So much for trying to forget about Tom because he sat with us again, but what he said was even worse.

“Morning luv, morning Jessie. I was wondering if you would like to come on a double date with Ellie and I this Saturday?” He seemed at ease thinking nothing of his words. I blushed beat red the minute “luv” came out of his mouth.

Jessica cast me a sidelong glance and then exclaimed “of course” just like I knew she would.

I groaned. Tom seemed amused by me. When he sat next to me he made no secret of taking my hand. In fact he did so right on top of the table where everyone could see. I tried to pull away but he didn’t budge. He just raised an eyebrow in response, probably recalling our conversation from last night.

That morning I found out that tom had the exact same schedule as I did, down to a T. He sometimes held my hand or just walked close to me. I liked him, I had to admit there was just some natural chemistry, an understanding, of each other. Now we were in English class, the period before study hall then lunch.

Mr. Cartier entered the class room throwing books down the isles as he walked by. Tom had insisted on sitting in the front row and when we received the books the groaning had already begun. It was Shakespeare monologues.

So we were doing poetry? That seemed alright. It was better than grammar for the twelfth time in twelve years.

“who- without looking- can give me a book written by the great William Shakespeare ?” Mr. C asked.

Many girls raised their hands but only a few boys. One of course being Tomas.

“ Macbeth, sir” Tom answered as Mr.C went around to all the hands. One of the plays most frequently mentioned was Romeo and Juliet.

“Ah, and do you know any lines from it Mr. …?

“Mr. Xavier, not at the moment. I read it years ago.”

“Well at least you knew more then Romeo, something to add Mrs. Conroy?”

Crap. He saw that. I had just rolled my eyes at tom, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. Tom was smirking, fully aware of what I had been doing.

“Uh, no sir.” I said, giving Tom a disdainful look.

“Very well.” he said before he turned his attention back to the rest of the class and continued.

“We will be reading a book of his by choice, and choosing a short passage to recite. You may pair up if you desire but I must approve it. Now let us refresh ourselves in the way of poetry.”

The class droned on and on when finally five minutes before the bell we got to choose our books. Tom and I both picked Romeo and Juliet. Strange now no one else did. But from the sound of it most of them had already read some variation of it.

Ring!!! The bell sounded and out of the room, heading to study hall.

“We should recite an excerpt together.” Tom said suddenly.

“Why don’t we make it past a first date before we become Romeo and Juliet?” I snapped at him, but he just seemed amused.

“Fine, what’s say we go out tonight then?” he asked teasing again.

“Convinced it’s that easy to get with me? Not quite.” I said peeved. This was gona be a long day.

“No,” he said looking confused. “I just want to get to know you, alone, on our first date.”

“Well you are the one who wanted the double date!” I said raising my voice. Some people passing by looked at us.

He smiled, “So tonight at 7 then?” he was so annoying with his bemused look all the time but I couldn’t deny the attraction I felt.

“Whatever.” I said rolling my eyes as his arm fell over my shoulders.

“S***!” I muttered burning myself on my curling iron. You know what, forget it, I’ll just shower and throw some mousse in it. See? This is what happens when I’m forced to go on a date! I fall apart! There was a knock on the door but it was only Jess. “Be right there!” Okay, fine forget the shower. I wet my hair in the sink, threw in some gel and let Jess in. “Well someone is getting worked up” she said entering the bathroom which had exploded with hairspray and make up. “Shut it if you know what’s good for you.” I warned, but she just chuckled. “Who’s the hot date, Tom?” “Be quiet.” but I was laughing with her now. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. I turned and opened the door. “Hello” Tom said standing outside the door. “Crap, is it 7 already? I’m sorry I’ll just be a minute. In that time Jess slipped out of the room. I ran to my bed to grab my purse and I slipped on my ballet flats. I continued looking around for a moment, making sure I had everything. “Did you lose something?” Tom asked now standing beside me. “Oh, no…. I think I’m good.” “Okay lets get going, we have reservations.” So I let him take my hand and lead me away from the troubles that always seem to be dwelling around me, for the first time of many.

“Thank you again for dinner. I had a really nice time.” I heard a girl say to her date as they passed us, still waiting for the table that was supposed to be reserved.

I felt Tom give my hand a squeeze and then let go. With the release I felt an unexpected wall of loneliness hit.

“Where -”

“I’ll be back in but a moment love, don’t fret.” he whispered as his mouth slowly left my ear. He had practically read my mind, but before I could comment he had walked up to the front desk, asking to be seated where his reservation specified. It looked like the girl was giving him trouble for a moment but then I saw her say “oh of course! Right this way.” and Tom smiled, motioning for me to follow.

Tom had us seated in a deserted area, which I fond strange because the restaurant had a 20 minute wait.

“I picked here so we could talk freely. You know, no worries if there’s someone from school here who decides to be nosy.” He said.

I nodded acting like I understood why it really mattered, but it was considerate of him I guess. All I really knew was that suddenly I felt very safe with him, and with out… well not quite as safe- though I don’t know why I would be in any danger in the first place. His face had clouded up as I thought this but just as I was about to ask what was wrong, he spoke.

“Have you ever been here before?”

“Oh, no. The only places I have been around here are the movies and a couple stores. You have?”

“A few times actually. One of my fathers favorite places in the area.” he said sounding passive, like he would rather leave his personal life alone. Well I wasn’t volunteering any information, so he could move off of that.

He raised his eyebrows, and again it seemed like he could read my mind. Thankfully the waiter showed up just then.

“How are we doing tonight? My name is Matt and I’ll be servicing you tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?”

You know what, I take it back; I would have rather sounded like a psycho asking Tom if he knew what I was thinking because this waiter was about my age and the way he said ’servicing’ instead of serving made him sound like the king of a porn movie. Such a turn off.

“Ellie?”

“Oh, sorry. I’ll have -”

“He is gone, I ordered you Chicken Franciase and a sprite. I hope that’s all right?’

Exactly what I had been thinking about getting, but a coke instead of sprite. Before I could say anything though, Tom spoke.

“He seemed to have quite the eye for you.”

The comment made me shiver. “Not my type.” I said.

Tom laughed and then asked flirtatiously ’well who is your type then?’

I blused. “I don’t know; just trust me, he’s not.” I looked down while I spoke and after a moment he spoke softly.

“Let me know when you figure out who is you type.”

I looked up to see his eyes locked on me and his brown eyes looked so warm that they could have been caramel. They made me feel safe and warm.

“Come on Ellie, you two have been dating for two weeks now and you haven’t told me anything. I’m supposed to be your best friend, so spill!”

“You are my best friend Jess, seriously. I like him, and he’s nice to me, that’s all there is to tell.” I blushed, acting totally naïve.

“You know what I mean. Ooooh Is he a good kisser? Where does he take you on dates? Is he super romantic? He seems like he’d be. Ohmygod, have you guys done more than kiss?” she squealed.

“No!” I said blushing totally bright red. “He and I aren’t like that.”

“Yet.” Jess whispered.

“Jess!”

“Oh please like you weren’t thinking it too. Come on, were gonna be late for first period.” And we both booked it out of the dorm into our first class.

Tom was there, saving a seat next to him for me. I saw Jess roll her eyes as I blushed and slid into the seat next to him.

“Late start?” he whispered as he leaned in to kiss me on the cheek.

“Um not exactly. Just Jess being Jess.” The blush that followed earned me a curious look from Tom. Note to self, don’t let him know Jess asked about our physical relationship. What an awkward conversation that would be, plus he doesn’t need any ideas…

“Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Just school and stuff, you know? The usual.” I could tell he wasn’t convinced. “Really, I’m fine!” I leaned over and kissed him for good measure and he quickly out his arm around me to hold me close. He deepened the kiss for a moment, pressing himself closer than what I had allowed before, and then pulled away with a sheepish grin on his face.

“Sorry, guess I got a bit carried away.” He laughed in an airy voice, attempting to catch his breath.

I was very aware I was still very close to him when some part of me responded with a “I don’t mind”. I blushed, surprised I had said such a thing. He smiled a faint look of surprise in his eyes along with amusement. “You don’t?” he whispered, and leaned in to kiss me again. He pushed me down in the tall grass as his body hovered above me. I couldn’t believe, this was happening. He’s practically the first guy I’ve really dated and liked, but making out where teacher might see? “Ugh, Tom we should -”

“Shh, Relax.” He whispered. As he pulled my lips back to him I felt his body lower onto mine also. The weight didn’t feel heavy though, it felt right and made me never want to move from him. I moaned and he gave a slight chuckle. His kisses slowed though, and after a minute he rolled over, letting me lay on top of him. When I saw the big smile he had on his face I couldn’t help it, I leaned down and gave him another kiss. He looked a little smug but just then he reached out and caressed my face, his in return becoming awfully serious.

“You’re blushing very badly. Why? Did I do something wrong?” he asked in a confused voice.

I blushed deeper. “No! I .. I mean no you didn’t do anything wrong, its just, I’ve never really … been like this with someone else.” I faded out, looking away.

He gently turned my face towards him, but my eyes stayed elsewhere. “Like what?” He whispered.

I broke down and finally made eye contact. Tom seemed to touch my soul every time he looked into my eyes. It was the most incredible and terrifying feeling I had ever known. I filled my lungs with air hoping to gain courage and whispered “in love.” as I looked into his soul.

The answering smile was filled with more happiness than I had seen from Tom yet. “I love you too”, he laughed as he pulled me back down to him for one more goodnight kiss.