(Extra)ordinary

Chapter 48

WARNING: CHAPTER CONTAINS MILD PROFANITIES

Chapter 48

I decided to go.

I didn't bother to dress up or anything, I just threw on a bunch of comfortable clothes and went into town. I made it a point to be fifteen minutes late, just to be sure that Dakota wasn't planning anything tricky.

My heart literally stopped when I read the message on the puzzle. He even had the cheek to ask me out again? After all that he had done?

After all, the only reason why I was going was because I wanted to clarify things. It was a night that could mend or break our relationship.

I had had a wonderful birthday so far with my Amber and Elle. Elle came over with a present for me and when I unwrapped the thing, I could not believe my eyes. She actually bought me exercise clothing.

"Are you serious?" I had asked. "You do know that I'll probably never wear this, right?"

"That's why it's my job to make sure you do!" She had said with a smug smile.

Even though I was still mad at Elle for being with Dakota, I couldn't help but feel thankful that she had made an effort to get me to start working out.

When I finally made it to The Pizza Palace, I strolled in and looked around. It was relatively empty, with the exception of some other couples. The ambience was largely romantic, what with the dim lights.

I shrugged out of my coat and hung it in the hanger provided. I spotted Dakota, who was swirling his drink with his straw. He was staring into the drink.

I made my way down the aisle to the table. Dakota was so preoccupied with the drink that he didn't notice my arrival.

I cleared my throat as I stood beside the table. "So, have you, uhm, found out how many seeds the lemon in your drink has?"

Dakota's head quickly snapped up when I talked. He stood up and smiled.

"Anna. You decided to come."

Before he could continue further, I cut in. "Yeah, just to clear things up between us."

He shrugged and stuck out his right hand. "Happy birthday."

I awkwardly shook his hand and took a seat. He did the same and started to rummage through a bag.

"This is for you." He said. When I raised an eyebrow, he added, "Your birthday present."

"You shouldn't have. It's just a birthday, you'll celebrate it every year." I blabbed.

"You're not going to be seventeen every year," he stated.

I waved his comment off and stared at the nicely wrapped little blue box that sat in front of me. When I made no move to open it, he spoke up and prompted me to do so.

Part of me was afraid that I would cave in after I see his gift and that I would totally forget why I was at The Pizza Palace on my birthday with Dakota. I wanted to keep my purpose clear: to clear things up. I didn't want to be biased towards or against him, just because of a birthday present.

The other part of me was dying to know what the present was, which was the irony of the whole situation.

"I'll open it later when I get back," I said, not wanting to look into his eyes.

I barely caught the remorse on his face when I glanced up to meet his gaze. He forced a smile. "S-sure then."

An air of awkwardness filled the air and I desperately looked around for a menu to keep me occupied. When I spotted it on the other side of the table, I grabbed it a little too quickly. I yanked open the menu and started leafing through the pages, though I wasn't looking at anything in particular.