WHITMAN HOME
Sera puttered around the kitchen trying to avoid her mother's questions about her evening. It wasn't working. Nicole seemed very interested in Sera and Kyle's date.
"Come on, what if I need to reach you?"
"Mother I have a cell phone. You know how to reach me."
"Charles and I were thinking of taking in a film tonight...maybe we can go with you."
"Mom!"
"Maybe we'll call Jim and Amy, we can all go, wouldn't that be fun?"
"Why are you needling me?"
"I'm just curious where Kyle is planning on taking my baby girl."
"Fine! My itinerary for this evening is dinner and a movie. Then we're going to stop by this house party where some kids are selling drugs out of the basement. After that we're going to park behind the school, get high and have sex in the back seat of his car. Happy?"
"Sera! I was just teasing."
"Yeah, but from now on you'll think twice about picking on me won't you!"
"You are an evil child."
"I live to torment you." Sera smiled at her mother as she wiped her hands on a towel.
"All right. I get the hint." Nicole promised, pulling two steaks out of the refrigerator. "So is this the first time the two of you have gone out alone?"
"Yeah, it's usually the group, but it's just the two of us tonight. Speaking of which I'd better start getting ready. Did you need anything else other than the spinach dip?"
"No, that's all. I appreciate it."
"Sure. I'm going to take a shower and get ready. Kyle said he'd pick me up at 7:00."
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After her shower Sera was singing along to Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee from her GREASE soundtrack as she dried her hair. So caught up in the lyrics, she didn't notice her mother standing in her door watching her with an amused expression. She turned around to grab her makeup bag and gasped when she saw Nicole.
"Mom! You scared me," Sera cried, turning down her music. "How long have you been standing there?"
"From Summer Nights. You've always loved that movie."
"One of my top tens. What's up?"
"Kyle called, said he was running a bit late. He'd be here by 7:15."
"Oh, OK."
"Is that what you're wearing?" Nicole asked glancing toward closet door where Sera's dress was hanging.
"Yes...why?
"Oh nothing....its nice."
"OK spill what don't you like about it?
"It's just a little strappy that's all."
"Mom, for the past three years I've paraded around on national television in skimpy cheerleading costumes and you never said a word. What's the what?"
Nicole smiled, "I guess I'm being an overprotective parent, I've just never seen you this silly over a boy before."
"If I'm lucky, he'll be the last one I'm silly about for awhile. Now, go fix dinner...I have to finish getting ready."
"I'm going!"
"Hey Mom," Nicole turned. "I love you."
"I love you too sweetie." Nicole said and headed downstairs.
Sera sighed as she began applying her makeup. "Mothers!"
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Seven after seven, Kyle rang the Whitman's doorbell. Sera ran to get it but Charles shooed her away.
"If I recall the lady should wait until the gentleman has been received by the parents and they ask about his intentions."
"Mother! Have you been giving Charles pointers?"
"She forced me to say that. I apologize."
"Its OK. I know she can be quite the menace."
"I can hear you two!" Nicole called from the kitchen
"Good!"
Charles opened the door to reveal Kyle holding a single yellow rose.
"Hey Mr. Whitman. How are you?"
"Fine Kyle, come in please!"
"Thanks. I'm a little early with my lateness. Sera wasn't expecting me till 7:15."
"But I'm ready nonetheless," she said appearing behind Charles.
Kyle's breath caught in his throat the moment he laid eyes on Sera. "Wow. You look great."
"Thank you."
"Uh, this is for you," he said extending the hand holding the rose. "Maria told me yellow stood for friendship, she also said you liked yellow roses.
"I love them, thank you."
"Hello Kyle, " Nicole said as she entered the foyer. "A yellow rose how lovely, those are Sera's favorite."
"Mom, could you put that in water for me?"
"Sure."
"Well, you guys enjoy your dinner, I'll be home late, don't wait up." Sera moved to her mother, handing off her rose and kissing her cheek.
"Bye kids, be careful."
"We will Mr. Whitman"
"Bye."
"Have a good time honey...and Sera?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't go behind the high school tonight, OK?"
Sera's eyes widened. "Mother!"
Sera pulled Kyle out the front door and away from her mother's chuckles.
"What did she mean by that."
"Nothing, it's just my mother's way of trying to be funny."
"So I made reservations at Senor Chow's at 7:30, we'll just make it in time."
"Great. Are we keeping the top down?" Sera asked as she got into the Mustang
"Your call."
Let's keep it down, its so beautiful out.
"I'll second that," Kyle said gazing at her.
Sera unzipped her purse grabbed a thin silk scarf which she quickly wrapped around her head. "All set." she smiled at him.
They hit Senor Chows with three minutes to spare. Kyle parked the car, hopped out and held the door for Sera. She put one hand in his hand and unwrapped the scarf from her head with the other.
"Hey, that was a pretty cool trick. Most girls would have said to leave the top down and then complained because their hair was screwed up."
"It's not really a trick, I shamelessly stole if from the old movies I watched as a kid. In those movies, all the actresses would wear a scarf when they rode in a convertible."
Kyle leaned in close to her. "I still think it's a pretty neat trick."
Once inside, they were escorted to a table and a waiter took their drink order. Sera looked at the pool table in the corner
"Wanna play after dinner," she asked nodding toward the table.
"You're going to play pool in that dress?"
"I could take it off."
Kyle's jaw was still on the table when the waiter returned with their drinks.
They ordered dinner and sipped their drinks, as they people watched.
"Look at that guy...what is that shirt? Are we back in the 80s? Did I miss the memo?"
"Actually I think I own that shirt," Kyle replied grimacing.
"Very scary!"
"Don't look now but there is a girl behind you with orange hair."
"No way."
"I think she was trying to go red and it backfired horribly."
"OK, I have to see this, which direction is she."
Directly behind you, just turn around. Wait! Slowly."
Sera turned, took a quick peek at the offending color, and spun back to Kyle.
"OK, that is the most hideous thing I've ever seen."
"I wish Iz was here to see that. Ms. Fashion Police would walk right up to that woman and demand that she never to attempt self-coloring again."
"You and Isabel are really close huh?"
"Yeah, We just sort of gravitated toward one another after Alex...you know."
"I think it's nice that you guys are all such a tight group."
"We weren't always so friendly. In fact, for a long time there was no love lost between me and Max, or Michael for that matter."
"Because of Liz?"
"Uh, well yeah--Maria told you about me and Liz?"
"Today. I was surprised. I just don't see the two of you together."
"Yeah, I was surprised by it too, but I was tired of dating the cheerleading bimbos...uh, can we pretend I didn't just say that."
Well, nice to know what you think of cheerleaders."
"Sera...
"I'm kidding Kyle. I'm well aware of the stereotype associated with being a cheerleader. I also know that a lot of times it's a well-founded assumption."
"I didn't mean you."
"I know, I'm just having fun watching you squirm."
Their dinners arrived and continued their conversation between bites.
"So besides Liz, who else in the group have you dated?"
"Just Liz."
"Not Isabel?"
"Iz and I are strictly friends."
Sera scrutinized him "No attraction whatsoever?"
"Well, I didn't say that. I mean she is drop dead gorgeous, but we've just never felt that way about each other."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Good, at least I don't have to worry about that."
"You were worried about me and Iz?"
"I just like to have all my cards laid out on the table." She took a bite of her Acapulco Chicken and winked at him.
"So, what about you?" Kyle asked
"You're the only person in the group I've gone out on a date with." Sera joked.
"Come on, be serious."
"There's really not much to tell. I had a steady, but not serious boyfriend last year; we broke up just before I moved here. There was never even a question of making it long distance. Our relationship was always more about high school politics than actual emotion."
"Ouch, bitter much?"
"Not bitter, just cynical."
"It's a fine line!"
Sera shook her head in agreement. "So what were Michael and Maria's big plans, she said they were doing something with Isabel but she didn't give many details."
"That would be the big double date."
"The what?"
"Iz is going on a date tonight and she didn't want to go alone so she asked, well asked isn't really the right word, she told Michael and Maria that they were joining her."
"Is this her first date since..."
"Yeah, she's been fighting guys off for awhile, but she finally said yes to this one. She met him at school. He's in one of the workshops she's taking."
"Must be hard for her. When I lost my dad it was like someone had ripped me in two. I didn't want to believe it. I felt like it was all just a bad dream and I was going to wake up at any minute. Wow, Sera, way to bring conversation to a screeching halt. We can talk about something else."
"No, I mean, its fine. We can talk about Alex."
"I met him once. Did you know that?" Kyle shook his head. "Mom and Charles had been dating for about a month when they decided that since Alex and I were about the same age we should meet. So they came to San Diego and stayed for the weekend. Alex and I hit it off instantly. We liked a lot of the same things, books, music, etc. He was really easy to talk to and I loved hearing his about his trip to Sweden."
Kyle closed his eyes.
"Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I just, uh I remember his Sweden stories too. I think he really liked it there." He trailed off and Sera decided to change the subject.
"Are you almost done? I'm ready to kick your butt at pool."
"You really think that's going to happen?"
"Movie and popcorn on me if you win."
"And if, by some miracle you happen to win?"
"Same deal...AND I get to drive your car."
"No way!"
"Nervous?"
"No! I just don't let other people drive my car."
"Now that's something I don't understand. What is it about a guy and his car?"
"Its just, its, It's a guy thing."
"That's an answer?"
"It's a firm NO to the car."
"Fine! Chicken."
"Oh it's on now girl."
They walked to the pool table and Kyle racked up. They decided a best two out of three would determine the winner.
Sera won the first game with a trick shot that Kyle complained about.
"Geez Valenti are you this big a whiner on the football field?"
Kyle won the next game and sneered at Sera.
"Premature gloating will burn you every time Davidson."
Sera stuck her tongue out at him.
The last game was the closest. Sera took the lead in the beginning but Kyle gained on her quickly. He sank his last shot with very little effort, and even called "Eight ball in the side pocket" before successfully making that one too.
He did a victory dance around the table before sidling up to Sera.
"I believe you owe me popcorn and a movie."
"You only won because I was wearing this dress. I'd have kicked your ass if I were wearing pants. I knew I should have taken it off."
"Any time you want to play strip pool its more than OK with me...just promise to tell me when and where I can view such an event."
"All in due time Kyle," she leaned into him grinning as he heard his breath catch. "All in due time. Just as he began to duck his head toward her she pulled back. "I guess its time to make good on my bet...come on, Angelina Jolie awaits."
Standing in line for the movie Kyle tried to reason with Sera.
"I invited you, I'm not making you pay for our date."
"No, you won fair and square...well you won. I don't intend on listening to you complain about me not paying my debts."
She stepped to the window. "Two please."
"On me." Kyle tried to get his money to the cashier first.
"I believe I was here before you. Now behave." she took the tickets and her change from the cashier. She handed one ticket to Kyle and kept the other. As he opened the door to let her in the theater she leaned close to him and whispered in his ear. "You can work it off later."
His eyes popped at her suggestion and he looked at her in awe. "You're going to be an interesting addition to Roswell, have I mentioned that?"
Inside Kyle insisted on paying or the popcorn and refused to take money from Sera. He handed her the popcorn and they walked to the drink station to fill their glasses. Kyle filled hers with ice and started to push the button for root beer when he turned to her.
"Root Beer right?"
"Yeah."
Kyle carried their drinks, put the popcorn in the crook of his arm and they walked to theater two. He looked at the ticket taker like she was crazy when she asked him for his ticket.
"Where did you put it?" Sera asked
"In my pocket."
He started to hand her some of the concessions, but she waved him off. Reaching into his pants pocket she located the ticket.
Sera grinned as he sucked in his breath. Kyle had realized what she was about to do about a split second before she did it. He of course made no move to stop her, but he still couldn't believe that she actually did it.
Sera handed the ticket taker both tickets then pulled on Kyle's shirt and led him into the theater.
They sat down and Sera took her drink and the popcorn from Kyle.
"What?"
"Plan on reaching into my pants at other times this evening?"
"Play your cards right!"
Kyle choked on his root beer.
"We don't have to sit thorough the movie if you don't want to." he was leering at her.
"Mr. Valenti. I'll kindly remind you that this is our first date! I have no intention of parking behind the high school and going at it in the back seat of your car." she cried in mock indignation.
"Is that what your mother meant by `don't go behind the school'?"
"She kept needling me about our plans this evening, so I told her that to shut her up."
"Did it work?"
"Kind of."
The theater darkened and the trailers rolled across the screen.
"So, just to be clear, that's a no to going to the school."
Sera shot him a dirty look in the dark, but she couldn't help the smile that played on the corners of her mouth.
"Are you asking me to defy my mother?"
Kyle leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on her lips.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He sat back in his chair stealing a glance at Sera and happy to see that for once that evening SHE was the one who was closing her eyes and exhaling sharply.
Tomb Raider began and at the first sight of Lara Croft, Kyle whistled. Sera raised her eyebrows at him and he grinned.
"What? She's hot"
Lara's butler appeared on screen and Sera sat up excitedly.
"RIMMER!" She exclaimed.
"Who?"
"Rimmer, from Red Dwarf."
"What the hell is Red Dwarf?"
"It's a BBC sci-fi show. It's hilarious! I have a few eps on tape, you should watch it with me some time."
"The BBC huh? Sounds fascinating."
"Hey, British comedy is awesome. Are you seriously telling me that you don't like Monty Python?"
"I loved A Fish Called Wanda does that count?"
"It's a start."
They offered up various comments as the movie progressed. Sera loved the way Lara took care of anyone who got in her way. Kyle just loved watching Angelina.
Outside the theater they ran into Maria, Michael, Isabel and Iz's date Andrew.
"Hey guys!"
"Hi Sera. How are you."
"Fine Isabel, good to see you."
"Kyle Valenti, Sera Davidson. This is Andrew Whipley."
He extended his hand to Kyle.
"My friends call me Whip."
He then shook Sera's hand, providing Kyle the opportunity to roll his eyes at Iz.
"Pleasure to meet you."
Sera smiled at him then turned her gaze to Maria and Michael.
"What did you guys see?"
"The Fast and the Furious baby." Maria exclaimed.
"Did you like it?"
Maria put her hand on Sera's arm. "Honey, it's a movie I highly recommend. Vin Diesel has a body that DOES NOT quit!"
"Sounds good to me."
"Hello," Kyle complained. "We are standing right here!"
"And?" All three girls asked.
"I knew it was trouble for them to get together." he told Michael conspiratorially.
"How was Tomb Raider?" Iz asked.
"She was hot."
"The movie was good too." Sera said, giving an actual answer to Iz's question.
"What you guys can talk about Vin Diesel, like that's his real name, but I'm not allowed to talk about Angelina Jolie. Double Standard."
"Actually it's reserved just for you, so it's really called the Valenti standard." Iz joked.
"And we will see you later!" Kyle said, taking Sera by the arm and pretending to leave.
"Oh, is Kyle upset because we picked on him?" Maria assured him.
"Really, we wouldn't do it if we didn't love you." Iz reasoned.
"Yes we would!" Sera and Michael answered together.
"Geez, if this is the way you guys treat your friends I'd hate to see how you treat your enemies!"
A quick look passed between the group at Whips' comment.
"Oh, we're much more subtle with someone we don't like." Sera deadpanned.
"Unless it's someone we REALLY dislike. Pam Troy!"
The latter was coughed rather than spoken (Think Iceman in Top Gun "Bullshit!")
"Well gang. We'd better get going. If I bring Sera home too late the Whitman's probably won't let me take her out again."
Maria, Iz and Sera looked at each other and grinned.
"It was nice to meet you Andr...uh Whip." Kyle shook his hand again, then turned to hug Isabel. "I don't like him" he whispered in her ear.
"Ow!" he rubbed the back of his head where she smacked him.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow." Iz said her eyes flashing.
"You were so right about this dress." Sera told Maria as she hugged her.
"Of course I was. I think I know by now what makes Buddha Boy tick."
"Buddha Boy?"
"Sorry old nickname. He doesn't really go by that anymore."
"I'll keep it on file though." Sera smiled and reached for Iz.
"Any sparkage?" Sera asked as they turned from the group.
"Maybe. I don't know. What about you two?"
"So far so good. I'm hoping for great by the end of the night."
Iz laughed. "Please promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"Never tell me."
Sera rolled her eyes and playfully smacked Iz's arm.
"Whip, it was nice to meet you. Michael always a pleasure. See ya guys."
Bye Sera, I'll call you tomorrow, Kyle I'll see you at home." They waved one last time then left hand in hand, in search of the Mustang.
Watching them walk away Maria threw her arms around Michael's neck and began to sing.
"Matchmaker, Matchmaker make me a match,
Find me a find catch me a catch." Iz joined in
Michael looked at Whip. "Chicks are weird!"
******************************************************************************
Kyle and Sera sat in the Whitman's drive looking at the stars.
"So when you said that you were worried that the rents would never let you take me out again, I guess that means you're planing on us having a second date?"
"If you're agreeable."
Sera tilted her face to his and smiled. "I think that can be arranged."
Closing his eyes he kissed her, softly at first then a bit more playful. He captured her bottom lip between his teeth and gave it a tug.
They broke apart and Kyle gazed at her.
//How is it possible that she looks more beautiful?//
Sera couldn't be sure if her flushed cheeks were a result of Kyle staring at her like that or the fact that she had just had the most amazing kiss of her entire life.
//Wow, when can we do that again?//
As if he heard her, Kyle lowered his head to hers and kissed her again. He wound his hand through her dark hair and pulled her closer.
Suddenly the porch lights snapped on and they broke apart.
If Sera thought her cheeks were flushed before it wouldn't compare to how hot they felt now.
"I think that's my cue. My mother suffers from OPMS.
"OPMS?
"Over Protective Mother Syndrome."
Kyle laughed, "Be thankful she didn't pull an Amy."
"An Amy?"
"Amy found Michael in Maria's bed one morning...they just slept, but that didn't stop Amy from whacking him with a rolled up newspaper a few times."
"You're kidding!"
"Honest to Buddha!"
"You guys have the best stories! I can't wait to hear some of the others!"
Kyle smiled a bit uneasily, "Well, before your mother finds something to smack me with, how about I get you inside?"
"OK."
They walked to the door holding hands.
"I had a great time."
"Me too. If you still need help putting those butterflies up tomorrow give me a call."
"Thanks, I will. Thanks for dinner and my popcorn."
"Well thank you for the movie. I need to beat you at pool more often."
Sera lightly shoved him. "Asking for a rematch?"
He grinned. "Bring it on."
She returned his smile and kissed him again.
"Goodnight."
"Nite."
Turning the knob she found the door unlocked. She looked at him and shook her head.
"OPMS!"
He laughed and waved again as she closed the door.
She watched until the Mustang pulled out of the drive before she turned around.
She tiptoed past the living room and was ALMOST to the stairs when she heard Nicole's voice.
"Did you have a nice time."
//Crap!//
"Yeah, it was great." She said coming in to the living room. "Dinner was tasty and the movie was good. We ran in to Michael, Maria and Isabel on the way home. They saw The Fast and the Furious and said it was a must see."
"Did you go anywhere else?"
"No mother we avoided the high school."
Nicole chuckled at her daughter.
Just teasing.
"I know. It was nice, he was nice. It was the best date I've had in forever."
Nicole smoothed Sera's hair.
"I'm glad honey."
"Now are you going to continue the twenty questions or can I go upstairs?
"I guess you pass post date inspection...you may go."
Sera kissed her mother's cheek. "Love you."
I love you too. Goodnight."
"Night Mom."
In her room Sera fell against the bed with a dreamy smile on her face. She turned over, reached under her bed and retrieved her journal.
So I'm back from my first date with Kyle, and what can I say. The boy is perfect. He takes my teasing in stride; he's quick with a comeback. He's hot, let's not forget that. What else...Oh yeah---he's about the most amazing kisser in the history of the world
.
Sera paused and looked at what she just wrote. I sound like a 13-year-old discovering her first crush. Oh well. I'm just being honest.
Seriously, it was incredible! I've never been kissed like that. I don't know who taught him, Liz? Nah. Whoever it was deserves a serious present from me! Because WOW!
Sera put her PJ's on and did her nightly bathroom ritual.
Climbing into bed she smiled as she noticed her mother had placed the rose from Kyle on her night table. She picked up the bud vase and inhaled the scent of the rose. She had to remember to treat Maria to a shopping spree for telling Kyle that yellow roses were her favorites.
Closing her eyes and thinking about the evening, Sera drifted off to sleep with a smile locked on her face.
TBC
Sera puttered around the kitchen trying to avoid her mother's questions about her evening. It wasn't working. Nicole seemed very interested in Sera and Kyle's date.
"Come on, what if I need to reach you?"
"Mother I have a cell phone. You know how to reach me."
"Charles and I were thinking of taking in a film tonight...maybe we can go with you."
"Mom!"
"Maybe we'll call Jim and Amy, we can all go, wouldn't that be fun?"
"Why are you needling me?"
"I'm just curious where Kyle is planning on taking my baby girl."
"Fine! My itinerary for this evening is dinner and a movie. Then we're going to stop by this house party where some kids are selling drugs out of the basement. After that we're going to park behind the school, get high and have sex in the back seat of his car. Happy?"
"Sera! I was just teasing."
"Yeah, but from now on you'll think twice about picking on me won't you!"
"You are an evil child."
"I live to torment you." Sera smiled at her mother as she wiped her hands on a towel.
"All right. I get the hint." Nicole promised, pulling two steaks out of the refrigerator. "So is this the first time the two of you have gone out alone?"
"Yeah, it's usually the group, but it's just the two of us tonight. Speaking of which I'd better start getting ready. Did you need anything else other than the spinach dip?"
"No, that's all. I appreciate it."
"Sure. I'm going to take a shower and get ready. Kyle said he'd pick me up at 7:00."
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After her shower Sera was singing along to Look At Me I'm Sandra Dee from her GREASE soundtrack as she dried her hair. So caught up in the lyrics, she didn't notice her mother standing in her door watching her with an amused expression. She turned around to grab her makeup bag and gasped when she saw Nicole.
"Mom! You scared me," Sera cried, turning down her music. "How long have you been standing there?"
"From Summer Nights. You've always loved that movie."
"One of my top tens. What's up?"
"Kyle called, said he was running a bit late. He'd be here by 7:15."
"Oh, OK."
"Is that what you're wearing?" Nicole asked glancing toward closet door where Sera's dress was hanging.
"Yes...why?
"Oh nothing....its nice."
"OK spill what don't you like about it?
"It's just a little strappy that's all."
"Mom, for the past three years I've paraded around on national television in skimpy cheerleading costumes and you never said a word. What's the what?"
Nicole smiled, "I guess I'm being an overprotective parent, I've just never seen you this silly over a boy before."
"If I'm lucky, he'll be the last one I'm silly about for awhile. Now, go fix dinner...I have to finish getting ready."
"I'm going!"
"Hey Mom," Nicole turned. "I love you."
"I love you too sweetie." Nicole said and headed downstairs.
Sera sighed as she began applying her makeup. "Mothers!"
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Seven after seven, Kyle rang the Whitman's doorbell. Sera ran to get it but Charles shooed her away.
"If I recall the lady should wait until the gentleman has been received by the parents and they ask about his intentions."
"Mother! Have you been giving Charles pointers?"
"She forced me to say that. I apologize."
"Its OK. I know she can be quite the menace."
"I can hear you two!" Nicole called from the kitchen
"Good!"
Charles opened the door to reveal Kyle holding a single yellow rose.
"Hey Mr. Whitman. How are you?"
"Fine Kyle, come in please!"
"Thanks. I'm a little early with my lateness. Sera wasn't expecting me till 7:15."
"But I'm ready nonetheless," she said appearing behind Charles.
Kyle's breath caught in his throat the moment he laid eyes on Sera. "Wow. You look great."
"Thank you."
"Uh, this is for you," he said extending the hand holding the rose. "Maria told me yellow stood for friendship, she also said you liked yellow roses.
"I love them, thank you."
"Hello Kyle, " Nicole said as she entered the foyer. "A yellow rose how lovely, those are Sera's favorite."
"Mom, could you put that in water for me?"
"Sure."
"Well, you guys enjoy your dinner, I'll be home late, don't wait up." Sera moved to her mother, handing off her rose and kissing her cheek.
"Bye kids, be careful."
"We will Mr. Whitman"
"Bye."
"Have a good time honey...and Sera?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't go behind the high school tonight, OK?"
Sera's eyes widened. "Mother!"
Sera pulled Kyle out the front door and away from her mother's chuckles.
"What did she mean by that."
"Nothing, it's just my mother's way of trying to be funny."
"So I made reservations at Senor Chow's at 7:30, we'll just make it in time."
"Great. Are we keeping the top down?" Sera asked as she got into the Mustang
"Your call."
Let's keep it down, its so beautiful out.
"I'll second that," Kyle said gazing at her.
Sera unzipped her purse grabbed a thin silk scarf which she quickly wrapped around her head. "All set." she smiled at him.
They hit Senor Chows with three minutes to spare. Kyle parked the car, hopped out and held the door for Sera. She put one hand in his hand and unwrapped the scarf from her head with the other.
"Hey, that was a pretty cool trick. Most girls would have said to leave the top down and then complained because their hair was screwed up."
"It's not really a trick, I shamelessly stole if from the old movies I watched as a kid. In those movies, all the actresses would wear a scarf when they rode in a convertible."
Kyle leaned in close to her. "I still think it's a pretty neat trick."
Once inside, they were escorted to a table and a waiter took their drink order. Sera looked at the pool table in the corner
"Wanna play after dinner," she asked nodding toward the table.
"You're going to play pool in that dress?"
"I could take it off."
Kyle's jaw was still on the table when the waiter returned with their drinks.
They ordered dinner and sipped their drinks, as they people watched.
"Look at that guy...what is that shirt? Are we back in the 80s? Did I miss the memo?"
"Actually I think I own that shirt," Kyle replied grimacing.
"Very scary!"
"Don't look now but there is a girl behind you with orange hair."
"No way."
"I think she was trying to go red and it backfired horribly."
"OK, I have to see this, which direction is she."
Directly behind you, just turn around. Wait! Slowly."
Sera turned, took a quick peek at the offending color, and spun back to Kyle.
"OK, that is the most hideous thing I've ever seen."
"I wish Iz was here to see that. Ms. Fashion Police would walk right up to that woman and demand that she never to attempt self-coloring again."
"You and Isabel are really close huh?"
"Yeah, We just sort of gravitated toward one another after Alex...you know."
"I think it's nice that you guys are all such a tight group."
"We weren't always so friendly. In fact, for a long time there was no love lost between me and Max, or Michael for that matter."
"Because of Liz?"
"Uh, well yeah--Maria told you about me and Liz?"
"Today. I was surprised. I just don't see the two of you together."
"Yeah, I was surprised by it too, but I was tired of dating the cheerleading bimbos...uh, can we pretend I didn't just say that."
Well, nice to know what you think of cheerleaders."
"Sera...
"I'm kidding Kyle. I'm well aware of the stereotype associated with being a cheerleader. I also know that a lot of times it's a well-founded assumption."
"I didn't mean you."
"I know, I'm just having fun watching you squirm."
Their dinners arrived and continued their conversation between bites.
"So besides Liz, who else in the group have you dated?"
"Just Liz."
"Not Isabel?"
"Iz and I are strictly friends."
Sera scrutinized him "No attraction whatsoever?"
"Well, I didn't say that. I mean she is drop dead gorgeous, but we've just never felt that way about each other."
"Good."
"Good?"
"Good, at least I don't have to worry about that."
"You were worried about me and Iz?"
"I just like to have all my cards laid out on the table." She took a bite of her Acapulco Chicken and winked at him.
"So, what about you?" Kyle asked
"You're the only person in the group I've gone out on a date with." Sera joked.
"Come on, be serious."
"There's really not much to tell. I had a steady, but not serious boyfriend last year; we broke up just before I moved here. There was never even a question of making it long distance. Our relationship was always more about high school politics than actual emotion."
"Ouch, bitter much?"
"Not bitter, just cynical."
"It's a fine line!"
Sera shook her head in agreement. "So what were Michael and Maria's big plans, she said they were doing something with Isabel but she didn't give many details."
"That would be the big double date."
"The what?"
"Iz is going on a date tonight and she didn't want to go alone so she asked, well asked isn't really the right word, she told Michael and Maria that they were joining her."
"Is this her first date since..."
"Yeah, she's been fighting guys off for awhile, but she finally said yes to this one. She met him at school. He's in one of the workshops she's taking."
"Must be hard for her. When I lost my dad it was like someone had ripped me in two. I didn't want to believe it. I felt like it was all just a bad dream and I was going to wake up at any minute. Wow, Sera, way to bring conversation to a screeching halt. We can talk about something else."
"No, I mean, its fine. We can talk about Alex."
"I met him once. Did you know that?" Kyle shook his head. "Mom and Charles had been dating for about a month when they decided that since Alex and I were about the same age we should meet. So they came to San Diego and stayed for the weekend. Alex and I hit it off instantly. We liked a lot of the same things, books, music, etc. He was really easy to talk to and I loved hearing his about his trip to Sweden."
Kyle closed his eyes.
"Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I just, uh I remember his Sweden stories too. I think he really liked it there." He trailed off and Sera decided to change the subject.
"Are you almost done? I'm ready to kick your butt at pool."
"You really think that's going to happen?"
"Movie and popcorn on me if you win."
"And if, by some miracle you happen to win?"
"Same deal...AND I get to drive your car."
"No way!"
"Nervous?"
"No! I just don't let other people drive my car."
"Now that's something I don't understand. What is it about a guy and his car?"
"Its just, its, It's a guy thing."
"That's an answer?"
"It's a firm NO to the car."
"Fine! Chicken."
"Oh it's on now girl."
They walked to the pool table and Kyle racked up. They decided a best two out of three would determine the winner.
Sera won the first game with a trick shot that Kyle complained about.
"Geez Valenti are you this big a whiner on the football field?"
Kyle won the next game and sneered at Sera.
"Premature gloating will burn you every time Davidson."
Sera stuck her tongue out at him.
The last game was the closest. Sera took the lead in the beginning but Kyle gained on her quickly. He sank his last shot with very little effort, and even called "Eight ball in the side pocket" before successfully making that one too.
He did a victory dance around the table before sidling up to Sera.
"I believe you owe me popcorn and a movie."
"You only won because I was wearing this dress. I'd have kicked your ass if I were wearing pants. I knew I should have taken it off."
"Any time you want to play strip pool its more than OK with me...just promise to tell me when and where I can view such an event."
"All in due time Kyle," she leaned into him grinning as he heard his breath catch. "All in due time. Just as he began to duck his head toward her she pulled back. "I guess its time to make good on my bet...come on, Angelina Jolie awaits."
Standing in line for the movie Kyle tried to reason with Sera.
"I invited you, I'm not making you pay for our date."
"No, you won fair and square...well you won. I don't intend on listening to you complain about me not paying my debts."
She stepped to the window. "Two please."
"On me." Kyle tried to get his money to the cashier first.
"I believe I was here before you. Now behave." she took the tickets and her change from the cashier. She handed one ticket to Kyle and kept the other. As he opened the door to let her in the theater she leaned close to him and whispered in his ear. "You can work it off later."
His eyes popped at her suggestion and he looked at her in awe. "You're going to be an interesting addition to Roswell, have I mentioned that?"
Inside Kyle insisted on paying or the popcorn and refused to take money from Sera. He handed her the popcorn and they walked to the drink station to fill their glasses. Kyle filled hers with ice and started to push the button for root beer when he turned to her.
"Root Beer right?"
"Yeah."
Kyle carried their drinks, put the popcorn in the crook of his arm and they walked to theater two. He looked at the ticket taker like she was crazy when she asked him for his ticket.
"Where did you put it?" Sera asked
"In my pocket."
He started to hand her some of the concessions, but she waved him off. Reaching into his pants pocket she located the ticket.
Sera grinned as he sucked in his breath. Kyle had realized what she was about to do about a split second before she did it. He of course made no move to stop her, but he still couldn't believe that she actually did it.
Sera handed the ticket taker both tickets then pulled on Kyle's shirt and led him into the theater.
They sat down and Sera took her drink and the popcorn from Kyle.
"What?"
"Plan on reaching into my pants at other times this evening?"
"Play your cards right!"
Kyle choked on his root beer.
"We don't have to sit thorough the movie if you don't want to." he was leering at her.
"Mr. Valenti. I'll kindly remind you that this is our first date! I have no intention of parking behind the high school and going at it in the back seat of your car." she cried in mock indignation.
"Is that what your mother meant by `don't go behind the school'?"
"She kept needling me about our plans this evening, so I told her that to shut her up."
"Did it work?"
"Kind of."
The theater darkened and the trailers rolled across the screen.
"So, just to be clear, that's a no to going to the school."
Sera shot him a dirty look in the dark, but she couldn't help the smile that played on the corners of her mouth.
"Are you asking me to defy my mother?"
Kyle leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on her lips.
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He sat back in his chair stealing a glance at Sera and happy to see that for once that evening SHE was the one who was closing her eyes and exhaling sharply.
Tomb Raider began and at the first sight of Lara Croft, Kyle whistled. Sera raised her eyebrows at him and he grinned.
"What? She's hot"
Lara's butler appeared on screen and Sera sat up excitedly.
"RIMMER!" She exclaimed.
"Who?"
"Rimmer, from Red Dwarf."
"What the hell is Red Dwarf?"
"It's a BBC sci-fi show. It's hilarious! I have a few eps on tape, you should watch it with me some time."
"The BBC huh? Sounds fascinating."
"Hey, British comedy is awesome. Are you seriously telling me that you don't like Monty Python?"
"I loved A Fish Called Wanda does that count?"
"It's a start."
They offered up various comments as the movie progressed. Sera loved the way Lara took care of anyone who got in her way. Kyle just loved watching Angelina.
Outside the theater they ran into Maria, Michael, Isabel and Iz's date Andrew.
"Hey guys!"
"Hi Sera. How are you."
"Fine Isabel, good to see you."
"Kyle Valenti, Sera Davidson. This is Andrew Whipley."
He extended his hand to Kyle.
"My friends call me Whip."
He then shook Sera's hand, providing Kyle the opportunity to roll his eyes at Iz.
"Pleasure to meet you."
Sera smiled at him then turned her gaze to Maria and Michael.
"What did you guys see?"
"The Fast and the Furious baby." Maria exclaimed.
"Did you like it?"
Maria put her hand on Sera's arm. "Honey, it's a movie I highly recommend. Vin Diesel has a body that DOES NOT quit!"
"Sounds good to me."
"Hello," Kyle complained. "We are standing right here!"
"And?" All three girls asked.
"I knew it was trouble for them to get together." he told Michael conspiratorially.
"How was Tomb Raider?" Iz asked.
"She was hot."
"The movie was good too." Sera said, giving an actual answer to Iz's question.
"What you guys can talk about Vin Diesel, like that's his real name, but I'm not allowed to talk about Angelina Jolie. Double Standard."
"Actually it's reserved just for you, so it's really called the Valenti standard." Iz joked.
"And we will see you later!" Kyle said, taking Sera by the arm and pretending to leave.
"Oh, is Kyle upset because we picked on him?" Maria assured him.
"Really, we wouldn't do it if we didn't love you." Iz reasoned.
"Yes we would!" Sera and Michael answered together.
"Geez, if this is the way you guys treat your friends I'd hate to see how you treat your enemies!"
A quick look passed between the group at Whips' comment.
"Oh, we're much more subtle with someone we don't like." Sera deadpanned.
"Unless it's someone we REALLY dislike. Pam Troy!"
The latter was coughed rather than spoken (Think Iceman in Top Gun "Bullshit!")
"Well gang. We'd better get going. If I bring Sera home too late the Whitman's probably won't let me take her out again."
Maria, Iz and Sera looked at each other and grinned.
"It was nice to meet you Andr...uh Whip." Kyle shook his hand again, then turned to hug Isabel. "I don't like him" he whispered in her ear.
"Ow!" he rubbed the back of his head where she smacked him.
"We'll talk about it tomorrow." Iz said her eyes flashing.
"You were so right about this dress." Sera told Maria as she hugged her.
"Of course I was. I think I know by now what makes Buddha Boy tick."
"Buddha Boy?"
"Sorry old nickname. He doesn't really go by that anymore."
"I'll keep it on file though." Sera smiled and reached for Iz.
"Any sparkage?" Sera asked as they turned from the group.
"Maybe. I don't know. What about you two?"
"So far so good. I'm hoping for great by the end of the night."
Iz laughed. "Please promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"Never tell me."
Sera rolled her eyes and playfully smacked Iz's arm.
"Whip, it was nice to meet you. Michael always a pleasure. See ya guys."
Bye Sera, I'll call you tomorrow, Kyle I'll see you at home." They waved one last time then left hand in hand, in search of the Mustang.
Watching them walk away Maria threw her arms around Michael's neck and began to sing.
"Matchmaker, Matchmaker make me a match,
Find me a find catch me a catch." Iz joined in
Michael looked at Whip. "Chicks are weird!"
******************************************************************************
Kyle and Sera sat in the Whitman's drive looking at the stars.
"So when you said that you were worried that the rents would never let you take me out again, I guess that means you're planing on us having a second date?"
"If you're agreeable."
Sera tilted her face to his and smiled. "I think that can be arranged."
Closing his eyes he kissed her, softly at first then a bit more playful. He captured her bottom lip between his teeth and gave it a tug.
They broke apart and Kyle gazed at her.
//How is it possible that she looks more beautiful?//
Sera couldn't be sure if her flushed cheeks were a result of Kyle staring at her like that or the fact that she had just had the most amazing kiss of her entire life.
//Wow, when can we do that again?//
As if he heard her, Kyle lowered his head to hers and kissed her again. He wound his hand through her dark hair and pulled her closer.
Suddenly the porch lights snapped on and they broke apart.
If Sera thought her cheeks were flushed before it wouldn't compare to how hot they felt now.
"I think that's my cue. My mother suffers from OPMS.
"OPMS?
"Over Protective Mother Syndrome."
Kyle laughed, "Be thankful she didn't pull an Amy."
"An Amy?"
"Amy found Michael in Maria's bed one morning...they just slept, but that didn't stop Amy from whacking him with a rolled up newspaper a few times."
"You're kidding!"
"Honest to Buddha!"
"You guys have the best stories! I can't wait to hear some of the others!"
Kyle smiled a bit uneasily, "Well, before your mother finds something to smack me with, how about I get you inside?"
"OK."
They walked to the door holding hands.
"I had a great time."
"Me too. If you still need help putting those butterflies up tomorrow give me a call."
"Thanks, I will. Thanks for dinner and my popcorn."
"Well thank you for the movie. I need to beat you at pool more often."
Sera lightly shoved him. "Asking for a rematch?"
He grinned. "Bring it on."
She returned his smile and kissed him again.
"Goodnight."
"Nite."
Turning the knob she found the door unlocked. She looked at him and shook her head.
"OPMS!"
He laughed and waved again as she closed the door.
She watched until the Mustang pulled out of the drive before she turned around.
She tiptoed past the living room and was ALMOST to the stairs when she heard Nicole's voice.
"Did you have a nice time."
//Crap!//
"Yeah, it was great." She said coming in to the living room. "Dinner was tasty and the movie was good. We ran in to Michael, Maria and Isabel on the way home. They saw The Fast and the Furious and said it was a must see."
"Did you go anywhere else?"
"No mother we avoided the high school."
Nicole chuckled at her daughter.
Just teasing.
"I know. It was nice, he was nice. It was the best date I've had in forever."
Nicole smoothed Sera's hair.
"I'm glad honey."
"Now are you going to continue the twenty questions or can I go upstairs?
"I guess you pass post date inspection...you may go."
Sera kissed her mother's cheek. "Love you."
I love you too. Goodnight."
"Night Mom."
In her room Sera fell against the bed with a dreamy smile on her face. She turned over, reached under her bed and retrieved her journal.
So I'm back from my first date with Kyle, and what can I say. The boy is perfect. He takes my teasing in stride; he's quick with a comeback. He's hot, let's not forget that. What else...Oh yeah---he's about the most amazing kisser in the history of the world
.
Sera paused and looked at what she just wrote. I sound like a 13-year-old discovering her first crush. Oh well. I'm just being honest.
Seriously, it was incredible! I've never been kissed like that. I don't know who taught him, Liz? Nah. Whoever it was deserves a serious present from me! Because WOW!
Sera put her PJ's on and did her nightly bathroom ritual.
Climbing into bed she smiled as she noticed her mother had placed the rose from Kyle on her night table. She picked up the bud vase and inhaled the scent of the rose. She had to remember to treat Maria to a shopping spree for telling Kyle that yellow roses were her favorites.
Closing her eyes and thinking about the evening, Sera drifted off to sleep with a smile locked on her face.
TBC
