Despite my excitement, I tossed and turned most of the night preceding the day of our date. I didn't want to waste this opportunity. I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted more than just another typical date. I wanted to prove to Lexi that this was meaningful.

      Awake much earlier than needed, I jumped to my feet the moment I heard signs of life in the kitchen. With dark circles under my eyes, I snuck up behind grandpa, and stole the pot of coffee before he could properly set it down. Grandpa faced me with surprise.

      "I didn't know you liked coffee."

      "I don't." Despite my words, I downed the entire cup in three big gulps, scorching liquid a welcomed distraction.

     Grandpa's eyes were wide, growing impossibly wider when I poured myself a second cup.

     "I have a date tonight," I announced, both to share my excitement and as an explanation for my state.

      "That's great! I knew you could do it."

      I mirrored his excited smile for a brief moment;  joyful expression rapidly transforming into a grimace. "I am admittedly a little stressed about it."

      Grandpa snorted as if to say, no kidding. "I'm sure it'll go well."

     His words didn't ease any of my doubts. I was incredibly grateful for my grandfather's early return that day. Though he offered me no thoughts or ideas for the actual arrangements of the date, the reassurance I received from his presence kept my panicking to a minimal, ensuring that I didn't fully psych myself out.

      Still no clear plan in mind, I had no choice but to leave or be late to class.

      Conrad was the first to make note of my evident anguish. Though the boys teased and questioned me, their suspicions pretty spot on, I confirmed nothing. I wanted none of their contributions. And all I needed was for one of my friends to make a sly comment in front of Lexi. I didn't want to make her any more anxious than she likely already was.

      Sometime halfway through lunch, I joined the girls, finding them on a bench near their next class. Lexi and I tried to hide it, but there was a noticeable change between us; an evident keeping of secrets, and I was certain that it hadn't simply passed over Angela's head. Though I feared her enthusiasm and insinuations, Ange was my best bet to achieve the ideal date. Subtly inching the blonde away from the group for a private chat, already she regarded me with a knowing smirk.

      "How may I help you?"

      "Out of pure curiosity... what's Lexi's favourite food?" I asked.

      Poor attempt of being discrete, I really should have known better. Ange was not the least bit fooled.

      "You asked her out!" she remarked proudly.

       Biting my lip in contemplation, I concluded that there was no point trying to hide it. Ange had clearly seen right through me, and I could retrieve more helpful information if she knew.

      I nodded. "Well... She kind of helped me with it. I may have made a bit of a fool of myself, again."

      "She helped?" she asked, face erupting in pride.

      "I was rather surprised too. So... Can you help me or not?"

      "I'd be delighted," she answered enthusiastically. "What are you planning?"

       "I'm still figuring things out, but I could use your help with the food."

      "Alright." She puckered her lips, disappointed with the lacking details. "Don't do anything fancy," she started, and by the change in her tone I feared I would regret asking. "Don't cook anything, she'll be stressed with the idea of you finding out she doesn't like it. She has childish taste buds, a very picky eater. Just keep it simple. She'd honestly appreciate a burger and fries. You should go to the little family diner two blocks from here, it's her favourite place in town. Get her the number three, no tomatoes. She likes iced tea. Get a medium. And make sure to bring a metal straw."

      I stared at her blankly; blinking slowly as I attempted to put to memory her list of specific instructions. "Thank you," I eventually managed, preparing to head towards our last class.

      Angela wasn't done. "I won't ask any more questions, but can I give you more advice?"

      Though hesitant, I nodded. Watching her satisfied smirk, straightening herself as though preparing for the delivery of a long speech, I became almost certain that I would regret agreeing.

      "Don't take her anywhere overly public, you won't get to meet the real Lexi. Don't take it personally if she speaks little, she will be more anxious than normal. Be patient. Don't try to fill awkward silences with meaningless conversation. She is of nature a silent person, if you could actually include a moment of silence during which both of you are relaxed then I would consider your date successful.

      Don't do anything cheesy. No flowers. No hand holding and no slinging your arm across her shoulders. The use of cute pet names should absolutely not be considered. And if you want to kiss her, make sure she does in fact want it too, but do not verbally ask her; otherwise, she will second guess herself into an atrocious turn of events for the both of you."

      Again, I stared blankly, too many words thrown my way in such a short period.

      "But don't stress yourself out." She batted her eyelashes sweetly. Patting me on the back, she turned towards the now opened classroom without another word.

      I gaped stupidly at her retrieving figure, her words of advice doing nothing but further inducing stress.

     I spoke little to Lexi that afternoon. My offer of a ride to the library was probably my first full sentence addressed to her that day. This time she easily accepted, and I was proud to say that everything about it was significantly less awkward than the day before. Unfortunately, significantly less awkward, was still somewhat awkward. But I was making progress.

      At the library, I gave her more space than usual, giving her the opportunity to complete the homework she wouldn't be able to complete during the time I would take up that night. I also feared that she'd tire of my presence or that we'd would run out of things to say.

      Just a little over an hour before the end of Lexi's shift, I packed my things, letting her know that I'd return at closing time.

      "You need an entire hour to prepare?" Lexi asked, voice higher than usual.

      I chuckled at the obvious worry in the question. "I've got a few things to tend to, but nothing big. I promise you've got nothing to worry about."

      Features still furrowed in doubt, she seemed to decide to give me the benefit of the doubt.

      "I'll see you later." I smiled.

       Following a small nod from Lexi, I made my way towards the door. Fingers just short of touching the wooden handle, Lexi called my name.

       I turned around and smiled encouragingly.

      Face red, Lexi spoke quickly, words pouring out in a single breath. "What do I wear? Do I need to bring specific clothes? Do I need to wear something fancy? Should I consider the weather? I've never done this before. I wasn't really stressed about it clothes wise, but Angela convinced me otherwise. And now, I don't really know what to think."

      My lips quirked into a smile, surprised by the small outburst. "You could show up in a night gown, and I genuinely wouldn't think any less of you," I promised. "What you're wearing is great."

      Frowning at my statement, Lexi looked down at her outfit. She clearly thought that the plain pair of jeans and large, black sweater did not look as great as I claimed it to.

      "I really wasn't expecting you to change," I maintained, with a small chuckle. "It's nothing fancy, you can wear whatever you want... If it makes you feel better, I'm not changing either."

       "You're staying dressed exactly as you already are?" she questioned, gesturing towards my jeans and grey shirt.

       Lips tight as I refrained from laughing, I nodded.

       "Good." Her shoulders dropped three centimeters in a sighed breath of relief. "Because I'm sure my other outfit options are wrinkled." She nodded her head towards her school bag. Taking notice of its bulging zippers, evidently packed to its maximum content, I laughed.

      "I better get going," I reminded, swinging the door open. "I've a date that I don't want to be late for."

      Door shutting behind me, through the window I just briefly caught sight of Lexi's smile, and for the first time that day, I genuinely believed that our night would turn out for the best.

      As per my new normal, my relaxed state didn't last. Car packed with all I would need, and meal in a to-go bag, I needed one last pep talk from grandpa, before leaving. My small breakdown resulted in my need to set everything up quickly to escape being late.

      Watching the lights in the building shut off, I stood awkwardly by the door. Picking up a date at the library was certainly a first of mine. Still contemplating whether to meet her inside or wait outside, the decision was made for me as the wooden doors swung open.

      Lexi looked almost surprised to see me, as if she had expected me to run late or for my plans to have changed. Smiling shyly as way of greeting, she joined me on the sidewalk. Shy eyes were strained on her small feet. I considered cracking a joke, hoping to relieve some tension, but I found myself lacking comical skills and a nervous state that resulted in an abnormal dryness to my throat impeded my speech. I settled for returning the smile and swallowing hard.

      Both making move to leave, I headed towards the side of the building while Lexi faced the car. Noting my direction, Lexi frowned.

      "I wanted to do something special," I started, suddenly losing most, if not all, of the confidence I had initially placed in the idea. I scratched my neck, looking at the top of her head instead of her captivating eyes. "I wanted to do something that would make you the most comfortable. I figured you wouldn't appreciated something public, and I'm new here so I didn't really know anywhere else to go."

      Lexi's smile brightened but still her features read confusion. With the intent of answering her questions, I gestured her beside me. We walked side by side, shoulders brushing. I stopped when we rounded the corner, facing the side of the brick building. Against the brick wall I had placed two foldable chairs, with a basket and a bag placed neatly between the two.

      "It's not much but it's the best I could come up with," I said timidly. "I thought you might appreciate the darkness as well."

      Eyes studying the small set-up, Lexi's eyes shone with appreciation. "It's great."

      Settling in our seats, Lexi's eyes drifted warily towards the basket.

      "Don't worry," I laughed. "I won't succumb you to the devastation of my horrible culinary skills."

       As I pulled out Freddy's dinner's paper bag, Lexi sighed with relief. "I've actually been craving one of these." She grinned, burger in hand an exact replica of her usual order.

      "You have Angela to thank for that."

      "Ah, so you too have been a victim of her advice?" She air quoted the word advice.

       "Oh, yeah," I huffed. "She had a lot to say, and much of her advice consisted of what not to do. It was not an ego booster to say the least."

      Likely envisioning my interaction with Ange, Lexi laughed. Watching the way her eyes crinkled with joy, petite shoulders bouncing, I decided right there and then, that the small eruption of laughter was my favourite sound in the entire world. So genuine and care-free, it took all of my self-control to stop myself from simply sitting and staring at her with admiration. Sinking deeper into my seat as though the weight of my feelings dragged me to the ground, I wondered if the ache in my chest, that I felt in her presence, would ever dissipate.

      We chatted casually while we ate, both answering and asking questions of our personal lives. I considered them typical date questions; questions that I had frequently asked and been asked, but they seemed so much more meaningful with Lexi. I hung onto each of her words, eager to share just as much of myself.

       Meal and dessert finished, I handed a shivering Lexi a blanket from my bag, falling into a near panic when our latest conversation reached an end, and a deep silence overcame us. Racking my brain for conversational material, I was hit with the mental picture of a disappointed Angela; thin brows furrowed as she shook a finger at me. I was falling right into one of the many do nots that she had listed. Silence was a good thing with Lexi. According to Ange, it wouldn't be uncomfortable as long as I didn't make it as so. Sneaking sideway glances, Lexi was possibly the most comfortable I had ever seen her in my presence, and instantly I was relieved of all stress. Head rested on the wall; chin tilted upwards she admired the stars with a bright twinkle in her dark eyes. Watching her, my breathing slowed, breaths slowly falling into sync with hers. Mind rid of the need to string words, only sound the wind as the main road was too far away to be heard, I could finally focus on appreciating her presence and its simplicity. I would only have few of these moments with her. I had to make the best of them.

      "The stars are beautiful tonight," Lexi eventually noted aloud.

       Smiling at the statement, I nodded, only realising when it was too late that my eyes remained fixated on her and that I hadn't verbally answered. Naturally, she turned my way, catching me in the act. I was thankful that the dark hid part of my flushed skin. I forced my gaze up to the sky.

       "It's part of the reason I chose this spot," I started. "You'll probably think it's silly, but I've always found solace in looking up at the stars. I used to spend hours lying in bed, just staring out my window, especially after my grandpa passed away—"

       I stopped abruptly, fear of revealing too much. Not only a fear of revealing the true circumstances of my current existence, but also a fear of revealing too much of myself. I didn't want to bore her. I would have preferred to listen to her speak, but meeting her patient brown eyes, I knew she wanted to hear more. Just as I had hung onto each of her words, she longed to be shown the real Jaxson Scott. I couldn't remain scared to fully share myself with her. I needed to let myself be vulnerable. Who better to break this fear of sharing than her? True to grandpa's words, Lexi-Grace was in fact one of the least judgemental individuals I would ever meet.

      "I was really close with my grandad, he passed away just over five years ago; losing him made me feel alone, I guess. I felt as though no one quite understood me like he did... I've been an only child most of my life, and my parents are pretty busy with work. But I was never as alone as my mind made me out to be. I'm actually really close to my family. I've just always had an abnormal fear of loneliness. I don't know why the stars helped me deal with that... I would spot the brightest star in the sky and find reassurance in the idea that someone, wherever they might be, was gazing upon the same star I did."

       Not having expected to share as much, I cringed. "That was lame, wasn't it?"

       Lexi laughed. "It was not lame at all. We all have different ways to cope. And I would be quite the hypocrite for thinking you lame, considering my father and I are huge astrology nerds."

       Grinning, I inclined my body towards hers, attentive state urging her to go on. Laughing at my behavior, Lexi did as I wished.

        "I share my dad's passion for learning, and fascination for the universe in general. He had taken astrology as an elective class in college, and I just happened to stumble upon his textbooks. We're too busy now, but when I was very young, nearly every night we would lay outside my bedroom window; I'd point out as many constellations as I could, while my dad told me about their stories. Naturally, when I learned of these pictures in the sky and the stories they told, the story lover in me fell in love with its study."

       "Care to share what your learned?" Sound of her voice music to my ears, I sought to keep her speaking, questioning her on her knowledge of the constellations. Lexi taught me some of the main ones, simultaneously retailing the character's mythological stories.

       "I still don't see it," I told the giggling girl.

       Again, Lexi raised her finger towards the dimly lit sky, pointing to the constellation's marker stars, re-explaining its shape.

      "I see the W, but I am in no way seeing how that is meant to represent a woman sitting in a chair," I said.

      Lexi laughed again, eyes shimmering with amusement.

      "I may not see it, but I'd sure like to know why this Cassy person is deemed so important that she gets a chair." My squinted eyes remained fixed on the sky.

       Feigning exasperation, Lexi pinched the bridge of her nose, amusedly watching me through her fingers. "Cassiopeia," she began, emphasizing the name. "She's the queen of Aethiopia and is said to have been sent to the sky as punishment."

       I frowned at the sky, already thinking the story and form of punishment strange. My confusion only further amused Lexi.

      "And who had the authority to punish the queen?"

      "The god of the sea," Lexi answered with exaggerated enthusiasm, using a tone one would use to deliver information of up-most importance. I was loving this new side of her. It seemed every new discovery I made of hers, deepened my admiration. "Poseidon punished her for disgracing the sea nymphs. You see, Cassy as you say, was vain. The bragging about her and her daughter's beauty is what got both of them in trouble..."

      Asking more questions than I could count, I nudged Lexi to deliver a detailed retailing of Cassiopeia, Andromeda, and the Perseus family's stories. Finding myself entranced by her words, and frequently making her laugh, hours passed without either of us noticing. By the end of the night, I could even pinpoint the constellations of Aquarius, Aries the Ram, Cassiopeia, and few members of the Perseus family, on my own. I wanted to learn more, I could have sat and listened to her for many hours longer, but the night was growing colder and as easy-going as Lexi's parents were, I didn't want to push my luck. Already, it could be considered morning. I didn't want to lose the respect I had earned from Ed and Mei.

       "I can carry my own chair, Jaxson," Lexi laughed, taking few items from my full hands.

      I rolled my eyes but let her take the chair as we walked towards the car.

      "Do you think Cassy was sentenced to a chair as cheap as these ones?" I asked. "Because I thought her form of punishment rather lacking, but I know now that being trapped to one of these for eternity would be a real nightmare."

      Lexi laughed, whispering something under her breath.

      "In all seriousness, my back really does hurt," I joked. "Thank god, I had good company."

      Still grinning, Lexi rolled her eyes playfully.

      Reaching the car, we threw everything in the trunk. My hand outstretched upwards to shut the door, we stepped back to get out of the way. Accidentally moving closer together, we both stopped. Turning my head to face her, I found her body inches away from mine. Startled expressions on both our faces, I swore I momentarily stopped breathing. Staring deep into her dark eyes, my heart went into a frenzy; my bounding pulse could be felt across my entire body, every thump shooting sparks through my nerves. I had never wanted anything or anyone as much as I did her in that moment. I was so scared to misread her; to do something she would regret... But Lexi held my gaze. Not once did she make move to back away. She watched me the same way I did her, with fear, longing, and hope. Eyes flickering back and forth from her eyes to her lips, I swallowed hard. Slowly, giving her many opportunities to choose to recoil, I took a step closer, both of my hands gently sliding across each side of her face. Skin warm under my touch, still she held my gaze, small head tilting upwards to meet mine. Proof that my intentions were reciprocated, with a shaky breath I brought my lips gently onto hers.

        Wanting more but scared to push her too far, I pulled away quickly. Kiss so soft, any witness would have had doubts that our lips even touched. Hands still placed against her face, forehead resting against hers, I opened my eyes to meet hers again. Desperately trying to even my breathing, Lexi seemed to share my state. Noting the way she stood on the tip of her toes, meeting me halfway, and small hand placed neatly on my chest, not to push me away but rather to hold me closer, the observations were all the incentive I needed to fully give into my desires. Hands pushing themselves deeper into her long curls, I pulled her closer than before. I kissed her with a deeper passion; a passion equal to that of what I felt for her. Her lips pressed against mine with equal pressure. I was well-aware that it was not perfect in terms of normal standards, with bumping of noses, trembling hands, and dry lips from tendencies to chew at them. But it felt so right. It was the absolute best kiss I had ever had, and I hoped it was everything Lexi expected her first to be.

       Pulling away with great reluctance, we separated just enough to make room for breathing. Foreheads rested together, our chests rose and fell rapidly as we tried to catch our breaths. I can't recall how long we stood there in the dark, in each other's embraces, trying to calm our racing hearts. Eventually I dared to take a small step backwards, allowing just enough space to see her. The old me would have tried to play it cool, but today, I couldn't suppress the large grin on my face as the butterflies in my stomach spread all the way down to my toes and up to my throat. Lexi returned an equally large smile, shoulders relaxing as if she had been worried of my reaction.

      We stood facing each other for many moments, not a sound escaping us other than the heaving of deep breathing.

      It took many moments for me to work the nerve to speak. "Do you want to do this again, sometime?" Elation was rapidly replaced with anxiety.

      "The date, you mean?"

       "Yes, I meant the date." I chuckled, some anxiety dissolving. Was she always this cute? "But I definitely would not be opposed to the reoccurrence of everything it entailed."

       Shaking her head, Lexi laughed, cold hands resting against her burning cheeks as if to cool them. "I would like that, yes."

       "The date or..." I teased.

       "Shut up," she retorted, playfully nudging me.

       The ride to Lexi's house was quiet. We spoke little but it wasn't awkward. Wide smiles still plastered on our faces, as if our lips were now permanently tugged upwards, I drove us to the Broughton household.

       Mazda stopped in the Broughton driveway. Lexi turned my way, "Thank you for tonight."

      "Maybe we can plan the next one, tomorrow?"

      With a soft smile she nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow."

      Shooting me one last glance, she exited the car. I watched her walk away. Only once she had made it inside safely, did I put the car in drive.

       I couldn't remember the last time I had been so exhilarated. Expecting my grandfather to be fast asleep, I tried to keep the noise at a minimum, but that was proving to be difficult with my uncontrollable excitement.

       "You're home late."

      Startled by the man's gruff voice, I dropped everything in my arms. Bags and chairs clattered to the floor as I clutched my chest.

       "You're awake," I noted in the same objective tone, bending to retrieve some of the fallen objects.

      "Of course. Did you really think I wouldn't want to know how it went?"

       "It was great." I smiled from ear to ear, properly disposing of my items before jumping onto the couch, hand placed dramatically to my chest.

       Grandpa didn't even need to push or question me; I gladly retold my night. We spoke for hours, conversation going well into the early morning as we once again fell asleep on the leather sofas.