Shattered Ice

It’s a date

*Virginia*

The salty breeze ruffles my hair, and I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. I can still feel the sting of the volleyball hitting my face, but it pales in comparison to the wave of embarrassment crashing over me..

I hear footsteps approaching, and my heart picks up instantly, I do not like people to see my upset like this. It’s Caleb, of course. I can’t face him right now; not when I feel so exposed and raw… he will probably just say something dumb or try to flirt.

But before I can find a way to avoid him, he’s standing right in front of me, concern etched on his handsome face.

"Does it hurt much? Should I run get the doctor?" he asks, his voice laced with genuine worry.

My heart softens, but I shake my head, not wanting him to fuss over something that feels so trivial now. “It’s not because of the ball.”

He sighs, like he had kinda hoped that was it. “I know I acted like an i***t, I am sorry..”

“Caleb, don’t be silly, it is not about you” I say, forcing a smile that feels more like a grimace. But as soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize I snapped at him. It wasn’t his fault I got hit; he was just trying to help. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

He looks at me, confusion flickering in his eyes. “What’s going on, Virginia? You’re not just upset about the game, are you?”

I hesitate. How do I even explain this? Do I want to share something this personal with him? “It’s just… my mom called,” I finally admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “About my sister’s wedding.”

Caleb frowns, his brow furrowing. “And that’s got you this upset?”

“She asked if she could use my plus-one for someone else because obviously, I won’t be bringing a date,” I say, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “And I got so offended that I told her I would bring someone. But now… I don’t have anyone to bring.” The confession tumbles out, and I can’t hold back the tears any longer. I wipe at my eyes, feeling foolish for letting this get to me.

Caleb’s expression shifts from confusion to something deeper, almost protective. “Wait, so you’re crying because you don’t have a date for your sisters wedding?”

I nod, my voice cracking. “I know it’s stupid, but… You don’t know my family and the pressure they constantly put on me about things like this. I thought I could at least pretend, but now I have to call her back and admit that I made it all up. It’s just… embarrassing.”

He takes a step closer, and the warmth of his presence calms the storm inside me, even if just a little. “Virginia, it’s not stupid. You want to feel included, like you matter. You want your family to respect you. And it’s okay to feel that way.”

I look up at him, and for a moment, the chaos of the world around us fades. “Thanks, Caleb. I just… didn’t expect it to hit me like this.”

He considers my words for a moment, then a spark of determination lights up his eyes. “I can fix that,” he says, a lopsided grin breaking through the seriousness. “I’ll be your date.”

I blink, caught off guard. “What? Seriously?”

“Yeah, seriously,” he replies, shrugging as if it’s the simplest thing in the world. “I mean, I actually clean up pretty well. We could have fun, right? Plus, I’ll make sure your mom knows you’re not dateless.”

My heart skips a beat. “You’d do that for me?”

“Of course! Besides, I owe you for… well several things,” he adds with a playful smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “Just think of it as a way for me to redeem myself.”

I can’t help but laugh, a genuine sound that surprises even me. “You’re really serious about this?”

“Dead serious,” he insists, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just imagine it: me, in a suit, charming all the relatives. It’ll be a blast.”

I chuckle again, the absurdity of the situation easing some of the tension in my chest. “Okay, but you have to promise not to embarrass me in front of my family. And you can’t wear those ridiculous sneakers with the suit.”

He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Deal. But only if you promise to actually have fun and relax at bit.”

“Fine,” I say, a wave of relief washing over me. “Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

“Great! Now how about we go back and celebrate our win?” he suggests, extending his hand to me. “And get ready for the next match.”

I take it, feeling a rush of exhilaration. I am not sure my mom will actually be Impressed with my date… actually I am sure she will get her granny panties in a twist, but that actually makes the thought all the more enjoyable.

“Lead the way.” I tell him.