Hopelessly Devoted

[8] - A Date with Daniels

He had gained a lot more confidence this time round, as he winked before he left. Luckily, Ethan didn't see. But what he did see..

I looked at the basket of bread he placed in the centre of our table and under it was a thin strip of paper.

"Oh, my god," I accidently said aloud, which brought Ethan's attention towards me - something I didn't want.

I quickly tried to hide the paper from Ethan, but he was so fast to rip it out of my hands. He studied the paper and his eyes narrowed.

"He gave you his number?" he growled.

"Who cares?" I tried playing it off as if it was no big deal. He completely ignored me, as he tore the piece of paper in half, then quarters, then eighths and so forth.

"You know what," he began as he started to get out of his chair.

I quickly reached for his arm and gripped it tightly, watching him. His face fell from its tensed structure and he looked soft again. He looked back down at my hands and then up at me.

He felt something. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't either.

He slowly sat back down, with a look of confusion on his face. I was confused myself. He gave me a look of sincerity and sorryness, which he should feel sorry. That guy had no right to do that. We were clearly here together.

"Lets eat!" I smiled, passing him his fork.

We dug into our food and completely forgot about what had just happened. We spoke a lot and ate, learning a bit about each other.

"Okay, my turn..." I said, thinking, "what's you're favorite color?"

"Black," he smirked.

I laughed. I wasn't surprised, it's all he wears. Not complaining, though.

"Black isn't a colour," I giggled, "it's a shade."

"Whatever you say, love," he threw his hands up in defeat, "what's yours?"

"Red," I shrugged, "or pink," I giggled, thinking about an argument I had with Dylan.

Ethan nodded his head, "my turn," he began to think. "Biggest fear?"

"Clowns. Hands down. Definitely clowns," I began to shake at the thought of them, "what's yours?"

He began to look away and scratch his neck, shyly. I raised an eyebrow at this strange act.

"Come on, spill the beans!" I said, throwing my hands up.

He took a deep breath and exhaled, finally admitting, "truth is..."

"I'm afraid of spiders."

I parted my mouth in shock, and burst into a fit of laughter, finding it hard to breath.

"You?" I managed to make out, "Mr. I'm the school's bad boy, I have tattoos and my favorite color is black, is afraid of spiders?" I continued to laugh.

Thankfully we sat away from everyone.

"Be quiet," Ethan said, embarrassed.

I managed to calm myself down after a while and felt bad for laughing.

"Sorry," I coughed.

He just gave a little chuckle as he finished off his food.

I completely forgot the time, and I looked outside the window. It was dark out. I pulled out my phone and checked the time.

"Since when did it become 7:30?" I gasped.

Ethan seemed surprised too, as he checked his

"Time flies when you're having such a good time," he smiled.

I gave a quick giggle as I made sure I had no food on my face.

"Shall we get going then?" I asked standing up.

He nodded and we walked down towards the waitress that greeted us, paid for our food and headed for the exit. Before we left, we saw the guy who slipped me his number, and he was eyeing me, again. Ethan also saw, so he slithered his hand around my waist and pulled me close whilst he glared at him. I couldn't help but giggle.

We left to the car, where Ethan opened the door for me and we both got it. We got driving and Ethan was a little quiet. He was also driving fastly. I hope the guy at the restaurant didn't set him off?

"You alright?" I asked, I noticed he was tense.

No answer.

"Ethan?" I rubbed my hand on his shoulder which reverted his attention to me.

"Hmm?" He asked, slightly looking away from the road.

"You're tense, what's wrong?" I asked, concern evident in my voice.

"It's nothing," he replied, voice empty of emotion.

I slouched back down into my seat, feeling left out. I really wanted to know what was bothering him so much.

Did he maybe know the waiter? Is that why he acted so harsh?

The rest of the car ride was filled with small talk.

***

Ethan finally reached my house and I got out. I expected this to be the end, as he sounded as if he didn't want to talk. But I heard the door shut and footsteps approach so I threw that outcome away.

He walked me up to my front door as we shared our goodbyes.

"Thanks for coming tonight," he smiled sincerely.

"Well, thank you for asking me to come," I smiled back.

We stared into each other's eyes intensely, as if he was trying to read me. His eyes were so mesmerising, the colour that was now blue. They shone brightly even in darkness. They reminded me of the sky, a beautiful sight.

"I'll see you tomorrow," I smiled, again.

"Definitely," he smiled, pulling me into a tight hug. I hugged back of course, not as tight.

"Goodnight," I said, almost as a whisper.

He hugged me slightly tighter and kissed my head, "goodnight, love."

When we let go, I smiled again before I unlocked the door. I stood inside as he shot me a quick genuine smile before he walked to his car. I shut the door. I immediately took off my shoes and bag and looked out the window again, watching Ethan back out of the driveway.

I smiled to myself as the memories of tonight washed back through my mind. I turned on the light and saw Dylan sitting in the chair, facing me.

"I've been expecting you," he said, monotone.

I burst out laughing at his strange behaviour and he laughed along with me.

"Did you have fun?" He asked, getting up and walking towards the kitchen.

"I'm not talking boys with you!" I laughed, shaking my head.

"Okay, okay," he laughed, "now off to bed, you have school tomorrow."

"Okay, mom," I laughed, again, before trotting upstairs.

I got into my bedroom and collapsed onto my bed. I quickly changed out of my clothes and ran back to my bed, almost instantly falling asleep, Ethan being the last thing on my mind.

-