*Jackson's Point Of View*

"Um, Elaine?"

"Yeah, Cody?"

I leaned with my back against the counter next to her as she washed dishes in the sink. "Do you think it'll be okay if I take half of the day off on Saturday?"

"Why? What're you doing?"

"I wanted to hang out with Melissa."

"You see her all the time when you're at Mason's, though."

"But I mean I wanna…take her out…someplace."

After a moment of confusion, sudden realization hit. "Oh! You mean like on a date."

"No," I said defensively, embarrassed. "Just as friends."

"Right," she responded sarcastically, a grin on her face.

"So can I?"

"Sure. But you gotta check with Mason first and make sure it's okay."

*Melissa's Point Of View*

Jackson sat in the booth across from me. He'd taken me to a restaurant after borrowing some money from Elaine. He was now in debt and had to do work around her house to pay for it. So I figured that hanging out with me must be really important to him.

"Hey, Mel?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm not trying to rush you or anything. But Elaine only agreed to let me out of the house if I followed her schedule, and we're supposed to be at the beach in ten minutes. And I really can't afford to get in trouble again."

"No problem. I'm done."

*Jackson's Point Of View*

Melissa and I walked side-by-side by the shore in silence-just looking out at the sunset. I bit my lip, contemplating, then slowly interlocked my fingers with Melissa's. I held my breath. When the girl looked at me, I cleared my throat and pulled away. "Sorry," I mumbled.

We continued our steps in sync. After a moment, Melissa put her small, warm hand in my calloused one, then smiled up at me.

*Melissa's Point Of View*

Jackson followed me to the doorstep. "See ya later."

"Bye." I opened the door, but closed it and turned when he called my name.

"Uh, Mel?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, uh…I wanted to know if you…um…"

"What is it, Jackson?" I asked.

He hesitantly looked into my eyes. "I really…like you…Mel."

Did he just say what I think he just said? "I like you, too, Jackson."

The boy let out the breath that he'd been holding in.

"So…" he started nervously. "Do you think that, maybe, you and me can…um…that you'd want to be my…girlfriend?"

*Jackson's Point Of View*

C'mon. The worst thing she could do is say 'no', right? But I want her to say 'yes'. Please, say 'yes'. Please, say 'yes'. Please, say 'yes'.

"I'd love to, Jackson."

I let go of my breath, watching her intently. After a moment's thought, I slowly and unsurely leaned closer, and Melissa followed pursuit. I closed my eyes when I felt her warm breath, then put my hand on her cheek. Our lips were just about to touch when the front door opened.

Melissa and I quickly pulled apart. I looked away and coughed while Melissa blushed.

"Bye, Cody," Mr. Wu said with a smile.

"Bye, Mr. Wu." I turned to leave. "I'll see you later, Mel."

"See ya, Jackson."

I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear as I walked on the driveway, then down the street towards home. I couldn't wait until the next time I'd see Melissa…my girlfriend.

Thanks to all of my readers, especially jelissalover, Joycelin Hades, f29dwnaddict, leetvfan, and Beware of Dogs.