I See Sparks Fly Whenever You Smile

Alex

When Brook said that she had our entire day off in Baltimore planned out, she wasn't kidding. She had literally taken the time to schedule everything we needed to do in one day and she planned it out quite perfectly.

When we arrived in Maryland in the morning, Brook had plans to get breakfast with Sami & Jenny. She knew that I was going to want to see my dogs, so she figured I could go get them from Lina's while she was with her cousin and roommate. Lina was supposed to be at work when I got there, but Brook insisted I go alone. She said she didn't feel comfortable being in my ex-girlfriend's house without having ever met her. I think she was just afraid if an awkward moment if Lina ended up being home when I got there. I tried explaining that she was bound to meet Lina eventually - we had enough friends in common still. She understood, but still refused I go to her house - which I had to understand.

While the girls were at breakfast, I brought the dogs back to my place and hung around until Brook and Sami came back and Jenn was off to class. I could never be a Med. student - the girl was in school all year round.

Brook, Sami and I relaxed around my place with the dogs for a while until it was time to meet Brook's parents for lunch. I was a little nervous about this meeting. I loved Brook's parents and I knew that they really liked me, it was just that her dad terrified me. All I had to say is one Erin thing and he could and would end me in less than a second.

Thankfully, lunch was a lot less stressful than I was anticipating. Brook's parents were very interests in life on the road and the things Brook and I have been up to. We were definitely careful with how much we told them. I was sure to stay off the "you were almost grandparents" topic.

After lunch Brooks's mom invited us back to the house for a little while. Unbeknownst to me and apparently Brook as well, Sami's parents were on their way to the house to pick up Sami and bring her back to New York the next day. Brook thought they were coming down tomorrow.

The thought of meeting Brook's aunt and uncle was a lot more nerve wracking than I could imagine lunch being when they arrived, Brook's uncle reminded me of the Godfather. He was definitely a little stand-offish towards me in the beginning - I didn't know if it was personal or just his personality. Once Sami started talking about the three days she spent on the road and how it was the best time of her life, he started to come around. Especially when Sami said I was essentially to thank. I tried my best to stay myself so I wouldn't get called out for putting on an act. But it was a very watered down version of myself.

By the time we were on our way to the movie theatre after having dinner with my parents, I thought Brook was going to pass out right in the car.

"Are you sure that you're up for this, Brook? We can just return the tickets and come again when we get back," I suggested, pulling into a spot at the theatre.

Brook quickly shook her head. "Absolutely not. You've been looking forward to this for so long. I'll be fine," she insisted, climbing out of the car.

I hopped out after her and quickly met up with her on the other side of the car, slipping my hand into hers as we walked toward the entrance.

"I'll just get myself one of those huge Icee drinks."

"I'll get it," I offered. "Did you want anything else?"

She shook her head. "No way. This night is all my treat," she said, quickly slipping her hand into my back pocket and removing my wallet, tossing it into her bag.

I faked a frown, causing her to giggle. "Fine. I surrender. Tonight is all you. I'll even let you drive home later."

She laughed as we walked inside and shook her head. "I don't think that's the best idea."

"I guess we'll see," I said as we got on the end of the concession line and I kissed her lightly. "Thank you for today," I said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear before kissing her again.

She quickly pulled back and I raised an eyebrow at her. Without saying anything, Brook signaled with her eyes at a group of fourteen or fifteen year olds that were watching us, whispering amongst themselves.

"Pictures of this will end up all over the Internet. Is that okay?" I asked with a laugh.

It was ridiculous to me that some fans would see me out around town and would rather gawk from afar and take poorly hidden pictures of me than just come up and say hello.

"Good thing we look cute," Brook said, gesturing to our matching Batman shirts that she specifically bought for us to wear tonight.

Brook

By the time the movie was over, I was sure I'd never been so tired. I wasn't sure how that was possible after four years of college with countless all-nighters and half a summer so far on the Warped Tour.

The way Alex talked excitedly about the movie the entire drive back to his house made my exhaustion so worth it.

Alex turned to me when we pulled up at his house with a big smile on his face. "Thank you for today. It really was pretty great."

"I didn't really do much, Alex. But you're welcome," I smiled sleepily.

He leaned over and kissed me quickly before killing the engine and opening his door. "Come on. Let's get you to bed."