It’s not a problem. It’s an opportunity.

I dreamt of Grace that night. Difficult not to, given all that happened the previous day. Though being honest with myself, I felt a little guilty over how well that… outing had gone. When I compared it to my outing with Mila, I felt like I could’ve done better. I could’ve talked more, been more fun to be with. It felt so good talking with Grace, and I was sure I could do the same with Mila now. There was no reason I couldn’t. I wanted to make it up to her in some way. I would.

But never mind that. Today I would be going out with Sarah, and I was as excited as I was nervous. After the conversation we’d had the other day, I felt like she would be judging my every action. She promised to help me overcome my anxiety. I didn’t want to disappoint her, and that added a lot of pressure.

Just… don’t think about it, Oliver. It went well with Mila and Grace, right? You can have a great time with Sarah as well. She’s not unreasonable. She won’t chew you out for every little thing. And who knows? Maybe your sixth sense will help you steer things in the right direction?

My little pep talk to myself worked, if only a little.

It was 9:50 am and I was ready to head out. I was dressed in workout clothes as per Sarah’s instructions, meaning a t-shirt and jogging pants. I also had a backpack with a change of clothes. If my body hadn’t changed and my physical state seen a drastic improvement along with it, I’d be very worried about what Sarah had planned for the day. I’d leave the house at 10:00 and meet her downtown at 10:20. That was the plan.

And then my heart sank as I saw out my window how it started raining. Not just a few drops, but nearly a full downpour.

No, no, no! I wanted to meet with Sarah today! Don’t fuck this up for me, weather! I checked beforehand and it didn’t say anything about rain! Dammit, dammit, dammit!

With my heart in my throat, I reached for my phone. I wanted to call Sarah and ask her if she still wanted to meet, because dammit, I’d go out even in this rain. All my nerves were out the window the moment not seeing her became a possibility. However, I still stared at my phone screen for longer than I intended. If I asked her that, would she think me pushy or ****? I was willing to go out even with the rain, but what about her? Two full minutes went by and it was my phone that vibrated first, showing Sarah’s name on the screen.

…She was calling to cancel, wasn’t she?

I answered and slowly took the phone to my ear. “H-Hello?”

“Hey, Oliver,” she greeted, sounding… disappointed. “Stupid question, but it’s raining over at your place, too, right?”

“Yeah…”

“…”

“…”

A moment of silence between us. What should I say? Ask if we were canceling or ask if we were going through with it anyway?

Again, Sarah was the one who spoke first. “Hey, if you’re up for a small change of plans, why don’t you come to my place today?”

Excuse me?

“Y-Your place?” I repeated.

“Yeah. My folks aren’t home. They went out to a family meeting with my aunts, uncles and cousins. They’ll be back late. I called my old man to ask him if I could invite a friend over, and he said yes.”

G-Going to Sarah’s house? Alone with her in her house? I swear I felt my heart was going to jump out of my chest at any moment.

“A-Are you sure that’s not a problem?” I asked.

“It’s not. But if you want to leave this for another time, then…”

“I don’t!” I answered hastily. Perhaps too eagerly, too. “I-I mean, if you’re okay with it, I… I want to go. I want to see you.”

She stayed quiet for no more than a couple of seconds that felt like an eternity to me. Then, she replied. “…I want to see you too. I can go pick you up, even. Wouldn’t do for you to get here all drenched, right?”

“That’s not necessary! I can take the bus.”

“My house’s a little out of the way. Even the closest bus stop is a 10 minute walk away. I don’t mind, and we can stop by a convenience store to buy some snacks, too.”

When she put it that way… “Is it really no trouble?”

“I’m offering, aren’t I? Send me the location and I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

I needed to learn how to drive. Oh, and get a car.

“…Thanks.”

“It’s fine. Oh, but the clothes I told you to wear still go, okay? As does the change of clothes. Actually, pack a swimsuit as well. Just in case. Okay, see you in a few.”

We both hung up, and though I was severely confused by her parting words, I couldn’t help but do a single jump of joy while pumping my fists.

I was going to Sarah’s house! The last time I’d been to a friend’s house was… God, how long ago was it? I’d gone to Thomas’ house for his party, but this was different! It’d just be Sarah and me here. Long enough time had passed since the last time I went to someone’s house that I didn’t want to try to remember it. I admit, the thought of going made me nervous again. We’d be alone, and Sarah had made it clear where she wanted things to go today. Obviously I wanted it too, but in her house? What if her parents suddenly showed up? She said she got permission from her dad, but I doubted it came with the approval to have sex with this new friend.

…

Then I remembered that my sister would bring her own boyfriend home, even when mom didn’t know. If she could do stuff like that, why couldn’t I? What did I gain by being afraid of taking those sorts of risks? Missing out on fun and thrilling experiences, that’s what. So… If Sarah was willing, then… then I’d go for it.

Some ten minutes later, I heard my phone buzzing again. I looked out the window first, thinking Sarah had arrived too quickly, but she wasn’t there. It was actually a message from Grace.

-Grace: Damn. It’s raining. Are you still going out with Sarah?

-Oliver: Yes. She invited me to her house instead.

-Grace: Ooooh. You don’t say? I’ve got something to tease her with already. I’d like to give you some advice, but I don’t know what Sarah’s thinking right now. Just be nice and listen to her. Basically, be yourself.

Just remember that this was the same girl I’d been with just yesterday. I should be getting hanged by the scrotum for what I was doing, not getting advice. It was better that I didn’t try to make sense of it anymore.

-Oliver: I will. I’ll try my best. Thank you.

-Grace: Get her, tiger ;)

Twenty minutes later, I heard my phone again. Sarah was telling me she was waiting outside.