A Hundred Dates

Rijing

"A...date?"

"Yeah."

"Who is it this time?"

"You know...that girl that's always looking at me? Jo?"

"Ah...alright."

"Thanks! You're the best! See you later!"

I've never quite understood why I would agree to go on dates with him when I would refuse the offers of so many others. Sure, Ed was my childhood friend, but that's hardly an excuse. I don't remember when it started. Probably sometime between eighth grade and high school. One day, he just asked me out of the blue, and, startled, I agreed after hearing his reason. It never occurred to me that I was being used... well... okay, it did, but I didn't really mind. As long as he was happy.

A few dates here and there and it almost became a sort of tradition. To us, that is.

Then during senior year, Ed asked me out more frequently. I didn't question him anymore, though I was alittle surprised. It was almost as if we were a couple. The day before we graduated from high school, Ed asked me out on one last date. And of course, being me, I agreed.

But it was different this time. When he came to pick me up, I could sense his anxiety. The atmosphere around him was different.

"Hi! So, where are we headed?"

He hesitated. "A restaurant."

I nodded and got into his car. I was quite eager if I do say so myself.

At the end of the day, we relaxed in a park near my house. It was peaceful...and quiet. Until Ed spoke.

"Bella?"

"Hmm?" I turned to look at him.

"What do you think about me?"

I didn't know how to answer his question. So I kept my mouth shut. I guess he didn't expect an answer, because he kept talking.

"You know when I first asked you out and made that lame excuse? I lied."

I stared at him.

"I saw you turning all those boys down and I just didn't have the courage to ask you."

I stayed silent.

"I really like you."

As soon as those words came out of his mouth, I knew why I agreed to go on all those dates with him. I liked him. A lot. By this time, my face was heated and I knew I just had to be blushing. I would be abnormal not to be. A guy just confessed to me for Pete's sake!

"Bella?"

I looked at him and realized he was smiling.

"Did you know that this was our one hundredth date?"

I blinked a few times and shook my head, my voice gone.

"I made a promise to myself. If I could get you to go out with me a hundred times, I would tell you how I really feel. And so, I did."

He paused, as if waiting for my answer. When he didn't receive one, he stood up.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

As he started to walk away, I could feel my heart breaking.

"Ed!"

He stopped and turned to look at me. I avoided eye contact.

"Haven't you ever wondered why I agreed to go on dates with you but refused everyone else?"

"Well, I figured since I was your best friend..."

I shook my head.

"You're still a boy." I pointed out.

Then it dawned on him. I nodded.

"I really, really like you."

He seemed shocked. Surprised, even. I could tell.

"Why?"

I shrugged. "Do I need a reason? Did you need a reason?"

We smiled at each other and I just couldn't stop the feeling spreading throughout my entire body.

And after that, it's quite obvious. Just choose the ending you think is best. In your head.