Where the Streets Have No Name
Chapter 93
College life didn't necessarily cause a big change in Bella and Paul's relationship. The ever patient Paul continued to be her gentle, doting protector. Although she had begun to pick up subtle hints in his small, everyday gestures that he was slowly but surely hoping for things to change between them in favor of something more intimate.
She could read the signs. A kiss lingering just a few seconds longer than what could be deemed strictly "friendly", a hug lasting a few counts past two Mississippis.
And who could blame him?
He was nineteen.
She would be too soon.
What was the big hold up after all?
She very well could be the only girl to have left high school with her V-card intact. It just wasn't natural to hold on to it indefinitely. It wasn't as though she was saving herself for someone special.
There was no one special.
Nor was it the case that she wasn't curious. At this stage in the game, she knew it was inevitable that it would be Paul that she would experience it with. Almost all of her new friends on campus considered them a couple anyway.
Yet she was thoroughly surprised when Paul shyly presented her with the tickets and reservation for a romantic weekend at the Niagara's, complete with the honeymoon suite at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel.
The insinuation was clear. He expected them to finally cross the line and seal the deal as a couple.
"Uh... oh shit, Paul. That's really sweet, but I'm... I'm flying out to visit Mom that weekend. Wish you'd told me sooner." Bella heard the lie spill out of her lips even before she had the time to think things through.
"What? When did you plan this?" Paul asked, disappointment apparent in his voice.
"Just last night. Mom bought me the ticket. I was gonna tell you of course, but...
"I'm sorry, Paul, but I wish you'd told me before making plans." Bella cemented her lie surprisingly well, though the panic rising inside her was making it difficult to keep her voice from trembling.
"Can't you go another weekend? We're going home for Thanksgiving anyway..." Paul asked hopefully.
"Sorry, non-refundable tickets. You know those online deals.
"Besides, Mom's been on her own since Dad... since the funeral. I'd like to see her too."
Paul nodded understandingly. "Of course. We can always go to the Niagara's another time."
"I'm really sorry, Paul," Bella apologized. She didn't have to try to imbue her words with forced sincerity.
She truly was sorry. Perhaps not for the reason she led Paul to believe.
Thank you Lulabelle98, HeidiJoVT, and Dinx.