Needless to say, the awkward air hasn’t left, not even after we headed home. I’m sitting outside the back door, looking up at a starry sky. If I think about how to properly wrap a sprained ankle I might just be able to stop thinking about things being awkward and it’ll be okay.

And I’m doing it again!

Why can’t I just stop doing stupid, awkward things? We were getting along just fine.

The door behind me opens and I fall into the house, hitting my head on the floor. Which fucking hurts. Damn hardwood flooring.

“Are you okay?” I open my eyes through the pain to see Phoenix, now crouching down next to me.

“Just peachy.” I grit my teeth and sit up, rubbing at the lump forming at the back of my head.

He shuffles around me to get outside and closes the door behind him. He sits next to me, and clears his throat before speaking. “So, about what you mentioned earlier…”

Ah, it’s time to address the herd of elephants stampeding around.

“What exactly did you mean by it?” he finishes.

“I’m pretty sure I wasn’t vague about my opinion on your appearance.”

Why am I talking like this? This isn’t like me. Maybe if I keep it up he won’t realize how nervous I am.

“That’s not what I was asking.” He pauses for a moment. “I was wondering what your thoughts were about our… relationship.”

I keep my eyes focused on the sky so I don’t have to look at him. It’s getting too difficult to keep my cool. Shit. I’m not saying anything. Me! Answer the fucking question!

“I… um… was thinking that you’re a pretty cool guy. And I… kind of like that.”

Why is this so weird!? Why am I so weird!? Crap. Now he’s the one not saying anything. Should I have said that? I probably shouldn’t have. Things are getting even more awkward now. Why!?

I glance at his face. He’s smiling. He catches my gaze and quietly says, “I kind of like you too.” And now I’m blushing!

“Sooooo… Does this mean we’re dating?” I ask.

“But we’ve only known each other for two weeks.”

“So?” Please let that not be a bad sign. Please!

“Isn’t that a little fast?”

I let out a quiet laugh. “There’s no time requirement for dating. If you don’t want to that’s fine, but-”

“That’s not what I said.”

I look away. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say now. I’m trying not to get my hopes up.

“I would like to date you, Alex.”

“So it’s settled.”

He huffs a laugh and leans back. We stay there, looking at the stars for a while longer. It’s nice sitting with him. I hope this lasts.