I look in the mirror, “You really think this looks good?”

Are you questioning my fashion sense?” Mateo grumbles as Teagan fixes the collar of my jacket. 

I asked Caitlin out on a date about two weeks after I got her number. We spent most nights texting one another, a date felt appropriate by now. 

Which explains the situation right now. The three decided to style me at Mateo’s place, mostly because no one was home. Abuelo Diego and Martina went out for some errands. 

“There, now you can woo the girl,” she chuckles when suddenly Leah shouts. 

“Quick! She’s almost here!” My heart sinks as I’m dragged downstairs. 

I hear Leah whistle as we walk down, “You guys did great, now chop-chop. Don’t keep the girl waiting!” Leah giggles. 

I’m about to open the door when once again, someone shouts. I look back, only to have a pack of gum thrown at my face.

“This will come in handy, I was thinking of getting condo–” 

“Thank you for the gum, Mateo!” I cut in, basically gritting my teeth at the boy. 

“Okay, now quit stalling!” Teagan scowls, being more eager than me for some reason. I roll my eyes with a smile and finally open the door. I witness Caitlin being surprised, seeing as she was about to ring the doorbell. 

“Oh, hello!” She beams. I slam the door closed behind me. I can’t have them embarrassing me in front of her. 

“Hey…you look really pretty,” I blush. She's wearing a beige overall dress with a white turtleneck. 

“Thank you! You look great, too,” she acknowledges. Okay, now I’m thankful they helped me dress. I would’ve been very underdressed compared to her! And here I was thinking this brown corduroy jacket was too much…

“Thanks. Should we head out?” I ask. Caitlin nods happily as we head off. Unfortunately, neither of us can drive, so the bus it is! 

We chat the whole way through and eventually arrive at the city. While we had no specific destination, we figured it’d be fun to just explore the city. 

“Which way do you want to go?” I inquire. I watch as she looks around, 

“Let’s head towards the park, it probably looks beautiful with the autumn leaves,” she hums. 

And she was right, the park looked beautiful with the different colors decorating the place. 

We grab a bench next to the pond as I let out a sigh, "You know, autumn is my favorite season. I had my very first date around this time of year, and I'm having another one," I tell her. 

"Telling me about your past relationships on the first date? How romantic," she chuckles. 

I gasp lightly, "Oh shit, I didn't–" 

"I'm just kidding, don't worry," she cuts in with a smile. 

I smile back, "Well if it makes it better, I know I'll like this date more." 

She jokingly fans herself with her hand, "You sure know how to make a girl happy." I chuckle, I had no idea I did…"While on this topic, how many girlfriends have you had?" 

I hesitate to answer her question. I don't know if I should tell her the truth, she might tease me for it…

I let out a sigh and confess, "None, actually. At least, nothing serious enough to call them a girlfriend."  

I watch as she raises her eyebrow in shock, "Really?" 

I chuckle nervously, "Yeah…did you think I did?" 

She arches her eyebrows, "I’d be lying if I said no," 

I feel my face redden as I chuckle, "Sorry to disappoint, then." 

"Don't say that! It doesn’t change anything for me," she hums, flashing me a soft smile. A smile that catches me off guard. And it only gets better when I suddenly feel her hand on mine. I intertwine my fingers with hers, sending her the same soft smile. 

I clear my throat to ask, “What about you?” 

“O-Oh, I’ve had a couple…nothing too serious” she sighs. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, I was able to tell that Caitlin wasn’t exactly comfortable with this topic. So I shifted the focus away. I get up while my hand still holds hers, 

“Let’s head to the froyo shop nearby, I haven’t had anything from them in a while,” I grin. 

Caitlin chuckles as we start walking towards the shop, “As long as they have mint chocolate chips, I’ll be happy.” 

I give her a face full of disgust, “Ew! What?” Mint and chocolate are a crime together!

She gives me an offended look, holding a hand over her chest, “I don’t think we can continue this date.” 

“It sounds disgusting, you can’t tell me it doesn’t!” I exclaim. 

“But have you ever had it before?” She questions, arching her eyebrow. 

I rub the back of my neck, “...No, but–”

“Then you have no place to judge! I’m making you try mint chocolate chips.” She cuts in. 

 I narrow my eyes at her,” And if I don’t like it?” 

“Then more froyo for me,” she says with a cheeky smile. I roll my eyes with a chuckle. This is nice. We walk hand-in-hand, I can’t help but smile just from looking at her, and the weather tops it all off. I know, I know! It’s probably too quick, but I think the feelings are mutual….