All characters were 18 years old at the time of the story.
***
I felt terribly awkward. It's only our second date, what does he allow himself to do? And why do I allow myself to be led by him? Or is this just my perverted imagination and there is nothing like that? Terrible thoughts kept creeping into my head.
I've liked Arkasha for a long time. He is from a parallel class, so thoughtful and mysterious. Tall and thin. And when, embarrassed and stuttering, at the beginning of the week he suggested taking a walk along the embankment on Friday evening, without thinking for a long time, I agreed. We ate ice cream, chatted about nothing and looked at the swans. It's funny that I completely forgot the content of the conversations, but I remember Arkasha's grimaces very well when he told another seemingly funny story. I remember how embarrassed I smiled back at him. How I blushed when he glanced at my breasts, hidden by a top or bare legs. Yesterday it was hot, so I wore very short shorts.
When it was time to leave, he walked me to the bus stop. I smiled at him, he smiled at me, but no hug, no kiss, nothing like that. We didn't even hold hands - that's understandable, it's a first date. We just exchanged phone numbers. I wonder what Arkasha would say if he found out that at eighteen, I had never kissed or even walked with a guy? I had no idea how much experience he had, but for some reason it seemed to me that he obviously had more.
And then suddenly, completely unexpectedly, he called the next morning. And he invited me to the cinema! But he immediately added that the movie would be at his house, and right now. They say, home theater, big screen, all that. Pizza, tea... It's strange that there is no popcorn. And then suddenly it dawned on me - what kind of tea is there! He just wants to take advantage of me! He'll invite you home, and then... They're all like that! Panic thoughts sent shivers down my spine. Suddenly I felt like there was a swirl of excitement in my stomach. Panic gave way to some incomprehensible feeling... Not as they say in books - cats scratched at my soul, but rather rabbits stamped their paws somewhere inside. Maybe this is how it should be?
I thought about it. And what? There are devils in still waters - maybe I'm still crazy, I just don't know about it yet? Or do I already know? There was no fear, rather surprise. And the anticipation of adventure. Like before jumping from a tower into the water. Besides, what if he really, without a second thought, just wants to watch a movie with me and eat pizza? I'll be a fool if all my fears turn out to be just a fantasy! I smiled at my thoughts.
Today I decided to wear not a top and shorts, but a dress with polka dots. Also quite short, but still almost to the knees, clearly hides more than shorts. And the neckline is not as obvious as in yesterday's outfit. It was as if I was trying to justify my clothes to myself. I'm not like that, I'm waiting for the tram, yeah...
- Nastya, where did you go soaping up on Saturday morning? - the slyly grinning brother showed up right there. She and my older sister Polina (well, as the eldest - for two minutes, we are triplets) decided to cook some complex dish from the Internet while dad was on duty. Damn culinary experts...
- Timka, stop it! - I frowned. - Can't we just go for a walk?
"No, you can, of course..." Tim looked at me skeptically and stepped aside. - I thought that you would help Polya and me. This is such a miracle... basically, chicken with honey, spices, oranges... You'll lick your fingers!
I just shook my head. It's unlikely that anything will work out for them.
- Well, as you know... Well, look, you'll come, and we'll eat everything! And we won't leave a single piece for you! - brother sarcastically stuck out his tongue at me.
- Oh, you!... - I wanted to rush after him, but changed my mind. What a waste of time on such a moron! Raising my head proudly, I clicked to the door with the heels of my sandals. Arkasha was supposed to arrive any minute.
But when I went down, it turned out that he was already standing at the bench. When Arkady saw me, he burst into a sincere smile. I couldn't help but smile stupidly, too. Stepping towards the guy, I looked at him.
- How long have you been standing here?
- No... Well, I just arrived.
- Ahh. Let's go?
"Yeah..." Arkasha nodded and we went to the bus stop. Unlike yesterday, we didn't talk. They walked in silence, but... For some reason I felt happy in my soul. And calm. Arkasha kept his distance, but it was as if an invisible thread had formed between us. Or was I just imagining this again?
The trolleybus we needed arrived. Half empty. We sat down next to each other. I felt Arkasha's thigh pressing against mine. I wonder if he's pressing it on purpose, or just tight? I decided to fidget, at the same time pressing myself against the boy not only with my hip, but also with my shoulder. He looked at me. And he smiled again. I felt so happy, I couldn't help but smile back. I wish I could put my head on his shoulder now... And he would put his hand on my knee.
I was completely daydreaming. This is only the second date, control yourself! Sighing, I stared out the window.
- What movie? - I asked in a feignedly bored voice.
"Uh... We'll see," Arkasha answered evasively.