THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US

Chapter 12

o, tell me about growing up" Mike asked, he wanted to know everything about her. He didn't know why he was curious about her but he just wanted to know.

Ann smiled as she drank a bit from the cocktail in front of her.

"So, I told you befor about how I gre up in ohio and all. My mum told me about how stubborn I used to be growing up. I was actually a rebel and I knew. I remember ditching school right from middle school to go and play in the park with friends" Ann said with a smile on her face as memories of all her childhood came to her.

"Wow, and I thought I was the only rebel here" Mike said and they both laughed. The waiter came dropping down the food on the table

"Thank you" they said together as the waiter left.

"So, how rebellious were you though" Ann asked as she put the first taste of food in her mouth.

"This is nice" Ann said as she savored the taste of the food.

"I know right" Mark agreed.

"Back to being a rebel" Ann said with a smile.

"I think the worst thing I actually did as a rebel was spend my dad's card on several toys from sss in middle school" Mark explained and Ann looked at him in awe.

"What did he do when he found out" Ann said curiously.

"He grounded me for a months and even though mother felt I deserved more punishment there was nothing they could do"Mark explained and both of them burst out laughing.

"I could keep my toys after a week anyway so I was a bit happy" Mark added with a smile.

"I miss ohio though" Ann suddenly said

"New York is a lot of fun too, you just need to go out and enjoy how much fun it can be"Mark explained.

"I miss everyone in ohio though, ohio is home" Ann said

"New York can be home too you know"Mark said convincing.

"We will see how that goes though" Ann said and she took another bit from her food.

" what's one thing you really want to do and feel should happen within the next two years" Mike asked facing Ann

"I am not sure but I know I want to have finished with my masters, be better at designing and probably have a ring on my finger" Ann said with a smile on her face. Mike could see how much she valued relationships and commitments from all the time they had spoken together.

"What about you?" Ann asked

"I am thinking of opening my own design shop, employ designers and all. It has always been my dream." Mike said dreamy.

"That is fantastic. It would be really good. You're an excellent designer" Ann said complementing him. He had heard a lot of people complement him but coming from Ann meant a lot to him.

"Thank you" Mike said smiling.

"Do you like sports" Mike asked

"Yeah, I am a big football and basketball fan" Ann said excited.

"We should watch a game together then sometime soon"Mike said.

"Yeah"

"There are so many things I actually want to try out. Adventure is one other thing I really want, I want to sky dive, go on trips, do daring things while living my life to the fullest" Ann explained.

"You can actually do all that if you want to. You just have to really want it not just by saying it. Take a step, enjoy the world and live life" Mike said.

"Do you ever just feel like life is passing by so fast, there is so much you want to do but little time to do it. I have always felt that way and I am always too afraid to take that risk, do that daring thing, live my life, have fun and I really don't know why" Ann explained. She had actually always lived her life in a box, conforming to everything, trying to be that perfect daughter, girlfriend, friend and all. She feels perfection is a most and anytime she makes a mistake, she feels she has failed.

"Ann, you need to start living, stop the fear, you don't always have to be perfect. Your imperfections are okay and people who really care about you won't even love you less. Accept your flaws, and by doing that other people will be able to accept it too" Mike explained as he understood Ann even without her totally expressing herself.

"Instead of listening to Ted talks every morning, play some music or stuff. Instead of having your whole day planned out. Just free style things sometimes and go with the flow" Mike added.

"Seems like something I should maybe try out then" Ann agreed. Few minutes later they were done eating and ready to leave.

"I am glad you decided to join me" Mike said as they both walked out of the restaurant.

"I am glad I did too. I had a great time" Ann agreed, he had actually helped her uplift her mood as she was now feeling much better than she did earlier.

They got into the car and were about to drive off when Troy started to face time Ann. She had been expecting his call all day and had been very worried too.

"Hey babe, I have been expecting your call all day" Ann said concerned.

"Hey, I had so much to so today, I am extremely sorry I couldn't. I promise to make it up to you" Troy apologized.

"I hope you're doing okay though" Troy asked

"Wasn't feeling so good in the morning, but I kind of feel much better now" Ann answered.

"That's good, I am really glad you are. Have a nice day love. I will talk to you once I get home" Troy said

"I love you so much" Troy added

"I love you more" Ann said

Mike just listened as both of them spoke, it was evident how much they both loved each other and it even made him remember the love he and Rina shared.