Margot’s Rumour

Dating Santiago

Weeks had gone by since Margot was left at her front door wondering why Santiago had not kissed her at the end of their date. And during that time she had only become more confused with what was going on! 

The next day after the theme park at school Santiago had been relaxed and his normal self talking to her by their lockers. Margot instead was a bundle of nerves. Every time he moved an arm or approached her, Margot wondered if he would take her hand as easily as he did during their date. 

As the day had worn on though Santiago had not even come close to touching her, nor did he bring up the fun date they had had just the night before. 

This continued to happen. And now 3 weeks later Margot became less and less nervous around Santiago at school. Whatever was going on was clearly not something public.  They did chat next to each other at their locker. Always laughing which gained some looks from Stacey. And Margot was even asked a few questions from the cheer squad about why she and Santiago always seemed so close. Margot, at the start, had just replied that they were doing a project for English that was taking a lot of their time. 

It was true they were spending a LOT  of time on their English project. After all, it was 40% of their grade.  At least twice a week they would meet and one of their houses to work on it, and brainstorm. Santiago being the charmer that he was always ended up talking to Margot’s mum until they were all naturally eating supper together every time he came over. Margot, in turn, needed to always stay at Santiago’s for supper when she visited because Yaya was always setting a place for her. And would take Margot by the wrist to sit down, (much like how Santiago would take her places, giving her no real choice). Then Yaya would pile large amounts of delicious food in front of her. And Margot just could not say no.

On Friday or Saturday, depending on Santiago’s lacrosse schedule, he would take her to some event that would relate to their English project. They still had not decided on the works they were going to use. But they had now gone to university plays, oddly mixed media art presentations, slam poetry and even a pantomime and a cabaret. 

All of it was really fun. And taking so much time Margot felt like they were spending all their time together. It could be dating, Margot had thought once or twice. Santiago had never brought up a girl. And every weekend he was either with her or a game. Margot couldn’t see when he would have time for a girlfriend unless she was very understanding. 

This gave her hope. Being such a novice in the area of high school dating Margot hoped that this was just how Santiago dated. He had often held her hand, when they would do the reconnaissance for the project he would never let her pay for anything. One time she even bought the tickets early because she felt bad. Then Santiago started texting her, “I’ve got the tickets” so that she wouldn’t do that again.  Santiago would also always suggest a cafe or some other place to talk after the performance. One of the Saturday’s started at 11 am and Santiago had only dropped her over at 9 that night. 

But then again it was always for school, and the project was worth 40% of their grade. But also he had paid for everything, held her hand, opened doors, placed his hand at the small of her back, pinned her hair back. Even pulled her in and kissed the top of her head. When the date was over he would walk her to her front door and give her a kiss on the side of the cheek. Say what a fun time he had, then walk back to his car. 

And that was the issue. Every time there wasn’t anything more physical than a kiss on the head or a cheek. Like one might do with a child. 

Margot had been questioning after the 5th date or so what was stopping Santiago from doing more than just an innocent kiss. Ever the researcher she had looked up flirting techniques, seduction tactics and even articles on kissing. She had started to wonder if she had not been good in the passionate kiss they had shared. 

Margot had even gone as far as to wear a low cut dress to the poetry slam. It worked, insofar as other customers at the venue had started hitting on her when Santiago had left her alone. But Santiago did not change at all throughout the date. His eyes did not so much as glance at her cleavage and her n****e was practically playing peekaboo. 

Margot even tried touching him more. To see if there would be a response. She would lean over; leave her hand on his thigh. Touch his arm when she laughed. She even started to use his name more in conversation. 

But nothing.

Her heart did beat a little faster when Santiago had said, “you know you don’t have to keep calling me Santiago.” Margot was excited, if he gave her a pet name that must mean they were surely dating. Instead, he had told her just to call him Santi. That wasn’t the babe or even big boy type term of endearment she had been hoping for. But at least it was a bit more familiar- no one at school ever called him anything but Santiago.

Margot didn’t know what to do. But it was not like she could stop seeing Santi, nor could she ask. 

What if it was all for the project, and the date and kiss were as he had said, “to be crossed off her list of high school experiences.” She also had no one to speak about this with, because it would mean admitting too much and she didn’t need more rumours about herself circulating.

But Santiago had asked if she would like to go to his game this weekend. He had said if she wouldn’t mind meeting him there, they could go to the matinee of the ballet that was on the same campus. He then added, “Margot actually why don’t you come and watch the game, you may enjoy it now that I’ve made you an expert!” 

Margot was so excited! Surely asking her to watch him play was something you ask a girlfriend, not a study partner.