Anthony’s P.O.V

Today was the day. Today, you have too. She won’t think you’re an idiot. Or a creep. Or a weirdo. Just do it!  

All these things ran through your head at a mile per minute. Your heart was pounding inside your chest, threatening to break free. Your palms were sweaty. You went to the store last night and got some flowers, a cake, and some sandwiches. You knew it was her birthday, so this shouldn’t be weird. Ok, here goes nothing. 

DING DONG!!! You held your breath as you heard footsteps come to the door. The door opened and there stood her, the girl of your dreams. River. 

“Anthony! What are you doing here?” She asked. Gosh, her eyes sparkle when she is happy. 

“I, um.. I remembered it was your birthday, so I..uh I…” Gosh Anthony, SPEAK! “I prepared a picnic for us to share. In the park.” I said. I looked at her, and she looked so delighted. 

“Oh, Anthony! You didn't have to do that! Hold on, I’ll be right there.” she said. She closed the door, and I waited by my car. 

I can’t believe she said yes. I can’t believe I actually got it out. I just hope my plan doesn’t go completely wrong. It was the first day of Spring, and it was magnificent. It was at least 65 degrees, and all the trees and flowers had already started to blossom. It was just marvelous. 

River’s P.O.V

I have been waiting for him to do something like this forever! Ever since fifth grade, when he stood up for me to those bullies, I knew we had something. I just didn’t know if he felt the same. Well, I hope he asks.

 She calmly walked upstairs to get changed. She didn’t have many things to wear, because winter just ended, and she hadn’t gone shopping yet. But she found a sunflower yellow blouse, light blue jeans, and a white jacket.

She walked out of her room and went downstairs into the kitchen. “Mom! I’m going to the park with Anthony!” she called. “Ok, have a good time, sweetie!” her mom called back. She smiled and walked out of the house. 

Gosh, I hope he likes it. She thought, as she walked towards him and his 2018 Cruze Chevrolet.

“So, are we just going to sit here and wait for you to catch a fly in your mouth, or are we going to go to your picnic.” He blushed then opened the door for me.

 I climbed in and sat down in the passenger seat. He closed the door. He then proceeded to the drivers seat, climbed in, and closed the door. He started the car and we were off to the park.

Anthony’s P.O.V

My gosh, why do you have to be so beautiful? He thought as he drove them to the park. When she walked out in that yellow blouse and blue jeans, he thought he could faint right then and there.

Luckily, he didn’t. They talked a little on the drive there, but there really wasn't anything to talk about. So they mostly sat in silence.

“Hey, did you get that math assignment done?” she asked me. I smiled. “Yes, I actually did. Why? Do you need to borrow?” her cheeks flushed red. “N-no I just wanted to know.” he chuckled, but kept driving.

Soon enough, they came to the park. All the trees were blooming so it looked really cool. There was a slight breeze, but he was almost certain it wouldn’t bother them. He ran to the other side of the car and opened it for River. 

River’s P.O.V

She was amused by all Anthony’s good manners. He’s so cute when he’s nervous. She watched as Anthony grabbed a blind fold. Her eyes widened and he stepped towards her. 

“Do you trust me?” he asked. She was shocked, but she did trust him. She hesitantly nodded, and Anthony went behind her. She closed her eyes and he slowly lowered the cloth over her eyes. He tied it over her eyes and took her hands in his.

“I’m going to lead you to where we will be eating, ok? Keep your eyes closed and don’t move the blind fold. She nodded. I hope this is worth it. She thought.

She felt a tug on her hand and she started to walk forward. It felt like 20 minutes before they got to where they were going.

“Are you ready to see what I have prepared for you?” Anthony whispered in her ear. She nodded, eager to get the blindfold off of her eyes. He put his hand on the cloth and slowly lifted. It took her a few seconds to get adjusted to the light, but when her eyes did, she gasped.

There was a little grove, surrounded by trees with blossoming pink, white, and red flowers. In the middle, there was a traditional red and white checkered picnic blanket with a picnic basket on it. It was just so breathtaking, it took her a few moments to speak.

“Anthony?! You did this all for me? How did you get the time?” he smiled, but was blushing at the same time. He began to explain, but I wasn’t listening. I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts. My gosh, he looks so fricken cute! Wait, do I actually like Anthony? Ew! He’s my best friend, I'm not supposed to like him! He probably doesn’t like me. Or does he? What if he does! Oh my gosh, stop talking to yourself and pay attention to him!

Anthony’s P.O.V

“Anthony?! You did this all for me? How did you get the time?” River said, breathless. “Well, I knew it was ur birthday today, so yesterday, I went to the store and got all this, to wish you a happy birthday. I knew that your family didn’t really celebrate birthdays, and I knew you didn’t agree with that, so I thought, for you 16th birthday, I would celebrate your birthday with you, properly. So, I have prepared a picnic for us. What do you think?” I looked into her eyes, waiting for a response. She looked up at me.

“Uuhhh, I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. Could you just repeat everything you just said?” River asked, blushing really hard. He laughed. “Lets just eat.” She nodded and let him pull her to the blanket.

No ones P.O.V

They started to pull out all of the food. Anthony would pull out the food and hand it to River. River would then proceed to find a place to set the food down. When all the food was out, they looked at each other. 

“Anthony?” River said, looking at everything in front of her, slowly sliding towards Anthony. “Yes River?” he said, looking over at her, concern clear in his deep grass green eyes. They made eye contact, clear blue and grass green almost making a world of their own. And then they did something that surprised them all. They kissed. It wasn’t needy, just sweet. 

They broke apart. “A-Anthony?” River said, blushing. “Before you say anything, I want to ask you something.” Anthony said, trying and failing to keep from blushing. River nodded. “River Denice Tidal, I have liked you for the longest time. We have known each other all our lives, but it wasn’t until junior high that I finally realized just how much you mean to me. I wanted to ask you out for a while now, I just didn’t know how to. 

“But now, I know how to ask. River, will  you go out with me?” Anthony finished, looking up at her, praying she says yes. River is momentarily speechless. He...likes me. He really likes me. I can’t believe it! He really feels the same about me! This is the greatest day of my life! She thought.

“Yes” she whispered. “Wh-what did you say?” Anthony said, looking at her with disbelief. “I said yes. I would love to go out with you, Anthony. I… I liked you too in junior high, but as best friends, I wasn’t sure how you would react if I told you. I tried to cut off those feelings for you, thinking No way in heck he would like me! We are best friends! And best friends shouldn’t like each other! I had no idea you liked me back.” River said. When she was done, she looked up at Anthony. He was staring at her. Then he leaned in and kissed her again.

“River, I love you.” He said. She gulped. “I love you too, Anthony.”

THE END