In One Year

Spontaneous Dare

Reaching to bar Jaiden scans the menu finding what he was looking for.

“The root bear floats are amazing here want to try one?” He was so focused on the possible options. A group of girls made their way over the leader of the four girls a bright redhead and she was trying to display as much as was legal. Her eyes never once leaving Jaiden she slithers up beside me.

“Ivy?” oh yeah, I was too preoccupied.

“Yeah? Oh, whatever is good. I am easy.”

“I bet you are.” The redhead scoffs, her group giggling at her joke. Turning her full attentions on us, well Jaiden to be specific. “Hey I’m Shelby.” She held her hand out across me to Jaiden. He could not have looked more annoyed.

“I’m not interested, you can leave.”

“Well then look for me if you want something better.” Glaring at me she turned and walked away. Okay then.

“You really need to stand up for yourself more.” He rounded on me. What did I do?

“I didn’t see the point in commenting it would have engaged her.” I avoided confrontation like the plague. “Plus, she really was just trying to get your attention.” Shrugging I grabbed our order and picked my way back to my seat. Huffing in annoyance Jaiden followed me continuing to lecture me about how I need to speak up when I am unhappy or yada yada.

“There you two are, want to play a quick game of volleyball? We brought a ball with us.” My dad stretched and pretended like he was pumping up for a race. I tried to keep a straight face knowing he was horrible at sports.  “Sure, dad let me have my drink first then we can play.”

“So, what did you two talk about on the lake?” Christine inquired.

Slightly panicked she meant my fear of water I pretended I was clueless.

“What? What conversation?

“On the way here, it looks like you two are getting along alright.” Ohhh, how to answer without giving away the proposal.

“Just school stuff and the party tonight. Nothing much really.” Trying to look nonchalant I focused on my soda. Christine’s face fell, “Oh that’s nice.” I wonder what is wrong.

“Yeah, like general life questions, age and such.” Talking a little longer I could tell she was probing for something, but her questions seem almost random.

“Come on you two, you can chat more later let’s play!” My dad made his way over to one of the volley nets set up on the sand. Jaiden was already on one side tossing around the ball. Shrugging I made my way over.

“Girls against Guys.” OMG he is such a child sometimes. Looking out of the corner of my eye I caught Jaiden grinning. What do those two have cooked up?

“Just playing is no fun. We should add penalties on to the loosing side.” Jaiden suggested, my dad nodded enthusiastically to this. “Add no backing out.” I was cool with it, looking at Christine she looked like she was interested in the new rules.

“Deal, let’s go,” I ran to my side and got ready. Christine took position closer to the net. And Jaiden served. For the next hour and a half, we played and gave the most ridiculous dares. Including one were my dad and I had to chug a small milk shake in under a minute. My head hurt so bad, and my dad was laughing so hard that some came out of his nose which set me off and we both were cry laughing so hard, but we had to finish. That was horrible, I do not think I will be wanting ice cream for a while. Christine and Jaiden were howling in laughter at our pain.

They insisted on one more game, this time Kids against parents. There was no way I was getting anymore dares. By this point we had gathered a bit of a crowd with the small children declaring themselves our referee and point keeper to “keep it fair” after the two cheated the first round offended the rule following morals of our audience.

It was my serve and Jaiden took a spot in the front; the kid was a deadly spiker.

“Come on kiddo give your worst.” My dad was going head-to-head with Jaiden in the front, this was going to get interesting.

“Alright then, are our score keepers ready?” The children cheered in excitement their parents gathering as well ready to take them home. Serving I surprisingly get it over the net.

The game was short with Jaiden dominating most of it, but Christine and dad were running out of steam.

“Last point!” Serving for the final time it hit beside Christine and that was game. As the small crowd cheered Jaiden held up his hands for quiet, he really was getting to into this.

“You lost; you have the last dare of the game!” As everyone became curious, he turned to me, “Can I give the dare I have a great one.” Not really caring I nodded.

“John, come here” Jaiden whispered something to my dad, and he nodded and ran off. Christine walked closer. “Hun, what’s the dare?”

“Just watch your part is next” She looked just as confused as I felt.

My dad made his way back to the space and with the crowd’s attention got down on one knee in front of Christine. All she could do was start crying.

“Christine, we have been together a couple of months now and I love that with how fierce you are at work, you can still be a caring person. One that is dedicated in anything you apply yourself to. And I would be a moron to let you escape. So would you do me the honor of allowing me to call you my wife?”

For some reason she glanced at Jaiden and I and we gave her small answering smiles in return. Well more of a sniffling smile for me, I’m a sap.

“Yes.” The crowd of onlookers cheered and gave congratulations as she leaned in to kiss my dad. Wait a minute. Suddenly annoyed I smacked Jaiden’s arm.

“Ow what was that for?!”

“For not telling me you were doing it now so I could get a video!” I yelled hitting him again.

Hearing this one of the close patrons leaned over.

“I got one if you would like me to send it to you, it’s on snap.”

“Yes please!” Leaning in I gave her my social tag that way I could send it to my grandparents and aunts. And I am quite sure Christine would like to have it. The Lady got a fairly good shot.

“See no biggy you didn’t have to bruise me.” He pouted rubbing his arm. Ignoring him I refocused on the couple who were still very much in their own bubble.

“Hey, love the love fest but I’m hungry!” That earned him another smack on the arm and a glare. Dad and Christine turned to us grinning. Getting closer they pulled us in for hugs. As I went to Christine she whispered, “Did you know about this?”

Shaking my head, I squeezed her tighter. “I knew he wanted to but not when he was going to.”

Pulling back, I handed her my towel so she could dry her face.

“Come on I believe it’s time for some dinner.” Linking her arm with mine we made our way through the dispersing crowd to pack our things. All in all, it was a good day.