So High

33. Atiyya

"Kaleb, where are you taking me?!" I giggled with excitement and anticipation.

He had blindfolded me and placed me in the car, instructing me to remain blindfolded until we reached our destination.

"Just sit there and look pretty. I'm taking the lead today," he teased, his voice filled with playful determination.

"Well, are we almost there? These blindfolds are giving me anxiety. I don't like not being able to see," I admitted, a hint of nervousness creeping into my tone.

"Yes, girl, we're almost there. Sit tight," he reassured me, his words laced with anticipation.

As we continued our journey, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mingled with apprehension. I knew Kaleb had something special planned, especially after his unexpected phone call earlier in the day urging me to get dressed and look nice.

Though I suspected he might be asking me to be his girlfriend, I had no idea what he had in store. I trusted him to make it thoughtful, knowing that extravagance wasn't necessary for me. All I wanted was something meaningful and sincere.

My stomach fluttered with butterflies at the thought of becoming someone's girlfriend. It had been almost a week since our night after the club, and the memory still filled me with warmth at the pit of my stomach.

Those flashbacks are something else.

I had confided in Nabora and Rickie the next day, sharing every detail of our night together. They were thrilled for me and couldn't understand why I hadn't accepted Kaleb's girlfriend proposal right then and there.

But for me, it was important that Kaleb was sure of us before we took that next step. I wanted our relationship to be built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and genuine affection, and I was willing to wait for him to be ready.

As the car slowed to a stop, Kaleb's hand gently guided me out, careful not to let me stumble.

"Okay, we're here. Just a few more steps," he whispered, his voice close to my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I could sense his excitement, matching my own, as we navigated the short distance to our mystery destination.

Finally, he removed the blindfold, revealing a breathtaking scene before me. We stood on the soft sand of a secluded beach, the gentle lapping of waves providing a soothing soundtrack to our surroundings. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the horizon.

"Wow," I breathed, my heart swelling with awe at the beauty of it all.

Kaleb stood beside me, his gaze fixed on the ocean. "I thought you might like it," he said softly, his eyes reflecting the colors of the setting sun.

"It's perfect," I replied, turning to face him, my heart pounding in my chest.

He took my hand in his, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. "So I guess now's the part where I got to be all mushy and shit?"

I laughed in response. "Not if you don't want to."

"Nah um," he cleared his throat. "You know these past couple of months, we haven't always had our best moments. But despite all that, just being around you feels right and I'm at a point now where I really I can't imagine my life without you in it, even if this relationship shit don't pan out the way we plan."

I smacked my teeth. "Can you not go there? Why you are already thinking about—-"
"Let me finish." He cut me off, knowing I was about to go in.

"What I'm trying to say is that no matter what we go through, I'm going to be there, rain or shine. And even though we are still young, if there is one thing I'm sure of in this life outside of basketball, it's you."

I felt my cheeks flush again with warmth as his words washed over me. This was it, I realized. He was about to ask me to be his girlfriend, and I couldn't wait to say yes.

"And I couldn't have done this without a little help," he continued, gesturing behind him.

I turned to see Nabora and Rickie's names scribbled on a small sign beside the picnic spread, and I couldn't help but smile. They had been in on the surprise.

"See I knew you couldn't pull this off by yourself." I joked, turning back to Kaleb in amazement.

"Man whatever, somebody had to set up while I went to get you," he replied, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

A smile broke across my face as I realized the effort Kaleb had put into planning this special moment. "Thank you," I whispered, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.

"Will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, his voice hopeful.

I looked into his eyes, sincerely. "Duh," I replied, playfully.

He smacked his teeth, straight facing me.

"I'm kidding," I laughed. "Yes, I would love to be your girlfriend Kaleb." I was serious this time, the feeling of tenderness coating my words.

A smile broke across his face, and he pulled me into his arms, holding me close, kissing my lips softly. "Now let's go to the car and get in that back seat."

I pushed him off, smiling. "Boy, move. We are not letting this food go to waste."
"I'm serious, now that you my girlfriend. I need some at least three times a week, minimum."

"You're right, I'm your girlfriend, not your little sex slave." I retorted.
"Ain't that the same thing?"

I punched him in the arm.

"Ow!" He laughed. "You got one more time to put them dog paws on me."

"Stop playing with me then. Come on, let's eat." I pulled his hand so he could sit down on the palette that was made, before opening one of the boxes of pizza.

Together, we settled onto the picnic blanket, surrounded by the warmth of the evening air and the gentle lapping of the waves. As we shared slices of pizza and exchanged playful banter, I couldn't help but feel a sense of joy and contentment wash over me.

Was I falling in love?
—-

Hi guys, long time no speak! Kind of a short update, but I have a new book out called "Tune In". I've already uploaded 5 chapters for it so be sure to check it out! I'm excited to be getting back into writing. I hope that with this new book, it'll push me to just being more consistent on here in general so I can officially get this book finished.

Anyways I hope y'all enjoyed the update! 'Tiyya and Kaleb done FINALLY made it officially 🤣