| �Oh my god, Mera � have I got plans for you!� She had said repeatedly the day before. She outlined the whole dating experience � what to expect, what not to, and to do. Responses to frequently asked questions, and everything else. The pretty brunette had dated for many years, on and off with boys who were jocks, science freaks, and even chess club members. If anybody could be qualified as an expert on dating, Jeff Cavanaugh at 16 could be that person. That morning, Mera had made sure Pacey was out before leaving the house. She knew every Saturday he went to visit the members of the family he still communicated with � usually for at least a few hours. Mera figured that since Pacey had not been in to check on her that morning � and had not come to ask if she wanted to come along � she was safe. He was probably still spooked over their argument the night before, and didn�t want to push things. And if anything could be said about Pacey in a fight, it was that he definitely provided ample stewing time. In previous less dramatic squabbles, he always let Mera walk away angry � and let her be alone to herself until she decided to be social. By doing so, he made the decision hers � gave the power over. Upon nearing the fountain at downtown Capeside�s marina � Mera could see Vartan sitting against a brick column. He was dressed down, wearing casual slacks and a light blue plaid shirt. When he caught sight of Mera approaching, he stood up. The expression on his face was one that confused her. As she got closer she could tell that he was nervous � more nervous than she felt. He kept clenching and unclenching his hands, brushing one back through his neatly styled hair. Approaching from the other side, Mera spotted Jeff. She had on a summer dress, light and airy. She carried with her a small brown purse, and had gigantuous cowboy boots on her feet. Leave it to Jeff to create her own style. The large smile on Jeff�s face made Mera�s heart slow. She focused on that, instead of Vartan�s odd behaviour. Perhaps he was nervous � and realizing this (in effect, making himself extra nerved up). Or perhaps he�d never dated before either, and was worried about the outcome. Or maybe he realized he�d made a mistake in asking her out, and was going to tell her this. No. No scenarios that were bad � no possible negative outcomes. Not today. �Hey, Mera.� She�d reached Vartan before Jeff approached. He had almost appeared to have bowed his head, when speaking. Before she could reply, Jeff reached the two of them. �Hello, guys!� She said, ecstatically. �Ready for some fun?� Mera glanced at her. She felt her nerves kick in, felt something in her stomach grow tight. Maybe inviting Jeff hadn�t been such a grand idea afterall. Maybe she wouldn�t be able to take a hint and leave Mera with Vartan. Maybe she would ruin everything! No. No negative thoughts. She couldn�t let her emotions get the best of her, couldn�t allow herself to be sucked into this. Taking a deep breath, she said, �Hi Jeff. How�s your morning?� �Alright,� Jeff replied. She caught Mera�s eye and waggled her eyebrows. �What time�s your movie?� �11:15,� Mera replied. She glanced over at Vartan, who hadn�t spoken a word since his initial greeting. His hands were still moving at 100 miles an hour. �Why so glum?� Vartan suddenly came to face her. He stood close, within arms length of her. He looked up, his dark eyes meeting hers. For a split second, Mera saw guilt and reluctance within them. �Mera,� he began quietly. �I�ve got to tell you something.� Mera�s heart sped up again, and simultaneously her stomach dropped. Here it comes. The speech. The �I don�t actually like you,� and �this is a huge mistake� spiel that would surely break her heart. Her temper flared. �Vartan�� �No. I really need to tell you this. I�m sorry, I � I don�t know how to say it, though. When you called yesterday to say we were on, I was so happy. I mean, I�ve thought about asking you out since we first met. But � I never got up the courage until this week. I was so happy�� �And now you aren�t?� There was no hiding the bitterness in her tone. �God no, Mera. I still am � happy I asked. But, I was kind of curious as to why Pacey would change his mind so quickly. If he�s anything like Doug � I knew it wasn�t likely. So � I called him.� �You what?� �I � this morning, I just wanted to make sure he was okay with us going on this date. I mean, I really like you, Mera. I didn�t want to have Pacey resenting me right off, before we�d even had a chance.� �You suck!� Tears sprung to her eyes. �You went behind my back � to check up on me?� �No. No, I � I just wanted to be sure, Mera. I�m sorry, but Pacey told me what happened�� �He what?� �He � said you�d had an argument. He told you no. You lied to me.� �And you didn�t trust me. God, Vartan, this really pisses me off.� Mera�s voice was rising. People passing by were trying their hardest not to stop and stare their way. |
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