After a few moments of laughter and introductions, my mom ushered us into the living room, insisting that Alex get comfortable. She poured us each a glass of lemonade—her signature move when she wanted to play hostess—and sat across from us, her curiosity barely contained behind her warm smile. The sunlight streamed through the window, making the room feel extra cozy, and I could tell Mom was in full "get to know the girlfriend" mode.
"So, Alex, tell me about yourself," Mom began, leaning forward with genuine interest. "Lucas has told us bits and pieces, but you know how he is—always leaves out the good stuff."
Alex smiled, a little shy but quickly warming to my mom's friendly energy. "Well, I'm kind of a bookworm, I guess. I play cello, and I'm really into science and math. I'm hoping to get into a good college."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Mom said, her eyes lighting up. "A musician and a scholar. You are a perfect match for him. He's become quite the creative spirit lately, always working on his little projects."
Alex laughed, glancing at me. "He's actually really smart, Mrs. Reed. He's just… low-key about it in school. He's helped me a lot. I used to be so focused on grades and academics, I forgot how to have fun." I felt a flush of pride hearing that, and made a mental note to thank Alex later in my own way.
Mom nodded, giving me a knowing look. "That sounds like Lucas. He's always had a way of making things lighter, even when they're stressful. But he can be stubborn, too. How does he treat you?"
Alex's cheeks colored a bit, but she answered honestly. "He's amazing, honestly. He's supportive, and he listens to me—even when I'm rambling about something nerdy. He makes me laugh all the time, and he's really thoughtful. He even bakes, which I did not expect!"
Mom grinned, clearly pleased. "He does have his moments. I always told him to be a gentleman and I'm glad to hear he's treating you well."
Alex nodded, her voice sincere. "He really does. He's helped me feel more confident, too. I used to get anxious about everything, but with him, it's easier to just… be myself."
Woah, isn't she praising me too much? I didn't expect that she got that much attached to me already. I looked at her and then at my mom, who was looking at Alex with a shine in her eyes, and thought about how to get out of here before they talked too much and my mom started telling embarrassing stories.
Mom's expression softened, and she reached over to squeeze Alex's hand. "You seem like a wonderful young woman, Alex."
Alex smiled, her nerves fading. "Thank you, Mrs. Reed."
Mom glanced at me, a twinkle in her eye. "He's lucky too. Don't let him forget it."
They kept chatting, with Mom asking about Alex's family, her favorite books, and even her plans for the future. Alex told her about her dream of studying biochemistry, her favorite authors (Jane Austen and Neil Gaiman), and how she sometimes played cello at charity events. Mom even asked if Alex could teach me a few chords on the guitar, which made Alex laugh and promise to try. They were getting along so well, I started to worry Mom would get to the story about how I used to say 'purple' as a kid and make fun of me (seriously, go look up that baby video if you want to know). I quickly interjected.
"Let's go, Alex. I'll drop you at your house," I said, making up an excuse to get us out of the house before Mom could get into full embarrassing-mom mode. Alex nodded, clearly getting the message, and we bolted out after Alex bid my mom goodbye.
Mom called after us, "You are always welcome here whenever you want!"
I rolled my eyes, but inside I was relieved—and happy. The conversation had gone better than I could have hoped, maybe too well, and seeing Alex and my mom connect like that made everything feel right.
We got inside the car, and as I started the engine, Alex looked over and asked, "So, where are we really going?"
I smirked, "Somewhere quiet. Trust me."
I drove us out of the city, the Mustang drawing admiring glances from pedestrians and making me feel like a rockstar. Soon we were surrounded by open fields and trees, the world fading away behind us. I pulled off onto a quiet patch of grass where no one was around, just the sound of birds and the wind in the trees. The sky was painted with the colors of the setting sun, and for a while, we just sat on the hood of the car, soaking in the peace.
Eventually, I couldn't help myself—I leaned in, and we started making out, the world shrinking down to just the two of us. I missed her over the past two days, and it felt good to just be close. When the sun dipped lower, we separated, laughing and a little breathless, and just enjoyed the moment.
I got my guitar out from the backseat. "Let me show you how much I improved," I said, grinning, and started strumming the strings. I played the happy birthday tune, then a few more simple songs, showing off my progress. Alex's eyes widened in surprise.
"You got this good in just a week?" she asked, clearly impressed.
"Yup. I'm built differently," I said, still playing. I didn't mention I hadn't even practiced for the last two days because of the tournament.
"Now it's your turn," I said, pulling her cello case from the car.
Alex set up her cello, and the moment she started to play, the air changed. Her fingers danced on the strings, and she hummed along, her voice soft and melodic. I was transfixed—she was incredible. When she finished, I clapped and cheered, not caring if anyone heard. "Encore! Autograph, please!" I joked, handing her a marker and my guitar.
She laughed, blushing, and signed her name on the back of the guitar. "Only if you sign my cello," she said, handing me her marker. I scrawled my name, trying to make it look cool, and we both laughed at how ridiculous and sweet it was.
We talked about music for a long time—her favorite composers, my favorite bands, what songs made us cry or laugh. She teasingly asked, "Will you write a song for me?" and I suddenly got an idea right there, my eyes lighting up. "For you? Definitely."
She blinked, surprised. "Wait, really?"
"Wait a moment," I said, and started strumming the guitar, trying to remember the chords of a song I'd heard a thousand times in my previous life. Alex watched, a little confused at first, but her eyes widened as she realized what I was doing.
I finalized the tune in my head, looked right into her eyes, and said, "I got the inspiration for this song today when you asked me this morning 'do I look okay?' Here's my answer."
I didn't feel bad at all lying to her, telling her this song was written by me—who was going to copyright me here? This song didn't exist in this world. I started playing the chords for "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars and began to sing.
"Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day…"
Alex's eyes widened, her mouth falling open as she heard the opening lines and realized how good my voice actually was.
"Yeah, I know, I know, when I compliment her she won't believe me
And it's so, it's so, sad to think that she don't see what I see
But every time she asks me do I look ok, I say…"
She was still surprised but focused on the lyrics, her eyes shining with emotion.
"When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are. Yeah."
She started to cry a little, tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks as she listened. I could see how much it meant to her—how she'd always tried to fit in, always felt a little different, and now someone was telling her she was perfect just as she was.
"Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day…"
She laughed through her tears, promising to actually kiss me all day, and I grinned, feeling like the luckiest guy alive.
"Oh, you know, you know, you know, I'd never ask you to change
If perfect's what you're searching for then just stay the same
So, don't even bother asking if you look ok
You know I'll say…"
"When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while
Because girl you're amazing, just the way you are
The way you are, the way you are
Girl you're amazing, just the way you are…"
When I finished, I rubbed the back of my head, a little embarrassed. "It's still rough around the edges, but I'll work on it later."
Alex didn't say much at first. She just came over and hugged me, holding on tight. "It was perfect for me," she whispered. "Thank you, Lucas. I don't have words to tell you how good this felt for me."
I hugged her back, still holding my guitar, and said softly, "I'm glad you like it."
She kissed me then—not a hungry, lustful kiss, but a slow, gentle one, full of love. It felt like a scene from a movie: sunset behind us, a beautiful car, and the girl I cared about kissing me.
We sat there, her head on shoulder and my arm wrapped around her, the sky turning purple and gold above us. It was so peaceful until Alex's phone buzzed—a call from her mom, asking her to come home. She sighed, a little sad that the day was ending.
"It was a good day," she said softly, leaning her head on my shoulder.
"The best," I agreed.
I drove her home, and as she got out of the car, she turned and kissed me one last time. "Thank you for today, Lucas. I'll never forget it."
I watched her go inside feeling a bit sad looking at the condoms I bought today stashed under my seat but still feeling content and happy, knowing that sometimes the best days are the ones where you just get to be together, no pressure, no expectations.
______________________
AN: If you have any suggestions for songs. Feel free to write in comments.
Power stones I humbly seek,
For strength when I am feeling weak.
Lend me some, and I shall soar—
In return, I'll write you more
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