The Date

I woke up from a sensation I felt in my hand. It was my phone vibrating. I checked it, and it was a message from Nate.

"Good morning! I'll see you in a bit. Let's meet at Starlight Cafe & Co."

Just reading the text made me gleam in happiness.

"Good morning, world!" I said, stretching my arms up in the sky. "Today is a good day," I declared with a big smile painted all over my face. I won't let anything ruin my day.

I got up and took a shower. I noticed that Mom wasn't around yet, since the living room still looks neat. I shrugged and thought that I think it's a good thing she's not around because I don't want her ruining my day today, for I'm sure she will just get on my nerves.

I reminisce about the moments before I went to bed last night while taking a long and warm bath. I remembered how he was stunned by what I said just before I rode the bus on the way home. He couldn't believe what he heard, but what he doesn't know is that I couldn't believe it more myself. He has genuinely charmed me in ways I couldn't imagine. He has been there even after I had pushed him several times. Although, I really do want to ask him why he has been the way he is ever since day one.

We've played like cat and mice, and now, we're suddenly a couple? It's like we've "hung" around each other for a month, but it already feels like we have known each other for years. Maybe, mom and dad didn't tell me that I had an accident, and I lost my memories then. Perhaps he's the guy in my dreams saving me from my nightmares. (Lol, as if I can remember my dreams.)

Even though I feel that way, there's still so much to learn about one another. I think that I wanted to be open to him, but I'm still too afraid to break my walls around him. I have never let anyone come this close with my heart. I've always been the playgirl - the one who can't be satisfied with one man in bed. But now, my mind has changed. Nate is enough.

Last night, when I got home. I received a message from an unknown number. When I read the content, it was from Nate. He was saying that he had my number all this time. He got it from the class representative saying an excuse about an assignment or something. He just didn't know what to say first.

I laughed reading his message because he was blabbering stuff. Even if it was a text message, I could feel that he was nervous and still at cloud nine. We exchanged messages until I fell asleep.

Now, I'm excited - excited to see him and enjoy this day. Honestly, I'm genuinely looking forward to this one because I didn't have any actual dates before. It was just all about getting high and having pleasure.

After I finished my relaxing bath, I went to my room and checked my cabinet for an outfit to wear. Hanger by hanger, I looked at my current clothes, and I am disappointed with myself for not having any decent clothes.

"Shit! I can't borrow from Valerie because she will be asking too many questions. I don't have any other girlfriends besides them. Should I make a bet between Kate or Jane?" I rhetorically asked myself. I kept pacing back and forth in my room, trying to figure out this stupid dilemma of mine.

Gosh! How can I be so stupid? I can't wear any clothes of mine right now unless I wanna look like a hooker in front of Nate, which is the last thing I would do.

I looked through my contacts for possible people I can call for this kind of emergency. Then after a few minutes, I finally decided to call someone.

"Hey, Kate! I need a favor," I said straight to the point.

"L-Luna? Oh, I mean Que--"

"Shh, stop it. I need a favor. Can you help me or not?" I asked again with desperation. It felt like she was just getting up from bed because I could hear unnecessary noise from her end before she answered.

"Yeah, sure. What is it?"

I explained to Kate what was about to go down today, and she was happy to comply with my favor.

"Okay, I will see you in a bit. Thanks! You're really a lifesaver," I said and then dropped the call.

I put on a nightdress instead while waiting for Kate to come by the apartment. I left the room and went to the kitchen to grab some bread and coffee for breakfast. My phone buzzed, and I hastily ran towards it, expecting that it would be from Nate.

"Hey, gorgeous. I'm sure you're up already. I think by the time now, you're still picking clothes to wear. Well, I will be at the Starlight Cafe & Co. around 10am. So take your time.

But remember, you're already beautiful. No need to be extravagant. See you."

I can't help but smile how he guessed what I was still doing. He knows me too well. I emphasize the phrase "too well." Before, it gave me shivers down my spine how he knows me well when I don't know anything about him. But I shrugged off the negativity and told myself that maybe I'm not that really hard to read, and many things had changed. Perhaps I haven't kept my appearances that well, especially around him.

I looked around the apartment, but I didn't see Mother around. Didn't she go home last night?

"Mom?" I said loudly enough to hear me till the second floor, but there was no answer.

"Mom, are you home?" I shouted once again, but I got no response.

Mom hasn't really been home for days. Even if we haven't been on excellent terms, she is still my mom. I tried to ring her phone, but it kept going on unattended.

Suddenly I heard a knock on the door, which paused my thoughts. I went to check who it was and it was Kate with her personal assistant?

"Kate?" I said in shock to see all the bags she was carrying and the others that her PA was also holding.

"What's all this?" I asked while they are busy trying to settle down by the living room.

"Well, hmm… hello Queen!" she said, trying to catch her breath. I nodded my head in response but with a hint of confusion on my face.

"I didn't know what you meant by decent, so I brought all of these," she said while gesturing her hand over all the bags laid on the floor.

"Did you bring the entire boutique here?" I asked rhetorically, but she nodded her head as a response. My eyes widened, and I was grateful for her help.

"Thank you! This means a lot to me," I said.

"R-really? Y-you're not mad?" she asked nervously.

"Why the hell would I be?"

Kate has a puzzled look written all over her face as if she was expecting a different reaction from me. I didn't mind it. Instead, I took the conversation differently.

"So, should we get started? I have to be there by 10am," I said.

I didn't tell Kate the entire thing about me going out on a date with Nate. I somehow changed the facts of who I will be meeting with and for what. I told her that I will be meeting with a relative from Europe, and that's why I have to look decent.

Kate has explained that the woman she is with is her personal assistant slash hair and makeup artist. Kate will style me while her PA does her magic on my face and hair.

Kate, one by one, showcased the clothes that were in the bag. A few minutes later, we finally found the perfect dress. Kate kept nodding, envisioning me wearing the dress. I kept smiling, too excited to see the result.

Kate's personal assistant started to do my hair since she's done with my makeup while we were looking for the dress to wear. I haven't seen myself yet. I hope I don't look too seductive. I just want to look simple but presentable.

"Done," the personal assistant said. She gave me a mirror to check myself out.

My makeup was done lightly. There wasn't much going on in my eyes. Just a winged liner that's smoked out slightly on the edges with a dark brown tone makes me look long and sexy, and mascara gives that dramatic eye look. The contour wasn't that heavy. A shade of pink flushes my cheeks, giving a fresh vibe and a nude pink shade too for my lips.

My hair was done simple but sophisticated too. The assistant curled my hair in mermaid waves and braid the crown of my head. She left some hair down, too, showing off the pretty waves that fall over my shoulders.

The dress that Kate and I chose was a simple picnic dress colored in white with tiny floral prints. It has a slit on one side showing off some skin but not too seducing relatively modest in a way. I paired it with some flats and a ratan bag, and minimalist necklace and earrings to complete the look.

When I was observing myself in the mirror, I almost couldn't recognize myself. I never looked so elegant and proper. I smiled a lot, happy to see the results.

"Thank you, Kate! You're a lifesaver!" I said gleefully, hugging her tight, showing my thanks. I felt that Kate felt surprised and awkward at first, but she gave in then.

I looked at the time, and I still have enough to get to the cafe where Nate and I will be meeting. I told Kate that she can take time packing her things, but I have to leave first or be late. She understood and told me not to worry, and so I left the apartment full of excitement and at the same time with a pinch of nervousness.

I took a cab on the way to the cafe. I kept on fidgeting my fingers, thinking of how the day would turn out and figuring out topics that we are supposed to be talking about the entire time.

I'm not used to this - to having proper dates. Have I mentioned that I've never been to one before? All I know is hookups. Yes! As stupid as that may sound, but I never saw myself settling for one.

I paid for the cab and hopped off the taxi. When I saw the cafe right in front of me, all I could do was stare at its establishment sign. I looked through the window and saw that there weren't that many people today.

I think that's a good sign? I mean… I really don't want anyone seeing us or recognizing me. I hope we will go somewhere quiet or a place where people from school don't usually go.

I took a step towards the entrance door, but I felt like my feet were being glued to the floor before I knew it. I felt butterflies in my stomach. Worse, my palms are sweating. Gosh! I never knew this day would come.

My train of thoughts stopped when I realized that there were already people lining up behind me. I apologized for the inconvenience and went inside. I skimmed through the crowd and saw Nate sitting on the far-end table where people won't usually choose to sit.

I walked up towards him. My hands were clasped behind me, trying to hide the evidence of my nervousness. As I was nearing him, I saw that he had a cute bag in front of him, and he was checking up on his phone for the time.

I tapped on his left shoulder, and he looked at me with his eyes widened. His jaw almost dropped. I left him speechless, did I?

"You know a fly can cause someone's death?" I said jokingly and sat in front of him. He coughed, trying to gather his composure. He adjusted himself, sitting properly by facing me with his shoulders relaxed.

"Hey you," I said with a smile.

"Hey…" he said. He was still looking at me. His stare is making me feel self-conscious.

"Do I not look pretty?" I asked. Oh god, Luna! What the fuck are you saying? I want to slap my mouth for even saying it out loud.

"Would I be speechless if you weren't? God, I almost didn't even recognize you. You look lovely today," he said, reaching out his hand to hold and reassure me.

His gesture made me smile, and I felt relaxed. He asked if I ordered something already before joining him at the table. I shook my head as a response, and he called over a waitress. We ordered two cakes and two iced americanos.

I sat across from him. I haven't made any eye contact yet, because I am nervous as fuck. My eyes were laser-focused on my fidgeting hands placed on the table. Then suddenly felt his hands over mine, which made me look at him.

"You know what, this is too awkward for us if we think that this is a date-date. Let's just think of it as hanging out or telling you that you owe me, so you have to treat me. Deal?" he said while still holding my hand and looking straight into my eyes.

Damn, his amber eyes! Why are his eyes so freaking gorgeous?

"I--Well, yeah. I guess… I'm sorry. It's just that I am really nervous. This is…"

"Your first time? Well, it is mine too," he said, cutting me off mid-sentence. He scratched the back of his head, and a hint of flushed cheeks showed on his face.

"YOU? First time? Are you just saying that to comfort me?" I said, crossing my arms and raising an eyebrow to intimidate him.

"Yes. Why wouldn't you believe me?" he said shyly. My eyes widened from what I just heard. I can't believe he's a fcking--

"You're a…."

"Wait! Hold up, right there, Luna! We are still… hmm, starting this date. We don't wanna go there yet, right?"

"Yeah, right…"

And poof! Another awkward silence has succumbed to our table. Geez! What have I been thinking too, asking that kind of question? It's too personal, and he's right. We're still trying to get to know one another. What a great conversation starter, Luna! Big brains!!!

The silence broke when the waitress served our order. I asked Nate what's the plan today, and he told me that it's a surprise. I can't help but feel excited and giddy once again. This day would just be rainbows and butterflies, right? Hopefully.

As soon as we finished our getting-to-know conversation at the cafe, Nate told me to just follow and believe in his capabilities of taking a woman on a date.

"This won't turn out well, won't it?" I teasingly asked him while we were walking towards a car.

"Stop teasing," he said, grabbing something from his pockets.

We stopped by a black sedan car which was parked just a few steps away from the cafe. The car lights lit up, and the next thing I knew, the front passenger seat door was opened.

"Ride or die," he said jokingly, quoting from the Fast and Furious movie.

"Is this yours?" I asked confusingly because I know he wouldn't have one since he took bus rides from his apartment to school.

"Just for the day. Come on. Get in," he said, and so I did.

I learned that Nate is an orphan. His parents were gone when he was still young. Although he still has memories of them, he just doesn't seem to be able to put a face on his mother and father. I asked him how he got where he is now. He told me that he grew up with his grandfather, but he too abandoned him when he turned old enough. I felt really sorry for him, but I didn't show any of that on my face because I know it's the last thing he would want to see from me. I just held his hand when he told me his story and assured him that he is no longer alone now, and that painted a smile on his face.

When he asked what my story was, I was hesitant. No one knows my real story. No one truly knows who Luna Harper is. Should I risk myself being exposed like this? Before I could even open my mouth, good thing that Kate called me out of nowhere. I had to excuse myself. (Way to go, Kate!)

"So, where are you taking me?" I asked when the car stopped at the red light.

"It's a secret," he said.

"Come on," I said, shaking his shoulder to spill it.

"Fine! Fine. A hint. Well, I will give you one. It's a place you won't imagine yourself going into in the first place," he said with a mischievous smile.

My eyebrow raised in confusion, trying to think of an answer to his mystery place, but nothing comes into mind.

"You'll see. We're just gonna be there for a minute or two, and we really will be on our actual date afterward," he said.

After a few minutes, we arrived in the biggest cathedral in town. He was right when he said, it's the place I won't imagine coming to myself. Why the hell are we here anyway?

Is it getting hot? It feels scorching even if I'm wearing super light clothes. Geez.

"Nate…" I said, holding his wrist before he could enter the cathedral. He looked straight at me with clear intentions in his eyes. Oh my god! Don't tell me…

"It will just be a minute. You don't have to do anything. Just follow and sit beside me," he said. All I could do was nod and follow him with our hands interlocked.

As soon as we sat, he removed his hands from mine and clasped both of his head bowed down. His eyes were closed, and his lips were mumbling, but I couldn't hear anything.

"Amen," he said, which was the only thing I heard from those two or three minutes of him mumbling silently.

"Come now. Let's have the date that you are most excited about," he said and dragged me out of the cathedral. I am so confused about what just happened, but he was smiling bigger than when we first met at the cafe, and I can't just help but smile.

I was smiling big time when we arrived at our destination. I have never been to this place, not since Mom and Dad were with me. It's an amusement park!!

"I knew you would love it here," he said while endearingly looking at me.

"Come on," I said, dragging him into the amusement park.

Gosh! I can't exactly remember the memories I had spent here with Dad before because I was just a kid back then. Still, I can totally remember the thrill of riding different rides.

Nate bought the tickets. We got the all rides package. I insisted on paying it half-half, but he insisted that it would be his treat. Seeing how convinced he is, I gave up and let him spend it.

The first ride that I was eager to try was the horror house. Ohh! I truly love some good scares. When we arrived by the entrance, Nate pulled me close to him. He was trying to hide it so bad that I have a good hint why he pulled me.

"Are you sure you wanna have the horror house as your first ride on this date?" he said, not glancing my way but rather at the entrance of the horror house. People going out from the horror are either laughing out loud or quiet but looking really pale as fuck. I was trying my best to hide my laughter.

"Yes!" I said gleefully.

"Are you sure you don't want to ride a rollercoaster or a Viking perhaps?" he said, looking at me with puppy eyes. I could feel his palm start to sweat.

"Yes!" I answered again, still with a very noticeable excitement in my tone.

"Are you--"

"Don't tell me you're afraid of the horror house?" I asked teasingly.

"Me? Afraid? What do you take me for?" he said, really trying his best to hide it. Oh, I want to laugh so hard right now.

"Then, if you're not. Let's go," I said, dragging him into the horror house.

The Haunted House isn't really a "ride" because it's like a maze that we have to go through. The guide at the house entrance gave us a map and told us we could use our phones as flashlights. Although, he still gave us two flashlights.

"I think I will only be needing one," I said to the staff.

"Wait. What? Why would we only be needing one?" Nate asked me, trying to stop me from giving it back to the staff.

"Because… you will be busy enough hiding from behind me that you won't have the energy to lift up the flashlight to light our way," I said - still with a teasing tone.

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me," I heard him whisper to himself.

As we entered the house, there was only quietness and darkness that welcomed us. We started following the map that was given to us.

"Okay, so not really that scary--" Nate got jinxed because suddenly a staff member just jumpscares right in front of him. But what's funny was he blindly punched in the air because of it. I kinda heard an "ooh" thereof pain.

"Fuck," he cursed in his breath. I laughed out loud that's probably heard in the entire house.

"Stop it," he said embarrassingly.

"I-I'm sorry," I said, trying to stop laughing.

"You know, you really shouldn't be that scared of them. They're just amusement park staff dressed in a costume," I said while trying my best to calm myself down.

"Not funny!" he said in despair.

Finally after how many minutes, we were able to finish the Haunted House. Nate looked so pale that I almost recognized him as a walking dead. I can't stop laughing at his screams during the entire time we were finding our way out.

"Are you enjoying this?" he asked while trying to pull himself together.

"I am," I said with a big smile.

"Then, this date just had a good start," he said with a smile.

We tried different rides from then. We rode the roller coaster, Viking, and many more. In between, we bought some cotton candies and drinks to satisfy our thirst and sweet tooth.

The sun was about to set by the time we were riding the Ferris wheel. The wheel went round till we reached the peak. The sky was now painted with blood spilled all over the canvas with a hint of golden yellow and bright oranges. It was uncalled for but totally romantic. Perfect enough to end the day with something like this.

"You know… You really didn't answer me back in the cafe when I asked you to spill tea of who Luna Harper is, and I get that you don't want to tell me. I totally respect that. Just want you to know that you can always, always confide in me. I will always be here by your side. I hope that you will give me the chance to make you believe every word I say," he said with sincerity that almost made me tear up.

"Thank you. Not just for today but for always being there, for always coming up to save me. Even though sometimes it hurts my ego, because I know I can defend myself. But still, it's good to know that I have someone I can lean on," I said.

He hugged me, and we sat quietly as we observed the sun go down. It was the most comforting hug I've ever felt since the last time I saw my Dad. I felt safe and cared for at the same time.

After the exciting morning and afternoon activities, we went to a fancy restaurant to end our day. It was really romantic. The whole place just builds up to it.

We sat down, and the waitress gave us the menu. I took a peek to look at Nate, and he was focused on the list of food in front of him. He still looks fresh despite the numerous rides we've tried. I have never looked at him like this before, but damn he is gorgeous.

I looked back to the menu and saw how expensive the food was.

"Uhm, can you give us a minute to decide? I'll just call if we are ready to order," I said to the waitress.

"Yes, of course," she replied and went her way.

I held Nate's wrist that made him look at me. I then said, "Are you sure we'll be eating in this place? The price list is out of our budget."

He smiled and held my hand. He's so good at making me feel reassured. "It's fine. Don't worry. Ever since I asked you out, I have been saving up for this." His reply made me smile.

How can this guy be so perfect? Although… it made me wonder how he got the money? He did tell me that he was orphaned, but he never mentioned anything about work. Plus, he's a student assistant as labor to being a student scholar of the school. Do they pay student scholars?

I shook my head to ignore the curious mind of mine and doubt him. It just bothers me that he had spent too much for today and I wanted to take part in it, but he doesn't allow me. He keeps telling me that he wants to do it and that he doesn't mind at all. Well, I guess I can do something for him afterward.

We ordered our food and then, minutes later, they served our red wine. We clink our glasses, cheering for a beautiful night to end our date.

"Today was really memorable," I said.

"It was. I hope you enjoyed it," he said. His nervousness is no longer visible. He was comfortable, and it really seemed that he had fun.

"I did. I've never had that much fun before. I genuinely enjoyed the day," I said, reassuring him that his plan was a success.

"Then, I am happy to hear that."

"Nate…"

"Hmm?"

"I wanted to ask something, though, but I wasn't quite sure how I should form my question," I said hesitantly.

"Go on," he said with a smile.

"Okay. Well, I was wondering, why did we go to the cathedral first?" He laughed at my question, making my cheeks flush in embarrassment. I guess he didn't expect to hear that kind of question.

"It has been bugging you since earlier, huh?" he said.

"Just answer the damn question," I retorted.

"Well, I wanted to ask Mom and Dad's guidance to help today in our date. As you know, I'm not really popular with girls…."

"But you are…." I whispered in my breath. He continued.

"So, I prayed to them both to give me courage and wisdom over this. And lucky me, they answered my prayers because you just said that you enjoyed our date," he said with a big smile.

"I never thought you're a religious type," I said without thinking, so I apologized for my rude comment.

"No. It's fine. But I am. Well, not really devoted, but I believe that there is a higher being. When I was still young, I always saw Mom praying and reading the Bible. Maybe I picked it up from her," he explained.

"Cute. You're a momma's boy," I said. He chuckled at my comment.

"How about you? Are you a daddy's girl?" he asked. I was hesitant to answer, but somehow the atmosphere helped me feel comfortable to share.

"Yes, I am, actually. Dad loves to spoil me a lot. Even now," I said. A small sting struck my heart with the last phrase.

"I see… Now, I think I will be having a hard time with your father then?" he jokingly asked. I smiled but not happily.

"Oh, believe me, you won't," I said. "So, any movies you like? What are your interests?" I asked in dire need of changing the topic.

"Movies… Well, I think you know that I don't like any horror stuff…."

The night was long because of our conversation. Getting to know one another. Our dislikes and likes. It was nice to have such a good conversation with someone. Just being ourselves with no masks on. Well, for him, I guess. I still had to put mine on, but just a half of it.

After dinner, Nate dropped me off by my apartment building. He opened the door for me and walked me by the entrance.

"Good night. See you tomorrow," he said with a smile.

"Good night," I replied.

He was about to turn away from me but I stopped him. It was as if my hand moved on its own, gripping his shirt.

"Luna?" he asked.

"Don't turn around and look at me! I just… I just want to say that I am really grateful for your efforts and I don't know if what I'm doing is right. Hell, I don't have any idea what real relationships are supposed to be like, but thank your Mom and Dad when you get home because I really really enjoyed the day. You're an unexpected gift that came to my life," I said with my cheeks flushed and embarrassed face.

I plopped to the ground covering my face while hovering my head over my knees. 'Ah what am I saying?' I thought to myself.

I heard him giggle. I then felt his hand patting my head. I lifted my embarrassed face to look at him and he was kneeling in front of me. He lifted my chin with his index finger, looking straight into my eyes.

"I like you, Luna. I mean it," he said with a straight face. I was stunned by the sudden confession that no words came out of my mouth. Instead, I leaned forward and gave him a kiss.

I went upstairs—all giddy and full of butterflies in my stomach but at the same time feeling in doubt and confused for some reason. Gosh, the day has finally ended. Today was just great! Literally has been the best day in my life since what happened last year.

I opened the door to the apartment and turned on the lights. I guess. Mom is still not around. The apartment still looks neat. I went to the kitchen because I wanted to grab a glass of water, but before that, I dropped to my knees only to see pills scattered on the floor with wine spilled all over.

"Mom!!!" I screamed.