Chapter 10 - Luke

I wanted to see Alexia again. I know it sounds desperate, but I had had such a good time with her that morning, that I decided to text her.

Hey

Have you finished all your homework already?

Because I don't really know Santa Monica, and I kind of need a guide.

But only if you have time.

Thanks.

I know, I know. I'm a liar. I've actually seen Santa Monica already. But, c'mon, it's not every day you go out with a beautiful girl, right?

Alexia didn't answer until 7 P.M, which found completely unnerving. But when she wrote back, I was totally relieved.

Yeah, sure. When do you want to meet?

I answered immediately.

Tomorrow? At 1.30 P.M?

Okay, let's meet at the Apple Store again.

Okay, see you then.

Was I seriously going out with Alexia? No, it didn't seem possible. Why would someone like that want to be with someone like me?

I couldn't think of an answer, so I pushed it aside.

I didn't have anything to do, so I started to pick out my clothes for tomorrow. After half an hour, I settled for a green shirt that matched my eyes, some short jeans, and a pair of white Adidas. I thought it looked pretty good.

I looked at the clock. 7.38 P.M.

It was early, but I didn't want to go out anymore. I just watched some TV. At 9, I went to my room, opened a book, and read until 11.

Sunday.

I woke up at 9.30, then I changed into normal clothes. I thought it would be better to put on my "date clothes" later because I was afraid that I might stain them.

I had breakfast, then helped my mother clean the kitchen. By the time I was done, it was 10.53. It was time for me to get ready.

I showered and washed my teeth. I then changed, putting on the clothes I had chosen the day before. I styled my hair a bit, trying to make it look a bit less messy than it normally was. I wanted to impress her so badly, that I even put some cologne on. When I was done, I went to the dining room, ready to eat.

As soon as my mother saw me, she smiled. "Trying to impress someone, are we?"

I didn't even bother to answer.

"Is this the same girl from yesterday?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"You're going to meet her again?"

"Yeah."

"Is she your girlfriend?"

"Ye- Wait, what?!"

My mother laughed. "I'm joking! But, seriously, you seem to be into this girl. What's her name?"

I didn't really want to tell her, but she looked so happy, that I couldn't let her down. "Alexia."

She nodded. I guess she didn't have any more questions, because we didn't talk about Alexia for the whole meal.

I left at 1.20 P.M.

I headed for the Apple Store. This time, I was the first one to arrive.

While I waited for her, I looked around. The Apple Store was big, but not as big as the one in New York (Not that I'm bragging. Okay, maybe I'm bragging). Like the one in New York though, the whole entrance was made of glass, and it made the whole place look much bigger than it really was. I liked it.

Third Street was really crowded. Mobs of people surrounded this little girl, who was playing the violin. Beautifully, if I might add. While the girl played her instrument, everyone was looking at her in awe. She really was good.

As I stared at her, someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"Hey," Alexia said.

"Oh, hi!" I said.

She was wearing simple short-cut jeans, a white tank-top, and her white Adidas. Some beautiful seashell earrings were dangling from her ears, and an anchor necklace was placed above her chest. Her look was simple, but she was stunning.

While I was staring, she asked me a question. When I didn't answer, she had to repeat it.

"What do you want to see first?" she asked.

"Um…uh…" I stammered.

Pull yourself together! I told myself.

"I don't know. What would you say is the best thing in Santa Monica?" I finally said.

"Um…" she thought. "I guess Third Street is pretty nice, but the beach is awesome as well. The Pier is beautiful, so you'll definitely want to see that," she stated as I just nodded. "We should probably see Third Street first since we're here already," she continued. "Unless you want to see something else?"

"No, no, that's fine," I told her.

We started walking, but suddenly, Alexia popped up. "Wait!" she said "This way."

We walked to Fourth Street, then on Santa Monica Blvd. Right there in a corner of the intersection was a place called "Jamba Juice".

"This is a really good smoothie place," Alexia explained.

We walked in and ordered. "A Greens 'n Ginger, please," Alexia told the cashier.

"And I'll have the Mango-A-Go-Go," I said.

As we waited for our smoothies, Alexia and I talked.

"So," she said, "When is your birthday?"

I was kind of surprised by that question, but I answered anyway.

"The fourth of March," I said.

"The seventh of September," she said back.

"What?" I said surprised, "That was two weeks ago!"

"I know, but I didn't want to make a fuss out of it," she said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"But I didn't get you anything!" I said.

"That's fine. I didn't want much anyways."

But it wasn't fine. Everyone should get presents on their birthday, even if you'd known them for barely two weeks. But I didn't tell her that. It would ruin the surprise.

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yeah, don't worry about it."

"Alexia!" The cashier called. We walked over and took our drinks. We stepped out, and I took my first sip. Delicious. It was the perfect combination of mango, pineapple, and passion fruit.

"How's yours?" Alexia asked.

"This is the best smoothie I've ever had," I announced, taking in another huge sip.

Alexia giggled.

We walked back to Third Street, where we looked around at the different shops. I have to admit, it was beautiful. Unlike New York City, Santa Monica is clean, organized, and much less noisy. Don't get me wrong, New York is a fantastic city, but I always thought that there were too many people and that it was too loud.

While we walked, Alexia and I chatted. We talked about our embarrassing stories, our families, our trips. I'm not really a person who reveals his secrets easily, but with Alexia, it just felt right. Telling her that I've never been in a relationship was actually pretty easy…

"Me neither," Alexia had said after I told her, "I'm always with Vanessa, I never have time. And, even if I did, I'm sure no one would want to be with me."

I had to take some time to think of what to say. Then, I looked at her.

"You're joking, right? I mean, you're smart, funny, beautiful and considerate of other people. Any guy would be lucky to be with you."

She was looking at the floor, but I could see her blushing. "Thanks," she said after a short pause. She took another sip of her smoothie. "So," she said, changing the subject. "It's 5.09. Do you want to go see the pier?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"Okay, awesome. After that we can get some dinner," she said.

And with that, we headed for the Santa Monica pier.