People frequently ask why people go to church when they can pray in the privacy of their own homes. Well, I suppose it's because of the atmosphere it creates. The sound of the organ reverberated through the walls, creating a sense of grandeur and spirituality; the hymns giving me a sense of tranquility.
The church was enormous and even more beautiful on the inside, and we were fortunate to have gotten a seat close to the podium, from which we could see everything that was going on in the front. The stained glass windows filtered the sunlight, creating a vibrant glow throughout the room.
The choir led the lyrics beautifully, harmonizing in perfect unison. The congregation joined in, their voices blending to create a strong and uplifting sound. I was surprised to see Carrie singing along like she was used to it, but her gaze was fixed on her crush, who was sitting on the choir side, whom by the way, looking dashing in their uniforms. Men wore all black, while ladies wore black pullovers with long gold skirts that swayed gracefully as they sang.
Soon after the service started.
The pastor was young and funny , engaging the congregation with his relatable anecdotes and lighthearted sense of humor. His youthful energy and charismatic personality created an atmosphere of joy and excitement among the attendees.
The theme was relationships and youth.
The pastor explained that love is often misunderstood and misrepresented in today's society. He highlighted the importance of truly understanding the depth and meaning of love, and how it goes beyond mere romantic feelings.
The pastor encouraged the congregation to strive for genuine love that is selfless, unconditional, and inclusive, as it has the power to transform lives and create a more compassionate world.
It's funny how the pastor chose to talk about relationships, particularly love, on the day that my friends and I went to church.
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for you own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:2-4)." Was the scripture the pastor left us with.
The service went better than anticipated. The preacher's words had an impact on everyone involved, especially the youth.
Ethan, particularly, looked very pleased and happy since the sermon touched Lizzy's sore spot. If there is one thing you should know about their relationship, it is that Lizzy is a demanding girlfriend. She always wants things to go her way and to be treated like a queen, oblivious to the fact that the relationship is between two people.
She was the one who invited Ethan to receive spiritual healing, and I hoped she found it as well. As for Carrie, I was relieved to see that she was no longer preoccupied with trying to catch Dave's eye and had instead engaged with the sermon.
"You look happy," Nick remarked, snapping me out of my thoughts as we walked out of the church.
"I am happy," I answered with a genuine smile. "How about you?" I asked in return. Nick paused, his expression thoughtful. "I suppose I am too," he replied, a note of contentment in his voice.
"As long as you're beside me, I'll always be happy," he added teasingly, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Cliché, but I love it," I chuckled softly, linking my arm through his. I could feel the warmth of my friends' eyes on us, their delight evident as we made our way down the path.
At lunchtime, we settled beneath a sprawling mahogany tree with its umbrella-like branches casting a wide shade. Positioned in the center of the church compound, the tree provided a perfect spot for a peaceful and relaxing meal amidst the lush green fields.
We laughed and chatted as we enjoyed the delicious food we'd brought along. The gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, adding to the soothing atmosphere and enhancing our enjoyment of the moment.
"So, how long have you guys been dating?" Ethan asked, his curiosity evident. It was a question he'd clearly been eager to ask since meeting Nick. Unfortunately, it was poorly timed, as it made me choke on my food and cough uncontrollably.
Nick quickly handed me a glass of water and rubbed my back to help me calm down. Once I had regained my composure, I took a sip of water and thanked Nick for his quick response. I felt so embarrassed by Ethan's question and looked to my friends for support, but they seemed just as curious about the answer, despite knowing the whole truth. I turned to Nick, hoping he would help answer Ethan, but he simply looked at me with a raised eyebrow.
His calm and collected demeanor only frustrated me more. It was always like this—whenever someone misunderstood our relationship, Nick would remain silent, leaving me to handle it. I couldn't help but feel irritated by his lack of support in these moments, which made me question what he expected my answer to be.
"You think too much, Ethan. We're just friends," I blurted out, my voice tinged with irritation. Ethan seemed to pick up on my frustration and didn't probe further. We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting, though I spoke less.
I also noticed Carrie's unusual silence, which made me wonder what was going on with her. After the service, Dave had invited her to join him and his family and friends for lunch, but unexpectedly, Carrie had turned him down. It was her best chance to spend time with him, yet she declined without explanation.
There was definitely something off, and I planned to find out what it was later.
As evening approached, we all left the church after a day of fun and celebration. The sun set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, and we bid farewell to the new friends we'd made. Nick and I made our way home, while Carrie stayed behind to help Dave with the clean-up and final tasks of the event, and Lizzy went ahead with Ethan.
The ride back was quiet, with neither of us saying much.
I lowered the car window, letting the cool evening breeze brush gently against my face. I really didn't feel like talking to Nick at the moment. As we began the drive home, he made several attempts at small talk, but I kept my responses curt. Sensing my mood, he eventually stopped trying to engage in conversation.
I realized I was mad at him. No matter how much I tried to rationalize it, his presence felt irksome. It was as if a wave of frustration had washed over me, and I couldn't shake it off. Maybe it was just one of those days when everything seemed to irritate me, or perhaps it was the earlier question about us dating. Either way, I was angry.
When we pulled into the driveway, I quickly exited the car and started heading towards my house. Nick called out to me, and I turned around, raising an eyebrow in question.
"Did I do something wrong?" Nick asked, his voice tinged with concern. I paused, trying to collect my thoughts before responding.
"Why? Did you do something wrong?" I retorted, my tone sharper than I intended. I could see the confusion in his eyes as he shook his head.
"You tell me. You've been quiet since this afternoon. You've been avoiding me, and whenever I try to talk, you seem distant and uninterested," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.
"You're overthinking it. I'm just exhausted and need some rest," I replied, hoping to downplay his concerns. I wanted to be as far from him as possible until I figured out why I was behaving this way. Nick, however, didn't seem convinced. He opened his mouth to say something but then sighed and let it go.
"I'll be going now," I said, turning to leave.
"Do you... do you play PS?" Nick asked suddenly. I stopped, taken aback by the unexpected question.
"It's effective for calming down nerves," he added when he noticed my confused look. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. This was not something I had anticipated, and it left me momentarily speechless.
I took a moment to weigh my options. I had two choices: agree to play PS with him and enjoy some relaxation, or stay up all night grappling with my scattered thoughts and frustration.
"Yeah, I actually do," I said, opting for the first choice. "Why do you ask?"
"Would you like to join me? If you win, we can watch a movie of your choice," Nick proposed, his hands tucked into his black pants. He was dressed in formal pants with a navy blue shirt neatly tucked in. I remembered how infatuated I was when I saw him this morning; it was a new look for him, and he wore it well.
Nick's offer caught me off guard again. Not only was he inviting me to play games, but he was also offering to watch a movie together?
"S...sure," I stuttered, seeing no downside to the offer. I had a particular movie Lizzy had been insisting I watch, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Plus, spending more time with him was definitely a bonus.
"Great!" He exclaimed with a wide smile.
"But I need to change first. You should shower too," I suggested, then realized how suggestive that sounded.
I glanced at his face and saw the teasing look in his eyes and the way he was biting his lips. It was clear he had caught on to my unintended innuendo. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I quickly tried to clarify my innocent intention.
"I mean, it's been a long day, and we should freshen up to get rid of the sweat. You smell," I added awkwardly before fleeing from the situation. The sound of his laughter followed me, making my face turn even redder.
Entering my modest apartment, I tossed my handbag onto the couch and quickly pulled out my phone. I made a beeline for the bathroom, dialing my brother's number as I went. Once inside, I placed the phone on the sink and started undressing, eager to get in the shower.
As I turned on the shower, I couldn't help but cringe at how my innocent comment had been misconstrued. Nick's laughter still echoed in my mind, making me feel even more embarrassed.
"The number you have dialed is not in service." My brother's annoying voice filled the silence, and I rolled my eyes at his antics.
"How does one play PS?" I cut straight to the point, ignoring the sarcastic message he'd left. There was a brief pause on the other end, clearly indicating my brother's surprise at my question.
I know it seems odd—why tell Nick I knew how to play PS and then ask my brother to teach me? I suppose we all do absurd things when it comes to people we like. Right?
"Wait, are you in the shower?" Ethan's voice came through, sounding mortified.
"I don't have time for this, just answer my question!" I snapped impatiently, grabbing the soap and lathering up.
"Why do you suddenly want to know how to play PS? You hate it," he said, his curiosity piqued. It was true—I'd always found it annoying because of how much my dad and brother played it. How was I supposed to explain that I wanted to impress a guy?
"No, wait. Don't answer that. What's in it for me if I teach you?" Ethan asked, which was no surprise. He never does anything without a payoff.
"I'll get you the new version of GTA you've been wanting for months," I offered, knowing that would catch his attention.
"But Mom—"
"I'll handle Mom," I cut him off.
"Alright. Playing PS is easy. You need to…" Ethan began explaining, and I spent the rest of my shower and the time dressing up listening to his instructions.
...
As I stood in front of Nick's door, a mix of excitement and nerves surged through me. I took a deep breath and knocked, feeling my anticipation grow with each second.
When Nick answered, he was holding a virtual reality headset, but it was his bare chest that really took me by surprise. Fresh from the shower, his chocolate-colored skin gleamed with droplets of water, making the sight both unexpected and mesmerizing.
I tried to look away, but my eyes betrayed me, lingering on his toned muscles and the way the droplets trailed down his abdomen before disappearing beneath the waistband of his low-slung towel. The sight was undeniably alluring, and my mind couldn't help but wander, imagining what it might be like to—
"Had your fill yet?" Nick's voice sliced through my thoughts, jolting me back to reality. Startled, I looked up to meet his piercing gaze, which was filled with amusement, as if he knew exactly where my mind had wandered.
"I could strip if you only asked," he teased, a mischievous smile curling at his lips.
"Wh...what?" I stammered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Nick chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the flustered effect he had on me.
"Come in," he said, leaning against the doorframe with a voice that was both low and inviting. I bit my lip and stepped inside.
The moment I crossed the threshold, I was struck by how much had changed. It had only been two days since my last visit, but the place felt completely transformed.
The once cluttered and unfinished house had been revamped into a striking reflection of Nick's personality. Sports memorabilia adorned the walls, and sleek, modern furniture gave the space a polished, energetic feel. It was clear that Nick had swiftly turned his living space into a stylish, personal sanctuary.
"Wow! You really are good at this!" I exclaimed, admiring the swift and stylish makeover. The vibrant, masculine atmosphere was a testament to how much thought Nick had put into creating his ideal living space.
"Well, thank you," Nick's voice came from behind me, making my heart skip a beat as I realized how close he was. I turned around to find him standing just inches away, a playful smile on his lips. "Make yourself comfortable while I put on a shirt," he said, stepping back. 'Can you not?' I wanted to asked but bit my cheek.
"I made some popcorn for us to enjoy while we watch a movie," Nick added, gesturing toward the kitchen. His comment surprised me—last I remembered, we were only supposed to watch a movie if I won the game. I raised an eyebrow in confusion.
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Was this supposed to calm my nerves or make them worse? I sighed and continued to explore. I mean it was dark, and cozy and I had a the hottest guy in the room with me. Oh help me the heavens.
The gaming setup was nothing short of impressive. The large TV screen was lit with a football game, the cheers and excitement of the fans filling the room.
Despite my previous disinterest in these games, the atmosphere now seemed electric. Maybe it was because I was here with someone I had feelings for, but suddenly, the prospect of playing a game and spending time with him felt thrilling.
I settled into the plush couch, mentally preparing myself for the upcoming gaming challenge. This night was shaping up to be more interesting than I had anticipated.
A couple of minutes later, Nick came dressed in a gray sweatshirt before flopping on the couch beside me. We were sitting close. So close that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
"Ready to lose to me?" He asked with a playful grin on his face, handing me the game controller. I scoffed, grabbing the controller from his hand, and said, haughtily.
"Wait till I kick you butt and you start crying like a little baby." Nick laughed at my comment and playfully nudged me with his elbow. "Oh, we'll see about that," he replied confidently.
As the game began, our friendly competition quickly escalated into a fierce battle, filled with laughter and playful banter. I was clearly struggling—Nick had racked up ten points, while I barely managed two, despite his attempts to go easy on me. It turned out that memorizing the rules and actually playing were worlds apart.
"How can you not be a gentleman?" I whined when the game ended with Nick as the clear winner. "Don't you know you're supposed to go easy on a girl?" I grumbled, eliciting a playful smirk from Nick.
"Oh, come on now," he chuckled. "I thought you were up for a challenge." I pouted but couldn't help smiling at his teasing.
"I guess we won't be watching the movie then," I said, feeling disappointment.
"I was really looking forward to it," Nick laughed at my comment.
"But you never mentioned what I would owe you if I lost the game. After all, you're the winner," I added with a playful smile. Nick's laughter faded as he considered my words, realizing that he had indeed overlooked our wager.
"Mmmh, I didn't think of it since I was so sure you would win." Nick said playfully, obviously rubbing salt in the wound of my defeat, earning a glare from me.
"Mmmh, I didn't expect that," Nick teased, clearly enjoying the moment as he rubbed salt in the wound of my defeat. His playful grin only made me scowl harder.
"Since I'm the victor," he continued, leaning in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper that made my heart race, "I'd like you to tell me... your deepest fantasy." The unexpected request caught me off guard, leaving me momentarily speechless.
"Are you sure you want to spend your victory on hearing about my deepest fantasy?" I asked, buying time as I scrambled to come up with a response.
Nick's eyes twinkled with mischief as he chuckled. "Oh, I'm absolutely certain," he said with a confident grin. "What better way to celebrate my win than by diving into your wildest fantasy?"
"Now, this is exactly why I avoid playing truth or dare," I said with a mock scowl, turning to face him. "But I'm not one to back out on a bet." Nick raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"You must promise not to laugh," I added, my voice dropping to a whisper. Nick's smile widened, clearly eager for more.
"Alright, I promise," he said, his curiosity piqued.
"Well," I began, feeling my cheeks flush, "I've always dreamed that the man I like likes me back and that he'd come to my house through the window. You promised not to laugh." Nick's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded, waiting for me to continue.
"I know it sounds a bit strange—blame it on my writer's mind—but that's what I... well, you know." I stumbled over my words, cringing a little at how it must sound.
"So, what happens after the guy you like, likes you back and sneaks in through your window?" Nick asked, his curiosity evident. I chuckled nervously, trying to find the right words.
"Um, we kiss and make out, and then someone—probably my annoying brother—knocks on the door, and the guy has to hide under the bed or in the wardrobe." I closed my eyes, feeling the blush deepen as I realized how naive and unrealistic my fantasy must sound.
"I know; go ahead and laugh," I said, bracing myself. Even with my eyes closed, I could tell he was struggling to contain his laughter. A moment later, he burst into fits of laughter, unable to hold back.
"That's quite the imaginative scenario you've got there," he managed between laughs. I couldn't help but join in, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief that Nick found it funny rather than odd.
"You have the most bizarre thoughts, kitten," Nick said, finally calming down from his laughter. "I wasn't expecting that."
"Why? Were you expecting something smutty, like, 'handcuff me and—'" I started teasingly, but trailed off when I saw a raw, intense look clouding his eyes.
"I think we should stick to movies, kitten," Nick's voice dropped to a deep, reverberating tone that sent a shiver down my spine. "Before you say something you can't handle." The intensity in his voice made my breath hitch.
"But I lost the game," I reminded him, feeling a bit deflated.
"I don't see why we shouldn't watch a movie after the best laugh I've had," Nick said, leaning back on the couch with a relaxed grin. "It's the perfect way to end the night."
His suggestion brightened my mood. "Sounds like a plan to me," I said, feeling a surge of excitement.
"Here, the movie is Vampire Academy. Let me grab the popcorn," I handed him the remote and scurried off to the kitchen.