Star Crossed

Chapter 18: Saturday Night

Hawk

I pull up in front of Jayden's house. I turn off the engine of my car, and climb out of my seat to walk to the front door. I ring the bell, hearing a short ringing noise before the door opens.

Standing in front of me is Jayden. He's wearing a black button down shirt (not tucked in), a pair of black jeans (not ripped), and his Doc Martens. He grabs his winter coat from the closet, and closes the door behind him.

"You look quite nice," I say to him as we walk to my car.

"You do too," he replies awkwardly. I had chosen to wear a navy button down shirt under a black jacket, with a pair of light wash jeans that I cuffed at the ankles. And of course I had to wear my high heeled ankle boots.

We get into the car and begin driving. There's a mostly awkward, but slightly pleasant, silence between us.

"So," Jayden begins, "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," I say suspiciously.

"How come even though I asked you out that you're the one deciding where we're eating?"

"Because I own the transportation," I explain in a matter-of-fact tone. He nods, looking out the window as we drive downtown.

I turn the car into a parking lot. This restaurant is pretty fancy, but not too fancy.

"We're here," I say, unbuckling my seat belt and opening the door. Jayden stares at the building in mild shock, taking in the elegant chandeliers and table settings that can be seen through the gigantic windows.

We walk into the entrance to the host.

"I have a reservation under the name Benjamin Lewis," I say kindly to the man. He nods, gesturing for Jayden and I to follow him. He leads us into the back of the restaurant to a table made for two. I thank the man, and sit down after taking off my jacket.

"Benjamin?" Jayden asks as he sits down (rather gingerly might I add).

"Oh yeah, I guess I never did tell you my real name. Well it's Benjamin if you hadn't caught on already."

"That's a nice name, why don't you use it?" He asks, grabbing one of the menus that we were given by the host.

"I don't think it fits me. Benjamin is such a...I feel somewhat bad for saying this...but a straight name. And besides, it doesn't really work for being a rock singer. You don't hear thousands of fans screaming 'Benjamin' while I shred on the guitar." He nods, understanding my points perfectly.

* * * *

We've ordered our food by now. I ordered a steak with a baked potato and garden salad. Jayden decided on getting lasagna with garlic bread and caesar salad.

It's about halfway through the meal, and I've learned a lot about Jayden. Like when he was little he fell off his bike and knocked out his front tooth. Or when he was in grade six when he jumped off a cliff during a school field trip in protest of not being allowed to well...jump off the cliff into a river where they were swimming. Although I learned all this, and much more, I can't help but have one certain question taking all of my attention.

"What's the deal with your Dad?" I suddenly blurt out. I smack my hand over my mouth as soon as the question leaves it. Oh no, I just did that. Hopefully this isn't a tough subject for him. God why do I have to be so stupid?

"I guess there's no harm in telling you," he says. I nod slightly. He clears his throat, beginning to tell me.

"I've never met him. He was my Mom's boyfriend in high school. My Mom got pregnant at 16, and then my Dad just disappeared off the face of the earth. Apparently my Mom tried to get him to meet me and be an actual dad, but he moved away. My Mom never tried or even wanted to get in touch with him again."

I look at him in shock. That's terrible. A dad abandoning their own child, and then dropping off the face of the earth. That's just cruel. I can't imagine what it felt like for Jayden's mom. To be all alone and with a new baby, especially when she was still in high school.

"That's- I don't even know what to say to that," I explain quietly, not looking into Jayden's eyes.

"I get it. What do you say to anything like that really," he laughs. He reaches his hand over across the table, gently rubbing my left hand. I look up into his beautiful deep blue eyes, smiling softly.

"Do your parents know you're gay?" Jayden asks, obviously trying to change the subject. I nod.

"Yeah, I came out when I was twelve. They were totally supportive of me, and even if I was gay or something else they would accept me no matter what. Well except maybe if I turn out to be a psychopathic murderer."

Jayden chuckles. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure no parent wants their kid to be a killer, especially not someone as kind as you." He blushes as he finishes his sentence. I grin brightly. Who knew Jayden could be so nice? And so cute?

When we finish our meals, we split the bill, then go back to my car. Jayden thought that since it's only a few days til Christmas that we should drive around looking at the lights.

We drive down a few different blocks, chatting here and there. The lights along the roads and houses look beautiful all decorated in Christmas colours. I turn to look at Jayden. His eyes are shining brightly from the lights, an innocent and childish gleam is present in the sparkling blue orbs. 

I pull into a random parking lot. Jayden glances at me when he notices our strange destination, giving me a look of confusion. I smile at him, leaning towards him a bit so that there are only a few inches separating the two of us. He then rests his arm on the console, moving towards me slightly. 

"Hawk?"

"Hmm?" I ask, gazing into his eyes. 

"I really like you," he says quietly, barely whispering. 

"I really like you too," I reply, leaning closer so that our lips are almost touching.

"Can I-" Before he can finish I press my lips to his, wrapping my arms around his shoulders to bring his body closer to mine. He slides his tongue across my bottom lip, asking for entrance, and I quickly oblige, opening my mouth. Our tongues explore each other's mouths for a bit before pulling apart. I move my arms to his neck, and Jayden rests his head on my right shoulder. 

"I had a really good time tonight," he whispers to me, his breath hot against my neck. I nod, kissing his cheek softly.