A Thank You

The rest of the date was spent calming down and talking about school stuff. We planned to go to a movie next weekend. And to keep it quiet until then. Returning to school was nice, I didn’t have much more of a stride in my step. I was keeping it quiet. But my mind wasn’t down in the dump like it was. Collected, sharper, the picture was less blurry now. I could see steps a bit clearer. Like I had connected the first dots of the hardest puzzle in the world.

Seeing Ash on campus was nice. Our smiles stayed the same as they had before. The difference now is that there’s a lot more context now. I knew why she was responding. I knew why she looked at me in the first place. I knew what she saw in me. And it was the same in reverse. She understood what I saw, why I smiled. It was refreshing. That feeling of knowing there is someone who feels the way you feel about them. And accepts it in a genuine respectful way.

The day on the whole of it was pretty nice as well. My classes sailed by smoothly, Mr. Leeman just had a smirk for me. He knew I was better than okay. I actually ate lunch outside as well. The sun was out and I felt like reminiscing about the date. Ash even waved in addition to the smile.

“His lordship greets us with his presence!” I turned to see Tanya standing next to me. She always had a humorous way of sparking conversation. I pat the ground next to me for her to sit. Lowering herself to lay next to me she had a long skirt and a delightful blouse. Resting her satchel between us she propped herself up on a tree next to me.

“What sayest m’lady?” Responding in a knightly manner.

“Well, I’m told my game of matchmaker was successful.”

“Yes well, I had a wonderful time. I’ll deign not to speak for Ashley.”

“Good, I’ll just tell you that she was satisfied with the date. And looks forward to your upcoming sourie.”

Chuckling: “Yes, a movie is truly the height of society for a date.”

“It’s classic!” there was umph in that response. “Everyone watches a movie early on in their dating life.”

“I’d hardly call it a full on dating life yet. We are moving forward, sure. But it’s not like we are parading it.” Tanya had begun to look up in disappointment at that one.

“Not every relationship has to parade itself around town and paint it blue. What if she isn’t comfortable with that? Are you? Doesn’t sound like it. If you two continue down that path you will need to have a full and proper conversation about that.”

The bell had rung at that point. She was right. Standing we both made our way to the next class.

“Hey Tanya.” She looked back at me. “Thank you for that, and everything.” I tried to be as genuine as possible.

In a sing-song voice she responded “Just leave everything, to me.”

I shouted back “Alright Dolly!”. We both laughed. Today was a pretty good day.

By mid week I was thinking back to the key. I knew I wanted to go back and explore more. But I started to feel guilty. If I were to involve Ash it’d mean a lot to her. But at the same time, keeping my exploration solitary helps me feel secure. It’s a difficult choice, but one that I’ll make and live with for the time being. I decided I’d go in after school one day. Hopefully Lily and I can talk about the date and all before we get into what the room is actually for.