Played By Strings Of Fate

11th String - I Could Probably Do Better

"Well, is it?" I questioned in a shockingly calm voice. On the outside, I appeared calm (at least I hope I did) but on the inside, my mind was swirling with a bunch of possibilities and I couldn't tell if it was good for me or not.

"If it isn't weird for you..." he frowned.

Woah. Okay, I did not expect that. At all.

I was silent for a while, trying to recover from the initial shock before I was brave enough to ask him, "Is this a date Clark?"

He looked up at me but then looked away quickly. He was also nervous, which was weird.

"Well technically, since it's just you and me, odds are, if people would look at us, that's what they would probably think. Not that it's a big deal. It's okay for us right? Since we're best friends and all. It wouldn't be weird because we're supposed to be comfortable with each other all the time and what better way to spend this beautiful Friday night than a date? I mean, let's be honest, you're not getting any younger and you should experience what other teenagers are experiencing so you would know what to do if you're faced with the same situation again in the future. Your first date should be with someone you're comfortable with. I know that girls make a huge deal out first times so I'm just helping you."

I blinked at him with my mouth slightly agape. I snapped myself back into reality for more important matters.

What an egotistical creature. He took me out because he suddenly decided that he should be the one to choose the person I go on my first date with and he chose himself. I try not to think too deeply about it because hello, this is Clark we're talking about. Even though I knew him well, I can never tell if he had ulterior motives. Especially now that we've both changed. I, for one, have matured. Him, I don't know.

"That still doesn't answer my question." I mumbled because it was true.

He explained his reason and even though it's kind of offending, I couldn't help but be happy. I was, at some point, in love with him and there's a bubble of hope inside me that he might like me back.

He groaned, "Yes Jade. This is a date."

My face flushed at the direct way he said it. I kind of knew it was a date after his long speech but I didn't expect him to admit it so freely. I looked away so he wouldn't see me blush.

I'm not stupid so I know for a fact that he wasn't doing this just because he thinks he needs to teach me something or to protect me. But seriously though, that statement about me not getting any younger was low. I was inexperienced, sure, but it doesn't mean I was completely clueless. My life doesn't revolve around love and relationships anyway.

"Clark," I began, feeling the need to make a point. He looked at me nervously, "Friends don't just go on dates for the reasons you believe in so I suggest you keep this from happening again," Unless you develop more than friendly feelings for me, I added mentally.

I didn't want to seem hopeful but I couldn't help it.

He nodded, "I understand. I'm sorry if you forced," he said, a look of guilt on his face.

The waiter arrived at that moment with our food and my mouth started watering. Everything looks so good.

I shook my head, "I don't feel forced. As long as you're paying for everything," I said, taking a bite of my food. Is it just me or do I have more food than Clark?

He laughed a melodious laugh, "Of course," he smiled. "I won't let you pay. I would never dare if I cared about my life."

And just like that, the atmosphere was comfortable. No more nervous Clark and lovestruck Jade. Okay, there's still a lovestruck Jade but it wasn't noticeable.