" Go back to the blue. Okay, now the yellow. No, go back to the blue."
" Mina! Just pick one, he's coming in half an hour!" Raye yelled exasperatedly at her friend. She knew Mina's fashion sense was the best around, but goodness did the girl take her time.
" Sorry Raye, but both those colors look good on you. Hmm…" Minagi mused, and then disappeared into Raye's closet. She emerged with a navy blue jacket and a gold tank top. " Here, try these on ."
Raye did so, and Minagi scrutinized her, eyes dancing with glee. " So how do I look, Mina? Pretty good?"
Mina's face broke into a wide grin. " This Jake guy won't be able to keep his eyes off you, no doubt about that."
" About time you picked something. I was running out of clothes." It was true, Rayene's bed was piled with different outfits, all of which the girls had rejected. But she was finally ready, in a shimmering gold tank top that showed off her flat stomach, a rich navy blue jacket that fell about her hips, and a black skirt, showing off her long legs. Adding to that a pair of short black boots, Rayene was good to go.
" Casual, yet fashionable. I love it." Mina beamed, and sat Rayene down in a chair. " Now…what to do with your hair…"
" Remember to be a gentleman, open the door for her, pull her chair out, stuff like that."
" What are you, Chance, my father or something?"
" Sorry, just trying to make sure you both have a good time. Nervous?"
" Nah, of course not. I'm terrified." Jake put his head in his hands, smiling in spite of his nervousness.
" Come on, buddy. Just be yourself and you'll be fine."
" But I want this night to be perfect! Nothing can go wrong! I- OH CRAP!" Jake had just gotten a look at his watch. " I'm gonna be late!" He practically flew out the door. " See ya later bud!"
Chance could only shake him head and smile. " That is one lovesick kat."
" So where are we headed tonight?" Raye said as she sat next to Jake in his car.
" I told you, Rayene, it's a surprise!" Jake answered for the second time. " You're not a very patient person, are you?"
Rayene grinned. " Impatient and proud. I hate waiting for things."
" Well, wait no longer. We're almost here."
After a few more minutes, Jake finally stopped. He got out of the car, and opened Raye's door as well. She got out, confused.
" Where are we? I smell…popcorn."
" Turn around."
Rayene did so, and a smile lit her face. " A carnival?"
" Yep. I hope you like roller coasters, because this is quite a famous one, with one of the fastest ones in the city." Jake was smiling as well, Raye's excitement contagious. " Well, let's go!"
" That…was the absolute coolest thing I've ever ridden!" Rayene's eyes sparkled with delight as she stepped off the roller coaster. She stumbled, and Jake caught her hand, the speed and spin having not affected him in the least.
" You okay, Rayene?" Jake smiled, helping her down from the platform.
" I'm fine," she said, embarrassedly slipping her hand from his. " So, where to next?"
Jake scanned the area, and then saw what he was looking for. " How about a few games?" They headed down to a booth, an easy one. All they had to do was knock over a large pyramid of bottles. Jake paid for one try.
" Watch this Raye!" He was ready to impress her.
" I'm watching."
Jake took careful aim and threw. His aim was good, but he didn't have enough power on the throw to knock them all down.
Raye tried hard not to laugh. " Nice try Jake. But let me show you how it's done." She bought herself a ball, and removed her jacket. " Hold this, please." She handed her jacket to Jake. As she did, Jake couldn't help but notice how strong and well developed her shoulders were. The milk bottles didn't have a chance. She knocked them down with ease, and won a large plush doll.
Jake was stunned. " How did you do that?" Raye only smiled, and held up her doll.
" Look. It's Vegeta!"
The night went on. Jake had challenged Raye to a game fest, and she beat him in nearly every game. The two were carrying a bag of stuffed dolls, all small cartoon characters.
" I love these. They're so adorable!" She hugged a small Charmander doll and smiled. " Where to next, wise and powerful loser?"
Jake rolled his eyes. " Funny. Very funny. Hey, how about that?" He pointed to a sign that advertised a boat ride through the " Tunnel of Love".
Raye went red. " I, ah…well." She went even redder, grinning with embarrassment.
" What's wrong? Don't like water?"
"Erm, no it's not that, it's just…"
" Please, Rayene? Pleeeze?" Jake gave her an innocent, kitten eyed gaze. Raye felt herself weakening from his gentle green eyes. Oh boy, what a charmer…
"Well, alright. I suppose there's no harm in it."
" Okay!"
" I don't know about this Jake…" Raye looked warily at the boat.
"Come on, Raye, it won't be so bad." He stepped into the boat and offered his hand. " Just trust me."
" Well…" She paused, and then took his hand and stepped in. The boat started off soon after. They sat beside each other in silence for a while, both feeling a little shy. Jake slyly slipped his arm around Raye's shoulders and she pretended not to notice. Soon Raye began to notice the soft rocking of the boat. So gentle…like my mother rocking the cradle. Uh-oh. She felt her eyelids drooping. This is why I didn't want to go on this…stupid…ride… She dozed off on Jake's shoulder.
Jake looked over as Rayene silently slept. Oh great. She's sure enjoying herself. I'm so boring that she fell asleep. He pulled her a little closer. Raye smiled in her sleep and shifted in his arms. Well…maybe its not so bad after all.
" Hey, sleeping beauty. Time to awaken." Jake softly nudged Rayene. She opened her eyes slowly.
" Wha? Oh no! Did I fall asleep?" Raye turned a brilliant shade of red. "I'm so sorry!"
Jake smiled, feeling a little uneasy. " Am I that bad a date?" He helped her out of the boat. Rayene's blush deepened.
" No, no, I've had a wonderful time. It was just the boat, and the rocking… made me a little drowsy."
" Well it is pretty late. I guess I should take you home."
" I…guess so."
" I had a wonderful time tonight, Jake. I've never had so much fun." The two were now standing on Raye's doorstep. She was leaning gently against the door.
" I'm glad you did. I had fun too." Jake shifted nervously. He kept staring into her amazing eyes, wondering how long he could hold out here without trying to kiss her. Whoever made up the rule of no kissing on the first date should be shot…
" Don't be a stranger around here. I wanna see you back here. You're going to take care of your little plant."
" Sure thing. I'll come by anytime you want."
" Good night, Jake."
" Good night, Princess Rayene." He kissed her hand again, and then turned away.
Raye could only stand on her porch, her face gone red again, and to her own surprise, a smile.
" Good night, my prince…"