August 1969
It was another hot day... And I just had to be inside helping at the gym. Staring wistfully out the window, I didn't notice who had walked into the gym.
"Hey Tiny." Stanley grinned at me. I grinned back, feeling the familiar butterflies.
"Hey Stan, you here for training again?" I leaned on the broom, feeling very conscious of my clothing. I'd been training that morning and was still dressed in a t-shirt and high shorts that left my legs mostly bare. Stanley seemed pretty aware of it too. He dragged his eyes back to my face with a guilty smile.
"Uh, yeah." He hefted his bag higher on his shoulder and started to walk backwards into the gym. "See you round." He added. I smiled after him and got on with my cleaning.
After 30 minutes I was done and was heading towards my dad's office when I caught sight of Stanley training. Pausing, I watched him sparring against the bag. He'd changed just over the summer. He's lost a lot of his fat, grew another few inches, gained so much muscle... I was aware of my thoughts verging on complete and utter indecency. Pulling myself together, I headed over to a spare bag and began to stretch. After wrapping my hands carefully, I began to spar. Remembering every tip and lesson my dad had given me, I put everything into it, trying not to think about the way Stan's muscles had moved, how fluid his motions were, or how it would feel to be held close in those arms, or how Stan could easily left me up now... and how badly I wanted to be in those arms...
"Woah, kiddo! You're going to punch through that bag soon!" My dad came up beside me and steadied the bag. I wiped my face and grinned at him.
"Sorry dad, guess I was really into it today."
"So I can see." My dad laughed. "What's eating you?"
"Nothing dad." I shrugged. "I just had a lot of energy left after sweeping." MY dad raised an eyebrow at me, but decided not to push it.
"You going out this afternoon?" He asked. I nodded.
"Probably. Thought I might head down to the beach for a little while." I said, hoping I'd bump into Ford and Stanley. My dad nodded.
"Alright then kiddo. Be safe and be home by 7 ok?"
"Yes sir." I saluted and clicked my heels. My dad let out a guffaw of laughter and headed back into his office.
I turned back to the bag and continued to spar for a few minutes. Deciding that I should probably warm down and get changed if I was going to the beach, I stopped and turned. Stanley was openly staring at me. Had he been listening to my conversation with dad?
Deciding to pretend I hadn't seen him, I began to stretch and ease out the kinks in my muscles. Out the corner of my eye I saw Stanley start to walk away. Straightening up, I watched as he shrugged his shirt back on and grabbed his gear. He left without so much as a glance at me. I stared after him. What had happened?
"Ok dad," I stuck my head into his office. "I'm off to the beach. See you later tonight."
"See you later honey. Be safe." He reminded me. I sauntered out of the gym, bag bumping against my hip. As I hurried through the streets and down toward the beach, my mind wandered back to the way Stanley had left that morning. Why hadn't he said goodbye? We'd been spending almost every day together this summer, me, him and Ford. It was pretty strange for either of them to not say hello or goodbye.
Reaching the edge of the sand, I slipped my shoes off and tucked them into my bag. Feeling the sand squish between my toes, I began to head toward the Barrens.
As I approached the spot where the Stan O'War lay, I couldn't hear voices. Reaching the boat, there was no one. My stomach began to sink. I knew we hadn't talked about meeting up... but if I ever wanted to find the twins, this was the best place to be.
Deciding that it was too nice to be miserable, I headed a little way back towards the boardwalk and picked a nice spot by the dunes to lay out my towel. After pulling my dress up over my head, I stowed it in my bag and settled back on my towel, relishing the sun on me. The new swimsuit I was wearing was perfect. A bit racy but there was no one around, so I didn't have to be worried. Slipping my sunglasses over my eyes, I sighed contentedly. This was summer.
"Stupid, stupid... urgh. Why couldn't you just ask her? Because you're a big, dumb idiot aren't you?"
I heard someone muttering to themselves nearby. Sitting up, I realised someone was getting closer.
"Shit." I cursed under my breath, feeling too exposed. As I reached for my dress, I noticed that whoever it was, was heading for the Stan O'War. I relaxed, knowing it would be one of the boys.
Slipping my dress over my head again, I quickly grabbed my towel and bag and hurried over. As I got closer, I saw it was Stanley sitting alone and swinging his feet morosely.
"Hey Pines." I called as I approached. Stan jumped at my voice and looked around wildly. Spotting me, he raised an arm in greeting. Clambering up next to him, I dumped my bag and towel at our feet.
"No Ford today?" I asked.
"Nah, he's working on some nerd thing." Stanley looked away with a sigh. I understood. Stanley had told me a couple of times that he struggled to understand his brother's intellect sometimes and had felt isolated recently. I guessed today was one of those days. I nudged him playfully.
"Well, I'm here." I said brightly. "What shall we do?"
Stanley glanced at me, cheeks reddening slightly and then cleared his throat.
"I dunno... We could head back to the boardwalk if you wanted."
I tilted my head.
"Hmmm, nope! I was thinking of going for a swim."
Stanley looked down at me again.
"Carla, neither of us have swimming stuff."
I jumped down and twirled in the sand triumphantly.
"Ah, that's where you're wrong!" I announced, before remembering that what I was wearing was pretty revealing. I stopped suddenly and became a bit more subdued.
"Though I suppose the boardwalk could be nice too." I mumbled. Stanley made a huffing noise. I looked up and saw he'd started pulling his shirt off. As he tossed it down beside him, he caught my eyes and gave a sheepish smile.
"A swim did sound fun. And I thought to hell with it. It's warm enough that I will dry out before going home." He hopped down and started to tug his jeans off. My brain immediately went blank and I felt rooted to the ground. Stanley noticed my lack of movement and waved a hand in front of me.
"Hello? You still wanna go for a swim Carla?" he asked, concern scrawled across his face.
"Huh? Oh, yeah... It's just that..." I felt my cheeks flush and I stared at the ground trying to ignore the thoughts racing through my brain, "My swimsuit is a bit more revealing than I realised." I muttered, my cheeks burning.
"Oh." Stan flushed red too. "Well I'm already half naked, so hows about you join me and we can be embarrassed together huh?" he joked. I snorted at his words and tried to relax.
It's just Stanley, my brain supplied. You've seen him shirtless before. Yeah but has he ever seen me in something revealing? Well, the shorts you wear at the gym are pretty short...
I dragged my dress over my head and dropped it on top of my bag. Stanley whistled.
"You weren't kidding Carla." He said in a hushed voice. I could practically feel him staring at my exposed midriff. "But I like it."
I crossed my arms over my chest and refused to look at him, feeling unusually self-conscious. Stan touched my arm lightly.
"Come on, at least look at me Tiny." He coaxed. I reluctantly looked up at him. Stan was smiling widely at me. It was contagious. I couldn't help but smile back. Letting my arms drop, I tried to ignore the mad fluttering in my stomach as I looked at Stanley standing there in just his underwear. To distract us, I grinned wildly.
"Last one in has to kiss the Jersey Devil!" I yelled and took off at a sprint.
"Hey!" Stanley raced after me, catching up to me and scooping me up. I yelled as he carried me into the water.
"That's cheating Pines!" I squealed as he hoisted me up and over his shoulder. "Don't you dare!" I warned.
"Don't I dare do what?" He teased, lowering me toward the water. I laughed and braced myself against his back. As Stan laughed, I remembered what Ford had mentioned once. Stan was ticklish. An evil grin spread over my face as I started to tickle Stan's side.
""Hey, hey Tiny. That's sabotage! I'll dump both of us in the water." Stanley threatened.
"Oh yeah?" I challenged, still tickling. Stan was shaking and struggling not to drop me. Eventually he brought me back over his shoulder and held me by the waist.
"You've got a death wish Tiny." He teased, red in the face. I stuck my tongue out at him and Stanley dropped me. I yelped as the water hit my bare skin, chilling it instantly.
It wasn't deep, only to my knees. I splashed Stan and ran further into the water as he chased me. When he caught up with me, Stan grabbed me by the waist again and dragged me closer. Keeping a tight hold of me, Stan walked further out until the water came up to his neck.
I shrieked and clung to him.
"Not funny Stan! You know I can't touch the bottom this far out!" I protested, tightening my grip around him. Stan winked at me.
"Yeah, but it means you have to hold onto me."
I stared, open mouthed at him. The smooth worker. It was true of course. I had both arms wrapped around his neck, his arm around my waist keeping me close to his body. I felt my stomach clench at the idea of how close we were.
"Stanley..." I whispered. Stanley tilted his head to look at me. It was pretty clear he'd been having similar thoughts.
"Heh, you're awfully close – a-are we gonna kiss now?"
As taken back as I was at the suggestion, I wanted to. Swooping down, I planted a quick kiss on Stan's lips. Stan gasped in surprise and automatically tightened his grip on me. Pulling away, I bit my lip and stared at him, not quite believing how bold I'd been. Stan stared back, eyes darting back and forth between my lips and my eyes. Without another word spoken, Stan kissed me again, this time lingering on my lips. I could taste the salt from the sea and my heart was pounding.
"Carla..." Stan whispered against my mouth, "Carla, kiss me please." My heart melted and I pressed my lips against his. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I slid my hands up into his hair as Stan placed his hand against the back of my neck. An involuntary whimper escaped my lips as Stan wrapped his entire arm around my waist to pull me close. Breaking apart, we rested our foreheads together, shakily getting our breath back.
"God, Carla..." Stan murmured. I smiled and laughed lightly. We fell into silence, the crying of the seagulls and gentle sounds of the ocean filling the sky. Stan's head dropped into the crook of my neck with a contented sigh. I buried my nose into his hair with a giant smile. Neither one of us moved for a while.
Deciding to break the moment, I reached down and splashed a handful of water up into Stan's face. He spluttered and momentarily let go of me. I sunk under the water and surfaced with a gasp.
"Carla!" Stan yelled. I laughed and started swimming back towards the beach. Stan splashed after me. He reached for me and dragged me closer.
"What the hell was that?" he demanded. I looked up at him, my toes just touching the sand. Stan looked a bit downcast and surprised. I felt a pang of regret before I reached up and touched his cheek gently. Immediately Stan's face softened and covered my hand with his.
"What? You don't think anything is going change do you? I'm still capable of beating your butt Pines." I grinned. Stan grinned back.
"Oh yeah Tiny?" he countered, scooping me up and over his shoulder. I laughed and wriggled. Stan let go and I swan dived under the water. Surfacing a few feet away, I spat water at him. Stan let out a laugh and charged at me. Picking my up by the waist, Stan beamed.
"I'm so glad you were here." He said, spinning me round. I giggled as he lowered me, keeping me tight to his body.
"You mean you weren't eavesdropping this morning and KNEW I'd be here?" I teased. Stanley had the decency to look embarrassed.
"Ah. You got me. I couldn't help it." He gave me an apologetic grin. I laughed and flicked water at him.
"I think I can forgive you for eavesdropping... And you've totally made up for it." I cocked my head to one side, openly admiring him. Stan flushed under my gaze.
"Heh, well I can't say I hate the view I've got." He said gruffly. I ducked my head, still a little self-concious. The two piece I was wearing was cropped just below my breasts and the shorts sat high on my hips and thighs. I realised that I might as well have worn my underwear... it wouldn't be much of a difference. Looking around nervously, I cleared my throat.
"This isn't much of a swim is it?" I joked. Stan chuckled and splashed me lightly.
"Not really. But it's your fault Tiny. You distracted me with that kiss."
I stuck my tongue out and dived under the water. Gliding past where Stanley was, I surfaced and floated on my back. Striking out lazily with my hands, I swam a little further out. Stanley wandered after me. I glanced at him and pouted.
"That's no fair. You can still touch the bottom." A small wave slapped me in the face unexpectedly and I sank in the shock, still spluttering.
As I bobbed back to the surface, I heard Stanley roaring with laughter. I splashed him and started to tread water as he approached me.
"Here." He offered, holding his arms out. I sulkily drifted into his arms and felt him lock them around my lower back, keeping me anchored to him. Stanley crouched down slightly and I realised I could perch on his knee like that.
"Why did you kiss me Carla?" Stan asked as we sat like that. I fiddled with a piece of my hair.
"Because I wanted to..." I answered, my stomach fluttering with butterflies. I'd never really confessed to Stanley that I had a crush on him. I guess it was now or never.
"And because I've had a crush on you for the last two years." I admitted in a rush. "I just didn't think I could ever do anything about it... Until now that is."
Stanley tightened his arms around me, hugging me rather than holding me.
"Really?" His voice sounded strange, almost childlike with happiness.
"Yeah. You're a good guy Stan. Any girl would be lucky to have you." I said softly. Stan huffed a soft breath.
"Damn salt in my eye." He muttered. I placed my arms around him and squeezed lightly.
A rogue wave lapped over my shoulders and I shivered.
"If we don't start moving soon, I might lose all feeling in my legs." I mumbled into his shoulder. Stanley nodded.
"We could go and lie on the boat? Dry out and warm up?" he suggested. I smiled and pushed away from him.
"Only if you carry me piggy-back style." I joked. Stanley turned and crouched down further. When I didn't move, he looked over his shoulder and waggled his eyebrows.
"Well? Are you frozen already?" he retorted. I giggled and swam over and linked my arms around his neck. Stanley's hands curved around my bare thighs and I suppressed a squeak at the contact.
As Stanley plodded back to the beach, I felt him rub his thumb across my skin a couple of times. As the water got shallower, I pressed myself closer to Stanley and heard his breathing hitch slightly.
When we got back to the Stan O'War, Stanley popped me up onto the deck and grabbed my towel for me. I spread it out over the deck and sat on one side. Patting the other side, I smiled at him. Stan clambered up next to me with a grin.
I lay down on my stomach and buried my head into my arms, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my back. Stan sat with his back against the rail, exhaling deeply as he got comfortable. I peeked over my arm at him.
He was facing the sun, his eyes closed and a small smile playing on his lips. I bit my arm gently as a squeal threatened to escape me. Hiding my face again, I grinned at the wood beneath me.
As we dried out, I shifted my hair to one side.
"Urgh," I huffed. "It's too long." Mumbling to myself, I tried to comb it with my fingers and flatten it out so it would dry quicker.
"Let me." Stanley reached over and gently began to arrange my hair. I stiffened in shock at the gesture.
"Heh, you do have a lot of hair Carla." Stanley said as he tried to arrange it with little success. I lifted my head.
"I should just plait it and get it out of the way. It won't dry but it also won't annoy me as much." I sighed and pushed myself up into a kneeling position. Combing my hair over my shoulder, I began to separate it.
"No, wait. I can do it." Stanley insisted and moved to sit behind me.
"Really?" I was surprised he offered.
"Well, I've seen you and other girls do it before... how hard can it be?" Stanley gently pulled my hair back behind me and tried to separate it. I winced a couple of times as he snagged my hair too roughly, but stayed quiet. After all, he'd never done this before. After a while, I coughed politely.
"Want me to get you started back there?" I asked.
"Yes please." Came the defeated reply. Giggling I quickly reached back and separated my hair into three.
"So you always want to go from left to right, always over not under and alternating strands obviously." I explained as I started the braid.
"Uh okay... I think I've got it." Stanley took back the strands of hair, a little clumsily, and continued my plaiting. I beamed away to myself as I listened to Stanley mumbling as he plaited my hair.
"OK... I think I've done it... how do we secure it?" He asked still gripping the end of my hair.
"Oh, there's a hair tie in my bag. An elastic one. The side pocket." I said as Stanley handed me the end of the braid and jumped down to go through my bag.
I examined what I could see of the braid. A bit messy where he'd mixed up the strands, but still a good first attempt. I was touched by how hard he'd tried and how eager he'd been to do it.
"Got it!" Stanley crowed as he climbed back up. Handing me the elastic, he watched closely as I wound it around the end of the braid quickly.
"Thanks Stan. It's great." I gave him a sweet smile. Stanley puffed out a little with pride and sat back against the railing. Lying back down, I realised that my front was still a little damp. Rolling over onto my back, I pressed my shoulders into the pleasantly warm wood. The deck shifted slightly as Stanley lay down next to me. Reaching out, I slipped my hand into his. Stanley squeezed my hand softly. I giggled at the sensation.
"What?" Stanley asked, twisting his head to look at me. I lifted our linked hands.
"Your hand completely swallows mine! They're huge!" I jibed. Stanley glanced at our hands and gave me an evil grin before rolling onto his side to face me.
"You know what they say about guys with big hands don't you?" he murmured. I couldn't think of a single answer, my mind overly preoccupied with the implication of his words. Stan's fingers twisted between mine.
"They need big gloves." Stanley said triumphantly. I rolled my eyes and groaned before slapping his shoulder lightly.
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard Pines." I quipped. Stanley gave me a mad grin.
"Well, maybe you just have tiny hands Carla." He retorted as he stroked the back of my hand softly. I fought the urge to purr at the movement and grinned back at him.
"Well I thought big hands meant a big dick... or is that not true?" I said evenly. Stanley's jaw dropped and I couldn't control myself. I started laughing. Stanley was still gawping at me when I managed to stop.
"So? Is it true or not?" I teased. Stanley's eyes flitted nervously between me and the deck.
"What- what are you asking Carla?" he managed to get out.
"I'm trying to figure out if you're all talk or not mister." I replied cockily. Stan just continued to stare in shock. I smiled and lifted my hand to his face. Gently tracing his cheek, I winked at him. Stanley's eyes widened as it dawned on him that I was teasing him and he promptly covered his face with his hand in defeat.
"Not fair." Stanley muttered as I burst out laughing.
"You love it." I replied, pushing myself up into a sitting position. Stanley propped himself up as well and kissed me again. My eyes fluttered close and I placed a hand against his chest softly As Stan pulled away, I stared at him in astonishment.
"What?" Stan whispered, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
"You're so different today... what changed?" I asked, reaching up and playing with the end of my braid.
Stanley licked his lips nervously.
"You kissed me first Carla... I just figured that if you did mean it when you said you liked me, you probably wouldn't mind I kissed you." He said quietly. A slow smile spread across my face.
"I do mean it. And I want this to be something more." I whispered. Stanley grinned.
"Geez Carla..." he breathed. I smiled cheekily.
"Maybe I should suggest swimming more often." I suggested.
"If this is what's going to happen when you do," Stanley gestured at us, "then I'm all for it."
I laughed and let my head fall back against the railing, closing my eyes contentedly. Stanley lifted my hand and planted a soft kiss on the back of my hand before he settled next to me again.
A breeze began blow across the dunes and I shivered.
"No fair. Now I'm cold." I whined. Stanley chuckled.
"There are other ways to warm up Carla." He said suggestively. My heart thumped erratically.
"You're all talk Pines," I said weakly.
Stanley chuckled and I heard him move away from me. I opened my eyes and glanced around, I noticed the sun had begun to get low.
"Wow, we've been here a while..." I muttered. Stanley didn't reply. I reached out and tapped his shoulder.
"You wanna go and get something to eat?" I asked Stanley shrugged.
"Sure, I said I'd meet Ford at the boardwalk later anyway." He replied and reached for his shirt. Thinking fast, I reached around him and grabbed it, whisking it behind me.
"Hey!" Stanley protested and turned to grab it back.
"Uh uh. Not until I get a kiss." I demanded. Stanley gave me a goofy grin.
"Whatever the lady wants." He agreed and leaned in.
Savouring the feel of Stan's lips against mine, I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach. Letting go of his shirt, I tentatively wrapped my arms around his neck. Stanley curved his arm around me and drew me closer, grabbing his shirt in the same movement. As he pulled away, he waved his shirt triumphantly.
"Boo." I complained, raising a hand to my lips. Stanley chuckled and tugged his shirt on. Giving me a cheeky grin, Stanley hopped down off the boat and grabbed his jeans. I got to my knees and crawled over to the edge of the deck, pulling my towel after me. I watched as Stanley dragged his jeans up and over his hips, wrapping an arm around my knees with a contented smile. Stanley finished buttoning his jeans before holding his arms out to me. Rolling my eyes, I grinned and allowed him to pick me up by the waist. As Stanley lifted me down, his hand accidentally grazed the side of my breast. For a moment we stood in shocked silence. Stepping closer, I wrapped my arms around Stanley and buried my head in his chest. Stanley folded his arms around me, tucking my head under his chin with a relieved sigh.
We both jumped when my stomach rumbled loudly.
Laughing, Stanley looked down at me.
"I guess we're heading to the boardwalk then?" he asked. I nodded eagerly and grabbed my dress. After slipping it back on, I bent over to grab my bag. I suddenly felt a hand slip under my dress and give my ass a quick pinch.
"Hey!" I protested, straightening up and facing Stanley.
Stanley had the decency to look guilty. He grinned as I folded my arms in mock anger.
"Heh. Busted huh?"
"At least buy a girl food first Pines." I teased, shouldering my bag.
"That's all it takes?" Stan quipped, raising an eyebrow. I punched his arm lightly.
"Only cause I like you." I smiled. Standing on tiptoes, I pecked him on the cheek.
"Come on mister. I'm starved." I said as I slipped my hand into his. Stanley didn't move.
"Carla?" Stanley stared at the sand. " About pinching your... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."
"Forget it." I said softly, "Though, fair is fair." I mused out loud before quickly reaching down and pinching Stan's ass in return. Stanley jumped a little before letting out a laugh.
"Ok, ok. Fair play to you Tiny." He smiled down at me. "But I'm still sorry."
"Stop it Stan." I rolled my eyes. "Just buy me a pretzel and we'll call it quits."
Stanley grinned and grabbed my towel from the boat's deck.
"You're the best Carla." He said as he slung the towel over his shoulder. I grinned as we headed back up the beach hand in hand.
"Yeah, yeah Pines. I'm only in this for the free pretzel anyway."
"One pretzel for the lady." Stanley bowed and held a large, soft pretzel out. I giggled from where I was sitting up on the pier's railing.
"Why thank you sire." I fluttered my eyelashes and blew him a kiss. Stanley straightened up and moved closer. Leaning against the pier's railing, Stan twisted so he was looking up at me still offering the pretzel. Leaning over, I took a bite of it.
"MmmHmm. Definitely worth the elaborate ploy I've been keeping up all summer. You know, pretending to like you and your brother." I teased. Stanley laughed and propped his chin up on his hand.
"Elaborate ploy my ass Tiny." He countered. "You love spending time with us."
I shrugged as I took the pretzel off of him and tore a piece off.
"Well, I love your ass." I retorted and popped the chunk of warm bread into my mouth. Stanley was watching me with a warm gleam in his eyes and a goofy grin on his face.
Pulling another piece of pretzel off, I offered it to Stanley. He took it from me using his mouth, his lips brushing my finger tips lightly. A thrill ran through me at the contact.
"Oh my god! Is that little Carla getting intimate with the dummy?" Cathy Crenshaw's voice rang out across the pier.
"Ah shit." Stanley cursed and hung his head, tensing slightly. "Now we're in for it."
"Don't worry about it. What could she possibly say to ruin this?" I smiled at him, trying to only focus on the wonderful guy in front of me and not the approaching group of people.
"Did you finally give in and give him a pity date since you had no other options Carla?" Cathy sneered. Stanley flushed and I felt a sudden rush of anger toward the girl mocking us. Placing a hand on Stanley's arm, I forced myself to take a bite of the pretzel and ignored her.
"Are you going to answer me Carla?" Cathy continued. "Or are you going to really pick this loser's side?"
Refusing to look at her, I rubbed my thumb over Stanley's shoulder. Stanley lost some of his tension at the gesture.
"McCorkle! Did you hear me?" Cathy demanded. I flipped my plait over my shoulder as I turned to face her.
"Yeah, I heard you. I just don't care about what you said." I answered. Cathy stared at me, gobsmacked. Stanley glanced up with a smile. Smiling back, I leaned down and kissed him, my hand curving around the back of his neck.
"Oh please. I think I'm going to be sick." Cathy sarcastically mined gagging. I winked at Stan playfully before facing her again.
"You know what Cathy? I should be thanking you. If you hadn't been a bitch earlier this summer, I'd have never stood up for the Pines twins and I wouldn't be here enjoying my date with Stan."
"Date?" Stan whispered. I squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Cathy seemed stunned into silence.
"So if you've got nothing else to say, you can just piss off." I said sweetly. Stanley blurted out a laugh and I waved my fingers at Cathy.
Her mouth opened and closed a couple of times, but nothing came out.
Smiling smugly, I offered Stanley another piece of pretzel. As he took it from my fingers, I caught sight of Cathy stomping away followed by her friends.
"So... Is this a date?" Stanley asked quietly. I shrugged absently.
"It could be. Do you want it to be?" I covered my mouth with my hand as I chewed. "I mean, you brought me food, we're here together, it's kinda romantic..."
Stanley rubbed the back of his neck with that dopey grin on his face.
"Carla, I've had a crush on you since the sixth grade. So yes. I want this to be a date. So badly." He replied.
"Good. Then a date it is." I smiled.
"So you finally got a date with Carla McCorkle huh Stan?"
Ford had ambled up to us while we were distracted.
"Sixer! You finally showed up!" Stan spun round to face his twin. I waved and held out the last piece of the pretzel. Ford raised his eyebrows in greeting and wordlessly took the pretzel. I wrapped my arms and legs around Stan.
"You better watch out Ford. I might be tempted to steal him away from you." I teased. Stanley leaned forward, picking me up off the railing easily.
"Never!" He cried. "If you get one of us, you get both of us!"
I giggled wildly as Stan spun round. Ford shook his head and smiled as he leaned against the railing.
"Stop it! I'm going to get dizzy!" I cried, grin plastered on my face. Stan came to a standstill and I slid off his back.
"So, I guess you two aren't going to want me hanging around on your date?" Ford asked, tossing the pretzel wrapper in the bin. I shook my head.
"Are you kidding Ford? Stan just said it," I leaned forward and grabbed his arm. "If I get one of you, I get both of you." I linked my arm through his, and through Stanley's arm. "And I'm perfectly fine with that."
"You sure?" Stan asked.
"Course! My two favourite boys in the world." I smiled, feeling extremely happy. "From now until forever."