A

m, only to be disappointed every single time. He didn't even show up at the cafe anymore. I finally accepted the reality that he wouldn't contact me. Perhaps he didn't feel the attraction I t

ssed and headed towards the hospital, determined not to let this silly thing with the han

ty streets, the trees wavering in the breeze, the tweeting birds, and the laughter of kids riding by on their bikes - it all made me wish I could be carefree again. No worries, just p

" I heard from

ame; it's Sophie," I replied, unabl

didn't ask for it.

up to?" I asked, attempting t

g," he

top myself. "Nothing, and

n waiting for me t

You wish. I have other t

or little ol' me because I had such an e

myself. "Okay, m

Nice start, right?" he r

again though. Not at work

that too,"

bout t

you know, I'm not some fancy girl who loves flowers and fan

e grabbing a bite or watching a movie

like it," I resp

inquired, his voice ti

ly," I teased back, want

he honour of going on a date with m

ny of rejection and say yes," I

erate of my feelings, my la

w," I said as I was al

ou later and I'll send

o my room to pick out what to wear. I started teari

surrounded by a growing pile of reje

ntain, I sighed heavily. "Just one c

f my meltdown, a text from Alex. H

oss my face. In a flash, I hopped up and dashed st

s that would be perfect on me. Snatching them

tle happy dance, admi

ipped into the date night look. I was

nywhere,

d always see right through me. "Hey M

g me that classic mom look.

ddenly shy. "Well, I might b

couch, patting the spot next to her. "I know we have been busy

get back? it's already past the time we agre

he?" S

café," I began, telling my mom about our encounter.

she said with

I calle

ave seen your face while yo

nceded, blush

" Mom raised an eyebrow. "It's important

uine self - not just pretending to be someone he's not

a guy simply because he was the first to show his interest. You're a great lady, and you should hang on for someon

as she planted a kiss on my head. "

could hit dial, all the lights came on, and I saw him coming from the opposite end with a huge teddy bear in his hand. I co

knew coming empty-handed wouldn't be nice

ink anybody is here. Are we allowed to

rented it out for us,

too much?" I re

e. Let's stop the talking and get to

g me butterflies in my stomach. This felt all new and exciting, but I was scared of fall

I responded hopefully, consciously try

ame our private park, and it looked like a fairyland when all the lights were turned on. We were like tw

air was cool, and Alex slipped his jacket over my shoulders to warm me up. I felt h

u know, I'm glad you agreed to this date. Spending thi

"Me too. It is like I am witnessing the

approached and parked right in front of us. Alex turned to me, his expression earnest. "So, I have to ask - where do you s

's too fast?" I said

d sheepishly. "How about this - why don't we plan a few more dates?

..how about ten dates? That should give us plenty of

hat's what it takes to win you over, then te

s car. "Come on, let me drive you home. I wouldn't want

ts. The drive was filled with lively and laid-back conversation, and I fou

rned to me with a smile. "I enjoyed myse

ng my cheeks warm. "Thank y

my lips. Little by little, he moved closer, and then our lips m