Fate

the meadow

On a breezy fall day, Monica went to her favorite part of the meadow near the creek to relax and get away from all the drama. Her mom and her aunt had been arguing over some stupid family stuff and she was trying to avoid getting dragged into it. While she was there reading, she saw a man across the pond, writing in his journal. She kept taking glances at him before finally gathering enough courage to cross the bridge and join him on the rocks.

"is this seat taken?" she asked him

"no, go ahead" he replied

So she carefully stepped down the rocks to join him and sit by the creek.

"what are you writing" she asked

"just thoughts and feelings" he said

"want to talk about it?" she countered

"I'm sorry, I didn't get your name" said the man

"Monica, Monica Bell. And yours?" Monica asked

"Andrew Dawson, and sure we can talk. Only if you tell me what's up with you" andrew said

She carefully thought it over, debating whether or not she wanted to bother him. After a few careful moments she agreed. They sat for hours just talking and venting to one another, letting all their worries go and getting to know each other. When it started to get dark, they both climbed back up the rocks to the path and started to cross the bridge. As they reached the meadow they started to part ways. As they did, Andrew asked if she would give him her phone number.

"text me later?" she asked with a shy smile

"of course" andrew said before giving her a hug and walking towards his jeep. Later that night while he was lying in bed, he texted her asking if she got home ok. She replied saying yeah and they chatted for a while before making plans to go get lunch the following weekend.

They day comes for their date, andrew is getting ready, wearing some nice khaki cargo shorts and a light aqua button down with the sleeves rolled up and his favorite gray mid top converse. He hops into his car and heads to pick her up. When he arrives he is in awe.

"wow" he says in amazement

Down the steps come Monica, looking stunning in her black leggings and light red and black flannel with the sleeves rolled part way up and her long curly hair cascading down her shoulders.

"so whats on the menu for today" she asks

"well I decided to make it a surprise" andrew replied

"really? Ok." She said

"you look amazing today" he said while walking her to the car

"thanks" she replied with a blush

Once they arrive back at the meadow, monica gasps with surprise when she sees the full picnic laid out on the blanket with chicken nuggets, barbecue sauce and a dr pepper for her and grilled chicken and sprite for him.

"is this really for me?" she asked with excitement

"yep, I remembered how you told me you love chicken nuggets with barbecue sauce and how dr pepper was your favorite soda" he says with a smile on his face

"you are amazing" she says while hugging him

Then they both go and sit down and start eating. When they finish he reveals he has one more surprise for her.

"close your eyes" he asks her

"ok" she says and she closes her eyes

He reaches into the basket and bulls out a bowl of tootsie rolls.

"open up" he says

She sees the tootsie rolls and grabs the bowl.

"these are my favorite!" she squeaks

"that's why I got them for you" says andrew

"you are the best" says Monica

After lounging around for a little while longer, they pack up and go for a walk along the path through the woods near the creek. Andrew is quietly thinking to himself how to ask for another date.

"so Monica, I was wondering if maybe you would want to go get dinner and see a movie sometime?" he nervously asks

"of course" she says, happy that he asked her again.

Then they head back to her house to drop her off for the evening. When they get to the door they turn and look at each other.

"I had a lot of fun today" she said, looking up at him

"me too" replied andrew

She looks into his eyes, happy and excited for this new adventure in life. She goes to hug him and as they pull away, Monica stands on her tippy toes and kisses him on the check.

"goodnight andrew" she says slyly as she walks in and closes the door

Andrew walks back to his jeep, surprised and happy that he got a kiss. He hops in and heads home, thinking about what to do for their next date.