26 May 2012
A car waited around the back of the school from 5.30, but no one had seen it. On the dot of 6, I headed out, sunglasses on so I wasn't clearly identifiable. Other students in my year were allowed out into the city from 5pm, but as I hadn't signed out (knowing I'd be back past curfew) I didn't want anyone to smell a rat.
I climbed into the car, seeing Nate sat at the other end already, in a grey suit jacket with matching trousers, and a white shirt, with the top button undone. He looked cool; he always looked so cool, yet casual. He smiled, and came to sit with me, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. The car started to drive, and as it did, conversation began to flow.
"You look absolutely incredible." he said, toying with the dress I was wearing.
It was white, a simple cut that travelled to just above my knee. It was light but also hugged my figure in all the right places, accentuating my long legs and skinny waist. I had a light blazer on over the top, which was an air blue colour. I hadn't worn any accessories, apart from my delicate platinum ring with a small pink stone on my right hand, which had been given to me by my aunt weeks before she died.
"Thank you, you don't look so bad yourself!" I replied, knowing it was cliché but not minding. It fitted perfectly with this moment, as I rested my weight totally on his chest. He kissed the top of my head, and rested there for a moment: allowing me to feel his breath on my hair.
"You smell amazing" he said. He knew where I got my scent from: it was hand mixed in St Tropez, and it was my signature. I loved that he loved it. I loved that he loved me.
When we completed the drive to Madison Avenue, he got out quickly and ran round the car to open the door for me.
When he opened the door I was greeted by the scene that unfolded before my eyes: a scene so familiar as this road was where I lived. I was seeing it in a new light though, with this beacon of beauty and love beside me, I felt like the buzz of city life was more subdued, and instead the natural beauty of the area was finally shining through.
I saw the restaurant before he'd pointed it out: it was dimly lit, small but very cosy and romantic. I could tell it was a popular spot, as even at 6.30 on a Monday evening there was a queue out of the door. I braced myself to have to wait, but he lead me through the chain of people and straight inside.
"Nate!" cried one of the waitresses, "Your table's ready just over here. I heard you were coming and I couldn't believe it, it's been too long since we've seen you in here!"
"I know, sorry. It's so kind of you to reserve a table for me at such short notice."
"Not a problem honestly!" she said as Nate pulled out my chair and allowed me to sit down.
"Can I ask a favour though?" he said
"Anything for you!" she replied
"Can you keep it a secret that I'm here? I don't want school to find out, or anyone there."
"Sure, not a problem." she said handing us our menus and leaving us to it.
He held my hand on the table, and looked at me. A single strand of hair had cascaded down from my top knot, and was hanging down, tracing the shape of my face. He reached out his other hand and brushed it behind my ear, cupping my cheek with his hand.
I smiled, twisted my head and kissed the palm of his hand. His eyes sparkled in the candle light, and they didn't leave me the whole evening. Even when we ordered, ate our starters and our main course, his eyes never left my face.
"I'm the luckiest man alive right now." he said, still holding my hand, and spinning my ring around my finger.
When we were offered dessert, we declined it, as I knew that by prom I would probably be obese if I ate anymore of the delicious food that I'd already eaten.
"Let me take you somewhere. And I know you'll know it, as it's kind of hard to show someone somewhere new if they live here but still." he said as he stood up, and lead me out, thanking the staff, and asking for the meal to be put on his tab.
We headed out onto the streets, in the blue turning light. The streets were still as humid, but the sun was setting on Manhattan. I took long strides, on the street that I knew belonged to me. A few people noticed me, and said hello, but no one in particular that I knew overly well.
We turned onto 5th Avenue, where I would usually gaze into the shop windows, but I didn't this time. I felt like I didn't need anything else now I had Nate on my arm. He was the best accessory anyone could ever ask for.
When we arrived at part two of our date, I recognised it instantly. As soon as I realised where we were, I laughed and turned to kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck and embracing him. Now, I really loved him.
Love You So: PART EIGHTEEN • Opuss № I