Chapter 7: Jesusfreak
I took a long shower. I could vaguely hear Amy and Braden talking downstairs. After I got out I dried off and went to go pick out an outfit. I picked out an off the shoulder moonlight dress, that went to my knees. I slipped on my black flats. I put on light makeup and I was ready to go. I walked down the stairs, and saw Braden waiting by the door. He was wearing black dress pants, and a white button up collared shirt, his shaggy hair was still wet from the shower.. He looked amazing. "Kelly, you look really pretty." Amy said. "Thanks. With Ryan, you can feed him when he gets fussy, change him when he needs to be change. Sorry about that, it is a pain, I warn you. You can either leave him in his play pen for the night or bring him to his crib." I explained.
"Okay. I think I can handle it. If I have any problems I will call you. Have fun." Amy said. Braden intertwined his fingers in mine, and led me to the car. We drove into town, Braden never let go of my hand the whole way. We arrived at Il Bistro, a very popular (and romantic) Italian restaurant. I looked at Braden. "Surprise" He said smiling. I gave him a light kiss, and we headed to the door. I all of a sudden stopped because I remembered something. I took the ring from my necklace, and slipped it on my finger. "Very nice." Braden complimented.
"Reservation for Carter." Braden told the hostess. "Right this way." She said. We followed her to a two person table in the middle of the room. "Enjoy." She said, and walked away. "How did you hear about this place?" I asked him. "I, uh…your mom." He admitted. I laughed, "you went to my mother for advice, did she help you pick out a gift?" "No. I did that all on my own. After dinner you will see." He promised. "Can I start you two with a drink?" The waiter asked. "I will have a diet coke, please." I said. "Ginger ale." Braden said. He nodded and then walked off. I ordered the chicken, broccoli, and ziti. Braden ordered chicken parmesan. While we waited we talked about after high school, what we want to do for the wedding, we also talked about Amy, and Ryan. We talked a lot about Ryan.
Our food arrived, Braden and I dug in. it was very good, and very hot. I was talking a sip of my drink, when I looked past Braden and saw two people staring at us. I groaned, "what's wrong?" Braden asked, concerned. "Ricky Underwood, and Grace Bowmen are here." I explained. Why would Grace be out with Ricky? Braden rolled his eyes. "Ignore them. Maybe they wont see us." He suggested. I nodded, but mistakenly looked at the two of them. They were now walking over to Braden and I. "Too late. They are on their way over." I warned. I took a deep breathe, and waited to be rudely interrupted. Ricky looked me up and down, then glared at Braden. Grace smiled at me, and looked curiously at Braden.
"Hey Kelly." Grace greeted. "Hi, Grace. What's up?" I asked. I didn't want to be impolite. "Nothing really. Just out with a friend. You know Ricky. What about you two?" She asked, before I could say anything. "We are on a date." Braden said. I smiled. It was such a turn on when he was angry. "Oh, that is…nice. I hadn't realized you guys were dating." Grace said. "Well we are, and have been for a while now." Braden said. I sent him a warning look, and he slightly nodded. Ricky and Grace were quiet. Odd. I looked at them and they were both staring at something on the table. I followed their gazes, shit. I quickly moved my hands to my lap. "Was that a-" Ricky began. "No." I cut him off.
"It was. It was an engagement ring." He said. "No, it wasn't. you don't know what you are talking about." I told him. Braden looked at me apologetically. "Yes it was. I saw it too. Kelly you are sixteen you cant be getting married." Grace said. "Oh, please. You're a Jesusfreak, you are all for marriage." I scoffed. "Yeah, but not at such a young age. You don't-" Grace started. "Just stop. Do not talk about things you know nothing about." I told them both sternly. Braden stood up and grabbed my hand, "c'mon Kel. Lets get outta here. We will pay up front." I followed, I looked back to a dumbfounded Grace and Ricky. We paid and left. We rode home. "You know, when you are angry it is such a turn on." I told Braden. He laughed, then went all serious. "This will be all over school on Monday. You know that right?" He asked. "Yeah I know. We will get through it, we always do." I told him. He nodded, and then kissed the back of my hand.
