Brian looked over at Mariah in the passenger seat. She had fallen
asleep and her soft brown hair had fallen on her face, lightly covering it. She
looked so peaceful and that set a calmness in Brian's heart. No matter what, he
couldn't, and wouldn't, let anything happen to this fragile creature.
Brian thought back to what happened that day. He was so surprised
to see her at the beach, yet, not surprised at the same time. She had mentioned
that she loved to go to the beach, but he had never expected to see her there.
She was so kind and gentle to AJ when she helped clean the small wound on his
forehead. It seemed that he not only had a bruise, but a small cut as well. AJ
had offered to buy dinner, but he meant only for Mariah. The rest of the guys
had to pay for themselves.
"What a cheap guy," thought Brian, smiling at the
incident.
After they had eaten dinner they decided to go up to Nick's place
to hang out. Mariah hesitantly accepted the invitation. She was worried at how
late she would get home. Also, her car was still parked at the beach. Brian
assured her that he would drive her to pick up her car.
Everyone had a blast that night. They went down to the little
beach by Nick's house and played in the water. They played a little basketball,
and when it got a little cold outside, they went inside and played with Nick's
Playstation and N64. Mariah hadn't had so much fun in a long time.
Brian remembered the easiness in Mariah's smiles, she had so much
fun. He had to thank the guys for making her feel so comfortable. They included
her into everything and she seemed to be a part of the 'family'.
Brian's thoughts were interrupted when Mariah began to stir.
"Hey, sleepy head. You're awake."
"Mmm...that was a nice nap," said Mariah. "I'm
exhausted."
"I'll say, you did so much today." replied Brian
smiling.
"No kidding!" exclaimed Mariah. "Don't you guys
ever get tired?"
Brian just smiled and kept on driving.
Finally they arrived at the beach where they had met up before.
"Here we are. See, your car is safe and sound."
Mariah stretched and yawned. "Thanks a lot Brian. I
appreciate it."
"No problem."
Brian watched as Mariah got out of the car and walked to her own.
Brian rolled down the window.
"So, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"
Mariah thought for a while. "No, I guess not." She
paused, smiled, then said, "I've got an idea. Why don't you and the rest
of the guys come to my house tomorrow? Maybe we could have a barbecue for
dinner."
"That sounds good. I'm sure the guys will be okay with it.
They never pass up a barbecue."
Mariah laughed. "All right then, it's settled, my house
tomorrow around 5:30."
"Okay, see you then!"
"Okay, good night, Brian."
"Good night, Mariah."
Mariah smiled and got into her car and with one last wave, she
drove off.
After seeing Mariah leave, Brian made his way home. He smiled once
again at everything that had happened that day. He had such a good time and
tomorrow seemed to be a promising day.