Narrative POV: Chapter 1 – The Meeting

Clare tugged on KC's arm as he shot yet another basketball into the hoop above the waxy gym floor.

"KC? Are we going yet? We're supposed to meet Allison and her new beau at 7:00 and it's already..." She trailed off to glance at her neon purple watch. "It's already 5:30," she continued, "we need to go or we'll never make it."

KC shot her a glance and she stuck her tongue out playfully at him. He raised his eyebrow suggestively and she met his stare. "Well?"

He let out a long sigh before dropping the basketball he was holding onto the cart.

"Alright, let's go."

Clare grinned triumphantly as KC looped an arm around my waist. They walked out of YMCA with small smiles placed on our lips.

KC and Clare approached the restaurant slowly and as they got nearer to the doors KC clasped his hand over hers and squeezed tightly. It was these moments that made Clare smile at how comfortable she and KC were with each other. It's not like they made out in public, in fact they were very chaste about their public affection for each other, but it was the little things, like when KC intertwined his fingers with Clares as soon as he saw her everyday or when she pushed the bangs out of his eyes whenever Clare saw he was getting frustrated, that made people look at them in wonder. How did they get so lucky? Many people stressed the subject but it was actually very simple. KC and Clare were just happy.

They entered the cozy italian restaurant and were soon greeted by a thick-mustached man.

"May I take your coats?" he asked with a heavy accent.

Clare nodded her head shyly and was soon being stripped of her heavy winter coat.

"Your table is right this way," he told them as he gestured to a booth in the back of the restaurant. Clare could see Allison talking rapidly to someone with dark brown hair as she quickly spotted them and waved her hand, inviting them to the table.

KC was at Clare's side as they walked to the booth, his hand still grasping hers. Allison smiled brightly and stood up, smoothing her ruffled skirt.

"Clare!" she yelled excitedly. "I'm so glad you decided to come!" As she finished hugging Clare, she side-stepped to KC and took his hand in a shake. "KC," she said politely. Clare rolled her eyes. Why Allison didn't like KC was a mystery to her, but she never pushed it.

Allison let go of KCs hand and turned around to put a hand on the shoulder of the dark-brown-haired boy. "Guys, this is-"

The boy stood up and Clare took a quick intake of breath. "Eli," she breathed out.