The Crush - Part IV Just Aimless Flirting

The sun shining no longer held a pleasant connotation for her.  Instead it made her think of several days ago and of the disastrous conversation she had had with Neil.  However today was just such a sunny spring day.  As she walked back from class squinting from the bright rays Neil trotted up to her and proceeded to start up a conversation.  The contents of said conversation seemed unimportant to her, because he was speaking to her at all.  This may not be the end of their friendship after all. 1

The small talk continued and he even seemed to be flirting a little. That could be due to the fact that his attempt to date Addy had failed. That was probably it, and he was probably just looking for some comfort or a distraction.  Either way she flirted back.  What choice did she have? She had to seem friendly and perfectly comfortable.  After the brief conversation they went their separate ways only to meet again online a few moments later. His flirtation seemed increase now and she had to ask what it meant.  His response though expected did not raise her spirits any - It’s just aimless flirting.  2

She lay it to rest and decided that flirting, even just aimlessly is just fine with her.  It was more decided to convince herself of that fact than for any other reason.  But she continued to converse tactfully responding to each flirtation presented, after all this was her art.3

Several nights later, her best friend dragged her out for a stroll with some guys.  She reluctantly agreed to go, only to find out that Neil was one of the guys.  As the group of four walked through a nearly empty park her friend and her date became restless.  They wandered off to be on their own leaving Neil and her alone.  Her mind spun out of control with thoughts. What would she do? She could not handle herself alone with this guy.  She was out alone with the guy of her dreams, and he wasn’t interested.  She sauntered over to a bench nearby trying her best to look elegant.  She sat at one end of the bench and looked over at him expectantly.  She watched him as he strolled over to her and sat beside her.  She mustered up her courage to ask the question that had been on her mind for several days now.  4

“So is this aimless flirting going to lead anywhere? Or just end up at a dead-end?” He looked at her as she spoke and paused in though for a moment after she finished speaking.  He cocked his head to the side as he prepared to respond.5

“I guess we’ll just have to see, won’t we?” This was a sure-fire invite. He was interested in her after all. She gazed into his eyes as she contemplated what this meant, as she thought of how she was being strung around.  Finally she decided, that none of it mattered.  What did matter, however, was the fact that he was hinting, and if she wanted anything she had to take charge.6

After a bit of more conversation he glanced at his watch and realized that it was getting late.  7

“We’d better get going? I’ll walk you back?” This was it, the night would be over and she would not get her chance.  She needed to stop waiting for him to make a move, and do it herself.  She gazed at him as he began to slowly rise from the bench and grabbed him by the hand pulling him back down.  She placed her hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eyes.8

“I am not leaving without this.” She spoke softly and it was hardly audible, although he caught every word.  She leaned in and as she did he tilted his head.  Their lips met in a soft kiss that quickly progressed to a more passionate one.  It only lasted a few moments before she pulled away to look into his shocked yet pleased face and rose from her seat.  He followed in suit and took her hand in his as they walked back.9