beat being home alone. I was properly introduced to Lexi's five siblings, whom I noted shared many physical similarities to the girl but had a dynamic of different personalities. Beau and Amy almost never stopped talking, while the other four were quieter. Lacey and Ella were the quietest, studying me curiously from the other end of the table. And Noah only spoke to disagree with Beau or agree with Lexi. The Broughton household was a loud one, and I understood how it may have been difficult for Lexi to get a word in.

       Though nerves resulted in Lexi speaking even less than usual, through the corner of my eye I spotted her small smile as I chatted easily with her parents. I spoke mainly of hockey with Ed, getting few words in with the man, as I was bombarded with questions from each of Lexi's siblings. The majority of the bombarding came from Beau who had insisted on sitting between Lexi and me.

      "Are you Lexi's boyfriend?" Amy interrupted another one of Beau's confusing analogies.

       The table fell silent, all eyes suddenly on me. Blushing profusely, I didn't need to look to know that Lexi's face matched mine. I'm sure I looked like a dear caught in headlights.

       "No," I croaked, clearing my throat as I wiped my suddenly sweaty palms on my jeans. "We're just friends."

       The young girl looked at me as though she thought me an idiot; green eyes scrutinizing me through her round shaped glasses. "But you like her?"

       "Amy-Lynn!" Lexi complained, brown eyes throwing daggers at the seven-year-old.

      "If it makes you feel better, she likes you too."

      Another small groan escaping her throat, Lexi looked desperately in her mother's direction. Bringing everyone's attention to dessert, Mei was quick to change the subject. The others soon forgot the awkward question, but I found myself poorly focused on the following conversation. Heart pounding, I snuck glances at Lexi. She hadn't denied it. Was Amy's statement true, and Lexi was too much of an honest person to deny it? Was she too embarrassed to speak? Was she trying to spare my feelings? I tried to push away my racing thoughts, attention instead aimed towards impressing Ed and Mei.

      As the night went on, distractions vanished and again I was left with my thoughts of panic. Slowly each member left (Beau requiring much incentive to do so), purposely leaving Lexi and I alone. They really could not have been more obvious in their intentions.

       "I'm sorry if that was painful for you." Lexi ducked her head shyly, gathering our dishes.

      "Don't apologise. I really enjoyed it, actually," I assured, standing from my chair. "Your family's great... And I haven't had a proper family dinner in a while."

      I tried to push away the pang of sadness at the thought of my family, reminding myself that I would see them again. They wouldn't want me to waste this opportunity, so I forced myself to focus on the smiling girl in front of me.

      Lexi's smile understanding rather than inquiring, again I was astonished by her genuineness and control of her curiosity. Out of respect, Lexi didn't question me. She left me the choice to elaborate on my living situation. And thank God she did, for I absolutely did not want to lie to her, but the truth was out of the question. My heart skipped a beat at her consideration.

      "Did you still want that book?" Lexi asked, filling the silence that I hadn't noticed until then. "I can get it for you, now."

      I almost startled at her voice, shaking myself out of my daze.

      "Oh... Yeah. That'd be great."

      I watched Lexi walk down the hall, shifting awkwardly by the kitchen table. Was I supposed to follow her?

      "You can come up, if you want."

      Though I saw no valid reason for it, following her up the stairs, I was suddenly in a much deeper panic than usual. My hands trembled, heart hammering against my ribcage.

      "Are you alright?" Lexi asked, concern etched on her soft features.

      "Great!" I huffed breathlessly, letting her lead the way.

      Get yourself together, I chided myself. She was only retrieving a book from her bedroom. Jonah would have laughed at my predicament, or as he would have put it, a wasted opportunity.

       Heading towards the door furthest away on the second floor, we passed an opened bedroom. I made eye contact with a giggling Lacey and Ella, which did nothing to calm me. The teenagers were looking me up and down unabashedly.

      I could only describe Lexi's room as very much Lexi. Wall painted a soothing teal color, white desk in front of the window to overlook the yard and bed neatly made. Everything was well organized, as I would have imagined, except for the books. It was clear that initially, she had placed them in an intended organized manner but running out of room on her bookcase, Lexi had thrown the rest in a variety of positions, using up every inch of the wooden shelves. Still the large bookcase wasn't enough, I spotted a pile of books on her desk, and another atop her white drawers. I even caught a peak of few hidden beneath her bed. Despite the large number of novels and their multiple locations, Lexi knew exactly where the one she searched for would be. Opening her closet, she retrieved the small, worn-out novel from its spot on the floor. Standing from her crouched position, she frowned at the smirk playing on my lips.

      "What?" she asked.

     "Your room just screams you."

     Eyes squinted with amusement she handed me the book.

     "Thank you." I fiddled with the book, shifting nervously on my feet. Neither of us seemed to know what more to say.

      "I better get going." I eventually scratched the back of my neck. "We've got school tomorrow."

      Lexi nodded, making move to follow me out the door. Sensing her not far behind me, my pulse spiked again, feet betraying me as I took pause. Eyes shut tightly, I tried to regain my bearings. I had wanted to wait longer. I had wanted to make sure. My gut told me not to do it. I knew it was stupid, but I couldn't help myself. With a gulp of courage, I turned to face her. As if Lexi didn't expect me to pause, she halted abruptly. Only inches apart, we both startled at our sudden proximity.

      Height difference made even more evident as my head surpassed hers by a full head, the faint smell of her lavender shampoo drove me into a further frenzy. Heart pounding and chest heavy, I couldn't breathe. I couldn't string a sentence with her brown eyes staring so intently into mine.

       Though confused, Lexi watched me patiently, thinking no less of my stuttering.

      "Um..." I tried, removing my eyes from hers to look at my feet. I could concentrate better that way. "Are you doing anything tomorrow night?"

      "I'm working again," she said casually, seeming not to think much of my question.

       While she remained clueless, I thought myself an idiot for forgetting her schedule, and asking her out so quickly. I should have waited longer. I should have listened to my gut. I might have ruined everything. I panicked, mentally revising ways to dig myself out of the hole of rejection.

      "I'm free after work, though," Lexi said quietly, interrupting my scrambling. She was suddenly as red as me. "If you want to do something."

      "Yes!" Immediately I perked up, exhaling loudly. "That would be great. I'm not sure what we're doing... But I can pick you up after your shift?"

      Cheeks still flaming, Lexi nodded. I returned her smile, clumsily hitting the door frame as we exited her room.

      Part of me having expected to be turned down, doubts remained as we walked towards the exit, tomorrow's events unclear in my mind. Clearing my throat, I took another pause at the front door.

       "Um... Just to clarify," I startled warily, thinking I was suddenly looking as much of a clown as I did during our first meeting. "I meant tomorrow as a date... Unless you thought otherwise! If you meant it as a friend thing. I— That'd be fine. No, no pressure. I'm—"

       "I didn't think otherwise," she interrupted softly.

      "You didn't think it was just an outing with a friend?"

       Still blushing profusely, Lexi nodded.

      "So, you accepted my offer with the state of mind that it was in fact a date?"

      As if nerves stole her ability to speak, Lexi only nodded. I sighed with relief, entire body relaxing as I seemed to finally remember how to breath. I'd shown much more vulnerability than I had intended, but it was too late to do anything about it now.

      "I'll see you tomorrow then," I said, seeking to display a more composed state. "Please thank your parents for me, again," I added, deciding to leave the home on a good note.

     Urging myself to act cool, I contained my excitement until my vehicle was long out of any of the Broughton's potential sight. Radio volume turned significantly higher; I was the happiest I'd been since my acceptance of the special offer.

     I couldn't wait to tell my grandfather that I had a date.