After the date, Kayleigh hauled me to her house for a sleepover. You couldn’t say no to her whenever she set her mind to something cause she was so damn stubborn but I loved her cheeky nature.
“I still can’t get over the fact that Matthew went to see your parents. He doesn’t seem like the type to do that.” She stopped shuffling the cards in her hand to look at me, barely masking her amazement.
“Believe me you, I shared the same sentiments when he showed up at our doorstep. I was delighted but got bummed when he didn't get along with my father. He has a terrible past.”
“Oh no! You don’t say?” She dumped the cards on the table between us, coming to sit beside me as I recounted the events leading up to the dinner and after.
Kayleigh’s eyes were glassy as she said, “This is sickening, I can’t imagine what all that did to him. Are you two dating now?”
“He hasn’t asked yet so I’m just going with the flow. I think I like him.” Embarrassed with my confession, I looked everywhere but her.
“You think? It’s either you like him or not. Come to think of it, have you thought of what his past can do to your relationship? He sounds so somehow,” she remarked.
I sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know, but I hope not.”
“I have to tell you-“ she began but Beyonce’s Halo song from my phone’s ringtone cut her off. I was alarmed to see Matthew’s name displayed on the screen, showing it to Kay who raised her eyebrows as I answered it.
“Can we meet up?” His distraught voice had me shooting up from the couch and asking, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m perfectly fine, don’t worry. I just want us to talk, it’s important.”
“Alright, we can meet anywhere but your house,” I said, switching my phone to my left ear.
He was insistent on me going to his house but I stood my ground, we were yet to cross that bridge. We settled for him driving over to Kay’s house where she would meet him for the first time. It was quite weird that she hadn’t met him yet.
“Gosh! I can’t believe I’m disturbed because a guy wants to talk to me. Do you think I should be worried?”
“I can’t say for sure but I would be cautious if I were you,” she said as we trudged out of her bedroom towards the living room.
“Oh come on, don’t be so negative,” I scolded.
She shrugged. “Well, I hope it’s something positive this time around.”
It wasn’t long before Matthew rang the doorbell. I straightened my hair one more time, earning a chuckle from Kay. “Do this instead.” She combed through it with her fingers and patted the edges so it could be less messy. “Straightening wavy hair is just ridiculous,” she whispered. I nodded, my nerves were messing with me.
“Hi,” he greeted once I pulled the door open. “I got you something,” he announced, handing me a small pink box which I unwrapped to find two pairs of gorgeous, expensive-looking earrings.
“This is beautiful, thank you.” I admired them, grinning from ear to ear.
“I’m glad you like it.” He beamed, rocking on his heels.
“Forgive my manners, please come in.” I moved aside for him to get in, shutting the door behind me.
“You must be Kayleigh.”
“And you must be Matthew.” She stretched her hand towards him and they shook.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. You have a beautiful house,” he complimented, glancing around the spacious living room.
“I wish it was mine but thank you. See ya later.” She winked as she walked past me to which I responded with a smile.
Offering him a seat, I disappeared to the kitchen, coming back with the glass of juice he requested before seating across him.
“I want to apologize for how I reacted earlier, I was out of order. I disliked how uncomfortable and fearful I made you. It won’t happen again.” There was so much sincerity in his voice.
“I understand where you’re coming from, it's natural to feel that way. Do you think you need to see someone?” I asked. It was more of a suggestion than a question.
“I don’t know but I’ll think about it, thank you for understanding.” He offered me a smile.
“It’s nothing. Is there something else?” I asked when I noticed his tensed demeanor.
“I like you, I want to be with you. If I said I love you, you wouldn’t believe me, but I do. I will be happy if you agree to be my girlfriend.” Standing from his seat, he made his way towards me.
“I wasn’t expecting this,” I stammered, averting my gaze.
“Just think it through, I know you feel the same way.” Squatting before me, he took my hands and began stroking them.
“Love is a strong word, Matthew. You shouldn’t just throw it around unless you mean every single word of it,” I scolded. “I don’t believe in love at first sight.”
“But I mean it, I love you,” he repeated.
“I can’t lie to you about love because right now, I don’t feel it. I may like you with time and maybe it can grow from like to love but I need more time.”
“That’s music to my ears. Are you willing to try? Will you accept me?” He looked at me expectantly.
“On one condition.” I raised a finger in the air.
“I will do anything,” he said without batting an eyelid.
“If we take things at my pace, slow and with care, I will consider being your girlfriend.”
“It’s a deal!” he squealed, raising his arms for a hug. I fell into them, with the hopes that I wouldn't be left with a broken heart.