"It's pretty insane that I didn't even know this was here." I stated, as Joe pulled up to a small park that was right in the middle of our neighborhood. It was almost nine, but Joe insisted that we go on a 'moonlit stroll'.
"See that path over there?" He pointed behind a bunch of trees, and I nodded. "That's where we're going. We'll walk it once, then I'll take you home. Sound good?"
I nodded.
*****
"So you guys are really friends?" Joe chuckled, as if he didn't believe it.
"I guess so. I mean, we don't hate each other. But I seem to remember us 'starting over', and she was never even in the picture. It's like, she's a ghost."
"A ghost?" He questioned, and I laughed.
"Hey, I'm trying!" I argued back with a smile. Still moving forward, he inched closer to me. In mid arm swing, I felt his soft hand grab mine. He interlocked our fingers, and I tried to contain the smile that was peeking on my face.
I turned my head toward him, only to see a tint of red on his cheeks. He just kept walking with a smile, as did I.
"So, just to make sure, will you be going on more outings after tonight or was this a one-time deal?" Joe asked, after a bit of comfortable silence.
"Definately not a one-time deal. I had a lot of fun tonight. Thanks." I replied.
"It was my pleasure." I looked at him, avoiding his eyes. It was the only way to stay safe.
****
"You're home before curfew, good job." My mother said to me as I entered the house, with a ridiculous smile plastered on my face.
"Alright, what's with that goofy look?" She questioned, and I shook my head.
"Oh, it's nothing." I thought back to just moments before.
"Well, goodnight." Joe told me as we stood in my doorway. The porch light was the only light in the dark night, but I was ok with that.
"Yeah, night." I responded, but I didn't move, and neither did he. After a moment of awkwardness, he turned to leave, but then stopped himself.
"Wait, will we hang out tomorrow? I'm completely free and I was hoping we could do something." He offered, and I giggled.
"Totally. I can't wait." And I still didn't move.
"Me either." He still stood in front of me.
"Goodnight, Joe." I told him, with a sad smile, knowing the night wouldn't end with a kiss. I turned, reaching for the door handle, when I felt his warm hand on my arm.
"Wait." I turned back to him, looking him straight in the eyes. But this time, it wasn't a mistake, I wanted to.
He began leaning in, and I bit my lip. He closed his eyes, so I followed suit. The world was suddenly in slow motion as I felt his soft, moist lips on mine for the second time in my life. It seemed like the five second kiss ended just as it began.
"Nigh Hayley." And he couldn't even wait until he turned around before a huge smile broke out on his face.
And even though he was already halfway down the walkway, and there was no chance he could hear me, I whispered, "Thanks for the best night ever."
"Hayley, something happened. What is it?" My mom pushed, and I broke down.
"He kissed me."