Kara's Cross

This has to be the best night of my life. When we arrived downtown, the taxi driver had decided not to charge us since we had only ridden with him for a block and he had forgotten to turn on his meter. He seemed happy enough with the five-dollar tip Logan gave him.

We then walked downtown for a while until we reached Chez Phillipe right off of Main Street Square. Logan reminded the waiter we were teen hosts for the Food Channel and are looking for restaurants to feature on our show this fall. We were able to order whatever we wanted to on the house. It was like a dream. I had shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, chicken parmesan with mashed potatoes and crème brulee for dessert. I can’t remember ever having a more amazing dinner.

From the restaurant, we went to see a movie. Logan reminded the usher we had already been inside and had left our ticket stubs in our coats. We even enjoyed complimentary popcorn since they apparently needed to make a fresh batch anyway, at least according to Logan.

Now, we are enjoying a couple of milkshakes and sitting on a bench in Main Street Square, listening to a bluegrass band playing in the amphitheater.

“You should have let me get the milkshakes, Logan.”

“I said I’d pay for everything and I meant it,” he grins, “headaches and all.”

“Well, I hope you’re not in too much pain, because this night’s been amazing.”

“Like I’ve told you, for little things like these, I barely even notice the effects anymore, especially if I keep my mind off of it.”

“Well, I thank you with my whole heart. I don’t think I have ever had a more fun night than this. We’ll have to do it again, and next time, I’ll pay.”

“It’s a date,” Logan confirms, “I can’t wait.”

That was strange. Did he mean what he said? Has this been a date to him? I don’t think I gave any indication it was. I hope that he was just using the phrase as confirmation.

“I really had a good time tonight, too,” Logan puts down his shake and turns to face me, “this is what we should be doing all the time. This is the kind of life we should be living.”

“We couldn’t do it all the time,” I argue, “we have to live our normal lives, too.”

“We wouldn’t have to go back to those lives,” he slides closer to me and puts his arm on the back of the bench, “with our power, we can pretty much live however we want.”

“It’s tempting Logan, but we have families and responsibilities.”

“I’m sure we could figure out a way to make it all work out,” he leans closer, “together.”

He places his lips on mine and starts to kiss me. I want to pull away immediately, but a feeling of warmth and tingling is coursing through my body and I don’t really want it to stop. It is much better than I imagined kissing would feel. He puts his arms around me and pulls me close to his body. I can feel his heat through our clothes. I lean my head back, separating our lips and gently push his chest away. He gives me a confused look.

“I’m sorry, Logan. I don’t think I am ready. I really like you and had such a good time tonight, but you’re my friend, and that’s what feels right. Please don’t be mad.”

He is silent for a few moments. I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings.

“I’m not mad,” he begins, “just feeling shot down, I guess, but I understand. I really like you, so I want to make sure we can stay friends.”

“Of course we can, Logan,” I answer, feeling only slightly awkward now, “friends ’til the end.”

“Sorry about the kiss, then,” he adds, “hopefully, you can forget all about it.”

“Don’t be sorry, it was nice.” Not to mention my first. I’m glad it was with him.

I have no idea if kissing always feels so good, or if there’s a possibility I do have feelings for Logan somewhere inside. I guess I’ll find out eventually.

“It’s getting late, Logan, I should go home so I can get some sleep.”

“Yeah,” he stands up and stretches, “we do have school tomorrow.”

“I want you to know,” I stand up and move right in front of him, “this was one of the best nights of my life, and I will always remember it. You’re the most thoughtful friend anyone could ask for. Thank you so much for doing all of this tonight.”

“No problem,” he replies quietly, “I’m so glad you had fun.”

We walk across the street in silence. The Hotel Alexandria always has a cab or two out front, so we walk over and get a ride home. Logan drops me off with a smile and a wave before having the taxi drive him home. I feel bad for telling him no, but I still am unsure how I feel about him, or anybody. I’ve always pictured myself with Mason and had daydreams of kissing him and being his girlfriend, unfortunately, he has never shown any interest in me. Now, I’m not sure what I want.

I peek in the front window to make sure my dad has gone to bed for the night. I carefully stick my key in the lock and open the door. The house is dark. I tiptoe to my room, quietly open the door, and enter, closing it slowly behind me. I let out a breath and am suddenly exhausted. I barely get my clothes off before falling asleep.