Everybody's Got a Story

*Randall's P.O.V. (A few days later)*

We were sitting at a local coffee shop and talking about nothing in particular.
"No seriously. Tell me." Gerard said through his laughter.
"I'm being serious." I laughed with him.
"Your middle name is really Clyde?" He giggled more.
"Yup. Randall Clyde Kirt."
"I think you're lying."
"Nope. Now tell me your full name."
"Fine. It's Lucas Gera-" I cut him off.
"Wait your first name isn't even really Gerard?"
"Nope."
"You gonna let me finish?"
"Yeah. Go ahead." I laughed again.
"Lucas Gerard Green the third."
"The third?"
"Yeah how original right."
"Lucas was your dad's name, right?"
He gave me a sad smile. "Yeah."
"Why don't you go by Lucas?"
"My mom and pretty much everyone used to call me Luke until I was like 9. I didn't like that I was nothing like my dad so I asked everyone to call me Gerard. Simple as that."
"Well I think Gerard suits you better."
He smiled at me again and sipped his coffee.
"Where did Clyde come from?"
"My mom was obsessed with Bonnie and Clyde when she had me."
"Seriously?"
"You really still think I'm lying?"
He laughed more and shook his head no. "I will have to ask your mom though."
"No wait. I have proof." I pulled out my wallet and showed him my drivers license.
"That C could stand for anything." He was still laughing.
"Fine. I'll call my mom."
I found 'Mom' in my contacts and clicked the call signal.
Gerard was still smiling.
"Hey mom."
"Hey honey. I thought you were with Gerard."
"I am. Here. I'll put you on speaker." I put the phone on speaker and held it between the two of us.
"Hey mama K." Gerard smiled.
"Hello, sweetheart."
"Alright mom I called you because Gerard doesn't believe that my middle name is Clyde."
She laughed on the other line and said, "Yeah. His middle name is really Clyde."
Gerard laughed again and clutched his stomach.
"Alright mom. I'll let you go. Love you."
"Love you too, sweetie."
"Bye mama K." Gerard said through his giggles.
"Bye, Gerard." She laughed again and hung up.
"So what time do you wanna leave?"
"We should probably leave soon so we can make it back to school before the lunch period ends." I replied.
"Yeah that would probably be a good idea."
We stood up and pushed in our chairs. We made our way out of the coffee shop and found my car.
I opened the door for Gerard and smiled at him. He smiled back and put his seat belt on. I ran over to the other side of the car and got in.
"Oh yeah. Did I tell you that my mom got her memory back?"
"No, but that's great."
"Yeah. Jim was really happy."
"I bet. I couldn't imagine you forgetting me for that long."
"Sap." He said, but smiled.
We drove back to the school and parked in the student parking lot. There was ten minutes left until the lunch break was over.
We got out of the car and walked towards the front entrance.
Gerard grabbed my hand and smiled up at me as we made our way to Gerard's next class. I liked walking to Gerard's classes with him so that we could talk and so that they guys in the hallway didn't give him any trouble. He was half the size of almost all the guys on the football team.
"What are you thinking about?" He looked at me curiously.
"Us."
"What about us?" He looked worried.
"Don't look so worried, babe." I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. "I'll come get you after class."
"Wait. What were you thinking about?"
"Our wedding." I said and smirked at his surprised expression.
I kissed his cheek and walked past him to my next class before he had a chance to say another word.
I smiled the rest of the way to my class and dreaded the rest of the day.

*Gerard's P.O.V. (After last period)*

I stood outside my last period classroom and waited for Randall.
I looked around and watched as the walls emptied.
I sighed and walked down the hallway toward the front entrance. I left the building and sat on the curb.
"Need a ride?" Charlie, a guy that I knew in middle school said.
"Charlie?" I asked, just to be sure.
He was really handsome now. Tall and muscular. Not like the lanky kid I knew back in seventh grade. I smiled up at him.
"Yeah." He responded.
"Yeah. I would love a ride. Mine kinda didn't show. And now that I think of it. His car isn't even in the lot." I sighed and looked at my feet. Charlie stepped forward and held out his hand.
"Come on. I'll take you home."
I grabbed his hand and allowed him to haul me up.
Standing next to him I realized his actual height.
He was at least 5'10 now.
"You're tall." I laughed.
"Yeah. I guess so." He laughed back. "So what's been going on, Luke?" I frowned and looked at him. "I'm sorry did I say something wrong?"
"No. It's just weird. Uh. You called me Luke. I haven't been called that since I was little. I go by my middle name now."
"Oh. I'm sorry. What's your middle name?"
"Gerard." I looked at him. "You can still call me Luke though."
"You sure?"
"Yeah. It's what you're used to and dude I missed you a lot. So call me whatever you want. Why did we stop talking anyway? I mean we were like best friends since we were like in diapers and then out of nowhere I just never saw you again." I shut up when I realized how bad I was rambling.
"My mom was really bad homophobic and she told me I couldn't hang out with you anymore after you told me you were gay. My dad divorced her last year though and I never found a good time to talk to you."
"Oh." I said quietly.
"Yeah. I came out to my parents and my mom went crazy."
"You're gay?"
He laughed then said, "Yeah."
"I never would've guessed."
"Yeah I've been told that I don't look like the 'gay type'." He used finger quotes when he spoke.
I laughed and smiled.
"Alright that ride would be nice. I should be getting home soon."
"Alright. Let's go." He walked towards an expensive looking Cadillac.
"No way."
"What?"
"This is yours?"
"Yeah it was my dads before he got a new one."
"It's nice." I felt practically speechless.
"Do you still live in the same house?"
"No. I moved out."
"Moved out?"
"Yeah. There was some problems at home. My brother lives with me though so it's kinda cool."
"My dad doesn't want me to move out." He looked kind of sad.
"Well we're thinking about buying the living space above my apartment so you could come stay there whenever you want." I smiled.
"You're not renting? You actually bought the space?"
"Yeah. It's really nice. My mom helped pay for it, but my brother has a job and so does my boyfriend."
"Oh you have a boyfriend?" He looked letdown.
"Yeah. He goes here. He was the one who was supposed to be giving me a ride home."
"What's his name?"
"Randall. Randall Kirt." I said.
"Quarterback?"
"Yup."
"Cool." He sounded estatic.
I giggled and told him the directions to my apartment.
"Wanna come in?" I asked when we arrived.
"I don't want to be a bother."
"You're not a bother." I smiled and pulled my sleeves down.
He looked indecisive then parked the car and took the key out.
"Sure. Just for a little bit though."
"Yay!" I practically squealed.
We got out of the car and I pulled him up to the building.
I unlocked the door and completely forgot our arms were latched together.
"Here I'll show you around. Come on." I beamed at him and pulled him along with me.
I showed him all the rooms and we sat down in the living room.
"Luke?" He said after a while.
"Yeah?"
"If it's not too much to ask. What made you leave home?"
"Well-" I stopped myself. I had never told anyone besides Randal and Eric that Jim beat me, but I felt I could pour my whole heart out to Charlie. "Well my stepdad-" I didn't know how to word anything that I wanted to say.
"What did your stepdad do?"
"He beat me. It was so bad once that I had broken ribs and I was in the hospital."
He put his arm around my shoulder and rubbed the side of my arm.
"Did your mom and dad split?"
"My dad co-" I stopped. "My dad passed."
"Oh gosh. I'm sorry, Lukey."
I started to cry at the nickname.
We talked a little longer after I had calmed down and I told Charlie a lot. More than I've even told my own mother.
The front door happened to open at that time and I moved my head from Charlie's shoulder.
I turned to look at whoever was coming toward the living room.
Randall stepped in the room and looked confused.
Charlie quickly moved his arm and placed it in his lap.
"I should go. Maybe we can talk tomorrow, Luke."
Randall looked even more confused.
I stood up and walked to my room. I turned back to see Charlie standing up.
"Bye Lee." I said quietly. He gave a soft smile at the nickname I used that I had given to him when we were little.
He waved gently and walked past Randall quickly.
I went over to my bed and laid down.
I couldn't help it. I started crying again.
"What was he doing here?"
I turned to look at him. "Where were you?"
"I asked you something first."
"He was here because you weren't!" I yelled and turned back over. I covered my face with my hands and cried more.
"Gerard."
I ignored him and continued to cry. I wiped my eyes on the pillow I had my head atop of.
I felt the weight shift on the bed and I wiped my eyes violently.
"Gerard. Please listen to me."
"Why should I?" I sat up.
"Look. I'm sorry. Okay?" He sighed, but I refused to look at him. "I didn't mean to get mad. I just saw you crying in his arms and-"
I cut him off, "And you what? You assumed I was cheating on you? You assumed something was going on. No. How about this. He was my best friend. And I mean my best friend even before Eric and before Alex. I haven't seen him since middle school, because he wasn't allowed to talk to me. So tell me what you were thinking when you saw me crying, because you didn't pick me up from class and you left me at the school waiting for you!" I ranted and shouted. Then I broke down and cried again. I fell back onto the bed and curled up into a ball.
"Gerard. I'm sorry. My mom picked me up early and my dad drove my car home. I didn't even know they were coming."
I turned slowly so that I was facing him.
"Pr-promise?"
"Yes, baby. I promise."
"I- I think you should go. W-we can talk tomorrow." My stuttering got bad when I was emotional.
"Gerard. Please don't make me leave."
"Please just go before I say something I'll regret."
"Fine. I'll see you at school. Do you want me to pick you up?"
"No. I'll get Danny to drive me."
"Bye then."
He looked upset and quickly walked out of the room.
Danny walked in and looked at me.
He saw my face then sat beside me and wrapped his arms around me.
"How much of that did you hear?"
"Enough."
"I'm sorry."
"Hey. Don't apologize."
I buried my face in his shoulder and let the tears roll down my face. He lifted his hand up and ran his fingers through my hair.
"Do you wanna go get something to eat? Or I could make you something?"
"I'm not really hungry."
"Alright then. Let's go watch some tv." He said and picked me up.
I laughed and he continued to carry me until we got into the living room. He set me on the sofa and turned the Wii and TV on. He handed me the control and told me to pick something.
"I'll be right back. I'm gonna go make us some popcorn." He smiled and left the room.
He came back a few minutes later with the bowl in his hands and sat beside me.
I grabbed a piece of popcorn and he looked at me.
"I thought you said you weren't hungry."
"I'm not." I said and ate the popcorn.
He laughed and clicked play on the movie.
"What is Red Dawn?" He asked.
"Old movie." I smiled.
"Who's in it?"
"Patrick Swayze."
He smiled at me and laughed. "You remembered."
"Of course I remembered."
He once told me that Patrick Swayze was his favorite actor.
By the end of the movie I was exhausted and Danny was asleep.
"Danny." I said quietly. I said his name a few more times, but he wouldnt wake up.
I stood up and stretched.
I pushed his body over gently and placed his head onto a pillow. I grabbed a blanket and covered him up.
Then I headed to the bathroom and started to take off my clothes. I found the blades that I kept in a little blue box under the sink. I opened the box and pulled one out.
I looked at the faded marks on my wrists and sighed.
I cut at least 5 thick, but not deep lines on my left wrist then looked at my right wrist.
I had started crying. Not from the pain, but from the regret of what I was doing.
I cut two slits on my right wrist.
I put the blade back in the box after washing it off and hid the box again.
I got in the shower and just stood there under the stream of water. I watched as the red color washed down the drain and eventually ran clear again.
I sighed and snapped back into reality.
I picked up the shampoo and slowly washed my hair.
My hands were shaking and I regretted sending Randall away.

*Randall's P.O.V.*

I sat on my bed and stared at the wall. I shouldn't have left. I know he told to me to, but I shouldn't have.
I picked up my phone and looked at it. No texts or missed calls from Gerard.
I sighed and called his number.
It rang several times before going to voicemail.
After the beep I left a message.
'Gerard. I just wanna say that I'm so sorry.' I started crying. 'I don't think.' I sniffled and punched the dresser. 'I don't think this will work out anymore. I um I'll see you in school.'
I threw my phone across the room after I hung up, thankful for the case and laid on my bed.
I pulled the blanket up above my head and cried more.

*2 hours later (Randall's P.O.V.)*

I woke up and yawned.
I stretched and stared at the ceiling for a couple minutes.
I looked at the clocked on my bedside table. 8:04, it read.
I sighed and stood up.
I walked over to where I had thrown my phone and picked it up.
I looked at the screen for scratches and cracks and thanked god that there was none on it.
I unlocked the screen and sighed.
7 missed calls. 23 texts.
I looked at who the missed calls were from first.
3 were from Gerard. 2 were from Eric. 1 was from Danny. The other was just a call from my mom.
I opened the texts and sighed.
I clicked Gerard's name and the first one said
'Why' followed by
'I thought we were doing good'
Followed by several others that were similar.
I wiped my eyes and looked at the others.
'You know you're a real asshole.'
That one was from Eric.
I couldn't even look at the rest. I put my phone in my pocket and went into the kitchen.
My dad was in their getting a drink.
"Hey." He said to me.
"Hi." I mumbled.
"What's going on, bud?"
"Nothing." I said quietly.
"Fine. I can see when I'm not welcome. Are you gonna watch The Walking Dead with me and your mom tonight?"
"No. I think I'll pass."
"Alright." He ruffled my hair. "Well. We'll be in the living room if you change your mind."
"Okay." I said quietly.

*Tanya's P.O.V.*

My husband came into the room and sat beside me.
"I think there's something wrong with Randall." He said in a calm tone.
"Why? Was he acting strange?" I suddenly became worried for my son.
"He just seems upset about something. He even said he would pass on The Walking Dead tonight."
"I'll go check on him." I smiled and kissed my husband.
"Good luck."
"Thanks."
I walked into the kitchen and saw Randa standing there,looking out the window. He looked deep in thought.
I came up to him and tapped him on the shoulder.
He turned around quickly like I had scared him.
His eyes were red and tears were still streaming down his face.
"Oh baby. What's wrong?"
He cried more and I pulled him into a hug.
"I broke up with him." He whispered.
"You guys were so good together though."
"No. I put him in pain." He continued to cry. "Mom. I just wanna go lay down." His arms went limp and he pulled away from me.
I let him go and watched him walk down the hall.

*Next Day (Gerard's P.O.V.)*

I woke up at the sound of the alarm clock and frowned when no one was beside me in bed.
I remembered the events of yesterday and frowned even more.
I got myself up and got dressed.
I got my books together slowly and put them into a backpack.
My phone started ringing and I picked it up.
Eric was calling. I answered it and said "Hello."
"Hey do you need a ride?"
"I think I'll just get a cab to drop me off closeby and then walk the rest of the way."
"You sure?"
"Yeah I'm sure."
"Alright. I'll see you when you get here."
"Bye."
I made sure I had all my stuff then walked outside.
It took me about 5 minutes to find a cab, but he drove me to school. I gave him a tip and I went on my way. Thankfully I was only about a block away from the building.
I pulled my jacket tighter around my body and started walking towards the school.
I froze when the first person I happened to see was Randall.
A few people walked in front if me and I lost sight of him.
I looked up and stopped when I noticed that Charlie had purposely stopped in front of me.
He smiled a brilliant smile and said "Hello."
I just smiled shyly back.
"What I don't get a hello back?"
"Hi, Charlie."
"What's up?"
"Just a bit cold. I'd like to get inside if you don't mind."
"Yeah sure. I'll walk you to your first class."
"Thanks." I knew I was blushing, but started walking towards the entrance.
When I walked in I saw Eric and Randall talking.
Actually.
They were laughing.
And for some reason..
That hurt me.
I looked away and walked a little faster.
"Wait isn't that your boyfriend?"
"He dumped me." I said and continued walking away from where I saw Randall and Eric speaking.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know. I thought you two were together just like yesterday."
"Yeah. Well people change their minds. Okay, Charlie?!"
"Okay." He backed away from me.
We got to the class room and he walked in with me and sat down at a desk on the opposite side of the room.
I looked over to him and gave a confused look.
"You're kidding. Right?"
"I'm in all of your classes, Gerard. You just never noticed." He shrugged it off and turned away when a girl tapped his shoulder.
I sighed and looked forward.
The teacher began taking roll.
I ignored half the name except mine and listened and heard "Charlie Marks." Be called.
I looked over at him as he gave that award deserving smile to the teacher. He just raised his hand like I did when everyone else obnoxiously yelled present or here.
The teacher went through the rest of the roll and said "Alright class, today you'll be working in groups and you'll need to get safety goggles and gloves. When I call your name. Please go to the number I tell you to and sit with your group. I will assign specific people to get the things needed now please be quiet while I call the names."
I somehow miraculously made it into Charlie's group then sighed when Eric walked over.
I got sad when I saw him. He looked happier when he was talking to Randall and disappointed when he saw the group he got stuck with. I was upset that I was even a part of that group.
"Hi." Eric said coldly.
I felt like he had hit me and I needed to step back from his words.
"Hi." I choked out and looked down.
The class went by with little to no conversation between us and I almost cried when he called me Gerard.
I sighed and left the classroom, making my way to my locker. I took my time and got the books I needed.
I slowly made my way to my class and heard the bell ring. I was the last one to class and with just my luck, there was assigned seats.. So I still had to sit next to Randall.
"Please get to your seat so we can begin our lesson, Gerard."
I nodded towards the teachers direction and quickly made my way to the seat.
I sat down, but made sure that the seat was pulled away from him. I rubbed my eyes and crossed my arms.
Randall talked to the student in front of him and behind him and paid no attention to me.
I felt my eyes burning.
When class ended I quickly gathered my stuff and ran out of the classroom. I didn't care who stopped me or who yelled at me to stop. I walked out of the building and took a deep breath.
I choked and started crying.
I walked away from the building and couldn't bare being around it.
I walked in the direction of my apartment and tried to stop my crying. I couldn't handle it anymore.
It took me around 40 minutes to get home, because I actually got lost once and went to a Starbucks.
I walked into the apartment and locked the door. I went straight to my room and shut the door behind me.
I heard a knock and grumbled a "What?"
"Gerard?"
"Who else would it be?" I bit back sarcastically.
"Are you okay, Jer?"
"I'm fine."
"Obviously you're not. It's third period." He paused. "Actually it's fourth period now."
"Just go away."
"Why should I?"
"Please." I desperately begged him.
"Fine. Me and Eric are going to go into the city after school to see an art exhibit. You're welcome to join us if you want."
I got up, furious, still crying.
I walked over to the door and pulled it open.
"And why in the world would I do that!?" I shouted in his face.
"C-cause he's your best friend." He looked frightened by my shouting.
"No. You know what. He's not. He can burn in hell for all I care!"
He looked hurt by my words.
I turned away and shut the door.
I quickly went into my bed and pulled the covers up above my head. I cried more and screamed into the pillow.
The rest of the week dragged on like this and I felt like a ghost in my own home.
I found a different job and I continued to go to school.
I stayed away from almost everybody though.
It was hard.
I usually just shut myself in my room and ignored my phone.
I cried a lot. Which drained me. Then I was exhausted and my teachers were noticing.
"I'm fine." I would always say.
And they would always respond with, "Well you are still turning in your assignments and they're still great."
They would sigh and say that there was no reason to report it or call my mother.
I would just go on with my day.
I got a job at the diner that me and Danny used to go to with our dad. It held a lot if great memories and since I didn't talk to Danny.. I could at least work there.
I was at work one day and almost cursed when Danny, Eric, and Randall all walked in and sat at one of the tables I have to wait on. I looked over at the table then back at Julia, a waitress I work with. I gave her pleading eyes.
"Very funny, Jer. You're taking this one. You can't avoid him forever." She smiled sweetly and nudged me towards them.
I sighed and grabbed my notepad off the counter top as I walked by it. I came up to their table and gave a polite smile.
"Welcome to Sues Diner. Have you decided what you want?"
Randall looked at me and smiled.
"Can I get a burger and some fries."
"What about a drink?"
"A coke." He said with a smile.
"What about you guys?"
"Can I get the daily special with a diet coke." Danny said quietly.
"Yeah." I said with an eager smile. "And you?" I looked at Eric.
"Can I just get a coke and burger with fries."
"Yeah. I'll be back in a little bit with your stuff." I left and went to the counter. I handed the order to Zack, the chef.
"Can I talk to you?"
I turned to see Randall standing at the counter looking at me.
"Oh. Uh yeah. What's up?"
"I've kind of thought about the last couple weeks and I wanted to apologize to you. What I did was wrong and I felt like shit after I broke it off."
I looked over at the tables.
"I'll be right back." I said as I saw a man waving me over. I grabbed the coffee and poured him some more. And getting the check for another table.
"Sorry about that."
"It's not a problem."
"Could we maybe talk after I get off of work?"
"Really?" He looked surprised by my request.
"Yeah. Really. I'd like to talk, but I can't really talk now."
"Yeah." He smiled sweetly. "What time do you get off."
"My shift ends at 3."
"Alright. We'll probably still be here."
"Alright." I smiled when he grabbed my hand.
He squeezed my hand then let go and walked back to the table.
I still felt the touch of his hand linger on mine.
"Get back to work, pretty boy." Julia laughed.
I turned around and she smirked at me.
"You still like him. Don't you?"
"You can't even imagine." I gave her a sad smile.
I grabbed the plates and placed them onto a tray.
"He still likes you too." She said simply and walked off towards a group that just walked in.
I took the order over to the table they were sitting at and placed their orders in front of them.
"I'll be right back with your drinks." I spoke and walked away quickly.
I grabbed the three drinks and put them on the tray. I brought them back to the table and handed them to each person.
"Thanks, Gerard." Danny smiled meekly.
"Don't worry about it." I smiled back. "If you guys need anything just call me."
"Alright. Thanks." Randall smiled.
I turned and left, returning to the counter.
"Hey faggot we need some coffee."
I clenched my eyes shut then turned around, carrying the coffee pot towards him.
"Sorry let me refill that for you." I said with a fake smile on.
I refilled his cup then looked at the other man.
"Would you like some more coffee?" I asked as politely as I could.
"Well my cups empty as hell."
I inhaled sharply and poured him some more coffee.
"Do you need anything else?" I looked at the two of them.
"No. Go away fag." One man scolded.
I turned away and walked back to the counter. I set the coffee pot back and rubbed my eyes.
"You could've kicked the two of them out."
"Yeah. Cause getting my ass kicked is really on my list of things to do today."
"Another person came in on your side." I sighed and turned around.
I walked towards the lady and her small child.
I gave her a kind smile and asked her what she would like.
I wrote down her order slowly.
"Anything for the little guy?"
I couldn't help but stare at the little boy in her arms.
I looked back up at the woman, she reminded me so much of Charlotte.
"Do you guys have any regular flavored oatmeal."
"Yeah Zack makes the best oatmeal in the world." I smiled again. His oatmeal was a home recipe and was really delicious.
"Well then. If it's that good. Then I think we'll take some of that." She smiled at her baby.
I wrote down the rest of the order and brought it to Zack.
"Are you bribing people with my oatmeal?" He had a big grin on his face.
I laughed then said, "Maybe."
I glanced over at the table with the rude men and thanked whatever god above there was that Julia was my coworker. She had taken over that table and was getting the check for the men.
I walked back over to Randall, Eric, and Danny and smiled.
"Hey guys. Do you need anything else?"
"Could we get the check?" Danny asked.
"Yeah of course."
They looked at each other then Randall spoke.
"So who's paying."
Danny looked at Eric and gave his best puppy eyes.
"You're a real pain in my ass."
"But you love me anyway." Danny smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Yeah. You're right. I do." He laughed and pulled his wallet out.
He handed me the money.
I said a brief, "Thanks." then walked over to the register to put the money in and walked back quickly to hand him the receipt.
They put their jackets back on and stood up.
It was only 2:45.
I came back to the table and Randall was the only one there.
"Oh wow." I said when I saw the tip.
There was a 20 sitting on the table.
"This has to be a mistake." I said and looked at Randall. "Could you go give this back to Eric."
"No. He meant to put that there."
I looked at it for a minute. "You sure?"
"Yeah I'm one hundred percent sure." He shook his head yes like he was confirming it even more. It put it in my pocket and started picking up the plates and putting them on a tray.
"Okay. I have about 15 more minutes and then I'm all yours. Alright?" I said with a smile.
"Awesome." He had a big grin plastered on his face.

*15 minutes later (Randall's P.O.V.)*

"So that talk." Gerard spoke.
"Yeah. I just wanted to ask you something and um. I wanted to maybe so um maybe-"
"Spit it out." He laughed. God I missed that laugh.
"Well uh I want to know um-" I coughed and tried to find the right words to ask what I wanted to.
He gave me a warm smile.
"Can we start over?"
"Like over over?"
"Yeah." I said shaking my head to clarify. "Like a first date. Like getting to know each other from the start again." I explained what I meant.
He smiled. "I would love that, Randall."
He turned around then looked at me.
"Oh hello. It's so wonderful to meet you. My name is Gerard. What's yours?" I knew I was beaming when he held out his hand.
"Randall." I said simply. "Well Randall. How about we finish this conversation over dinner and a movie. Let's say. Hmm. Tonight at 8?"
"Tonight at 8 it is."
"And what's that question you needed to ask me?"
"Do you still have the ring?"
He blushed and pulled a necklace out from his shirt.
"Would you like it back?"
"No. You keep it until I need it again."
He smiled back more.
"I'll see you tonight, Randall." He leaned forward and hugged me.
He kissed my cheek lightly and it was now my turn to blush.
"See you tonight." I said back quietly.