At the end of the day, I offer to walk her home, and she accepts. So far, we're going down the same path I walk home, so it's not inconvenient.

"Judas?"

"Yeah?"

"Why did you ask me out?"

Oh no. I have to be careful how I answer this question. "Because ... I wouldn't mind being around you for the rest of my life."

Our eyes meet, and my face burns hot. I turn away. I can't believe I just said that. That was too much. She's undoubtedly cringing at me.

I hear her laugh. "You're cute when you're flustered," she says, which makes me flustered. She laughs more. When we get to my house, she stops in front of me.

"Thanks for walking me home!" she says.

"Wait—you live near here?"

"Yeah. That's my house." She points to the house across the street. It was for sale just a few days ago, but now the For Sale sign is gone, and two cars are in the driveway.

She's my new neighbor. Oh my God, could this get any better?

"See you tonight," she says.

We linger a bit before she turns around and heads to her house. I watch her walk in through the blue door as I stand in my driveway.

"So, how was school?" Jesus asks. He's standing to my right.

"Dude, I can't believe it. Delilah Lor is a woman that I'm going out with. Tonight. Oh God, I hope I don't mess this up."

"You'll be fine. Whatever happens, happens. Just be yourself. She seems to like that."

I think about it. Then, a thought enters my head. One that I don't like.

"Hey, Jesus?"

"Yes, Judas?"

"Is this going to end well for us? Or will something happen between us?"

"You know the rule. I can't spoil anything. Just know that every relationship will be tested."

"Yeah. Right. I know that. It's just ... I don't want this to backfire. I trust you; it's just that I can't help but admit I'm nervous about the future."

"Lay your anxieties onto me. Don't worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow will worry about itself. Worry about right now. And right now, you should take a shower and wear something nice. Not too nice, though."

"Yeah. You're right. Let's get ready for tonight."