Ride Home

The week went by smoothly. In fact, smoother than I had expected it to be. Mark has been extra helpful in assisting me with my every need that I felt like I have a bodyguard/personal assistant. We went to school assemblies and rallies together and he introduced me to people, making me less homesick. He has been eating lunch with me everyday too, sometimes with a group of friends and sometimes just the two of us. Sometimes we would go to the lawn and have our own picnic there. I was amazed by how he made me feel so at ease in a very short span of time. I'm glad I have someone I can talk to about anything without feeling judged or ashamed. I was also surprised that I can tell him stuff that I can't tell Therese, my insecurities and irrational fears. Unlike when I was with Jeremy, I can just let myself go with him and act naturally. I talk to him about Jeremy and he also told me about his ex and the other girls he dated. Though he dated quite a few, he said he only had one serious girlfriend who left him for some Jerk from another school. Though I did not ask what her name is, I did ask if he still likes her and he said that he still has feelings for her. Jeremy barely calls me now. I know I should not expect anything because I was the one who broke it off but it still hurts me that he does not miss me as much as I miss him and I was glad for the distraction that Mark provides.

Raiden, on the other hand, is still trying to get me to accept a ride from him even though I just refuse every time. I still see him and Taylor together most of the time, sometimes they act sweet and sometimes it seems like they're just hanging out as friends. Rumor around school says that I was right in assuming that they were indeed a couple, but they broke up recently. When he asked to give me a ride on Friday afternoon, I actually had the guts to ask him why he kept asking to give me a ride home and if he thinks Taylor will approve if she knew. He looked taken by surprise at first and then he laughed. "We broke up and we're just friends now. She said she needed some space." My heart leapt when I heard this but I still turned down his offer.

During the next few weeks, Mark and I became closer and even on weekends, we still hang out with each other. Sometimes I get the feeling that we are the only two people in the world. He showed me around town, we went to the science museum, we went to see a show at Hutchin's Square, we even went to the night market downtown which was quite fun. My favorite place to go with him was by the zoo where they have food trucks every Thursday nights. We'd buy our food and sit by the lake and talk about anything under the sun. The other kids at school would sometimes ask if we're a couple and I could not blame them. Sometimes I feel like we are because we do almost everything a couple does except kiss. There are times when we'd walk hand in hand, share an ice cream cone, hug, watch movies, you name it. There was one time that we went to a football game and as we were trying to make way to our seats, I slipped and let out a yelp. He went back for me and held my hand until we got to our seats. He makes my heart beat faster at times but not fast enough. We have our moments but it does not really bloom into anything more than friendship. We are happy with the way things are and I think there is a mutual understanding that we prefer to stay as best friends.

We have been spending so much time together that we have become staples at each others' houses as well. Mrs. Alexander is a sweet lady though she can be a bit inquisitive at times. His Dad reminded me of mine, his built and their sense of humor is the same, as well as their hatred of golf. Our moms have become friends as well after they met at a school function (It was actually Mark's idea to introduce them to each other because he thinks they will click). Now they even have wine nights or movie nights too while Mark and I babysit Jason.

I was fairly content with the way my life was going lately. I don't think it can get any better. Of course, I still keep in touch with Therese but our phone calls were getting scarcer as the days went by. Maybe I talk about Mark way too much and I made a metal note to be aware of what I tell her when we talk.

Raiden still hasn't stopped asking if he can give me a ride home but he seemed to have toned down a bit. He would just ask every few days instead of everyday. One day Mark did not go to school, Raiden approached me again as I was walking down the school's front steps. I can't believe that he drives a 991.1 Porsche Targa 4 GTS. I was drooling! I have posters and miniatures of this car! If I had known, I would have accepted a ride from him the first time. It is my dream car and I swore to save up and buy one when I get a job. I felt like I was betraying Mark but I told myself that there is nothing going on between us so why would he get mad at me? I still called him when I got home and told him that I let Raiden take me home. He said it's fine even though his voice sounded flat and off. He said he's still not feeling well and hung up.

As it turned out, Mark had the flu and he was out for a few days. For three consecutive days, Raiden was driving me home. On the third day, as I was getting off, he put a hand on my wrist, "Cassie, there's something I want to say before you go. Look, if you still don't get the message that I like you, I think you must be crazy."

I was speechless for a minute and I can hear my heart thumping loudly. I hope he can't hear it. "Keith, you're really nice and all but I don't really know you that well. How can you possibly like me when you don't even know me at all."

He stared at me blankly as if he could not comprehend what I'm saying. "I get what you're saying Cassie. What I'm trying to say here is that I am strongly attracted to you. Don't ask me why or how because I know that I just do. I have been watching you for weeks now and I see how kind and sweet and full of life you are. You make me feel like I have to take care of you and protect you from everything."

"Ummm, I don't think I'm that fragile, Raiden. I don't think I need someone to protect me from anything, I know some kung fu." I said trying to lighten up the conversation which is kind of scaring me for some reason.

He let out a deep sigh. "I would like to get to know you better Ms. Cassie Jensen. Will you go out with me sometime? Just for dinner and a movie or we can just drive around town. Anything you feel like doing, anything at all."

"I'll think about it." I replied. I can't believe this is happening! This stuff just happens in movies! This is a dream come true for me and it's quite hard to suppress my excitement and look calm and collected. I have imagined this but now that it's happening, I feel like I don't want to do it.

He acknowledged my answer with a brief nod and let go of my wrist. I didn't even notice he still had his arm around it. "Thanks for the ride", I said as I got out of the car.