Eden and April above *Shay Mitchell & Ashley Benson*

***********

"Thank you April," he says, exiting my room.

What on earth am I going to do? I can't go on a 'trip' with Nick! I said I'd think about it but the more I do, the more I think it's a bad idea. Lexie's warning is ringing in my ears. Was she actually serious? He just wants to use me for sex and then forget about me?

I fidget with my ring, remembering the promise I made myself when I got it. When I have sex, I want to be in love. I'm not saying that I know what love is, but I can tell the difference between love and infatuation. So many people mistake them and get married. But what about when the infatuation ends? They usually part ways and if they have children, it affects them greatly. That's why I'm not rushing into anything. So when Nick said it would be just us going on a trip over the weekend, I got worried. And if what Lexie said was true, would he try something on me? I think I'm going to have to talk to Nick about it, I don't see another way.

I return from the showers feeling refreshed. Lexie isn't back yet but I'm glad. If she drives back drunk, she could kill herself. I plug in my phone and it the screen comes to life. I have a few Twitter notifications, nothing important. I text Lexie to say I'm home because she'll most likely forget everything that happened tonight..and this morning, when she wakes up hungover. I'm glad I didn't drink much. I finish putting my damp hair into a loose braid so I have some control tomorrow when I receive a message.

Nick: Sweet dreams...I'm really sorry.

I shut my phone off without replying. Before I can go into overthinking mode, I shut my eyes and welcome the deep sleep that greets me.

***

I bite into the crisp apple, thinking of what I could possibly say to Nick for him to understand. Because I lack in social skills, this is going to be incredibly awkward. I am going to tell him exactly how I feel and if he can't accept that then we can't be together. I send him a text telling him that we need to talk.

Me: Hi, can we meet? I need to talk to you.

Nick: Yeah sure. Rosie's at 11?

Me: That's fine, cya then.

Well that went better than expected.

I change out of my pyjamas into dark skinny jeans, a white shirt and a green coat. I do my usual makeup routine and leave my hair down. I grab my phone and check the time. It's 10:47 but I still have to walk there. I pick up my wallet and head out the door.

I see Nick standing outside the cafe as I walk down the pathway. He's wearing his usual, jeans and a t-shirt. Does he own any other clothes? He doesn't see me until I'm about fifteen metres away, and when he does he waves like a child. I giggle, my face displaying a grin. Ugh, this is going to be so hard.

"Hi," I approach him.

"Hey, after you," he holds the door open for me. My heart warms by this gesture and I feel giddy. I walk inside the cafe where I first saw Nick with him following me. I feel comfortable in the familiar cafe and I'm glad because my nerves skyrocket when I'm around him. I wait for him so he's walking by my side and together we walk up to the cashier.

"What would you like?" He asks.

"I can pay for myself."

"Nonsense, what can I get you?"

What? Is he actually offering to pay for my drink? Holy moly. Guys don't notice me, so having someone treat me this way is different, good different.

He orders for the both of us and we take a seat in the corner of the restaurant.

"Uhh, thanks for meeting me here." I smiled.

"No problem, what's on your mind?"

"It's about the trip," I start, hoping he won't be upset with what I'm about to tell him.

"What about the trip?" He asks cautiously.

I take in a deep breath in order to prepare myself.

"I don't think I can go. It's not about you, it's me." I explain, trying to soften the blow.

"What do you mean?" He looks confused. Here comes the embarrassing part.

"I mean, I can't go on a trip....with a boy." I bite my lip, waiting for his reaction. My face feels as hot as an oven.

Realisation of where I'm going with this floods across his face and he stares at me, eyes wide. He's stunned. He must not get this reaction from girls much, if at all.

"I didn't mean to give off that vibe, I'm so sorry. It was just going be a fun trip where we could get to know each other. Oh wow," he breathes out and I feel relieved that he didn't get angry or upset.

Knowing that he wasn't planning to take advantage of me is a huge relief. Honestly, I really want to get out of the city for a bit and I think that this is the perfect opportunity and besides, we can always come back if it's not going well. I feel like I can trust him. He's been nothing but the perfect gentleman to me but he did make out with that girl. I'm upset about that even though Nick explained that it was a dare. And then I realise, I'm jealous! Dang it.

We look at each other in silence before I speak up. "I'll go."

His eyes light up at this but he still looks unsure.

"Are you sure, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable or like I'm pressuring you into this," he rambles.

"Nick, I want to. My life has been severely boring so I'm trying to spice it up a little," I reassure him. A grin appears in his face, making my insides melt.

A waiter places a strawberry milkshake in front of me and an iced coffee in front of Nick.

"Here you go," she says placing two coupons on the table. "We have a system going where we give coupons to the cutest couple each day. You guys won today, congratulations!" Her smile is so bright, I wonder if it hurts. She scurries away and we both laugh.

I pick one up and it's worth a free drink. Heck yeah! I take a sip of my milkshake, letting the sweet, milky drink flood my sense. I have a huge soft spot for milkshakes.

"You're definitely sure?"

"Nick, if you ask again I won't go." I threaten.

"Okay, he chuckles. "That reminds me, are you allergic to anything?"

"Yeah, idiots." I couldn't help myself.

"Okay, ha-ha. But seriously?" He tries again.

"Nah, are you?"

"No, are there any foods that you don't like?"

"You're going to laugh at me," I pout.

"No I won't, I promise," he places a hand over his head but the smile tugging at his lips makes me question his sincerity.

"Okay fine," I give in, "its bananas." I put my head in my hands.

"Bananas aye," he winks, a grin spread over his face. I glare at him, well attempt to anyway.

I would say something witty back but the way he is smiling has me lost for words. When I get more used to being around him, then my true self will come out. I hope he doesn't mind it, I know mum did. Apparently is was disrespectful, but I just found it funny. I got grounded a lot, but I never really went out much so it didn't matter. I just pretended like being grounded was terrible so she wouldn't actually do something terrible.

"Okay so what time do you want to leave on Friday?" He asks seriously.

"How far away is it?"

"About 2 hours."

"Uhh, 2:30?" That would give me plenty of time after class to get ready.

"Yep, that's good. So we can stop and get food on the way and arrive before it gets dark."

Okay my curiosity is literally eating me alive. Where on earth are we going? I love surprises and all but sometimes I just need a clue or two.

"Can you please give me a clue as to where we're going? You've said something about the outdoors and arriving before dark and I'm really curious." Amusement is visible in his expression as he watches me practically beg him for information.

"Okay, we're not sleeping in a building," he informs me, gauging my reaction.

The possibilities swarm around my head. I'm glad we're not staying in a building, it means we will have some sort of adventure.

"Awesome," I tell him, giving him what I hope is a cute smile.

We make small talk while we drink our drinks. I'm surprised about how composed I remain. Nick has this easy going, calm aura that I just can get enough of. But I can tell that, like me, he is waiting to show his real personality and I'm as excited as a child about to open a present to meet the real him.

Nick and I stand up and walk out together, him opening the door for me. My heart skips a beat, knowing that he cares enough to do that. Men these, days aren't so polite and I don't appreciate being treated like trash. So when I find a guy who is different and has manners, I'm not going to brush him off. I'm willing to give him a real chance, but being that good looking doesn't make it very hard.

"I'll text you the details later," Nick tells me and I nod.

"You don't need a ride anywhere do you?" He gestures towards his car.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks though." I smile politely.

"Alright, well I'll see you later then."

"Okay bye!" I wave at him while he gets into his car.

He returns it and starts the engine. I turn on my heel and begin the short walk back to my dorm.

When I walk into my room, I find Lexie collapsed on her bed. She's absolutely trashed and I'm thankful that that's not me, although it easily could have been.

I feel the sudden urge to talk to someone about everything and since Lexie is asleep, I try Eden.

Me: Hey, I know it's short notice but do you want to have lunch today and shop afterwards?

Eden: Sure, where do you want to meet?

Me: The sushi bar?

Eden: That's what I'm craving! I'll see you there in 20.

I take a packet of chips from the stocks and leave them on Lexie's bedside table. The temperature has risen since this morning so I leave my coat behind, and head out the door.

***

"So, let me get this straight. You went on a date with Nick, he made out with a girl at a party, he apologises and now you're going on a trip with him." Eden exclaims, disbelief written all over her face.

I met Eden at the start of high school and we have been inseparable ever since. During high school, we practically lived at each others houses. We never get sick of one another and trust each other with everything. She is more like a sister to me and I love her so much.

"Yes," I whine. "Please help me, I have literally no idea what to do." I let out a frustrated groan.

"Okay so it seems like he's a pretty cool guy. He explained that making out with that girl was a dare and he has been a gentleman. It sounds like he's into you and you're not hiding the fact that you're into him so I think you should go on that trip. Go and have fun but be careful and if he tries anything with you, kick him to he curb and make sure he knows that you won't be treated that way. What do you have to loose? You might get a broken heart, but hey, if he's not the one then maybe things are just falling into place." She concludes with a smile.

"You are the best, shopping?" I ask.

"Shopping." She agrees and that's exactly what we do.

**********

Shopping solves all your problems. Jks it just makes your money disappear, ahah.

You most likely don't like Nick at the moment but there is a reason as to why he is how he is so please don't judge too quickly.

Please comment/vote =} (that face tho)

•••Lara & Tahlia•••