Chapter 3

The next morning, Peter woke up feeling very content. As he turned around, he found nobody beside him in bed. The only clothes on the floor were his own. If it weren't for the uncovered space beside him, he would have wondered if the events of the night before were just a dream. Peter wasn't sure what would happen with Carol from here on out.

After grabbing breakfast in the kitchen, he ran into Carol in the hallway.

"Hi", said Peter.

"Hi", said Carol. "Can I talk to you?"

"Yeah", said Peter nervously.

They went outside and sat on the bench where they talked the previous day. Neither spoke for awhile.

"So", said Carol.

"So", said Peter.

"I'm sorry for leaving. I wanted to make sure nobody caught me sneaking out of your room."

Peter bucked up courage. "Carol, I meant what I said about the fact that I like you. I have for awhile."

"I like you too. I'm just not sure if we can make anything work."

"I don't think we can truly know unless we, at least, give it a try. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make a relationship with you work."

Carol started to laugh lightly.

"Did I say something wrong", asked Peter.

"No", said Carol. "Is it possible to believe that despite all I've been though that starting a relationship with a teenager might be the craziest moment of my life?"

"So, does that mean we're really doing this", asked Peter. Carol nodded. "Was last night okay?"

Carol laughed again. "Yes, Peter. Last night was good. Really good. In fact, you surprised me. You made me feel really special. I haven't felt that way in a long time."

"You are special", said Peter.

Carol looked around. "Come here", she whispered. As their lips met for a kiss, Peter's phone buzzed.

"I'm so sorry", he said. "It's just my friend, Ned. He's jealous that my weekend plans were better than his."

"This relationship is off to a great start", teased Carol. "If it's okay with you, I would like to keep this on the down low. I don't know how the rest of the team will respond, and it could give us a chance to figure everything out and see where it goes. Is that alright with you, Peter?"

"Absolutely", said Peter.

"Great", said Carol happily. "I have a pretty busy day today. But, if you come to my room tonight, we will celebrate this new step." She gave him a mischievous wink.

As Carol walked away, Peter felt the happiest he'd been in awhile