Fat Girl Problems

Fat Girl Problem 13: Dates

"Are you sure he doesn't like you?" Cece asked suspiciously.

I shook my head. "What makes you think that?"

"Well, he randomly chooses to protect you, then decides to help you become more confident, and then he spends Thankgiving with you," Cece said. "What guy does all that for just any girl?"

"It's cause I look like a girl he knows," I sighed. "That's all."

I really didn't want to have this conversation because I was right. Connor didn't like me, why would he? I was just an insecure fat girl he took pity on, who happened to look like somone he knew. Wow. The truth really does hurt.

Cece was giving me a skeptical look, so I looked at Thea for help. She wasn't paying attention though, instead she was watching Connor play basketball. I felt guilty because I knew she liked him, so this conversation must bother her.

I decided to change subject, but then Thea squealed, "Oh my god!"

Staring at her confused, I saw that she was looking at someone that wasn't playing basketball. My eyes followed her gaze and I saw Brad walking towards us. He was the guy who was apparently staring at me a while back in Math class.

As he walked towards us, I couldn't help but admit he was attractive. He had black hair that flopped everywhere just right, and eyes that reflected the colour of the sky. As our eyes met, he smiled a charming smile that I knew girls would swoon over. It didn't compare to Connor's smile though.

"Hey Quinn," he said when he reached us.

He didn't acknowledge Cece or Thea, which bothered me. I ignored that though.

"Hey," I responded.

"Look, I think you're really pretty," he said surprisingly shyly for a guy who just radiated confidence. "Do you want to go out this evening?"

My jaw dropped, it literally did. This cute guy found me pretty? Actually no, he wanted to ask me out?

Knowing this had to be too good to be true, I asked, "Is this a joke?"

He shook his head. "Who jokes about this?"

"Trust me, people do," I muttered.

I studied him for a bit. He was cute, and I'd never actually been on a date before so I should go. He doesn't come off as desperate either. This still seemed to good to be true, but it was just a date. I wouldn't die on it.

Eventually I said, "Sure."

He smiled. "Okay, so let's exchange numbers and I'll text you the details later."

I nodded in agreement and we did exactly that. Thea was grinning at me the entire time, but Cece didn't seem so please.

Once he was gone, Cece said, "You're going to break Connor's heart."

I let out an exasperated sigh. "He doesn't like me."

Cece was about to say something, but Thea squealed. "Oh my god! Brad is so cute! You're one lucky girl."

I smiled appreciatively, but I couldn't help but wonder. It seemed like Thea was more excited than me. Was that wrong? Like I was excited - kind of. Maybe it was because I didn't really know him. Hopefully after today that would change.

Ding Dong, went the doorbell. I quickly twirled around in my maroon dress to make sure I looked fine. Even though I wasn't sure if I did, I shrugged and ran downstairs.

"Hey," I said, smiling once I opened the door.

"Hey," Brad responded, smiling as well. "You look amazing."

I blushed and began twirling my now straightened hair.

"Thanks."

He extended a hand towards me and I took it. Fighting back a frown, I walked to his car. I always thought holding someone's hand was magical, but so far it was nothing special. It kind of felt weird actually.

Pushing those thoughts away, I talked about random things with him. Unlike with Connor, it was filled with jokes and never anger. I felt so comfortable around a guy for once. Maybe it'd work out.

In ten minutes we reached a restaurant called Rosie's. My jaw nearly from shock. I loved Rosie's, I honestly did. However, I was kind of afraid to have my first date here. When I ate, it was frightening at times. I was like a vacuum who won't stop sucking. Silently praying, I followed him inside.

"I hope you like this place," he said smiling.

"I love it," I replied honestly.

He smiled wider and took my hand again. I couldn't help but still wonder why it didn't feel right. In the books I've read, holding hands usual felt magical. It was like holding the matching puzzle piece of your hand. I guess it was because we just met. Maybe it took time? I probably was expecting too much too.

In a few minutes we got to our table. After sitting down, Brad said we should eat right away. I agreed despite my nervous stomach. We had to eventually, might as well be now.

Brad and I went our seperate ways to find the food we liked. Rosie's was a buffet, which meant we could eat anything to our hearts content. I chose to get ribs, lasagna, pizza, and salad. My four favourite foods. After getting my food, I went back to our table.

I was disappointed to see Brad already sitting there with less food than me. On his plate he only had pasta and salad. I felt sick knowing I had way more food than him.

"What's wrong?" Brad asked as I sat down.

"Nothing," I lied.

Brad began eating, so I got ready too. I nearly face-palmed myself though. Just then I realized how messy my food was. Sighing, I tried to eat lady-like anyways.

"So, why did you come to Lincoln High?" Brad asked.

"My dad wanted to live somewhere more interesting," I replied, wiping my mouth with a napkin. "So he decided to move here."

He smiled sympathetically. "Do you miss your old home?"

"Not really."

I honestly meant that. I did miss my old friends, but other than that I missed nothing. People were so much nicer here - well thanks to Connor. I really needed to thank him. If it weren't for him people would still be rudely commenting on my fat.

Brad and I continued talking about comical situations we'd been in. It was hilarious and I found myself really enjoying our date. Brad was so easy-going and I didn't feel uncomfortable around him. In fact, I was so comfortable that I gave up on eating lady-like and ended up with sauce all over my face. Surprisingly, he didn't care. He honestly seemed too good to be true.

After an hour we finished eating. Brad drove me home and I couldn't stop smiling. The date was amazing. I'd never felt so satisified with anything.

Brad walked me to my door and we stood there awkwardly for a second. I kind of didn't want the day to end. It was that great.

Eventually Brad said, "I had a lot of fun. Let's do this again."

Awkwardly, I nodded vigurously. I was happy to know he felt the same way.

"Goodbye," he said smiling.

"Goodbye."

My face turned red as I saw him lean in. Oh my god. Oh my god. My mind began to freak out as he inched closer. Before I knew it I ran inside my house. I knew that was extremely rude, but I didn't want to lose my first kiss, not now at least. Sighing, I went upstairs. I hoped that didn't ruin "us". I wanted this to last.