chapter 5

"I just can't believe he won!" Mia practically yelled as she got ready the next morning. I rolled my eyes but smiled. It was surprising, well to us at least.  

Yesterday Gabriel had a fight, which Mia and I tagged along to, and he won. His competitor was this huge burly guy that resembled something like bear. The moment I saw him come into the ring I wanted to pull Gabriel right out of there. Daniel kept telling me Gabriel would do fine but how was I suppose to know that. Just look at the guy he looked like he could squish Gabriel like a bug.  

Although the guy was huge and apparently 'amazing' Gabriel had no problem taking the guy down. Of course he had to taunt the guy for a few minutes until he got tired of dodging the man's punches. Within minutes he was down on the ground, declaring Gabriel the winner. It shouldn't have been that much of a surprise that he won, but I just couldn't help to be. This definitely proved the point of 'never judge a book by its cover'.  

Gabriel just walked out of the ring like nothing had happened and headed for his room to change. Everyone round us were either groaning or yelling, handing money to the person they bet on. Daniel acted like it was no big deal and lead us back to the room, not batting an eyelash at the guy laying in the middle of the ring groaning.  

It was the next day, Saturday, and Mia was still talking about it. I think the reason she was so fascinated was because last time she didn't see much of the fight, trying to find me, and she didn't know Gabriel then either. It was very impressive I had to say.  

Along with going to the fight with the two boys we ate dinner together which turned out to be a lot of fun. Mia got along great with Daniel and Gabriel and surprisingly Gabriel wasn't rude to me; something I did not expect. It was like a small shift happened between us the night of the party last week. I still wasn't sure if it was a good shift or not.  

I was lost in thought as Mia went on about the fight. Lately my mind tended to do that, slip off into no man's land. I was busy not listening to Mia and she was too busy talking animately neither of us noticed the front door opening until two loud voices reached our ears. My head turned towards it to find Cris and Andy striding through the door like they owned the place.  

"How did you get in here?" Mia asked standing up and putting her hands on her hips, staring the two boys down. Of course neither cared.  

"I have a key remember." Cris held up the key my parents gave him when we moved in. I almost forgot he had it honestly. Both boys ambled towards the couch and wasted no time in getting comfortable and making this their home. Because we had the same furniture that they did one person had to sit in the chair beside the couch that held three people. For a dorm room we actually had nice furniture that held more than two people.  

"What are you two doing here?" I asked glancing over at Andrew in the chair and Cris on my other side.  

"We had nothing to do so we decided to come hang out with you guys." Andrew replied.  

"No hot dates on a Saturday?" 

"Car it is noon." Cris pointed out.  

"So you don't need to have a date at night time. Girls expect day dates to you know."  

"Aww are you jealous? You want us to just hang out with you." Andrew said in a little baby voice.  

"I am not jealous, just wondering." I shrugged. The thought of Andrew going out on some date did make my insides clench but I ignored the feeling. There was a moment of awkward silence but I quickly quenched it.  

"So how was the game last night?" As I predicted both boys immediately dived into details concerning their football game.  

"It was a good game. The Ducks were pretty good, they had a great defensive team that stopped us from scoring multiple times. Definitely well matched." Cris said. I knew they won because Cris texted me right after telling me but I knew they liked to tell me what happened and such. At least I liked football or I would have no clue what they were going on about.  

"Number 54 was quick dude. Did you see how fast he got to the ball? I would have hated to be put on him." Andrew to my brother.  

"How many touchdowns did you score?" I asked Andrew. Knowing him it was probably most of the touchdowns.  

"I made five." He grinned at me and leaned back in the chair. A proud smile clear on his face. My eyebrows shot up to my hairline. Five touchdowns was amazing, most people only get 1 or 2.  

"Wow that is...wow." I breathed out. I think that was a record for him as well. There was no doubt Andrew had talent when it came to catching a football.  

"Caught every catch I threw him." Cris said his tone just as proud. They definitely made a great team together. Without one the other wouldn't do as well. They came as a package deal almost like Mario and Luigi.  

"I'm so proud of you guys. I'm glad you won." I smiled at the both of them.  

"Good job." Mia said but kept her gaze on her cellphone. I watched from the corner of my eye Cris frown at her.  

"So what did you girls do?" Cris asked a second later. Mia's head shot up to look at me. Her eyes silently asking what we should say.  

"Nothing much honestly. Just studied forever and went to go eat dinner." I said. Part of it was true at least. If they knew we went to an underground fight they would have our heads. I don't think either of us wanted a lecture today from them, plus it would sour their good mood from their win.  

"Boring!" Andrew stated.  

"Well sorry not all of us can go and play football and win." Shot back at him rolling my eyes.  

"That is true. No one is like me." I scoffed at that but didn't say anything in return. After a few minutes I stood up.  

"I am going to get something to drink. Do you guys want anything from the kitchen while I'm there?" I asked.  

"Water for me." Both Cris and Mia said at the same time.  

"Bring me a snack." Andrew said.  

"A snack? What kind?"  

"Surprise me." I stared at him for a good few seconds before turning and heading for the kitchen.  

As I got to the kitchen and went over to the fridge to get everyone drinks I missed Andrew getting up and following after me. Just as I was pulling my head out of the fridge Andrew decided that was the moment to announce his presence. Hearing his voice made me jump in surprise which resulted in hitting my head on the fridge.  

"Ow!" I rubbed my head and shut the fridge door forcefully. I glared over at Andrew knowing he probably did it on purpose.  

"Oops sorry." He shrugged but I could see he was fighting a grin.  

"You are so rude." I mumbled setting the drinks on the counter. Going over to the cabinet that held our treat stash I was stopped by a hand on my arm. Looking over my shoulder I saw Andrew staring down at me. He was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off his body.  

"Carmen I actually came in here to talk to you." His voice was low like he didn't want the other to hear what he was going to say to me. Confused I turned to face him.  

"What's up?" I asked. From my angle I could see how bright blue his eyes looked today. I just wanted to drown in them.  

"I uh..." He brought a hand up and rubbed the back of his neck. I raised an eyebrow at him noticing that he was nervous. He only rubbed his neck when he was nervous or when things were awkward. The action made him look so cute.  

"Andy what is it?" I asked slightly worrying. Was something wrong?  

"You know I never got the chance to apologize for the way I acted last Friday at the party. I was drunk and not in the right frame of mind." He started to say. At his words my heart sunk a little. He regretted dancing with me. He is saying he was drunk and not responsible for this actions. My face fell at the thought of him not liking dancing with me. I mean I thought he had a good time...well had somewhat fun at least before he left me for another girl.  

"I shouldn't have left you when that other girl came up and started dancing with me." I was brought back by hearing that.  

"Wait what?" I interrupted him. I thought he was talking about dancing with me, not about what happened after.  

"I shouldn't have danced with that other girl. I was having such a great time with you and when she suddenly appear my drunken mind didn't realize what I was doing." He stared down at me.  

"I am so sorry Carmen. I really am. By time I came back around you weren't there anymore and when I tried to find you I couldn't." He tried to find me! My inner voice screamed. "All week I wanted to come and apologize to you but I couldn't figure out what to say or when to say it. Every time I tried to you were busy or someone was around you. I know it is a little late but I hope you can forgive me."  

I looked up at him my heart beating hard in my chest. Here he was apologizing for leaving me on the dance floor. I had thought he just didn't want to talk about it, that is why he didn't bring it up. I told myself I didn't care but deep down I did. Now hearing him apologize my heart soared. His eyes were shining down at me, pleading for me to forgive him.  

"Carmen please say something." I hadn't even noticed I didn't reply.  

"Andrew it is okay. I figured you had been drinking and wasn't thinking properly." I was still hurt seeing him dancing like that with that other girl but I couldn't resist him when he stood right in front of me looking like that. He was apologizing when I thought he wouldn't, that is what meant more to me than anything.  

"No it is not okay. I shouldn't have done that to you Carmen and I want to make it up to you."  

"Make it up to me?"  

"Yes. Would you like to um," He glanced around to make sure neither Mia or Cris had walked upon us. He lowered his voice even more and leaned closer to me face. "Would you like to go out to eat with me tomorrow?"  

Would you like to go out to eat with me tomorrow? LIKE A DATE?! I inwardly screamed. Did Andrew just seriously ask me out? The way he said it and is now rubbing his neck and avoiding my eyes made me think he meant it in that way, instead of a friend way. 

I stared at him trying to see if he was messing with me but his eyes were clear and looking right at me, waiting for my answer. He is literally asking you out right now! This is everything you have ever wanted. Why haven't you said yes?! My inner voice was yelling at me. I just stood there like an idiot my mouth opening and closing like a dead fish.  

"I-I uh..." Damn it Carmen get the words out! "um yeah sure. I'd love to." I finally got out but my voice was all high and squeaky. I bet my face was bright red to.  

"Really?" His face lit up and his hand dropped from his neck like he was surprised I said yes. I was surprised I got my answer out.  

"Yeah." There goes my high voice again. "I'd love to go out to eat with you." It was like my mouth was moving on it's own. Both my mind and heart were going at a million miles a minute.  

"Great! I was thinking we would do something tomorrow and then go out to eat. My way of making it up to you." The whole thought of spending the entire day with Andrew made my knees weak and I'm glad I was able to stay up right.  

"That sounds good." A smile was appearing on my face soon taking over.  

"Maybe we can get together around-" He started to say but Cris's voice interrupted him.  

"Hey where's my water!?" He yelled. I stifled a groan at my brothers timing. Of course he had to interrupt whatever Andrew was saying and interrupt our moment. The best moment I have ever had with Andrew.  

Andrew sighed and closed his eyes. He wasn't happy with my brother like me. Perfect timing Cris. Perfect Timing. I couldn't help but giggle at the annoyed look he had. At my giggle his eyes snapped open and a smile appeared on his face.  

"Guess we better go out there before they come in here." He said.  

"Yeah I guess." I didn't really want my brother to walk in a see Andrew standing so close to me, who knows what he would do to us.  

"I'll text you more about the details. Your brother would skin me alive if he knew I was taking his sister out." My heart skipped a beat at his words. He was referring to it as a date! I had to force myself to stay calm and not freak out. That would have to wait until they are gone.  

Andrew leaned even closer to me and I almost thought he was going to kiss me. My pulse started to go crazy the closer he got. HE IS GOING TO KISS ME! I screamed. He stopped a few inches away from me before disappointedly pulled away a big smirk on his face. I stood there frozen with my jaw hanging open like a freak. As he pulled away I looked down and saw he had the two waters in his hands.  

"Better go give these to them." He lifted them in his hands. Sending me one last grin he turned and left the kitchen. I stood there not moving trying to process everything that just happened in the last two minutes. Andrew apologized for what happened at the party, he asked me out, and teased me by almost kissing me.  

I slumped against the counter a grin taking over my face as I thought about going on a date with Andrew. I was finally going on a date with him. Well maybe not a 'real' full date but a date none the less. I brought my cool hands to my heated cheeks grinning like a lunatic. I just prayed I wasn't dreaming right now.