March 28, 1996
Instead of chancing a run-in with our parents and having to answer questions, we sometimes sit on the curb together near the oak tree that serves as a landmark between our houses. It's just far away enough that we feel comfortable talking and holding hands, maybe even stealing a kiss every now and then.
"Bite?" I ask, holding my strawberry Otter Pop out to you. I'd like to see your lips red. I'd like to see your lips on…never mind.
"No thanks," you say with a tight smile.
"You don't like red?"
"It's not that. I—" The sigh passing through your lips makes me want to kiss you. "It's silly."
I nudge you with my shoulder. "I'm sure it's not."
"Fine," you mumble, twisting the ends of your long hair self-consciously. "I was eating one of those when…that phone call."
I stop with the popsicle halfway to my mouth and stare at you, shaking my head. "I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault."
"But it is."
You put a hand on my thigh, and I think ugly thoughts to keep my body from reacting. "It's not." Your shrug tells me the topic is closed for discussion.
I finish my melting popsicle quickly and lean back on the curb with my legs stretched out in front of me. It's an unusually warm night, and neither of us wants to leave this spot on the sidewalk.
"Are you going to ask me out?" The way you ask me is so matter-of-fact. I should be used to this. But I'm not sure if I ever will be.
I chuckle quietly. "I was going to, but now…"
You shove me so hard that I have to throw a hand out to catch myself from rolling into the gutter. I laugh harder, but when I'm righted again, I catch the semi-hurt look in your eyes. Sometimes I forget that your straightforward nature leaves you unappreciative of sarcasm. I clear my throat and push your long hair behind your ear, letting my hand linger on your cheek. Your skin feels warm and soft against my still icy fingertips. "Bella?"
"What?" you say flatly.
"It would make me so incredibly happy if you'd let me take you out sometime."
You fight a smile at first, but your eyes are full of satisfaction when they meet mine. "Yeah, okay."
