The Unexpected Best Friends

Chapter 7 – Feeling Special

Ella did work hard on her paper so she was able to complete it and submit it by Thursday evening. She has enough motivation to do it. She’s looking forward to tomorrow. She would admit that she has higher expectations, compared to what she had before. If it’s the same as before, she would be extremely disappointed. Such is life, but she doesn’t want to get her hopes up.

She asked her aunt about what she should wear. Ella assured her that she’s being careful with this one and the guy seems like a gentleman.

She was reluctant to tell him her address, but her aunt told her it’s okay. He did pick her up Friday evening and he even said hi to her aunt. What she didn’t expect are the flowers. He actually bought her flowers. That was the first time she’d received a bouquet from a guy. She almost teared up and her aunt was smiling widely, happy for her.

Dave finds her reaction a little odd but sweet. On their way to his car, he asked her.

“Don’t tell me it’s your first time to receive flowers?”

He was sure she would say no, but she actually blushed and nodded. He was stumped. Just what kind of dates she’d been to before?

Suddenly, he’s feeling proud. He did something for her that she would consider a “first”. He knew how some would put importance on those memories. He wonders if she already had her first kiss? Go slow, Dave, he reminded himself.

He opened the door for her, which she finds sweet. She knew she should stop reacting with surprise. He is making her feel special, though. She plastered a smile on her face, genuinely happy with how the night is going.

Dave brought her to a family restaurant downtown. They have some good specialties. They do have a selection of barbecue and some salad. Ella loved them.

During the meal, he mostly asked her about school. Ella decided to be honest with him, so she revealed what she was like before as a student. She never took her studies seriously, until just a few months ago. Which is also when she started going to the library.

“It’s kinda too late, isn’t it? I feel like I didn’t learn much from the last three years. Sometimes, I would realize there were principles discussed before that are being mentioned in advanced subjects and I find myself unable to relate, so I had to do some more reading.” She’s curious how he’d react to this bit of information about her.

“Really? I wouldn’t have thought. When I first noticed you, I thought you were very studious.” He’s somewhat teasing, she knows.

“I’m trying to be one now.” She admitted.

“Tell me about some of the nonfiction books you’ve read.”

“Nonfiction?” She hasn’t read that many. To date, she has only finished one and still reading another. She grimaced as she told him.

He didn’t look disappointed, though. For the rest of their meal, they talked about that particular book. He’d read it before, too. She’s fascinated by his interpretation of some chapters in that book.

Before they left the restaurant, she realized she has so much to learn from him. She already learned a lot from their long conversation earlier. He’s truly a mature person and someone to look up to. Why hasn’t she set standards much earlier? Well, she didn’t believe in them, did she? These are the times she wanted to beat her previous self up.

She thought he’d bring her home already, but he took her to another place. It was a rooftop, of an inn.

“I know the owner. The view up here is beautiful. I thought you would like to see.”

“Really?” She was momentarily doubtful, thinking he might be expecting to get intimate tonight. She told herself she won’t do it, so he can shove it if he really does. When he told her there’s still one place they need to visit, she became nervous. How would she turn him down, if it comes down to it? How would he react to rejection?

Well, she was relieved that those things aren’t happening. She followed after him and at some point, he took her hand. She blushed.

Though she’d done more intimate things with others, this one seemed very innocent. Who knew holding hands could feel so sweet?

At the top, there’s a view of the city and the suburbs. It seems he prepared well as there’s a couple of chairs available. A mini table is also laden with snacks.

“Let’s stay here for an hour at most, then I’ll bring you back.” He told her as he guided her on a seat. She feels it was unnecessary for him to assist her, but… does he feel like he must do it?

“Thank you.” It’s the least she could do, express her gratitude.

It’s a bit chilly and she was rubbing her arm when he put a shawl on her shoulders. They talked some more and Dave finds her to be a gentle soul. In a way, Ella has gotten tamed. She’s more reserved nowadays. She has become a listener. She’s more willing to accept the advice of others. When it comes to Dave, she listens intently whenever he speaks. He does make a lot of sense, not to mention he’s more experienced in life than her. When she’s gotten comfortable with him, she started asking him questions, too. Dave liked it. He’d been trying to get her to talk more. She has a nice soft voice.

Ella refused the beer when he opened a bottle.

“You don’t drink?” He asked to be sure.

Ella stared at the bottle with contempt. “I’d rather not risk it. Me and alcohol? We don’t mix well.”

“I see. Bad experience? Do you have low tolerance?”

“Something like that.” She grimaced. She was already wild without the influence of alcoholic drinks, but it’s true she’s much wilder with one. She can’t go back there. 

Dave only plans to drink one bottle. He still needs to drive them home.

They returned to their conversation and somehow, they discussed vices, too. Her reactions were somewhat animated. She showed him animated expressions on her face and it made her look very adorable. She’s not afraid to look ugly. He was able to make her laugh out loud when he imitated her expressions.

Dave feels that it’s common to beautiful people. They’re not afraid to look ugly because they knew they would remain pretty. Ella munched on potato chips as they talked about their respective families. Her family is decent and living simple lives in the country. They’re not exactly poor, but there’s quite a lot they can’t afford. They can cover the basic necessities, though, and something extra, but nothing extravagant.

It’s kind of a personal topic to talk about but they’re both open about it. They discussed quite a lot, how they grew up and how their parents raised them. Of course, Ella didn’t include the bit about how she seemed to rebel during her teenage years, having made a lot of mistakes.

True to his word, they only stayed there for about an hour. Ella was somewhat reluctant to go. She liked staring into the scenery as they conversed.

“We can come here anytime. Just tell me when you want to hang out.” Dave promised her and it made her smile. He’s very attentive of her mood and feelings.

They went back to his car and he drove.

“You look tensed.” Dave noted the change in her and he can’t understand why.

“Do I?” Ella asked, but she knew it’s true. She’s anxious about what’s going to happen now, or little later, whether he’s going to kiss her goodnight or not. Is it a standard on a first date? Should she let him make the first move? Or should she simply kiss him on the cheek? What is she supposed to do in this situation? They’re right outside her aunt’s place.

They both got out and she became more nervous. Dave now has an idea on why she’s like this.

“So, did you have fun tonight?” He asked, quite confident that she enjoyed it but still wanting to hear her confirmation.

Ella smiled, “Yes, I had so much fun with you. You were very considerate and attentive.” She meant to compliment him based on his behavior. He is really a gentleman.

“I’m glad to know that. Does that mean you’ll go out with me again?” He was only teasing. They are essentially dating now.

Ella nodded with a smile. “Of course.”

They reached the door and they stopped for a bit. Ella stared at his face, feeling that he’s even more attractive in this moment. 

He did lean closer to her but stopped short when their faces are only inches apart.

“Why are you worried about this?” He asked and she could feel his warm breath on her face. There’s a hint of alcohol there and it’s a little intoxicating.

She took a deep breath before pressing a quick kiss on his lips. This made him grin whereas she blushed furiously again. Even her ears are red.

He stood straight and reached for her head as he chuckled. He rubbed her hair as he bade her goodnight. He leaned again and gave her a slow, gentle and short kiss.

“Be careful on the way.” She managed to say as she waved goodbye to him.