Chapter Ten: A Series of Firsts

After school that day, Franklin came home with Max. The two of them had been assigned partners for a project and they were excited to get started on it.

"What is the project anyway?" Alex asked as they all walked home together.

Max explained the project. The students in the class each picked a hat out of a box. Then, based on the hat they picked, they had to create a character and perform a scene with their partner.

"That's cool," Justin said. "What hats did you pick?"

"I got a pirate hat," Max said.

"And I got a hard hat," Franklin said.

"So, how do you plan on putting the two together?" Alex asked. "You gonna be half of the Village People?"

Max and Franklin shot her a dirty look. Then the four of them walked into the sub station. Max and Franklin sat down at an empty table and started working on their project. Justin sat down at the counter. He opened his textbook and started to read. Alex went into the kitchen and started to fix herself a snack.

Suddenly, Justin felt a tap on his shoulder. He looked up and saw that Tina was standing beside him. She was still dressed in her school uniform, which consisted of a maroon sweater vest over a navy blue polo shirt, a navy blue pleated skirt and knee socks.

Justin smiled at her. "Hey," he said. "This is a pleasant surprise."

Tina smiled back. "Well, Franklin's the one who told me about the Waverly Sub Station. I thought I'd check it out."

"Cool." Justin motioned to the seat next to him. "Have a seat."

Tina sat down. "So, what would you recommend for a vegetarian?"

"Besides a salad, I'd recommend a garden burger, a tofu dog, a meatless meatball sub, or a cup of vegetable soup."

"I'm impressed."

"Well, dad wanted the shop to be able to serve any customers that might come in."

"That's good business sense."

"Thanks. So, what are you in the mood for?"

"I think I'll try a meatless meatball sub."

"Coming right up." Justin got up and headed into the kitchen.

As he prepared the sandwich, Theresa came into the kitchen.

"Hey," she whispered to Justin. "Is that Tina sitting at the counter there?"

Justin glanced up at Tina. Then he turned to his mom and nodded.

"Oh," Theresa whispered. "She's cute."

Justin smiled. "You want to meet her?"

"Of course I do."

"Let me finish this first. It's for Tina."

Justin quickly finished the sandwich and Theresa followed him as he took the sandwich out to Tina.

"Tina," Justin said as he set the sandwich down in front of her. "I'd like you to meet my mom. Mom, this is Tina."

The two of them shook hands.

"I'm sorry I can't sit and chat," Theresa said.

"That's fine," Tina said. "You've got a business to run."

"Well, it was lovely to meet you."

"You, also."

Then Theresa left to tend to the customers. Tina turned to Justin.

"I like her already," she said.

Justin smiled. "I'm glad." He pushed the sandwich toward her. "Go on. Try it."

Tina picked up her sandwich and took a bite. "Mmm," she said. "That's good. My compliments to the chef."

"Thank you."

"You are welcome."

"Hey, are you doing anything tonight?"

"Nope. Why?"

"Well, if you're not doing anything, would you like to go to the movies with me?"

"Yeah, sure. How about that new horror movie?"

"I Know Chucky's Scream? Yeah, that sounds good. So, I'll pick you up around six?"

"Sure. You can meet me at the coffee shop." Then Tina checked her watch. "Oh, I should get going."

Justin reached over the counter and grabbed a takeout box. He put the rest of Tina's sandwich in it.

"What do I owe you?" Tina asked.

"This one's on me," Justin said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, of course."

Tina smiled. "You had better let me pay the next time I come in."

"Fine."

Justin handed the takeout box to her. She took it and, just before she left, she kissed his cheek.

After the movie that night, Justin walked Tina home. The movie had scared Tina and she kept looking over her shoulder as they walked.

"Are you sure you're OK?" Justin asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright," Tina replied.

"The movie freaked you out, didn't it?"

"What makes you say that?"

Just then, a car backfired. It startled Tina and she screamed. She started to hyperventilate.

"It's OK," Justin said. "It's just a car."

"I know, I know," Tina said.

Justin placed a hand on her shoulder. "Tina, you're shaking. Come here."

Justin pulled her into a comforting embrace, rubbing her back. He held her until her breathing calmed and her body stopped shaking. Then he released her from the embrace.

"I'm sorry," Tina said.

"For what?" Justin asked.

"For freaking out. Horror movies usually don't get to me like that."

"It's alright. Freaking out isn't necessarily a bad thing." He put his arm around her. "Come on. Let's go."

The two continued to Tina's apartment building. Justin walked her to the door.

"Well," Tina said. "All in all, this was a pretty good night."

"It was," Justin agreed.

"I wanted to thank you. Every other guy I've dated wouldn't have comforted me and calmed me the way you did."

"You can't have dated many decent guys, then," Justin said with a laugh.

Tina smiled. "No, I guess I haven't."

"Well, you're welcome."

"You know, I think you should be rewarded for your chivalry."

Justin cocked an eyebrow at her. "Rewarded how?"

Tina crooked a finger at him. Justin took a step toward her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him. A split second of hesitation, and Justin kissed her back. He slid his tongue across her lower lip and she allowed him entrance. Their tongues battled each other as their kiss went on for a solid minute.

When Justin broke away to catch his breath, Tina kissed his cheek and worked he way to his neck. Justin had yet to be kissed on his neck, and this new sensation was thrilling. He could feel his heart starting to race and every nerve in his body tingled.

Tina finally pulled herself away from Justin's neck. She looked up at him and smiled devilishly.

"You might want to wear a collared shirt tomorrow," she said.

"What?" Justin asked.

He turned to see his reflection in the window. On his neck, where Tina's lips had been, was a dark purple mark. He turned back to Tina and returned her wicked smile.

"You just gave me my first hickie."

"Just a little love bite."

"Are you claiming me as your boyfriend?"

"I would very much like to be your girlfriend."

Justin took her hand in his. "That settles it, then. Boyfriend and girlfriend." He kissed her cheek. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"I'll be waiting."

Tina released his hand. She turned and went into the apartment building.