RYLIE

MY ROOM WAS a complete mess. A mess that would take literally forever to clean up.

It was an unusually sunny, winter Saturday, a few pillow-like clouds dotted across the sky. I hadn't stepped outside yet, but judging from the leaves on the trees swaying back and forth from the view of my bedroom window, it's chilly. I, however, was warm by the comfort of my bed as Nora organized an entire outfit for me to wear for later.

Good thing we went shopping the other day for clothes. Nora basically picked them all out for me (with my approval, of course). She was convinced that they had variety, unlike all the clothes in my closet. She isn't wrong, though. All I have is hoodies, sweaters, leggings, sweatpants, and jeans. Since I'm going out on a date, it does make sense that I at least wear something a little different from my style.

"Ta-da! How about this?" Nora gleamed as she gestured to the beige cami dress she was holding up, alongside a white sweater to go under it.

"It's nice, I guess" I said with acknowledgement. Sure, a cami dress isn't exactly something I'd wear on a normal basis, but it did look nice. It was a simple dress, at least, rather than being an unnecessarily poofy ball gown.

"I'm glad. Go put it on," she beamed as she handed everything to me with care. I gathered the dress into my arms and settled towards the bathroom. I showered around thirty minutes ago, before Nora got here, so I was already freshened up. I made sure to shave my legs and unravel my curls, as well.

After I got my clothes on, I tossed the sweater and sweatpants I was wearing before into the laundry hamper in the corner. When I looked into the mirror, I realized that I looked presentable. I didn't want to put on any make-up or anything, so before I abandoned the bedroom, I sprayed perfume all over me, the sugary aroma prickling my nose.

"You look so beautiful, Rylie," Nora admired as her hands clasped together. "As always." 

"Thank you, Nora," I said as I grabbed my small, golden yellow purse (filled with many toiletries and my phone) and swung it on my shoulder. "Let's go."

Even though I still had the date to go to, it was still early. I agreed to go to Elias' award ceremony for his art contest. I didn't mind at all. It would be great if he won because I know it means a lot to him, since he wants to show his parents that he has potential to become a successful artist. I'm in for it all the way.

I already told Mom about going out to the ceremony and date before she headed out to work this morning, so I was good to go. Since she doesn't normally work on Saturdays, part of me was convinced that she was actually hanging out with that boyfriend of hers, but it doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that she still hasn't organized an occasion for me to properly meet him. It's possible that she's waiting for winter break, but I shook my head. Today is a big day and I shouldn't be thinking about this. I have two things to look forward to, so I should focus on them.

As I fastened my seat belt, I took a breath, hoping that I wasn't late. I took my phone out of my purse to check the time. It was five twenty-one, so the ceremony would start in about nine minutes. Yep, I'm running late. It'll take a few minutes to get to the arena, seven at most, so I may be on a good note.

The ride to the arena felt long. Nora spent the entire time raving about her Christmas wish list and accessories she's designed lately as I was slumped in my chair, tired of waiting. When we pulled up at the arena, excitement boiled through my veins. I could hardly contain it all.

"Thanks for the ride," I acknowledged as I stepped out of the car with one foot, the other following.

"No problem. Make sure you tell me everything," Nora prompted with a grin.

I nodded as I made a mental note to do so. The arena was tall and broad, a few people swarming into the establishment. When I got inside, I saw a chalkboard on an easel that read, "The Crews City Visual Arts Contest in Ballroom Five" with an arrow pointing to the right. I saw a few people heading in the same direction I was, so I didn't feel lost. When I reached the ballroom, I instantly saw a stage and dozens of seats with people situating themselves. 

The ballroom was a little smaller than an average ballroom, but it was big enough to fit just about everyone who was in the room. The ceiling was tall and the room was broad. At the back, there was a table with a water dispenser and cups, alongside fresh-brewed coffee, the nutty smell flowing throughout the room. 

I squinted at the mobs of people all around the room in an attempt to locate Elias. From what it looked like, he was nowhere to be seen. I got ready to take out my phone and text him, but before I could do so, I felt a light tap creep up my shoulder. My head swung around with shock, only to smile later at who it was.

"Elias! I didn't think I'd find you in all these people," I remarked as I planted my hands over my hips. Elias was dressed nicely with a formal, sapphire blue white shirt, black pants, and dress shoes to match. This was the fanciest I've seen him dressed, and my mouth couldn't help but drop open. "You look handsome," I admired.

"And you look gorgeous, like usual," he shot back in a friendly manner. My face couldn't help but heat up at his cheesy response. "I saved us seats up front."

I followed him through mobs of socializing people to our seats in the second row, right at the end of the aisle, so we didn't have to walk through people's feet. There's nothing as weird as walking through people's feet and constantly saying "excuse me" and "sorry" at an important event. Once we were situated, I looked up to Elias, whose face had a stone-like expression.

"You look nervous," I said as I extended my arm so my hand could lightly meet his. "Don't worry, I believe in you."

"I don't know. I just feel so doubtful about all this," he sighed.

"That's normal, but don't let it take over your mind. I'm rooting for you," I assured him. I wanted to lean on his shoulder, but then I realized that it could've been considered PDA. I wasn't completely sure if Elias wanted it in front of so many people who probably weren't watching. I never asked, but I'm sure he wouldn't mind.

He cupped his hand over mine and brushed it as a middle-aged man held the microphone from the stage, the microphone creating a high-pitched squeak that not even Ariana Grande could hit. "Ladies and gentlemen, the school district and I would like to welcome you all to the Crews City Visual Art Contest, dedicated to showing the creativity in young adults," the man, who apparently was the assistant superintendent or whatnot announced as everyone fell into their places. "Thank you all for showing up at this fine evening to support."

A roar of cheers and claps erupted within an instant, and lasted a couple of moments before the announcer handed the microphone over to a woman, who presumably appeared to be one of the judges for the art contest. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming out. I am one of the judges for the contest and will now announce the top three winners. Please come to the stage when you hear your name," the woman announced with a broad grin. "Even if your name doesn't get announced, your art will be returned to you afterwards. Prizes will be given, as well."

Goosebumps crawled up my skin as we all awaited the announcement of the top three winners. Elias appeared even more nervous as he bit his lip. Everyone else cheered and demanded to hear the winners.

"Our third place winner for this year is . . . Lorna Verrett," the judge cheered as she looked at a card. I had no clue who that was, but I began clapping slowly. One of the other judges removed a blanket that covered her painting, which was on an easel. Lorna took her place to the stage, her smile broad as she waved to the cheering crowd.

"Our second place winner for this year is . . . Elias Greene," the judge continued. Another judge uncovered his painting as he headed towards the stage, flashing me a relieved smile before heading off. I clapped as hard as ever, my hands reddening moments later. It was worth it.

"And our first place winner for this year is . . . Grayson Towler. Congratulations to all winners!" The judge concluded. "Thank you everyone for your participation and commitment." The room was filled with hollers, cheers, and rounds of applause for all three winners. Grayson gave a speech about how he was thankful for winning first place before the ceremony ended. I joined Elias at the stage, who was speaking with the judge.

I know how much he initially wanted first place. Second place is still good, but I don't think it'll offer the same prizes as first place. "Great job, Elias," I remarked as I stood next to him.

"Thank you," he acknowledged with a hopeful smile.

"You truly did a great job, Elias. We were pondering between Grayson's and your artwork between first and second place, but we'd still like to offer you the same prizes that you can get in first place," the judge remarked as she adjusted the rim of her eyeglasses.

"Really?" Elias' mouth dropped open with shock.

"Yes, but not only that. We'd also like to present your artwork in the Crews Museum of Modern Art. Us judges liked it very much," the judge offered with a grin. "Only if you want, of course."

"I'd love it. Thank you so much for the offer," Elias clasped his hands together.

"Great. We'll have your scholarship to Laurier ready for you, and your cash prize and summer tickets to Italy ready for you sometime in the next few weeks or so," the judge smiled.

"Thanks, again," Elias acknowledged. The judge nodded before sauntering towards Lorna, who was taking pictures with her family. Elias turned to me and reached out for a hug. "Thank you for encouraging me, Rylie. Should we head out to the restaurant now? I have my dad's car waiting outside."

"Definitely," I said as we made our way down the stage to abandon the room.

***

When we got to the restaurant, which was a few minutes away from the arena, Elias confirmed his reservations and the waitress escorted us to a table, not too far from the door. There were a few couples and families at tables nearby, but overall, the restaurant wasn't too busy. It was nicely decorated with modern decorations plastered on the beige walls.

I ended up ordering a chicken egg roll with various steamed vegetables to the side. It was simple, but it was a start. I decided to flip the switch and start the conversation instead, because usually, I don't. "Aren't you excited? You won all those cool prizes," I raved as I poked my fork through a piece of broccoli. "What do you plan on doing with them?"

"I'll probably end up saving the prize money for art supplies and things for the Italy trip, however the tickets to Italy . . ." Elias pondered as he placed his finger on the tip of his chin. "Since it's two tickets . . . do you want to go to Italy with me?"

Italy. The real Italy. I've never been to Italy before, but it sounds awesome. Eating actual pizza, taking dozens of pictures in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, touring through Venice—it all sounds amazing. It also sounds highly unbelievable since tickets would be highly expensive and I'd probably never be able to afford tickets on my own.

"Really? You want me to go with you?" I said, my mouth wide open with disbelief.

"Yeah . . . unless there's a problem with that," Elias' voice trailed off.

"There's no problem at all. I'd love to go to Italy with you," I raved before taking a sip of water.

"I'm looking forward to it, Rylie," he smiled as he adjusted his tie. "I feel like I've known you for the longest time, even if we've only known each other for . . ." he reflected as he counted on his fingers with his other hand. "Four months."

"Same here, and now that I think about it, I technically first saw you in art class on the first day of school," I added as I squinted my eyes. Remembering that day made goosebumps crawl across my skin. I remember dreading that day completely, wanting to isolate myself from everyone. Now look at where I am. I guess you can say that my life took a completely different route that I originally wanted to go on.

And I don't regret it all.

"Time flies by fast," Elias winked before poking his fork through the last bits of his salad. At this point, we were halfway done through firsts and moving onto seconds.

I nodded in agreement at his response and sawed my knife through my eggroll. If it weren't for this date, I would've been a bit more messy and eaten it with my hands. Let's be real, through—I don't need Elias to have a bad impression of me actually eating so sloppily, especially on our first date. Then again, he seems like the guy who wouldn't care, but who knows.

We got through dinner and desserts maybe thirty or so minutes later. It wasn't awkwardly silent, fortunately. We had an engaging conversation about random things about us, such as what we like doing, our goals, and everything in between. It was rather interesting. I was stuffed from the meal to the point where I could hardly move. It's probably the best dinner I've had since Thanksgiving break.

When it was time for us to pay, Elias handed our waitress from earlier his debit card so it could be processed for our payment. I insisted on paying as well, but Elias insisted that he should've done it instead. I didn't counter his argument, but we were both in for a surprise when the waitress came back.

"Sir, I swiped your card in, but it declined," the waitress reasoned.

"In that case, I don't have enough money . . ." he grimaced as he dug his hands into his pockets. "Can you put all the money I have on the card into the bill and pay the rest in cash," he glanced at the receipt.

"Absolutely," the waitress nodded. I began to look through my purse to see if I had any extra dollars laying around. I happened to have a few various bills that added to nine dollars.

"You can use this," I stacked the money on the palm of my hand to hand it to the waitress.

"Thank you, miss. It should be enough," the waitress proclaimed before sauntering away.

"Rylie, you didn't have to do that," Elias reasoned as he placed a ten dollar bill and a few coins onto the table. "I had enough."

"It's okay. You paid for the entire bill, so it only makes sense if I pitch in," I shrugged with a wink.

"You have a point," Elias mused as he placed the money at the side of the table for the tip. At that moment, the waitress came back with Elias' card and we prepared to leave the restaurant to head home. "After you, miss," he smirked as he held the door open.

"Thank you," I acknowledged. As we got settled in his dad's Toyota SUV, I snuck him a kiss on his cheek to thank him for everything. He returned the favor by kissing me back, but this time, on the lips, instead. The feeling of his soft lips coming into contact with mine made me feel like I was on cloud nine.

The kiss only lasted a few moments, but it felt like forever. I chuckled to myself lightly, pondering how amazing the day turned out to be. I was looking forward to more days like this. More days where I get to hang out with Elias and such.

His fingers laced around mine. We were still in the parking lot, the sky was darkening, but that didn't stop us. "I want to get to know you more, Rylie," he said as he looked me into the eye. He was serious. "Will you . . ."

"Go out with you? Of course!" I blurted, my voice a little raspy. Is it possible for a day to get any better than this?

"I'm glad to hear it," he pecked a kiss over my cheek. He kept his hand over mine. I could tell he didn't want to take it off from there, but he eventually did when he pulled out of the parking lot. He asked me for directions of where my house is, and I prepared to tell him a tale of lefts and rights. I didn't mind, though. I like Elias, and I wouldn't get tired of talking to him anytime soon.