The Date

30.

The air around the table was so thick I could walk on it with high heels. I swear, it was everything but enjoyable. How come my anticipate reunion with Jacob turned out to be this terrible. My soul ached. Nobody said a word. Mom has served me and Jacob a plate full of lasagna then settled back in her seat. I played with my fork, nibbled on some of the food. My stomach was a tight knot I couldn't eat. When I ventured a look at Jacob he was halfway through his dinner.

"At least, you didn't lose your appetite," I mumbled with a smile. He looked up with sparkling eyes.

"I'm not fighting with the food. It's just food and it's delicious," he commented between two mouthfuls. He gave a quick nob at Mom then quickly turned back to me like they weren't even here. That's right, this dinner can be bad only if I allow it to be that way. I turned back to my already cold pasta and dug in. It was delicious.

"So how are the guys doing?" I peeked at him. He paused, lowered his eyes, stabbed into some meat and sauce. Then he looked back up. A shadow flickered behind his brown eyes. His beast was restless. Something was going on.

"Quil is annoying as ever...a really mama hen," his smile was sarcastic. Dad coughed, we both froze. Only our eyes moved to the other end of the table. Why was he being such an asshole? He lazed around picking up his empty glass wine then smooth the table cloth. He was trying to ruin our conversation. Oh, get a life. I turned back to my plate.

"I've got something for you," my head sprung up. Jacob fished in his pocket. "It's not much...but when I saw it when I went to repair this truck downtown I couldn't help myself," he took out a small polka dot box and place it in front of my plate. I let my fork fall on my plate the sound startled everyone around the table. I let out a nervous giggle. Jacob lowered his eyes. Something was bugging him apart from the whole chaperon game.

"Open it," he turned to his dinner and ate in silence. I was suddenly scared. I peeked at Mom, then at Dad, both were staring in the distance. You bet their ears fanning like radar to each and every word coming out of our mouths. I sighed and picked up the box. I slowly rattled it. Jacob smiled at my childish gesture. I pursed my lips at him. I pulled the pink ribbon away and looked inside the red velvet box. A delicate gold chain glistered against the fabric. It was a bracelet with a tiny R attached to it. I gasped, pulled it out, and placed it against my left wrist.

"Oh thank you. It's really cute. I like it," I laughed tears welling up. I extended my hand across the table towards him. "Please tight it for me," by then Jacob had already emptied his plate.

"I knew you'd like it," he whispered. His face was sad somehow. Melancholic. He held the bracelet gently and brushed his fingers around my wrist as he put it on. We held our gaze. Melted in it. His hand lingered on mine. I exhaled. I've missed him so much. He pulled away reluctantly.

"Do you want dessert," Mom got to her feet before we could answer. Dad also got up and join her in the kitchen. The moment they were out of sight I reached out across the table and Jacob grabbed my hand.

"I've missed you," I murmured. He leaned and kissed my hand.

"It's terrible to be away from you..." he squeezed my hand then released it when we heard footsteps coming from the kitchen. My face was hot from just holding hands. I couldn't help it. Mom was back with icecream bowls. She stopped and looked at both of us with a smile. A knowing smile.

"Here, eat to your heart content," she pulled Dad away by the arm to the living room. They weren't out of ear range but at least they gave us enough intimacy to be together. I got out of my seat and rounded the table, he got up. We hugged let the world was about to end.