Best Friends and More

Chapter 11

I see nothing but I know we’re in the forest. I can feel the change from deck to sand to dirt and I might have stumbled on a few branches but I didn’t fall flat on my face. Aaron stops which leads me to stop behind me, “Chloe, I need you to stay here for a minute. Okay?” he asks as he lets go of me, “Okay.” 

    I wait for a minute before I feel hands on the blindfold slowly taking it off. I see Joseph standing in front of me with the blindfold in his hands. Before I could say anything, he steps to my left and the sight takes my breath away. We are standing in a clearing with a clear view of the stars. In the trees are blue fairy lights that add to the beauty of the clearing. In the center is a blanket and a basket with small candles surrounding it. Joseph clears his throat, “I know it’s not much but we worked with what we had. I really hope you like it.” I look at him and see he has his eyes cast down waiting for my response but I’m speechless, so I do the next best thing I can think of. I step toward him and he looks up at me as I put my arms around his neck in a hug to which he wraps his arms around my waist. “Thank you. This is amazing.” I say into his ear. I move back a little to look at his face, “What is this for?” I say as I look into his eyes. Joseph’s face flushes a little, “I...umm…I overheard your conversation with Emma and Nha in the dining room, so I decide that this is the perfect time to talk with you.” he rushes out, “Everyone helped out with the planning of this Aaron even gave me the “You hurt her and I hurt you” talk. Aaron and Keaton helped with getting some of your favorite things, Jonas and Nolan helped set everything up, and Emma and Nha tried to make it as comfortable as possible for you.” I thought about every detail that is before me and I can see where everyone pitched in. “You don’t know how much that means to me.” It was then that I realized, with a slight color change in my cheeks, I was still in Joseph’s arms and he noticed where my eyes went. I went to move away from him but he stopped me, “I need to say this before you make an escape.” he took a deep breath and I stopped moving, “Will you go on a date with? I really like you and I know you think that you’re not good enough for me but that is a f*****g lie. You could do better than me and not the other way around. I want you to realize that no matter what nothing you do or have done will change the way I feel about you.” I stare at him with wide eyes. He heard the conversation and knew that I like him. Not only that but he likes me back and asked me out. “I…” I take a second more and his eyes fill with hope, “Yes.” I say with determination. It takes a second for my answer to register in his mind before a huge smile appears on his face and he picks me up to spin me around. When he puts me down the smile is still on his face, “Would it be asking too much if I asked if I could kiss you? Nevermind. I shouldn’t have asked that yet.” I look at him and I do what I’ve wanted to do for so long. I close the distance between us and put my lips on his. I can tell Joseph didn’t expect this but it didn’t take him long before he took control. It was a sweet and slow kiss that was perfect for this moment. “We should eat before the food gets too cold.” I say with a smile.