Chapter Two
I didn't much pay attention to the clothes my mom was picking out for me. Jaden was taking over my mind. His sapphire eyes were all I could see in my head, and his velvety voice was all I could hear. I think my mom was talking about school or the weather or something, but I couldn't hear her. I just answered with "Yeah" and "Mhmm" at the appropriate times.
After being single for a few years, I couldn't comprehend why someone as perfect as Jaden had an interest in me. Perhaps it wasn't going to last; he'd realize I'm nothing special and move on. I was prepared for this, as it's happened before. But, maybe this could be different? Maybe I've grown up since 9th grade, and maybe I do have something to offer. I guess I was just going to have to wait and find out.
I really didn't realize it, but when I paid attention to what was actually happening around me, I was in the car again, and there were a few bags full of clothes in the back seat. We were done? Hmm...That was the least painful shopping trip I've ever gone through. It helped that I had someone to keep my mind occupied. Every time I thought of him calling me tonight my heart would skip a beat. I was excited, but incredibly nervous at the same time. He seemed to be the epitome of perfection, and that was almost intimidating. I looked forward to it nonetheless.
After I got home, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. I decided it was probably a good idea to actually look at the clothes my mother bought for me. I was struck with a bit of guilt as I realized the mother/daughter outing turned out to be more like “mother bought clothes for daughter as daughter was day dreaming about ‘Mr. Right’.” I sighed heavily as I realized that thinking of Jaden actually made the pain of shopping easier. As I continued to think, I turned my gaze to my window, and watched as the rain picked up again. It wasn’t quite as hard as earlier, but it was still rain, and the combination of rain and Jaden made me smile to myself.
I tried to pass the hours by as busily as possible, but just ended up on my computer listening to music and chatting with friends online. I wasn’t quite sure when Jaden would be calling. Just as the thought of him passed through my mind, my cell phone vibrated with an unknown number. This must be him!
“Hello?” I answered in the best, non-idiot way I could. It didn’t sound half bad. I was pleased.
“Hi, is this Nikki? This is Jaden.” His voice sounded just as amazing over the phone as it did in person. My heart skipped nervously.
“Hi Jaden! How are you?” I wasn’t really sure what to say. Hearing his voice again sent a rush of happiness through my body. I’d never felt like this before.
“I am doing better now that I’m not at work and now that I was able to call you.” He paused for a moment. “How are you?”
“I’m doing better now that you called.” A smile spread across my face; he could probably sense it. “I’m happy that you did.”
“I am too. I apologize if I was too direct in kissing your cheek earlier. I just wanted you to know I really wanted to talk to you again. I hope I didn’t cross the line…” He trailed off a bit, waiting for my response.
“No! It was perfectly fine, and actually flattering. I didn’t mind it at all.” I secretly wished he wouldn’t have bother with my cheek and would’ve kissed my lips instead.
We talked for a while about ourselves, where we go to school, a little about our families and a lot about our interests. He told me that he was 20 years old and attending the University of Washington to work on his teaching degree. He expressed his passion for teaching, and how he wanted to eventually become a teacher in one of the local districts in hopes to improve the education a bit. He asked about my school and about my aspirations, and seemed genuinely fascinated with my love for science. We also talked about our hobbies, and found we both share a love of the arts.The conversation was smooth, as if we’d known each other so much longer than just 6 hours. Without even realizing it, two and a half hours had passed.
“I’m so glad I called you, Nikki. I’ve had a wonderful time talking.” He said as we wrapped up our conversation.
“I am too, Jaden. It’s been awesome.” Awesome. Could I not think of a better word? Sometimes I annoyed myself…
“Before we have to say good night to each other, I was wondering.” He paused for a moment. “Would you be interested on a date Wednesday night, say maybe around 7 o’clock?”
“I would love that!” I exclaimed.
“Great!” he said sounding incredibly relieved. “It’s sort of a surprise as to where I’d like to take you, but I’ll let you know it’s at a theater. Just know we’re not going to see a movie.” I could almost see the smile spread across his face.
“Sounds mysterious. I look forward to it!” Really, it sounded great. I wondered for a moment about the possibilities.
“Very cool. I’ll pick you up at your house at 7pm on Wednesday, Nikki. I can’t wait.” He sounded excited.
“I can’t wait either.” I gave him my address and told him he could call or text me anytime. With that, we said good night, and as we hung out, another wave of happiness flooded my body.
I actually had a date.
