Chapter Twenty-five

Being with you

makes everything better

when its just you and me

together

when you are close

my stomach flutters

you look at me with such affection

as if no one else matters

and that's why its so easy

to confess my feeling

that run so deeply

it easy to admit

I love you.

"Where do you want to eat?" Austin asks, as he pulls out of the physical therapy clinic.

I glance at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"I'm going to take you out to eat, so where do you want to go?"  

I struggle to think of a place, surprised. "I want pizza," I say, giving in to a craving. Austin chuckles, turning left into town. 

"Okay," he says, and pulls into a Pizza Delight, parking near the entrance. 

He gets out first, grabbing Frank from the cab and opening the door, the cold brisk air flowing through. He unfolds Frank and lifts me out of the truck, setting me down.

I smile. "So, is this a date?" I ask as Austin pushes me into the restaurant. There is immediate warmth inside, and I feel my insides defrosting.

"Yes, our first official date," he says, 

"You should have told me! I would have dressed up, curled my hair, or at least put on some lip stick and-"

Austin comes around in front of me, cutting me off. "Emma, you're perfect the way you look now," he says, bending down and kissing my forehead. 

I blush as a waitress comes around the corner. She smiles politely, "For two?"'

She leads us to a table, but we fall behind a bit because of the damn wheelchair and tight spaces. Once she stops, we catch up. Austin helps me onto the booth and the waitress, who's name tag says 'Lindsay', drops menus on the table. 

"Can I get you two something to drink?"

I order a water with ice and Austin gets a coke. The waitress leaves, and I glance at Austin.

"I hate not being able to walk," I state. My eyes wander around the room, glancing over the few people already eating. "It makes me feel self conscious."

Austin sighs, leaning forward. "I can't imagine what you're going through, but you're beautiful, inside and out and don't let anyone tell you different," he says, smiling.

"You're so sweet," I say, blushing again. "Why has it taken us this long to do this?"

Austin raises an eyebrow. "Do what? Eat pizza?"

I roll my eyes. "No, you dork. I mean go on a date, be-you know-together. We've been friends for a long time."

He shrugs his shoulder. "I guess it just took us some time to see each other. To be honest though, I kind of always had a crush on you." 

I grin, my eyes widening. "No way! I don't believe that, you would have said something sooner." 

He laughs. "You have seven brothers who would rip me to shreds, dating you is no easy task, but it is worth it."

The waitress comes back, our drinks in hand. "Are you ready to order?" 

Austin and I order a large pepperoni and cheese pizza and garlic bread.

"Just the thought of pizza is making me drool," I say, laughing, beginning to feel a bit more comfortable. 

Austin smirks. "The sight of you makes me drool," he says, winking. 

I burst into laughter, swatting his hand. "Be quiet," I say, "we're in public!"

We can't contain our laughter, and the more we look at each other, the more we laugh. 

By the time we finish eating and arrive back at my house, its almost eight o'clock. Austin pulls into the driveway, helping me out and inside the house. 

My mom greets us, smiling. "How was your night out?"

I have a feeling that she knew Austin was taking me out on a date. I smile. "Great, we had a lot of fun."

She hugs me. "I'm glad to hear," she says, letting go and stands back.

I look up at Austin. "Austin is going to help me with chemistry," I say.

My mom nods. "Okay. If you guys want to go to your room for more privacy, you can go up to your room. Austin can carry you up."

Austin lifts me into his arms and carries me up the stairs to my room. My mom follows us up, carrying my back pack and school books. 

"Have fun studying," she says, smiling. 

Austin sets me down on my bed and he lays down beside me.

"So, what have you been doing these last few days?" I ask Austin, cuddling up him as we both lay back into my pillows. 

"Waiting for you to show up at school. It was quite boring, you know. Ms. Kinney is not a very nice lady if you piss her off. And I think I actually may need your assistance in English," he says, laughing. Then he stops.

"But mostly I was worried sick about you," Austin says, his hot breath blows on my face as he leans down to my neck. He glances down into my eyes. "You don't know how worried I was," He mutters, pecking me on the temple.

"Aw. I didn't know you thought about me so much," I tease, and focus on the movie. My stomach has this weird feeling inside, and I think it's because Austin is here beside me.

"Who else am I supposed to think of? You're my girl," Austin says casually, making my insides melt.

I smile. "And you, are my boy," I say, kissing his neck. He lets out a soft laugh. For a second we kiss until Austin gently pushes me away. I give him a questioning look, wondering why he is turning down my affection.

"You have like seven brothers and a Dad who would rip me apart and feed me to your dog if they caught us making out in your room. Then who would love you like I do?"

I burst into laughter. "First, we don't have a dog, and second," I stop for a minute, thinking things through. "Wait, did you say love?" I ask, my heart beating fast. Austin turns a bright red and clears his throat.

"Yeah, I did. What are you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to say...I like the sound of that," I say, grinning. I stare Austin in the eyes.

 He leans down into my face, our noses touching.

"Good," Austin mumbles, his lips closing in on mine. "I love you so much it hurts Emma."

"Oh my God!" There is a screech at my bedroom door, and Austin and I jump apart. Joey stands at my door, his eyes wide.

"Joey, be quiet. Please don't say anything!" I plead but its too late.

"Dad!" Joey screams. Austin and I glance at each other, hoping Austin doesn't end up as our non-existent dogs meal.

How did you like that? Emma's brothers are always interrupting and ruining the mood, but that's what makes it seem realistic. Thanks for reading! Vote and comment!