Joe-
I took a deep breath before knocking. Pink roses in one hand. Her dad opened the door, smile on his face. He gestured for me to come in. Her brothers standing in the living room.
"So Joe, just to set a couple of rules", her dad said.
"No sex", both her brothers said fast.
Her dad shook his head at them. I gave a small nervous laugh.
"Yes that, but also just, I know she told you already, if she's feeling sick please bring her home and just keep her safe. No drinking and driving", he said.
I nodded.
"Watch your hands and mouth. I was a teenager once, I know what you're thinking", he said, patting my back.
"Sir, I can assure you I'm going to be a perfect gentleman or my mom would tell my dad and brother to kill me", I said.
He nodded and came closer to me.
"Remember twelve, the latest", he whispered.
"Yes sir", I said.
Her mom came over to me, she didn't look too happy. Chris came out. She was in a black dress, her hair in a ponytail.
"Wow", I said.
"Watch those eyes Anoa'i", I heard Isaac say.
Her sister Cora was smiling from ear to ear. I went up to Chris and gave her the roses. She took them and smiled.
"Thank you, these are beautiful", she said.
"Ready?", I asked.
She nodded. Her mom took the flowers.
"Isn't it a little too early for the party?", her mom asked.
"I wanted to take her out to eat first", I said.
Her mom nodded.
"I'll keep her safe Mrs. Mathews, I promise", I said.
She nodded.
"Have fun", her dad said.
"Not too much", Jesse said from behind him.
"We know where you live Anoa'i", Isaac said.
"Guys", Chris mumbled.
"Its ok", I said.
We walked out and got into my car. Driving to a nice looking restaurant. They sat us in a booth and she looked around.
"This place is nice", she said.
"You look really pretty baby girl", I said softly.
Her eyes landed on me. She blushed.
"Thank you", she said.
"I was thinking we could eat, walk a little down the beach, and then hit the party", I said.
"Sounds good", she said.
"Is this your first date?", I asked.
"Well, yes", she said nervous.
I licked my lips and smiled.
"Did I do something wrong or are you just asking?", she asked.
"Nothing wrong, its nice to know I'm your first boyfriend", I said.
"Oh, now your my boyfriend", she said with a smirk.
"I would think so, unless you don't like me", I said winking at her.
"I haven't figured it out yet", she said.
I laughed.
"Let me know when you do", I said.
They brought us our food. She let me steal some off of her plate.
Getting outside, I took her hand in mine as we walked along the beach. She took her shoes off and dipped them in the cold water. I did the same.
"Its freezing", I said.
She laughed as I jumped away from the water.
"That's not funny", I said.
"Yes it is", she said, her hands on her stomach from laughing so hard.
"Really", I said.
I ran towards her and picked her up, swinging her around as she laughed. I put her down and kissed her. She pushed me lightly away.
"Ready to go?", I asked.
"Not really, its nice here at night", she said.
"We can come back tomorrow if you want", I said.
"You don't have practice tomorrow?", she asked.
"In the morning", I said, kissing her shoulder.
"Your not sick of me yet?", she asked playfully.
"I can never get sick of you baby girl", I whispered in her ear.
She turned around and wrapped her arms around my neck. Standing on her tippy toes to reach my lips. I smiled into it.
"You're so short", I said.
She laughed.
"You're just too tall, you giant", she said.
I chuckled. We walked to the car and drove to the party. Getting inside it was pretty packed. I felt her hands grip my arm and her body pressed to my side. I looked back at her, I moved her in front of me and pressed her back into my chest. My hands on her hips.
"Its ok. I won't leave your side baby I promise", I said.
"Who are these people?", she asked.
"Mostly football players from other schools, don't worry. They know you're with me, no one will touch you", I said.
"I'll try", she mumbled.
Moving more into the house, I saw Lucy. I licked my lips, leading Chris into the kitchen. Lucy saw me and winked. I rolled my eyes.
"You made it. Finally man", Danny said.
"Wouldn't miss it", I said.
Sadie came over to Chris. Taking her hands and pulling her to the table where the girls were. I reached out and took her hand back.
"I'll take care of her Joe, chill", Sadie said.
I looked at Chris.
"Its ok. Go with your boys", she said.
I kissed her cheek.
"If you need me, tell Sadie. Don't go looking for me ok. Some of these guys can get a little, lets say wild after drinking", I said.
She nodded.
"Promise me, you'll stay with Sadie if you do decide to move somewhere else", I said.
"Promise Joe", she said.
I kissed her lips softly. Sadie looped her arm with Chris's and took her away. Danny patted my back.
"Awe boys, our Joey's in love", he said.
They all laughed and made kissy faces. I laughed and shook my head.
"Shut up", I said.
We moved to the backyard, making sure I could see Chris from where I was. I took water from Danny.
"Damn dude not even drinking tonight. She's got you wrapped around her finger", Charlie said.
He played on the team we were playing against Saturday.
"I told her parents I wouldn't", I said.
"Since when do you meet the folks?", Danny asked.
"Since, shut up", I said.
They laughed. Charlie pushed me.
"I'm gonna go get another one", he said.
We nodded. Danny waited till he was far enough away.
"So whats up? Is she pregnant or something? Did you knock her up?", Danny asked worried.
I laughed.
"Calm down, no she's not pregnant", I said.
"Then?", he asked.
"I want to add first that I started liking her before I knew, alright", I said.
"Yeah yeah so spill", he said.
"I'm telling you this because you're my best friend and I trust you'll keep this to yourself and maybe Sadie", I said.
"Alright just tell me man", he said, getting impatient.
"That day she left early from class, she found out her cancer was back", I said, keeping my voice low.
"Oh man", he said, looking down.
"Don't tell anyone. I'm trusting you here Danny", I said.
"When have I told any of your secrets", he said.
I nodded.