New American Classic

She didn’t realize the impact her smile had on me. She didn’t realize the impact her everything in general had on me. Yeah I know, “Don’t go all cheesy on me Dan” because that’s exactly what it sounds like…but it’s true. Everything I say, think, feel about Lola is true and it scares the living fuck out of me. As she sat at the dinner table talking about life and laughing over anything I watched her intently making sure to take everything in.

I was worried earlier. A kind of worry that’s never ever affected me before. When I watched her fall to her knees in what looked like agony, my heart tore a bit. And now I couldn’t help but wonder what exactly it was that changed her mood so suddenly. On our way here she said not one word to me…she acted like she didn’t want to be around me…now she’s completely shifted.

“You ready?” I asked once the server hurried away.

Lola smiled her beautiful toothy grin as she nodded her head. It was contagious…I caught myself returning just as big of a smile as I got up to help her from her chair.

“You’re quite the gentleman Daniel.” She purred in my ear once she stood.

Goosebumps popped up rapidly all over my skin when her breath tickled at my ear.

Calm yourself Dan.

I reluctantly pushed the inappropriate thoughts to the way back of my head and led Lola outside. We locked eyes briefly before Lola put her arm in front of her in a ‘ladies first” gesture.

“Lead the way sir.” She said in a mock English accent.

I still wasn’t sure why she was acting so happy suddenly, but I was enjoying it. It was as if she was finally opening up to me, which meant she was getting comfortable around me. That meant something right? As we walked to the park where the show was playing we talked about her life, how she was scared to start school, how she too liked Final Fantasy, and how she was so obsessed with Star Wars and reading about dragons that it scared her. She would laugh hysterically in a cute manner then twirl around looking up at the sky like she had no cares in the world.

“We’re here.” I said as we approached the crowded hillside.

Lola’s eyes lit up instantly when she noticed the scenery.

“It’s beautiful.” She sighed pushing stray hair out of her face.

The sun was starting to set, and the final shine radiated off of Lola’s complexion flawlessly. Is this even real? We sat in the warm grass off to the side a bit, away from the crowd of people. Lola sat in silence, zoning out on the giant projector screen that was holstered over a cement stage. She read everything with such desire as if taking advantage of every moment.

“Oh my god!” She cheered once the movie began to play.

I jumped out of my daydream and pretended to be paying attention to the screen now.

“Dan, how’d you know?” She asked. “I love Brave!”

The way she squealed like an overly excited child made my heart want to stop for longer then a second.

“You like this movie too?” I asked, stunned.

She turned her attention away from the movie and onto me flashing her brilliant smile.

“It’s the cutest thing I’ve seen in awhile.” She said in a little kid voice.

I couldn’t help but return the smile even when she focused back on the movie. Perfection didn’t exactly exist, but with Lola it came pretty damn close.



Although the drugs were still taking effect, I was truly enjoying myself. I’m not sure what it was about movies in the park, or Disney movies in general but they made me feel like I had no worries. Dan being next to me was helping too though, they way he sat there mesmerized by the little fiery red head on the screen, running along with her three little bear cub brothers causing mischief. A sudden breeze caused me to shiver sluggishly, Dan taking full notice. We exchanged glances, my eyes knowing that his were asking for my ok to let him put an arm around me. I raised my eyebrows suspiciously then smiled giving him permission. Dan smirked as he nonchalantly wrapped a warm arm around my tiny shoulders.

At that moment everything felt tranquil. Everything felt perfect…like I didn’t have a disgusting secret…like I was starting to fall for a boy I had just met my first night in London…like I everything was fine for once.

“Thank you.” I whispered against Dan’s chest.

Instead of replying he simply rested his head atop of mine, a smile indefinitely planted on his lips. So this is what it feels like to be happy?

It was bound to happen…

I just hope it doesn’t end as quickly as it had started. Everything seemed like one big peaceful blur that was going to abruptly come to a fast halt at any moment, throwing me onto the train tracks.

Just don’t let that happen…

I’m going to try everything in my power to never let this go…this feeling of happiness and tranquility…this feeling of truly liking someone who (so far) wasn’t out to hurt me. Much to my despair the movie eventually had to come to an end. Surprisingly Dan didn’t instantly shoot up; he stayed next to me with his arm still firmly placed around me. We sat like that too for quite some time. Sat in the silence truly enjoying each other’s company…watching fireflies appear then disappear throughout the darkness.

“Guess I should get you home.” Dan finally said, a bit distraught.

I frowned to myself, really not wanting this moment to end. Dan stood then reached his hand out for me. He pulled me up and to my surprise didn’t let go of my hand.

Holy shit.

We walked slower then before, Dan’s arm now draped over my shoulder…his hand still holding onto mine.

“I had fun.” I had no problem saying as I looked up at him.

He looked down at me with a goofy smile.

“Me too.” He agreed with a wink.

Unfortunately walking slowly didn’t stop us from ultimately ending up on the elevator and in front of my door.

“I’ll see you soon right?” Dan asked leaning against my doorframe his index finger wrapped around mine.

“Definitely.” I said cheerfully looking into his eyes.

That feeling you get before kissing was definitely there, but I wasn’t sure if it was really the right time. Truthfully at this point it took all I had not to drag him into my apartment and have my way with him.

“Well g’night.” He said, unwillingly letting go of my finger.

I waved lazily and waited for him to disappear down the hall to shut my door and squeal like a girl.

Don’t forget this feeling…