Chapter 16

*February 7, Thursday 8:38 P.M*

*Jack to Davey*

Jack: hey! are we still on for tomrrow?

Davey: Of course!

Jack: great! I cant wait!

Davey: Me neither :) Are you gonna tell me where we're going yet?

Jack: aw come on you know its a surprise

Davey: Worth a shot…

Jack: just know that I'm really excited!

Davey: Me too :)

Davey tried to turn back to his homework but was finding it difficult for once. How could he be expected to concentrate in a time like this? Jack and Davey were going on their first date after school tomorrow, and Jack insisted on it being a surprise.

Even though Davey repeatedly asked him, Jack insisted on being the one to plan it. After they talked a bit more, they realized they had had feelings for each other for a long time. Davey was beyond excited that they were finally going on a date, but he couldn't help but think about how they only had a few months left.

That was a long way away. Davey decided to focus on tomorrow.

On the ride to school Friday morning, Race and Crutchie wouldn't stop pestering Jack with questions about his and Davey's first date. Jack explained some of it, but right before they promised not to tell anyone.

"Aw Jack, that sounds so sweet." Crutchie said.

"If Davey doesn't think it's too sappy, he'll love it." Race joked.

If Race wasn't driving, Crutchie would have hit his shoulder, "Nothing is too sappy for Davey. Do you remember what he got you for your birthday?"

Jack couldn't help but smile, "Of course I do, I still have the note that came with it."

"Wow, you two are perfect for each other." Crutchie said.

What Race and Crutchie didn't know was that Jack decided to return that favor. At the bottom of his bag an envelope that had 'Davey' written on it.

As always, Jack, Race and Crutchie were the first to arrive at school. The next person who came in was Katherine, even more lively than usual.

"Today's the day isn't it?" She asked.

Jack smiled, "It is,"

"Are you nervous?"

"Of course I am, it's our first date! I don't want to mess it up."

Katherine sat down next to him, "Jack, I hear you, but you're overthinking it. It's Davey! You have no reason to be nervous."

"That's what I've been saying!" Race chimed in, "And if me and Kath agree on something, you should probably listen." Jack laughed, grateful to have such amazing friends. Which wasn't new. He probably had that thought at least three times a day.

By now, the whole group knew what would occur after school, and they had all been rooting for it. But they didn't dare say anything with both of them there in case it backfired.

When Jack got to his locker after the last bell, Davey was already waiting for him. Both of them broke into a huge smile when they saw each other. Their moment was finally here.

"Hey you," Jack said, "You ready?"

"Are you sure I'm not still dreaming?" Davey joked.

"You're not, promise,"

They grabbed their bags and headed for the main entrance. As they left, they passed Spot and Race holding hands. They knew where Jack and Davey were going, but they just smiled and said an enthusiastic, "Hello!" This gave Jack another idea.

He held out his hand to Davey, "I think we've waited long enough, don't you?"

Davey couldn't help it, he smiled. An actual, real, smile, with his teeth showing and everything. Not those half-ones that people give when they're laughing at one of your jokes that wasn't actually funny. So, Davey took Jack's hand. Jack felt butterflies in his stomach when he felt the warmth from Davey's hand and from seeing him blush.

It earned a lot of stares as they continued to walk, but they didn't care.

"Okay, are you going to tell me where we're going yet?" Davey asked once they got to the car.

Jack put his keys in the ignition, "Wouldn't that ruin the fun?"

"Alright, keep your secrets then."

"It'll all be worth it." Jack said while handing Davey the aux cord. Davey picked what they listened to on their way to see the Greatest Showman, and the ride was almost exactly the same. Davey hasn't felt this relaxed in months, at least. Between wrapping up his senior year, college applications, and the musical, it was hard to find a moment of peace. But this was it. It was easy to see that Jack was feeling a similar way.

The ride was a lot longer than Davey expected. Davey thought he could make a guess based on where they were driving, but he had no idea. He had to admit, not knowing made it a little more exciting. Jack finally pulled into a winter sports complex.

"Jack, what are we doing here?" Davey said as Jack turned off the car.

Jack hopped out and eagerly opened his trunk. As Davey walked around, Jack was smiling from ear to ear, and offering Davey a pair of ice skates.

"I had to be a little cliche." Jack said.

Davey slowly took the skates, "Jack, I've never been ice skating before."

"That's okay! I have, I'll hold your hand the whole time."

They walked inside, put on their skates, and immediately headed for the rink. Davey was mostly keeping up with Jack. As soon as they stepped onto the rink, Davey stumbled and grabbed onto the wall for support.

"Jack, I can't do this."

"Sure, you can! Just take my hand," Davey did, and cautiously moved away from the wall, "Good! You can already balance yourself. Now watch how I move forward, by pushing to the side, and not straight back."

Davey watched Jack, then tried to copy him. Very slowly, but Jack seemed impressed.

"Yeah, that's it!" Jack cheered, "It'll come easier with practice."

Davey had to admit, Jack was right. The longer he was on the ice, the better he felt, and the faster they started to go. But he didn't want to let go of Jack's hand quite yet. They were still moving slowly, and together, but they picked up a little speed whenever a good song came on.

Once their legs were tired, Jack and Davey decided to call it, and end their time skating.

"I'm surprised, I didn't expect to like ice skating." Davey said.

"I knew you would! Now, I don't have to keep this as much of a secret, but I wanted to take you to dinner."

Davey nodded, excited that their date hadn't ended yet.

Their ice skates were off, and once again, Jack offered his hand to Davey, who took it without hesitation.

The ride to the diner was shorter than to the ice rink, but it was enjoyable all the same. Davey couldn't stop talking about ice skating, and how he would definitely go again. Jack took all the credit for getting Davey outside of his comfort zone.

When they arrived at the diner, Davey was surprised to see Jack had thought far enough ahead to make reservations for them. It wasn't really needed since it wasn't crowded, but it was a nice gesture all the same.

Once they had finished eating, they stuck around for a bit longer. Jack thought, 'Well, it's now or never'.

He reached into his bag, "Hey, I have something for you. It's not much, but I hope you like it. You can read it now if you want," Davey blushed as he took the paper from Jack.

Dear Davey,

I still can't believe this is happening. We went on a date! And many more will come in the future, I have some great ideas! You've written two beautiful letters for me, so I thought it was time for me to return the favor. This will not be as well-written as yours, but I'm going to try my best.

We've been friends for almost four years now, and my life hasn't been the same since. In a good way! You're quiet, but you have a strong presence and can grab anyone's attention. You definitely help balance me out.

As you know, most of high school was pretty rough for me. Well, home was pretty rough, school and being with the group was actually my saving grace. But you and Crutchie knew something was up, and you got me out of there. I also never knew what I wanted to do. I never planned on going to college, but you saw how passionate I was about art, and you helped me figure out a way to make it a career, and go to school for it.

So just, thank you, for everything you've done for me, and everything I know you'll continue to do.

Love,

Jack Kelly

Davey put the note down, "Wow," For once, he was at a loss for words.

"You like it?"

"I love it. And that was well-written!"

Jack smiled, "Well, I'm just glad you liked it. Do you think we should head out?"

Davey shook his head, "I wish I could just freeze time. Live in this little bubble with you. At least for a little while longer."

*Friday, 8:00 P.M*

*Seize the Day*

Albert: Soooooo

Elmer: howd it go?

Specs: tell us everything!

Race: yes i would like to know because JACKS NOT EVEN HOME YET

Davey: We're still driving around, but I had a lot of fun!

Davey: Jack says he had fun too

Albert: Ahhh sorry for interrupting!

Elmer: carry on! be safe!