*October 5th, 1989
It turns out the same day I have a date planned is the same day I feel very unwell.
I felt drowsy and my chest was throbbing in pain making me more weak than usual, so I stayed home to rest since the weekend was tomorrow. I wanted to call Ernest to cancel but I felt too weak to even do that so I just guiltily laid in bed.
After some time passed I eventually dozed off.
~
*tap tap*
My eyelids fluttered open as I grumpily sat up and looked to see where the noise was coming from.
*tap tap*
I turned to see a little pebble just hit my window. I slid out of bed confused as I walked over to window to see who was throwing it.
It was Ernest.
I quietly unfastened my window and raised it up before he could hit it again.
"Shhh! Ernest? What are you doing here?"
I turned to look at my bedside clock to see it was 10:30pm before looking back down at him.
"You didn't call me even though we had a date planned today. I tried asking your dad earlier if you were okay but he just told me you were sick and needed rest. Are you okay?"
"Shhh! Do you want my dad to hear you? Hold on I'll come to you!"
"No no wait! I'll climb up!"
"What?"
I said in surprise as I pulled my leg back inside as Ernest started climbing the vines up to my window. My dad really liked plants and he had lot all over the house.
In about 10 seconds he had reached my window and I helped him climb up into my room before closing the window behind him.
"Umm hi."
"Hi."
"Umm let's sit on the bed."
I said shyly yet slightly ashamed as we sat down next to each other. I hope dad doesn't find out Ernest snuck up into my room.
"Wow you're good at climbing. Last time I tried to go down the vines I nearly fell off twice."
"Uh huh."
Yeah I need to work on my conversation skills. Read the room Via.
"I'm sorry for not calling you that I couldn't make it to the date. I should have told you. I know you're probably upset."
"Yeah but that's not what I'm upset about."
"What are you upset about then?"
"The fact that you didn't tell me you weren't feeling well. I should have known better after you didn't go to school today. If you just told me I would have understood and I wouldn't have worried if you were okay or not. I thought you were in the hospital not sick in bed."
"I'm sorry again. I promise to just let you know next time."
"That's not good enough. I need to know if you trust me."
"What? Of course I do."
"Then why didn't you just call me?"
"I was too tired to. I know that may seem like a poor excuse but I can't be on beck and call when I feel too weak to do anything."
"So can I rely on you to call me next time?"
"Yes I swear. As seriously as my heart condition."
Ernest looked right at me with a serious look in eyes and I looked right at him trying to be as serious as possible. When I thought he was still mad at me he sighed in relief.
"That's all I needed to hear. I didn't mean to grill you like that I was just worried about you."
"Well I'm okay I just need rest. But thank you for worrying about me. It means a lot."
"Of course you mean a lot to me."
"How much?"
"So much that I'm always thinking about you. Even when I'm trying to sleep but I can't."
"Ernest."
He smiled as I gently held his hand and he held mine back.
"Did I mention your pj's look adorable? Are those sheep?"
I flushed as I nearly forgot I was wearing my pajamas.
"Yeah...My dad picks them out for me even though he knows I don't like them that much."
"Well I think you look cute in them. No need to be so baaashful."
"A sheep pun? Really?"
"Either that or you count them."
"Ha ha ha. Ugh I hate you Ernest."
"That is such a lie."
I laughed because he was right and I just wanted to cuddle into him. He was on the same page as me because he wrapped his arm around me.
We sat there just talking about any random things and the possibility of having our date another time. We agreed on Sunday and we both looked happy.
Eventually he had to leave because it was late and I didn't want him to get in trouble with my dad. As he crawled out through the window I felt sad about him leaving so I did something to tell him how much I'm looking forward to Sunday.
"Hey Ernest?"
"Yeah?"
Without any hesitation I put my hands on his face and kissed him. I felt all jittery and happy on the inside.
Is this how Juliet felt with Romeo on her balcony? Because it felt amazing.
When I pulled away he muttered a wow and almost fell down if he hadn't held onto my hand.
"Whoah, careful Ernest."
"Thanks Octavia. And thank you for that."
"Oh, just get out of here before I start regretting it."
"Hehehe alright fine I'm going."
He gave me a long look as he slowly let go of my hand and made his way down the vines. He reached the floor quickly and only paused to blow me a kiss.
Which I responded by holding a hand over my heart.
I watched him disappear over to his car and drive away into the night.
Even after he left my heart couldn't stop beating from happiness. I just kissed Ernest.
Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!
I planted my face into my pillow yelling and giggling into it well into the night.
