by Karla Luna
Zavier was sweating and decided to just take his shirt off somewhere in the process. I didn’t mind – the view was amazing. He did pretty well for his first try, but he was a little rough on the blocking.
“How did I do?” he shyly asked, sporting a cute smile.
“Not bad, nerdy. Not bad.” This time, he laughed and grinned like an adorable little boy on his birthday. Then it suddenly got pretty quiet and a little bit awkward. I hated silence, so I said the first thing that I thought of. But truth was, this had been in my head for far too long and I was getting answers now. He wasn’t going to stall or leave or stop me from knowing what I wanted to know so badly.
“Did anything happen with you and Davne?”
He froze for a bit and then slowly put his Gatorade down on the table.
“The day you guys walked into class together. I just really want to know. The guy’s a huge di—”
“No,” he replied a little too quickly yet confidently. “Nothing happened. Just a coincidence we walked in at the same time. Plus, I’m pretty sure I’d be panicking if I so much as saw him walking toward me.” He really didn’t seem to be lying. But who knows, maybe he’s been getting really good at it because of me.
“Oh. What were you doing before? You hardly come in late to class unless, you know, I caused it.”
He just nodded when I thought he’d at least chuckle a bit at that last part. Because come on, it was true! “I was just helping out some of the teachers with the Special Ed kids. I’ve done bad things with you, it doesn’t mean I can’t continue to do good things for other people.”
Right. Of course. What was I thinking? He’s still a good boy deep down. Besides, he’d probably be freakin’ dead if Davne so much as talked to him.
It was silent for a while again and I seriously could not think of anything else to say. It was even more awkward this time and I sort of wanted to punch myself.
But then, he was the one to speak again. Though, I didn’t really expect him to say what he did.
“Um… anything happening with you and Davne?”
I swallowed hard and tried to keep it cool. He could not find out. I really needed to protect him more and if I tell him I’m secretly hanging out with Davne – well, it’d be risky. I wouldn’t want that.
I laughed pretty nervously and shook my head as if I thought he was crazy. “No. Why would you think that?”
He shook his head a little bit and spun his cup around. “I’m just asking. He would be interested in you and all. I just don’t really see him not trying. And Davne Conrad always keeps trying. Never gives up.” Well that’s true.
“Just be glad he’s not trying,” I lied as he nodded and looked down. “Now, let’s forget about Davne and think about our next lesson on love.”
This time, he laughed when I smirked and wiggled my eyebrows at him. I noticed the small tint of blush on his cheeks and bit my lip. I just wanted to grab those cheeks of his and kiss him.I had an idea right then and there – the perfect one for our next lesson.
“Got it,” I told him, making him sit up straight and lean toward me as if it were some big secret.
“Alright, Evelyn, what’s in store for me in the next lesson?”
“Zavier Coin, you are taking me out on a date.”
And damn right was it a demand.
30: Take Me Out
• Zavier •
I touched my hair for what seemed to be the millionth time since I started getting ready. It didn’t even fall over my face. I guess I was just really, really nervous that it even seemed to be irritating me just by being there. I mean, this was my very first date. So I was sort of afraid of messing it up even though it wasn’t actually a real date. Evelyn was just showing me what to do and what not to do on dates with girls.
Simple as that. Nothing else.
But Joss and I were actually going on our first date after the dance fundraiser. We agreed on it and I was pretty glad Evelyn wanted me to take her out on one first. I didn’t want to completely embarrass myself with Joss… or at least, way more than I usually do. I’m certain the date would be pretty horrible, if that was the case.
But why was I shaking so much right now, just thinking about taking Evelyn out to a restaurant? We’ve eaten together before. Sometimes, even alone because my mom wasn’t home for dinner some nights. It’s not really any different, is it?
Today, Friday, Mom has a late shift and she still gets worried about where Evelyn might take me or where she might go herself. But I’ve kept my eye on her and she’s been good. Hopefully this date won’t turn for the absolute worst. I don’t want to be eating some good spaghetti and then going off to smoke with the stoners.
“Dammit,” I muttered to myself as I took my black tie off and gripped my hair again. I know how to freakin’ put a tie on. I was taught at a very young age even. Why the hell can I not put one on now?
“So…”
At the sound of the voice, I ended up screaming a bit and jumping as I faced my bed.
Sitting right there was none other than my best friend, Jesse. He was nodding in satisfaction at my outfit while giving me a small wave as if he didn’t just almost give me a heart attack.
Though seriously, how the freakin’ frick did he even get here without me noticing?! The door was open but I would’ve seen him or heard him.
Or was I just a bit too distracted? I mean, he could be very discreet at times. But now… I usually noticed things a little quicker than this.
“Jesse, what the… heck are you…”
“Decided to come over and see how my buddy was doing! Going on a date, huh?” he asked with a smirk while wiggling his eyebrows.
I think he’s been getting too many things from Evelyn that’s not good.
Frowning, I turned back around to face the mirror and messed my hair up a bit. The restaurant requires us to dress nice and all, but it’s not too fancy. And I’m not the type to style my hair. They won’t mind messy hair, right?
Oh no! But what about the glasses? How would they look?
Taking them off, I squinted my eyes and blinked hard. “Do you think I should keep my glasses on?”
Jesse deeply sighed and I’m pretty sure he was shaking his head or something. I don’t know, I couldn’t really see. It was all just a blur. “Leave them on, bro. You can’t see at all without your dorky glasses.”
I chuckled as if his idea were any better and just started walking toward my bathroom. “Psh, I’ll be fine. I’m sure they don’t want dorky – ” I cut myself off when I felt my face make contact with something hard.
“That’s the wall, buddy. A little bit to the right of that is the bathroom.”
I nodded and did as told… only to get hit again by the wall.
“Dammit, Jesse!” I yelled as I grabbed my throbbing forehead.
All I heard was his laugh, almost as if he was making fun of me, which I’m pretty sure he was. “No need for such language! But sorry, I really had to.”
When I turned again, I bumped into something softer. And then, I saw clearly again since Jesse had put the glasses on for me. The world was a whole lot better when you can see what was right in front of you… unless it was something bad.
“That’s what you get for thinking it’s all right not to have your glasses on.”
I sighed and pushed them up my nose once they started falling down a bit.
“We’ve all seen you with glasses, nothing new. Besides, it looks nice with what you’re wearing and all.”
“If only I could actually put the tie on.” I looked down at my choice of clothing. I wore a dress shirt and a suit coat, with dark jeans and a pair of all-white Vans. I knew it was supposed to be fancy but it was the best I could do, okay. I was clearly nervous.
“Leave the tie. Just unbutton a few to show her dat chest.”
I laughed at that.
“I’m sure Evelyn won’t dress super fancy either. She’ll look average, but you’re going on a date with a smoking hot girl, wh
ich is anything but average…”
“Hey, boys.”
At the sound of her voice, my heart just started going extremely crazy as Jesse and I both turned to face the door.
My jaw practically dropped to the floor and I even heard Jesse mutter a little curse to himself.
There she stood, with an adorable smile on her face as if us staring at her was a usual thing. And it probably was. She was just that beautiful that you couldn’t possibly not look at her. Her soft, brown hair was neatly straightened with a couple of curls bouncing around. She wore very light makeup but it was better that way because it showed more her natural beauty.
I had worn a white dress shirt under. So I was glad she had worn white, too.
Her fitted sweater dress was white and hugged her curves perfectly. I looked farther down and noticed her lace tights with black ankle boots.
Just… I had no words. I was stunned.
She looked so perfect and gorgeous.
“Wow…” was all that came out of my mouth, and she giggled and twirled around once.
“Make sure to nicely compliment the girl you’re going on a date with. Don’t drool too much. You’re supposed to drool when the food is coming. Because come on, it’s food.”
“I’m sure he’s hungry for something else though…” Jesse stopped talking when I elbowed him right in the stomach. He groaned and tightly closed his eyes, but I just tried to act as normal as ever and smiled at Evelyn instead.
“You, uh, you look really beautiful.”
“Why thank you. You look rather dashing and handsome.”
I nodded and looked down at my hands, feeling my cheeks go pink. I seriously hated how I still blushed around her. It wasn’t all the time like it sort of used to be, but still. I hated it so much.
“Alright let’s stop with the awkwardness,” Jesse said, still clutching his stomach.
But then, he pushed me over to Evelyn and I blushed again when I almost bumped into her. I nervously laughed and caught my balance before I could fall right on top of her. That would’ve been pretty horrible.
“Now, you kids go have fun. But not too much fun, aye! Damn, we do not need a repeat of last time.”
I’m really glad Jesse let me borrow his Jeep for my date (after he went to clean my puke off). He was a pretty great friend, when he wanted to be at least. It didn’t hurt to have it cleaned a bit though. I’m sure Evelyn almost found a dead bird in here once, from how dirty it was. I’m kidding. Hopefully we won’t find that. I’d be out of the car in a matter of seconds if we did.
I’m just a tad worried about what Jesse was going to do at my house for about three hours or so though… completely alone, with many different ways to…
“We gotta go back,” I said out of nowhere, as I started to make a U-turn. But Evelyn put her hand on the steering wheel and made me drive straight again
“Ethan is on his way. I told him to make sure Jesse doesn’t burn the house down or turn it into a huge garbage bin. So we’re good. He’s been acting pretty calm lately for some reason so hopefully we won’t have to clean up so much when we get back. Now calm down and drive.”
Taking a deep breath, I listened to her and made our way to the restaurant. I had made reservations right on the day she had come up with the idea, and to say I was even nervous on the phone was an understatement. Thinking about the whole thing made me really nervous that I stuttered like an idiot yet wanted to laugh like a crazy person.
I was happy though. So what? I was going on my first date with an amazing girl. Sometimes I think I’m not even awake because it's too good to be true. She’s just been helping me so much, yet she’s also been making me feel things I’ve never felt before.
It was weird yet really nice.
Like the perfect gentleman, I opened the car and restaurant doors for her. But when she walked in front of me, I would curse at the heavens above for almost making me look like a big goofball. Why, you ask? When I opened the doors, I almost hit her and myself.
But things seem to be going perfect so far. Right?
“Alright, if I get this chair for you and you fall, I might as well just go fall off a bridge right now,” I said as I offered Evelyn the chair.
She just giggled, kissed my cheek, and sat down.
And I freakin’ blushed as I went to sit down in my own chair. Why did these people have to stare? Mind your own goddamn business.
“That’s not very nice, teddy bear.”
I looked up with a frown and saw Evelyn smirking at me. I stopped frowning right then and averted my eyes. Did I say that one out loud? Great, now more people are staring.
Dammit!
“Just forget about everyone around you. This is supposed to be you and your date’s special night. It’s just the two of you and no one else exists. Alright?” she said as she picked the menu up and looked it over.
I nodded in understanding and picked up my own menu as she started talking.
“Do small talk first, then it’ll magically build up if she’s not super-duper shy. If she’s literally mute, I don’t know why you’d go on a date with her. Well, maybe, just to be nice because you’re oh so sweet, or to just enjoy food together.” She shrugged and bit her lip. “Oh damn, they have chicken.”
I chuckled and rested my fist on my cheek, glancing up at her once in a while. But she just kept admiring the food choices on the menu, her eyes dilating.
She was really in love with food, wasn’t she?
“Oh, um… if you guys want to talk about Math and stuff, go ahead but that’s really boring to me and other girls,” she joked. Or at least I think she joked. She just looked way too serious right now for me to be able to tell. “Maybe you guys will find you have different interests, just make sure not to be creepy or talk so much about like, trees or something like that.”
“But trees are actually very fascinating and provide us with…”
“Don’t even start.”
So I kept my mouth shut and then the waiter came over. He took our orders and left us alone again, so they could prepare the food.
Evelyn’s attention was full on me now, making me feel nervous again. But I didn’t think I ever stopped being nervous. “Now, start a conversation, teddy bear.”
I took a deep breath and looked around. But then she snapped her fingers, making me turn back toward her immediately. I wouldn’t want to be punched at this moment, or at any moment, really. “Tsk, tsk. Keep eye contact. It’s more romantic and nice, or whatever,” she said as she gestured with her hands.
“I-I um…” I cleared my throat and swallowed hard before looking up at her. She had her fingers laced together, and placed them both under her chin. She blinked sweetly at me and she just looked so freakin’ adorable.
This felt like a real date with her. Wasn’t it a real date? I’m sure it didn’t feel that way for her. This was just a lesson.
They’ll always be lessons to her.
But if I’m honest, they’re not lessons to me anymore. They feel more real than anything and all I want is to just spend every minute and every second with her. You know, unless we have to go to the bathroom or something, because, come on!
But still. I wanted to talk to her and I wanted to be with her.
My heart beat so fast when I was with her, maybe even more than when I was with Joss. Wasn’t that supposed to mean something? Do I really like Evelyn? More than friends?
Oh right, I have to be coming up with a conversation starter! Don’t get distracted, don’t…
“Don’t think too much about it, Zavier,” she calmly told me while giving me a sweet smile. “How have you been?”
“I’ve… I’ve been good. You?”
She seemed to pause for a little, just staring deep into my eyes. But then, she licked her lips and nodded. “I’ve been good, too. School has been hard but this geek ass nerd has been helping me a lot with my Math class. I don’t know, he’s such a child of God for actually helping me. I mean, who knows Math that much.�
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I tried to hold it in, but I laughed and got a few stares again. I didn’t care at all though. It was just the two of us. And that was all that mattered. “Math teachers do actually.”
“You should be a teacher then. You’d be a very sexy one,” she said with a wink. “Mr. Coin.”
Gosh. I blushed and bit my lip while nervously looking down. Thankfully, that was right when our food came.
“Wow!” I said as I looked at the delicious looking dishes. “It came faster than fast food.”
Evelyn giggled and started eating right away. Sometimes I was still stunned, because damn, this girl can sure eat. But she was eating all sophisticated now, when actually, we were both like pigs when it came to eating.
“The dance thing is tomorrow,” I hesitantly said while picking at my food. “You nervous?”
She shrugged. “Nope. I mean a little, but you’re the best dancer I know, so we’ll most likely win with your moves.” She made me laugh again when she shimmied her shoulders in her seat.
“I’m, uh, also doing a dance with my cousins,” I shyly said while putting the fork in my mouth. “We’re actually doing a dance to a KPop song and – ”
“Oh. You listen to KPop?”
At that, I covered my face with one hand. “You must think I’m a total geek now. Well, even more than usual. I hardly tell people that I –”
“No, no, it’s pretty cool for a guy to like that stuff. Those types of bands are really great dancers actually, and I obviously know someone who can sure dance.”
“That’s partially the reason why I like them. The dances are unique and original. They uh… kinda got me into dancing, too.”
She smiled and grabbed her drink, bringing it up for a toast. “Well then, let us thank those KPop Gods for giving you such talent!”
I grinned wide and brought my glass up to clink it with hers.
“Oh, and don’t be a cheap ass, either,” she stated when she started eating again. “If that girl wants to eat, she’ll eat. Obviously,” she said while gesturing to all her food, which, to be honest, was way more than what I ordered.