Chapter Eighteen

Talia's POV:

The night was going smoothly. Having an amazing and special moment with the guy that I liked. There was no feeling that could decipher what I was feeling at the moment.

He nodded approvingly and said that it was smart. He even assured me that he will always keep in touch, never letting me go.

I smiled and congratulated him. On the inside, I was jumping up and down in joy, while still having that panic that he would forget me as soon as his eyes fell on one of the college hotties.

We were clicking. Talking deeply about things we have never had the time to joke about or even consider. I am glad I came to this party. It has opened my eyes to another side of him.

We continued talking for about half an hour before someone came into the kitchen looking for Jake.

"Uhm, Jake, I have something to tell you before you," I mustered up the courage and said. My mind was made up, and I was going to tell him no matter what.

"Why don't you tell me tomorrow? Free tomorrow?" Jake asked.

I shook my head, holding my breath.

"How about we go see a movie?" Jake suggested, "Maybe grab dinner at your favorite spot?"

I grinned and nodded shamelessly. "You do know how to offer a good bribe."

"Great," Jake said, grinning back at me. "That is why I mean the world to you," he joked.

It wasn't a joke to me. He did mean the whole wide world to me.

" I'll pick you up at six," he announced, going back to the party to continue his host duties, and I went back to Stella.

Stella and I stayed for three more hours, and I started losing interest. Yet, I found myself glued. I didn't want to leave Jake even for a second. He was surrounded by his arrogant friends and I hated them.

I couldn't possibly interrupt because they would just show that they are nothing more than annoying, spoiled pricks. The good thing was that everyone now and now, Jake looked at me with warmth and I just smiled like an idiot. When I couldn't take it anymore,

I dragged Stella out, and we went home.

* * *

I was as happy as a kid who had gotten her Christmas wish fulfilled. Jake and I have never had this kind of moment. So, for this to happen, it was huge. I was counting down every second, minute, and hour. I told Stella all about what happened. She was super excited for me.

Preparing for our date, as I labeled it, I snuck off to Stella's house. I would say it was sneaking out because my grandmother cared less about my whereabouts these days. As I got here, Stella helped dress me in a cute nude dress and a pair of golden heels. I have her to thank for all my nice outfits.

Since I wasn't home, I got the address and rode a cab to meet Jake at six o'clock sharp.

He had picked an ice cream parlor not too far from the movie theatre. It was a nice place and very comfortable to be in. Justin knew my craziness for Ice cream. After we had our fill, he drove us to a nice restaurant, still within the movie vicinity. It was a pleasant sit-down place, not too formal. Perfect for a first date.

We have a great time. I learned more about Jake and his family. He asked me questions too, and we discovered that we had so many things in common. He hated cooking, and so did I. He loved romantic movies, and so did I.

We loved the same flavor of ice cream. He was an only child too. So many revelations about him that I only got to know of tonight. Jake wasn't a talker. His opening up and being free with me tonight was a good sign.

After dinner, we went and saw a movie. Fortunately, it was not a romantic movie that would have made the movie-time, awkward. But a very good action movie that kept us on our toes until the end.

When the movie finished, we went for a walk in the park. Jake held my hand tightly and I felt safe. I do hope he kisses me. I hope so. Although it was dark, walking with him hand-in-hand, brought a different kind of light to me. And the streetlights also helped. We continue strolling, discussing the movie, and then he stopped.

He just stood and stared deeply into my eyes. A different level of shyness hit me.

"Talia, I have been waiting for a long time for this," he said.

I finally looked up at him and smiled. "Me too," I whispered.

He smiled back. Putting his hands on my shoulders, he leaned down and kissed me. His lips felt soft, and his breath smelled nice. His kiss was gentle and tender.

I was beyond happy that Jake did it. My first kiss was with the boy I adored so much. That memory will be stuck like glue in my mind. A pleasant experience to remember.

Suddenly, everything changed. I had no idea what happened because it all took place within a blink of an eye. I could remember that our lips were greedily crashing into each other, but, Jake was laying on the floor, unconscious.

I saw what seemed like shadows until they became more visible, revealing a large figure. I tried to scream, but my voice was sharply muffled as a large hand covered my mouth, allowing only inaudible whimpering sounds out.

As I even attempted to struggle, I felt a sharp prick to the side of my neck and everything went dark.