A n i t a    &    I s a i a h
(Ah-Nita)   (Eye-say-uh)

_______________________
P a r t   O n e
_______________________

Her mother always instilled in her that sex before marriage, and sex in general, was against her house rules.

Her mother never gave her a reason why, and Anita never asked. What Mama says, goes.

So, while all the other girls were having the time of their lives with cute boys, Anita remained distant.

She knew that getting romantically involved with a boy usually meant sex down the road. It was a given, her mother always said and that's why Anita couldn't have a boyfriend. A boyfriend would want to defile her.

But Anita didn't even want a boyfriend. She didn't want to give her heart to someone only to have it stomped on when he realized that she was a prude, and she would never put out.

So, Anita remained meek and invisible so no boy would ever take notice in her.

But despite how much she tried to remain invisible, she was still quite visible among her peers- especially Isaiah Thomas.

Isaiah was a regular boy that you'd might take a look twice at on a street. He was handsome enough, yet not so perfect that he always stood out.

He was a quiet kind of beauty, just like the girl he took notice in.

However, Anita was unapproachable. With walls so high you could reach the sun,  Isaiah didn't know how to get through to her.

Until one day when Anita needed a ride home. Anita had been sitting on the steps leading to the schools entrance when Isaiah was leaving after his soccer practice.

He didn't want his first conversation to be with her when he was a sweaty mess, but he didn't know when he'd have another opportunity to speak with her; he went for it.

"Hello, Anita." She whipped her head around to the sound of a male voice above her.

Isaiah watched as her eyes widened at the sight of him.

"Um, hello Isaiah." She responded as she nervously began wrapping her hair around her ear.

"What are you doing waiting out here by yourself?" He inquired. "Are you waiting for someone?"

Anita sighed. "No, it seems as if my friend Penelope forgot she was taking me home. She's not answering her phone."

Isaiah raised an eyebrow. "Well.... if you need a ride I'm leaving now. I could take you home." He held up his car keys and Anita watched as the soccer ball key chain swung in Isaiah's hand.

"T-thank you for the offer, but I don't think that's such a good idea." She responded uncertainly. Isaiah raised a thick eyebrow. "Why not?"

"A boy and a girl in the car together isn't such a good idea. It-it can lead to bad things."

Isaiah felt a wave of offense wash over him. "Do you think I would violate you or something? I'm not that kind of guy. I won't even touch you!"

Anita's eyes widened. "No, no! I never meant to imply that you would violate me. I-I just don't want my mother to see me riding home with a boy."

Upon hearing that, Isaiah relaxed his tense stance. "Oh, I see. Well, a ride is a ride and I'd hate for you to be stuck here for God knows how long. Besides, you don't have to worry about me assaulting you, but there are plenty of other people around here who might try."

Anita shivered at the thought, but the thought of her mother's rage scared her far more.

"Thank you for the offer, Isaiah, really. But I can't. I'm sorry."

Isaiah hid his massive disappointment behind a shrug. "Well, alright. If you want to be stuck here all night, suit yourself." With that, he turned away from her and continued down the steps. He wanted to look back at the girl behind him, but his ego was already bruised and he didn't want to feel any more embarrassed.

He crossed the open lot to where his car was parked. However, before he could get in, he heard a voice desperately yell for him.

"Isaiah, wait!" Anita called as she ran towards him. "I-is the offer still available?" Isaiah couldn't help but grin at her words. "Of course it is. Hop in."

Anita nervously entered the car and placed her school bag between her feet. As Isaiah began to start his engine, she began to regret her decision.

She was alone in a car with a cute boy. This had never happened before and she didn't know what to do.

However, Isaiah didn't let her remain in her thought for long. He began talking to her as she gave him the directions for his house.

The typical fifteen minute drive felt like seconds in that car for her. Isaiah was an animated talker and within that sport time span had managed to elicit a conversation out of her.

Anita wasn't much of a talker, but he was. She was content with just letting him speak, regardless of what it was, as she watched him with fascination.

Isaiah on the other hand, worried he was talking to much, and because of that, he nervously began to talk more. It was a bad habit he could never seem to break- talking out of nervousness.

When they were a few houses down from Anita's, she asked him to pull over. He did so and turned to look at her.

"This isn't my house, but I don't want my mother to know a boy dropped me off." Isaiah nodded with understanding before clearing his throat.

"Well, do you think I could have your number?" Anita froze as she heard his words and gulped nervously. Why would he want her number?

"You know, just in case you ever needed another ride. I want you to have my number just in case." Isaiah said answering her inner thoughts.

Anita rattled off her phone number before quickly exiting his car. "Thank you for the ride. I really appreciate it." She mumbled through the open door.

Isaiah nodded. "I'll see you tomorrow at school?" He asked her hopefully. Anita nodded nervously before shutting the car door.

Isaiah watched as she walked a few houses down before turning into a driveway that lead to a red door. Before she disappeared into the house, she turned and looked back at him. She gave a slight wave and a small smile and then disappeared from sight.

Isaiah sighed as she disappeared and revived his engine before driving back home.

Meanwhile, Anita entered the house and jumped when she saw that her mother was waiting for her.

"Where were you, Ani?" She asked. Anita blinked before shielding her face to hide the oncoming lie. "Penelope had practice after school and it ran a bit late."
Anita's mother looked at her in surprise. "I didn't know that Penelope played a sport. Which one?"
Anita said the first thing that came to mind. "Oh yes, she plays volleyball."

Anita's mother wrinkled her nose. "What a disgusting sport. Girls in shorts that should be underwear. I hope that doesn't ruin Penelope's character." Anita internally sighed but refused to show it on the outside.

"Anyway," her mother continued. "Make sure let me know when you will be running home late. I'm disappointed that you didn't send me a text." Anita nodded apologetically and stared at the ground.

"You may go into your room and do your homework." Her mother ordered. "I will let you know when dinner is ready."

Anita scurried out of the room as soon as she was dismissed. She headed up to her room, shut her door, and fell against it with a huff.

Suddenly, her phone dinged in her jacket pocket and she pulled it out to see what the notification was.

An unknown number stared back at her and she unlocked her phone to see the text message. Upon reading it, a slow smile overtook her face and a warm feeling began to slowly curl in her stomach.

Hey! Just wanted to give you my number so you had it! Hope you enjoy the rest of your evening
-Isaiah

And enjoy the rest of her night she did. Nothing could take away the smile on her face.

________

Part one of a mini story.