Designed for Submission

Chapter 5

Finally done with classes, I hurry to my locker. I see that Aiden got their early and waited for me like he said he would. He doesn't know how much that means to me. Oh! I'm greeted by a wide smile and a cheesy, over the top bow, which makes me giggle.

We leave the building together and get in his car, heading to my favourite Mexican restaurant. He's the perfect gentlement opening the passenger door for me, opening the door to the restaurant, and pulling out my chair. We look over the menu quickly and order our food.

"So, tell me about yourself," he says after the waiter walks away.

"What would you like to know?"

He smiles at me, "Normal stuff: hobbies, favourites, etc."

"Hobbies, huh? Hmm..." I say in faux consideration. "I like to sing and I can play ultimate frisbee. My passion is dancing, though. What about you?"

He tells me that he loves reading and playing all sorts of sports. He also really enjoys all types of games: card games, trivia, board games, and anything else. We talk about our favourite movies, foods, books, celbrities and muscians. We share our dream destinations and dream jobs.

"I'd love to go to Italy, too!" Aiden exclaims. It's amazing how much we have in common. Like I do for most people, I observe him. It sounds creepy, but it's not. I pay attention to the way he talks with his hands, the way his eyes light up about certain things, the way his head moves, and most of all, the way his lips move and his beautiful smile.

Our food comes and we eat in silence for a little while before he breaks the silence. "Umm, Elena? he asks, and I nod my head in acknowldegement.

"So, this may not be an appropriate time to ask, heck, this isn't an appropriate question," he says nervously as the waiter places our meals on the table.

"Okay?" I don't have a clue what he's thinking. Do I want to know? "Go ahead, Aiden. You can ask."

He takes a deep breath. "Did you like sex with Jay?"

I nearly choke on my food. What? "Umm..." I have no idea how to respond to that. It was disgusting and wrong. I'll admit it was hot, but I don't think I could ever do that again. The experience hurt too much. I think about my daydream in theater this morning and a shudder runs through my body.

"You don't have to answer, Elena."

"I'd rather not. Thanks, Aiden."

He abruptly changes the subject. I'm so glad that it doesn't become awkward between us and we can carry on like nothing happened. We spend a whole hour longer sitting in the restaurant and getting to knkow each other. He laughs at my jokes, which surprising because nobody thinks I'm funny.

We finish our drinks and he drives me home. He walks me to my door and kisses the back of my hand. Oh! The perfect gentleman. I wave after him as he drives away. This really has been the best day in a long time. Thank you, Aiden, for transferring to our school.

The week goes by fairly quickly. I no longer feel self-conscious and enjoy my days more. Aiden has restored some of my old self. We've really hit it off, but not really in a romantic way, which I really appreciate. I enjoy his company because he's so easy going and respects my boundaries, but also has this air of control and self-assurance about him.

Friday arrives, and we plan to go to my house and watch a movie.

"I promise to keep my hands off you!" He teases. Typical Aiden - making not so subtle hints that he likes me, but keeping still managing to make me feel comfortable and reassured that we're just friends. I hit him in the arm and laugh at his sillyness.