Noah's p.o.v
"So is this person your girlfriend?" My grAndpa asked as I finished packiNg up for the picnic.
My face crimsoned
"No. Its a friend." I told him. "It was a guy."
Grandpa raised his brow, as a surprised look appeared on his face, and my kind began to race in panic. Was I too obvious? All i said was that it wasn't a girlfriend...shit I shouldn't have added 'it was a guy'
"Oh..." he said eventually. "Then is he your boyfriend?"
Words flew out of my mouth .
"No!No!No! We're not dating! I mean we haven't kissed or been on a date or anything! He's just a friend!"
He raised his hand in defense as he let out a little laugh.
"Okay, okay I believe you! Sorry, it's none of my business, I didn't mean to be nosy. I sincerely apologize. "
My face burned in embarrassment as my eyes fell to the ground. Next thing I knew, I said something i wasn't planning on saying.
"But....I'm in love with him."
A few moments of silence followed and I eventually looked up. He had a soft look on his face which turned into a small smile as he ruffled my hair.
"It shows on your face. So when are you going to introduce me to him?"
Happiness began to overwhelm me. I could introduce the person I'm in love with to my family.
"Why?" I asked trying to not sound eager.
"Because I want to meet the person who makes my grandson happy. " he stated matter of factly. "I'm willing to love anyone who you love. I'll give them respect as long as they treat you right. "
The warm bubbly feeling occurred in my chest and I nodded. l really did love my grandpa.I'm so relieved that he' s on my side.
----
On the day if the picnic, I woke up early and got dressed. I threw on casual clothes but the only thing that was out of place was my sweater. It was supposed to be really hot today and i tried wearing the lightest one possible but I was still sweating a little and I wasn't even outside yet.
As I waited, I watched t,v with my phone in my hand. I had texted him the address and a few minutes ago, he told me he was on his way.
Grandpa was in the kitchen, cleaning, and the wife was in their room. She then came out and as she walked by, she asked me if I was hot in my sweater. I simply shrugged.
Before I knew it, Eric texted me, saying he was outside.
I was excited to see him but also extremely nervous. I took a deep breath, trying to calm down as I grabbed the food and put on my shoes. I said goodbye to grandpa and he walked out of the kitchen.
"Bye, pumpkin. Remember, bring him over for dinner. Today, tomorrow whenever it's convenient for him "
"Okay," I smiled, tryjng to brush off the embarrassment as I walked out the door.
When I approached Eric's car, my mind raced and I tried to look calm. However this blazing heat sure wasn't helping. I didn't know how I was going to last all day in this sweater.
I climbed into the passenger seat, holding the food in my lap. As I put on my seatbelt, I was waiting for Eric to say something but he didn't.
"Hi. " I said and he responded with "ler's go," and he started driving.
Why was he so distant and quiet? Did he figure it out?
My heart started racing at that idea.
How did he know? Well, I guess there wasn't many explanations on why someone would wear a sweater in 25 degree weather.
I tried to remain calm and not have a panic attack.
He knew.
He actually knew.
Okay, think positively,. Um...... at least I didn't have to worry about telling him anymore. I should feel relieved but I couldn't. Sure, he seemed calm now but what about later on?
"Eric?"
"Mm?"
"I-" my throat tightened. I never had a hard time apologizing before.
"S-" I tried again but the words won't come out. I looked at Eric and he was just patiently waiting. Did he know what I was going to say?
"I'm so sorry." I finally managed to say, unable to look at him.
He didn't respond and I didn't blame him. He was definitely angry at me.
A couple of minutes later, he stopped the car. Why did he park at the side of the road?"
He then took of his seat belt and stepped out of the car. Where was he going?
He closed the door behind him and leaned against it. I stared at his back wondering what he was thinking. Was he trying to stay calm and not yell at me?
Since the windows were down, I could hear everything.
He let out a huge sigh and the I saw him slide to the ground.
I could not see him anymore but i could still hear him.
"Shit, " I heard him curse quietly. He took a couple more breaths and then he started sniffling.
Since the car was still on, I leaned across the drivers and rolled up all the windows.
My mind was blank and I couldn't do anything else but just sit here. I felt completely numb when I should've felt awful. Eric was upset because of me so why didnt I feel anything
I stared off into space for a while and nearly jumped out of my skin when he came back.
He put on his seat belt and drove again without another word.
When we arrived at sadies house, I quietly made a few small sandwiches while he cut the watermelon. I coukd practically feel myself sweat again.
"You can take off your sweater if you want. I wont look. I promise. "
For a second, I thought he meant he wouldn't look as I took it off, but then I realized thst he meant he wouldn't look at my cut up arms.
"Okay, " I said quietly as I took it Off. However I hung it over my arms just im case he saw by accident.
When I was done with the sandwiches, I asked if I could help him but he said I could take a seat.
I sat on the table, my back facing Eric.
Was it going to be like this at the picnic as well?
I wanted to apologize again for making him upset but I knew that wouldnt help. I didn't know what to do.
"Do you want to come over for dinner?" I blurted out. I immediately regretted saying that.
Now probably wasnt a good time to ask. He wouldn't-"
"Sure. When?"
I flinched in surprise.
"Really?"
"Yeah, of course. So when?"
"Whenever. My grandpa just wants to meet you, that's all."
"Okay."
And then the conversation died down again. He was still going even though he was upset...
"Do you want a piece of watermelon?" He asked a few minutes later.
"Sure." I said immediately, processing the question right after I answered.
It was quiet for a moment and then I turned around In my chair as he handed me a piece.
"Thank-"
I stopped when I realized that the watermelon piece was in a shape of a heart.
As a lump formed in my throat, he kissed my forehead. He didn't say another word and this time, I didnt mind the silence. I didnt want to speak anymore so he wouldnt hear how choked up i was.