Post by puppylovegirl95 on Nov 14, 2009 15:09:01 GMT -5
I thought I would never get the chance to meet him. Then, one day it finally happened. I honestly thought it was all a dream at first, but then i realized it was real. The concert was a week ago, but then i got the tweets. I really only saw Damian's and that was enough to send me into total freak out mode. I convinced my mom to drive me and my sister into the city to look for them.
We live about half and hour from Denver, so I was hoping that we would make in time to hopefully meet them. We made it just in time to see them walking out. I felt my eyes go wide and my heart start to race. There he was, the guy I've been in love with for a year. Could it be possible that my chance was here? The moment i had dreamed about for months, finally here.
I finally composed myself enough to walk oh so casually over to them. I didn't run over like I thought I would, but kept myself calm. For the most part anyway. I tried to make it seem like I was just walking around, not looking for them, and they kept on walking too. I got within talking (or screaming) distance of them, and I politely asked Damian, "Hi Damian. Can I possibly get a picture? If it's not too much trouble." Then i gave my best smile I could muster without losing my composure. He smiled his gorgeous smile and replied, "Sure. No trouble at all." Needless to say, I was freaking out inside.
So, I got my camera phone ready and handed it to my mom to take the picture. He put his arm around my shoulders and waited patiently while I explained how to take the picture. My mom finally got the picture, and i asked Damian, "Just one more?" He said, "Of course." We got the last picture and just as i was turning around to leave, he gently touched my arm to turn me back toward him. I got chills and turned back around to face him.
He looked at me and said, "Wow, you're one of the politest fans I've met." After he said that, he smiled at me and I melted. I don't know how I restrained myself from screaming right then, but I did. I smiled back at him, and it was my most genuine smile I had ever smiled. "And you have the most beautiful eyes and the cutest smile I've ever seen." I could've said something like Thank You, but I for once couldn't find my voice.
My mom said we had to go then, so I asked, "Would it be OK if I hugged you?" He laughed, and I took that as a yes. Hugging him, well that was amazing. I started walking away with my sister and mom, but then I heard, "Wait! I didn't catch your name!" I turned around and said, "Dakota." He stood there a little while longer and then said, "Dakota! Are you busy later? The buses don't roll out for a few more hours!" I turned to my mom and gave her a pleading look. "Alright. Just have fun."
I hugged my mom and sister, at which Jordan (my sister) glared at me. I didn't care because I was going to hang out with my dream guy. I walked over to Damian and he smiled again. "What did you have in mind to do?" I asked. He pondered that and said, "Well, I don't know, considering I didn't expect you to want to do anything." I looked at him and considered my answer very carefully. I finally came back with this, "I've waited for months to meet you, and I never thought you would ever ask me to hang out." He looked away for a minute, but then looked me in the eyes. "I never expected someone as beautiful as you to actually want to meet me," he said. We kept walking and caught up with Ryan and George. They didn't really notice me, but then Ryan said, "Hey I'm Ryan." I shook his hand and smiled. Damian answered for me, "This is Dakota." We kept walking and Damian eventually put his arm around my shoulders. I shivered and he asked, "What's wrong? Are you cold?" I shook my head and smiled.
Part II...
There we were, just walking down the street looking like any other teenage couple. The thing is, we weren't even a couple. Yet. Yet is the key word here. I don't think i stopped smiling yet. There's that word again. The word that could change everything... But there's one tiny little problem. WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO WHEN HE LEAVES FOR THE REST OF THE TOUR AND GOES BACK TO IRELAND??? I didn't even want to think about it. We kept walking, perfectly content to just walk around. I turned to look at him for the umpteenth time, not believeing this is real. He caught me looking (again) and he just smiled. I melted and almost fell. Of course I couldn't just not be clumsy. I'm sure my face turned bright red and he laughed. Not at me, but with me, since by that time I was laughing too.
I'm guessing we hadn't been walking long, but then it started to snow. Well as romantic as that sounds, it was totallly inconvient. I was already almost falling all by myself, and the snow and ice certainly won't help. Then, he looks over me, and of course I'm looking up at the sky silently cursing the snow, and I look at him, and he asks with a laugh, "Something wrong?" I smile and say, "No, nothing's wrong." We keep walking until we get to this little coffee shop. "Want to go in and get a hot chocolate or something?" I ask. "Sure. That sounds really good right about now," he says. We walk in and he moves his arm from my shoulders.
Then, out of nowhere, I hear my name. "Koda! Koda, over here!" I look around. I realize that my friend Kayla had been there when Damian and I walked in. I run over and give her a big hug. "Oh my gosh! I didn't you would be here! Oh how rude of me! Kayla, this is Damian. Damian, Kayla." I said with as much enthusiasm I could use without screaming. Kayla's eyes got wide and I started laughing. "Kayla. Kayla, breathe." I said laughingly. I was relieved when she did start breathing again. Damian was very charming and she was smiling as I had been when I met him. I turned to Damian. "Would it be ok if she joined us?" I used my best pleading eyes. He smiled and answered, "Sure. The more the merrier, right?" I laughed and so did Kayla.
We ordered our hot chocolates and got a table by the window. Kayla looked at us. "So what's the deal here? How did you meet? What's going on with you guys now?" she questioned us. I looked at Damian, sure how to answer. Luckily, he answered for me. "Well, we met when she came up and asked if she could get a picture. It surprised me how calm she seemed compared to other fans I've met. And then I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me, and that's how we ended up here." I sat there nodding, but I kind of freaked out when he stopped, since he didn't answer the last question. Then, he turns his gorgeous blue eyes towards me. "Actually, I've been waiting to ask you something. I wasn't sure at first, but now seems like a good time. How would you like to be my girlfriend?" I saw Kayla's eyes widen out of the corner of my eye. I smiled and said, "I would love to be your girlfriend." I hugged him and didn't want to let go. Wow, i never thought this would ever happen!!! I thought to myself.
We drank our hot chocolate, and neither of us stopped smiling. Kayla just kept looking at us, but we just kept on smiling. We finished up, and waved good-bye to Kayla. Damian put his arm around me again. It was getting a little cold, so I was grateful for his warmth. That, and I couldn't believe that he actually asked me out. This was my dream come true! I didn't know where we were going, but we soon came up to the buses. I wasn't really sure if the guys would come out, but they did. Ryan and George remembered me from earlier, but I hadn't met Paul or Keith yet. They were very kind offered to let me come on the bus, but I really had to call my mom so she could come pick me up. I wasn't really sure where we were, so I had Damian tell her. I did get on the bus to wait for her, but I wasn't on for very long before my mom texted me saying that she was here.
Part III...
I was very sad and relucent to leave. Damian could see that, and he assured me that we would see each other again. I wasn't very sure about that, considering everything, like the fact that he lives in Ireland, and that he was going back on tour. He hugged me and held me for the longest time. I buryed my head into his shoulder and just let go of all my emotions. I was crying, but because i was happy, but also sad to see this perfect day end. I didn't cry for very long, and when I managed to get my composure back, he looked at me for a couple seconds. I cursed myself for letting myself lose composure like that. I turned my head in an effort to not let him see me, but he gently grabbed my chin and turned my head back to him and tipped it back a little bit so I was looking directly into those gorgeous eyes. I was hoping, desperately by that point, that maybe he would kiss me. He started to move closer, and I closed my eyes. This is the perfect first kiss! I thought. It's snowing and I'm with the guy of my dreams! I guess he took his sweet time, because it felt like eternity before his lips finally touched mine. It was...amazing. It was so gentle, it was almost like he was scared he would break me, but it was amazing nonetheless. It felt like we stood there forever, but then someone behind us cleared their throat, and I pushed him back very gently, and he kind of resisted, so I had to step back a little bit. I'm pretty sure it was Paul who cleared his throat, because he was standing there laughing. I smiled and rolled my eyes at him.
My mom was calling my phone frantically, so I finally went over to the van. I looked back over my shoulder and saw Damian looking at me. I ran back over to him and hugged him one last time. I looked up and smiled at him. He smiled back and just hugged me tighter. "I really have to go. But just be sure to keep in touch, ok?" I told him. "I will. As long as you promise to not be too happy that I'm gone," he answered playfully. "I'll try my hardest." I laughed. I left for real that time, and when I looked back over my shoulder again, he was leaning against the bus. I smiled and waved, and he did the same.
Amazingly, just a few minutes after I had left, I got an email from someone I didn't know. I didn't really look at it, but then I saw "Hey it's Damian..." and I just about fainted. I wondered how he got my email, but I didn't really care. I invited him to chat, and he accepted. We started talking, and then I asked, "Well, how is this going to work out when you go back to Ireland?" It took him a minute or two to respond. "Hmmm... well it would be REALLY hard to see each other lol but.... as long we stay in touch I think we'll be fine " I thought about this. I knew that we wouldn't be able to see each other a lot when he asked me out, but I knew that we could stay in touch too. "Yeah that sounds good try to get on as often as possible! oh haha and we haveta be careful with the time difference oh man i haveta get off... ttyl!" I waited a few seconds for his response. "Ok talk to ya later" I got off my email.
We talked for a couple hours everyday, but that got harder when the tour was over, considering the very big time difference. I managed to catch him online a few times a week, but it was either really late there, really early here and vice versa. A few weeks later, my parents and his parents agreed that he could back to Denver for a week or two, since I was on winter break. When I saw him at the airport, it felt like a missing piece of me had just come back. I ran over to him and hugged him and wouldn't let go. I looked up and he kissed me. It ws like our first kiss, but we were both more sure of ourselves. My mom cleared her throat like Paul had, and she even started laughing. We walked to Baggage Claim hand in hand. My parents decided to let him stay in the room my older sister had vacated when she moved out. They also decided that I could stay in my room, but under one condition: that my little sister stay with me. How great!
Part IV... (2/20/11)
"Ok Jordan, you're on the floor. There's no way I'm sharing my bed with you." I told my sister as she got settled in my now very cramped room. "I can bring my mattress down, like how we used to do when we were little..." she suggested. "I suppose." I said I went to check how Damian was getting settled.
I knocked on the door, even though it was halfway open. "Yeah?" he answered. I sighed inaudibly at hearing his voice. I coughed to cover it up. "Just checking up on you. Can I come in?" He smiled, thinking my question was kind of ridiculous considering it was my house. "Of course." I returned his smile as I walked in. Before I could sit on the bed, he grabbed me and hugged me for a few minutes. "Kind sir, it would be greatly appreciated if you released your strong hold on me." "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy to be here with you after not seeing you for so long. I just love being here with you." My heart soared hearing this, but then dropped at not hearing those three words I"ve wanted to hear for so long. He saw the change in my expression and he grew serious, his eyes searching mine. "Dakota, what's wrong?" He tilted his head slightly. I lowered my eyes, feeling like he could see right into my heart and soul. "Nnnothing, I'm ok, I'm fine I promise." I bit my lower lip. "I know that look. There's something wrong." Giving a sigh, I looked up and smiled. "See? Nothing wrong, no look."
Not totally convinced by this, he shrugged it off. "So my dear, what should we do first?" I pondered this. "Well I was hoping you would come with me to the Orchard to hang out with my friends...they've been dying to meet you ever since I told them what happened between us." I said. There was twinkle in his eye and he smiled. "Sounds like a great craic. But first, maybe some food is in order?'' I threw my head back and laughed. "Of course! Oh my gosh I'm sorry, you must be famished! Long flight, horrible food..." Clearly he was amused by this sudden onset of worry on my part, as he just laughed at me and kissed my forehead.
After we had some of my mom's homemade chicken enchiladas, we got my dad to drive us to the Orchard, the local hang out for me and my friends. It was about 3:45, we were a few minutes early, so we just hung out in front of the theater, the meeting place my friends had decided on. "Stop messing your clothes, you look perfect." I told him as I saw him fiddling with his jacket. He gave me a quick hug and said, "I just want to make a good impression on your mates. It wouldn't be too good if they don't like me..." he trailed off. "What's not to like about you? You're the sweetest guy ever, not mention absolutely adorable and friendly." I answered. "And besides that, it won't matter if they do or not, I lo...like you and that's all that counts." I internally slapped myself for almost saying love. I don't take that word lightly, and neither does he, but I've totally fallen for him. Being kind of old fashioned, I also wanted him to say it first.
He took my hand and kissed it. "Darling, I'm so glad I was able to come. You have no idea how much I've missed you since I left." I felt my cheeks start to burn, so I turned my head. He gently stroked my cheek and kissed it. It was an absolutely perfect moment, until my phone went off. Where are you??? I thought we were meeting in front of the theater!!!! my best friend Marissa texted me. I decided to just call her. "Dude, I'm standing in front of the theater! I'm with Damian. He's 6 feet tall, how could you miss him?! Whatever, I think I see you." I hung up. I rolled my eyes. "Sorry about that hun. My friends are kind of...clueless sometimes." I gave a nervous laugh here. One tiny thing I neglected to mention to him, Marissa always makes fun of him. Please God let her be on her best behavior today... He laughed. "Ah. Everyone has those days, even me." "I know. Oh gosh here she comes... MARISSA! OVER HERE!" I yelled.
She ran up and hugged me, but it was more like a tackle. "Duuuude I've missed you so much!! What's it been, 3 months? I'm so happy to see you!!!" When she finally released me, she gave Damian the once over. "So. You're the famous Damian." she said. I glared at her. She could at least be a little nicer, he's already nervous about meeting everyone. "Yep, that's me. It's a pleasure to meet you.." "Marissa." "It's a pleasure to meet you Marissa." She extended her hand, and him, being ever the gentleman, took it and kissed it. I looked at him and he winked at me. Ahh, the old flattery move. Very smooth. Marissa rolled her eyes but smiled and nodded her approval. My smile only increased and I could tell Damian was pleased by this reponse too. "Who else are we waiting for?" I asked. I hadn't even thought about asking who else was coming until right now. "Umm... I think Mandy, Kevin, and JD." she told me. My eyes grew wide at the mention of Kevin's name. "Err...Kevin?" As Marissa realized why I was so shocked, her jaw dropped.
Damian gave my hand a squeeze. "What, is Kevin an old flame or something?" he looked at me quizzically. I forced a laugh. "No, but close. But there's nothing between us, so no need to worry." I gave my best smile. He kissed me in response. Now I had a genuine smile on my face as he put his arm around my shoulders.
Soon enough, everyone had shown up. Overall the response to him was good; I don't think my friends expected him to be that nice. He kissed Mandy's hand and she just laughed and said, "He's a keeper Dakota. Don't screw it up." I playfully slapped her arm. "Thanks the wonderful words of advice Mandy. Really appreciate it." "Anytime." The response from Kevin was a little confusing. I kept my fingers intertwined with Damian's while he shook Kevin's hand. "Great to meet you Kevin." "You too Damian." Well, there sure is a little tension there. JD was cool though; he was very nice to Damian.
"See? There was nothing to worry about! They like you!" I whispered to him as we were walking to Tilly's. He kissed my forehead again and whispered back, "You were right. But I don't think Kevin is especially fond of me..." I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry about him. I'm just happy everyone else likes you, it would suck to have my friends hate my boyfriend." Someone, probably Marissa yelled at us to hurry up. "We're coming!" "I'll race you!" I told him. "You're on!" We took off. He did beat to Tilly's, but only by a smidge.
We live about half and hour from Denver, so I was hoping that we would make in time to hopefully meet them. We made it just in time to see them walking out. I felt my eyes go wide and my heart start to race. There he was, the guy I've been in love with for a year. Could it be possible that my chance was here? The moment i had dreamed about for months, finally here.
I finally composed myself enough to walk oh so casually over to them. I didn't run over like I thought I would, but kept myself calm. For the most part anyway. I tried to make it seem like I was just walking around, not looking for them, and they kept on walking too. I got within talking (or screaming) distance of them, and I politely asked Damian, "Hi Damian. Can I possibly get a picture? If it's not too much trouble." Then i gave my best smile I could muster without losing my composure. He smiled his gorgeous smile and replied, "Sure. No trouble at all." Needless to say, I was freaking out inside.
So, I got my camera phone ready and handed it to my mom to take the picture. He put his arm around my shoulders and waited patiently while I explained how to take the picture. My mom finally got the picture, and i asked Damian, "Just one more?" He said, "Of course." We got the last picture and just as i was turning around to leave, he gently touched my arm to turn me back toward him. I got chills and turned back around to face him.
He looked at me and said, "Wow, you're one of the politest fans I've met." After he said that, he smiled at me and I melted. I don't know how I restrained myself from screaming right then, but I did. I smiled back at him, and it was my most genuine smile I had ever smiled. "And you have the most beautiful eyes and the cutest smile I've ever seen." I could've said something like Thank You, but I for once couldn't find my voice.
My mom said we had to go then, so I asked, "Would it be OK if I hugged you?" He laughed, and I took that as a yes. Hugging him, well that was amazing. I started walking away with my sister and mom, but then I heard, "Wait! I didn't catch your name!" I turned around and said, "Dakota." He stood there a little while longer and then said, "Dakota! Are you busy later? The buses don't roll out for a few more hours!" I turned to my mom and gave her a pleading look. "Alright. Just have fun."
I hugged my mom and sister, at which Jordan (my sister) glared at me. I didn't care because I was going to hang out with my dream guy. I walked over to Damian and he smiled again. "What did you have in mind to do?" I asked. He pondered that and said, "Well, I don't know, considering I didn't expect you to want to do anything." I looked at him and considered my answer very carefully. I finally came back with this, "I've waited for months to meet you, and I never thought you would ever ask me to hang out." He looked away for a minute, but then looked me in the eyes. "I never expected someone as beautiful as you to actually want to meet me," he said. We kept walking and caught up with Ryan and George. They didn't really notice me, but then Ryan said, "Hey I'm Ryan." I shook his hand and smiled. Damian answered for me, "This is Dakota." We kept walking and Damian eventually put his arm around my shoulders. I shivered and he asked, "What's wrong? Are you cold?" I shook my head and smiled.
Part II...
There we were, just walking down the street looking like any other teenage couple. The thing is, we weren't even a couple. Yet. Yet is the key word here. I don't think i stopped smiling yet. There's that word again. The word that could change everything... But there's one tiny little problem. WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO WHEN HE LEAVES FOR THE REST OF THE TOUR AND GOES BACK TO IRELAND??? I didn't even want to think about it. We kept walking, perfectly content to just walk around. I turned to look at him for the umpteenth time, not believeing this is real. He caught me looking (again) and he just smiled. I melted and almost fell. Of course I couldn't just not be clumsy. I'm sure my face turned bright red and he laughed. Not at me, but with me, since by that time I was laughing too.
I'm guessing we hadn't been walking long, but then it started to snow. Well as romantic as that sounds, it was totallly inconvient. I was already almost falling all by myself, and the snow and ice certainly won't help. Then, he looks over me, and of course I'm looking up at the sky silently cursing the snow, and I look at him, and he asks with a laugh, "Something wrong?" I smile and say, "No, nothing's wrong." We keep walking until we get to this little coffee shop. "Want to go in and get a hot chocolate or something?" I ask. "Sure. That sounds really good right about now," he says. We walk in and he moves his arm from my shoulders.
Then, out of nowhere, I hear my name. "Koda! Koda, over here!" I look around. I realize that my friend Kayla had been there when Damian and I walked in. I run over and give her a big hug. "Oh my gosh! I didn't you would be here! Oh how rude of me! Kayla, this is Damian. Damian, Kayla." I said with as much enthusiasm I could use without screaming. Kayla's eyes got wide and I started laughing. "Kayla. Kayla, breathe." I said laughingly. I was relieved when she did start breathing again. Damian was very charming and she was smiling as I had been when I met him. I turned to Damian. "Would it be ok if she joined us?" I used my best pleading eyes. He smiled and answered, "Sure. The more the merrier, right?" I laughed and so did Kayla.
We ordered our hot chocolates and got a table by the window. Kayla looked at us. "So what's the deal here? How did you meet? What's going on with you guys now?" she questioned us. I looked at Damian, sure how to answer. Luckily, he answered for me. "Well, we met when she came up and asked if she could get a picture. It surprised me how calm she seemed compared to other fans I've met. And then I asked her if she wanted to hang out with me, and that's how we ended up here." I sat there nodding, but I kind of freaked out when he stopped, since he didn't answer the last question. Then, he turns his gorgeous blue eyes towards me. "Actually, I've been waiting to ask you something. I wasn't sure at first, but now seems like a good time. How would you like to be my girlfriend?" I saw Kayla's eyes widen out of the corner of my eye. I smiled and said, "I would love to be your girlfriend." I hugged him and didn't want to let go. Wow, i never thought this would ever happen!!! I thought to myself.
We drank our hot chocolate, and neither of us stopped smiling. Kayla just kept looking at us, but we just kept on smiling. We finished up, and waved good-bye to Kayla. Damian put his arm around me again. It was getting a little cold, so I was grateful for his warmth. That, and I couldn't believe that he actually asked me out. This was my dream come true! I didn't know where we were going, but we soon came up to the buses. I wasn't really sure if the guys would come out, but they did. Ryan and George remembered me from earlier, but I hadn't met Paul or Keith yet. They were very kind offered to let me come on the bus, but I really had to call my mom so she could come pick me up. I wasn't really sure where we were, so I had Damian tell her. I did get on the bus to wait for her, but I wasn't on for very long before my mom texted me saying that she was here.
Part III...
I was very sad and relucent to leave. Damian could see that, and he assured me that we would see each other again. I wasn't very sure about that, considering everything, like the fact that he lives in Ireland, and that he was going back on tour. He hugged me and held me for the longest time. I buryed my head into his shoulder and just let go of all my emotions. I was crying, but because i was happy, but also sad to see this perfect day end. I didn't cry for very long, and when I managed to get my composure back, he looked at me for a couple seconds. I cursed myself for letting myself lose composure like that. I turned my head in an effort to not let him see me, but he gently grabbed my chin and turned my head back to him and tipped it back a little bit so I was looking directly into those gorgeous eyes. I was hoping, desperately by that point, that maybe he would kiss me. He started to move closer, and I closed my eyes. This is the perfect first kiss! I thought. It's snowing and I'm with the guy of my dreams! I guess he took his sweet time, because it felt like eternity before his lips finally touched mine. It was...amazing. It was so gentle, it was almost like he was scared he would break me, but it was amazing nonetheless. It felt like we stood there forever, but then someone behind us cleared their throat, and I pushed him back very gently, and he kind of resisted, so I had to step back a little bit. I'm pretty sure it was Paul who cleared his throat, because he was standing there laughing. I smiled and rolled my eyes at him.
My mom was calling my phone frantically, so I finally went over to the van. I looked back over my shoulder and saw Damian looking at me. I ran back over to him and hugged him one last time. I looked up and smiled at him. He smiled back and just hugged me tighter. "I really have to go. But just be sure to keep in touch, ok?" I told him. "I will. As long as you promise to not be too happy that I'm gone," he answered playfully. "I'll try my hardest." I laughed. I left for real that time, and when I looked back over my shoulder again, he was leaning against the bus. I smiled and waved, and he did the same.
Amazingly, just a few minutes after I had left, I got an email from someone I didn't know. I didn't really look at it, but then I saw "Hey it's Damian..." and I just about fainted. I wondered how he got my email, but I didn't really care. I invited him to chat, and he accepted. We started talking, and then I asked, "Well, how is this going to work out when you go back to Ireland?" It took him a minute or two to respond. "Hmmm... well it would be REALLY hard to see each other lol but.... as long we stay in touch I think we'll be fine " I thought about this. I knew that we wouldn't be able to see each other a lot when he asked me out, but I knew that we could stay in touch too. "Yeah that sounds good try to get on as often as possible! oh haha and we haveta be careful with the time difference oh man i haveta get off... ttyl!" I waited a few seconds for his response. "Ok talk to ya later" I got off my email.
We talked for a couple hours everyday, but that got harder when the tour was over, considering the very big time difference. I managed to catch him online a few times a week, but it was either really late there, really early here and vice versa. A few weeks later, my parents and his parents agreed that he could back to Denver for a week or two, since I was on winter break. When I saw him at the airport, it felt like a missing piece of me had just come back. I ran over to him and hugged him and wouldn't let go. I looked up and he kissed me. It ws like our first kiss, but we were both more sure of ourselves. My mom cleared her throat like Paul had, and she even started laughing. We walked to Baggage Claim hand in hand. My parents decided to let him stay in the room my older sister had vacated when she moved out. They also decided that I could stay in my room, but under one condition: that my little sister stay with me. How great!
Part IV... (2/20/11)
"Ok Jordan, you're on the floor. There's no way I'm sharing my bed with you." I told my sister as she got settled in my now very cramped room. "I can bring my mattress down, like how we used to do when we were little..." she suggested. "I suppose." I said I went to check how Damian was getting settled.
I knocked on the door, even though it was halfway open. "Yeah?" he answered. I sighed inaudibly at hearing his voice. I coughed to cover it up. "Just checking up on you. Can I come in?" He smiled, thinking my question was kind of ridiculous considering it was my house. "Of course." I returned his smile as I walked in. Before I could sit on the bed, he grabbed me and hugged me for a few minutes. "Kind sir, it would be greatly appreciated if you released your strong hold on me." "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy to be here with you after not seeing you for so long. I just love being here with you." My heart soared hearing this, but then dropped at not hearing those three words I"ve wanted to hear for so long. He saw the change in my expression and he grew serious, his eyes searching mine. "Dakota, what's wrong?" He tilted his head slightly. I lowered my eyes, feeling like he could see right into my heart and soul. "Nnnothing, I'm ok, I'm fine I promise." I bit my lower lip. "I know that look. There's something wrong." Giving a sigh, I looked up and smiled. "See? Nothing wrong, no look."
Not totally convinced by this, he shrugged it off. "So my dear, what should we do first?" I pondered this. "Well I was hoping you would come with me to the Orchard to hang out with my friends...they've been dying to meet you ever since I told them what happened between us." I said. There was twinkle in his eye and he smiled. "Sounds like a great craic. But first, maybe some food is in order?'' I threw my head back and laughed. "Of course! Oh my gosh I'm sorry, you must be famished! Long flight, horrible food..." Clearly he was amused by this sudden onset of worry on my part, as he just laughed at me and kissed my forehead.
After we had some of my mom's homemade chicken enchiladas, we got my dad to drive us to the Orchard, the local hang out for me and my friends. It was about 3:45, we were a few minutes early, so we just hung out in front of the theater, the meeting place my friends had decided on. "Stop messing your clothes, you look perfect." I told him as I saw him fiddling with his jacket. He gave me a quick hug and said, "I just want to make a good impression on your mates. It wouldn't be too good if they don't like me..." he trailed off. "What's not to like about you? You're the sweetest guy ever, not mention absolutely adorable and friendly." I answered. "And besides that, it won't matter if they do or not, I lo...like you and that's all that counts." I internally slapped myself for almost saying love. I don't take that word lightly, and neither does he, but I've totally fallen for him. Being kind of old fashioned, I also wanted him to say it first.
He took my hand and kissed it. "Darling, I'm so glad I was able to come. You have no idea how much I've missed you since I left." I felt my cheeks start to burn, so I turned my head. He gently stroked my cheek and kissed it. It was an absolutely perfect moment, until my phone went off. Where are you??? I thought we were meeting in front of the theater!!!! my best friend Marissa texted me. I decided to just call her. "Dude, I'm standing in front of the theater! I'm with Damian. He's 6 feet tall, how could you miss him?! Whatever, I think I see you." I hung up. I rolled my eyes. "Sorry about that hun. My friends are kind of...clueless sometimes." I gave a nervous laugh here. One tiny thing I neglected to mention to him, Marissa always makes fun of him. Please God let her be on her best behavior today... He laughed. "Ah. Everyone has those days, even me." "I know. Oh gosh here she comes... MARISSA! OVER HERE!" I yelled.
She ran up and hugged me, but it was more like a tackle. "Duuuude I've missed you so much!! What's it been, 3 months? I'm so happy to see you!!!" When she finally released me, she gave Damian the once over. "So. You're the famous Damian." she said. I glared at her. She could at least be a little nicer, he's already nervous about meeting everyone. "Yep, that's me. It's a pleasure to meet you.." "Marissa." "It's a pleasure to meet you Marissa." She extended her hand, and him, being ever the gentleman, took it and kissed it. I looked at him and he winked at me. Ahh, the old flattery move. Very smooth. Marissa rolled her eyes but smiled and nodded her approval. My smile only increased and I could tell Damian was pleased by this reponse too. "Who else are we waiting for?" I asked. I hadn't even thought about asking who else was coming until right now. "Umm... I think Mandy, Kevin, and JD." she told me. My eyes grew wide at the mention of Kevin's name. "Err...Kevin?" As Marissa realized why I was so shocked, her jaw dropped.
Damian gave my hand a squeeze. "What, is Kevin an old flame or something?" he looked at me quizzically. I forced a laugh. "No, but close. But there's nothing between us, so no need to worry." I gave my best smile. He kissed me in response. Now I had a genuine smile on my face as he put his arm around my shoulders.
Soon enough, everyone had shown up. Overall the response to him was good; I don't think my friends expected him to be that nice. He kissed Mandy's hand and she just laughed and said, "He's a keeper Dakota. Don't screw it up." I playfully slapped her arm. "Thanks the wonderful words of advice Mandy. Really appreciate it." "Anytime." The response from Kevin was a little confusing. I kept my fingers intertwined with Damian's while he shook Kevin's hand. "Great to meet you Kevin." "You too Damian." Well, there sure is a little tension there. JD was cool though; he was very nice to Damian.
"See? There was nothing to worry about! They like you!" I whispered to him as we were walking to Tilly's. He kissed my forehead again and whispered back, "You were right. But I don't think Kevin is especially fond of me..." I rolled my eyes. "Don't worry about him. I'm just happy everyone else likes you, it would suck to have my friends hate my boyfriend." Someone, probably Marissa yelled at us to hurry up. "We're coming!" "I'll race you!" I told him. "You're on!" We took off. He did beat to Tilly's, but only by a smidge.