Brandon and Nataly walked into the ice cream shop. He ordered chocolate, and she ordered vanilla. He paid for the ice creams, and they stepped back outside.
Brandon took a bite of his.
—Mmm… Delicious, isn't it? he asked as they strolled through the park again.
Nataly nodded while tasting hers.
—Yeah, it's not bad.
—After we finish these, we'll go have fun at the amusement park—he winked at her.
—Alright—she kept eating her ice cream.
They sat down together on a park bench.
—So how was your week? Brandon asked.
—Same as always. Wake up, have breakfast, study, go to high school… and spend time with you. How about yours?
—Pretty much the same. School, studying, hanging out with Dan and the others… Speaking of Dan, did you know he's been talking to a girl for a while now?
—I heard some rumors saying he's always around a certain girl, more than usual.
Brandon nodded.
—Yeah. And do you know who she is?
Nataly shook her head.
—Her name's Noemí. She's really shy, so it makes sense you haven't met her.
—Why did he start talking to her? From what I know, Dan never starts conversations, and he almost never talks to people he doesn't know.
—I don't know. Maybe he thought she was interesting, or maybe they knew each other before and just reconnected. He won't tell us.
(He couldn't say it was actually because of a bet—she'd definitely scold him for it.)
—I see. And is it true what they say, that they're always together?
—Well now they talk normally, just like friends. I'd say it's a normal friendship, but you know how students are—they always exaggerate everything.
—You're right. Sometimes they make things way bigger than they really are.
Brandon nodded and finished the rest of his cone.
—Alright. Ready to go have fun?
Nataly finished hers too.
—Yeah, let's go.
They stood up and walked toward the amusement park, keeping a little distance between them. Before they got there, two girls who knew Brandon saw him and came over to say hello.
—Hi, Brandon—said the first girl.
—Oh, hi Camila. Hi Rosa.
—How have you been? Rosa asked.
—Good. You two?
Nataly stayed right by Brandon's side, listening to the whole conversation with a cold, distant look in her eyes.
The three friends kept talking casually, but every now and then the girls felt a little uncomfortable and nervous because of the way Nataly was staring at them.
—Where were you heading before we stopped you? Camila asked.
—Oh, we were going to the amusement park to spend some time together.
Nataly stepped a little closer to Brandon.
—I see. And… do you have plans for Monday? We could go ou—
Nataly grabbed Brandon's arm firmly.
—He does have plans. He's going out with me—she said sharply, cutting her off before she could finish.
Brandon was surprised, but he nodded and smiled.
—Oh… I get it. Well then, we don't want to take up any more of your time. Have a nice day.
—Bye!
Rosa and Camila walked away, a little spooked by Nataly's tone and her cold gaze.
Once they were gone, Nataly sighed in relief.
—Finally. Now can we go to the park without any interruptions?—her grip on his arm tightened just a little.
—Yeah. Let's go.
They started walking again toward the entrance. Nataly had never really known what love or affection felt like… but ever since she met Brandon, she felt more than just love. She felt protective, almost possessive. She wanted to keep him close and never lose him, no matter what.
At the amusement park, they went on ride after ride. Before long, Brandon was laughing so hard he felt dizzy.
Watching him laugh and enjoy himself like that, Nataly's lips curved into a small, soft smile.
Brandon took her hand and pulled her gently.
—Come on, let's go on the bumper cars again!
Nataly let out a quiet laugh and followed him. They had fun just like the happy couple they always were. In moments like this, she could drop her cold, distant act and laugh freely right alongside him.
After a few hours, the sun began to set. Tired but happy, they walked out with big, satisfied smiles on their faces.
—Okay, next up…—Brandon pulled out his phone and suddenly froze—You've got to be kidding me…
—What's wrong?
—I forgot to make a dinner reservation…—he looked down, disappointed.
Nataly cupped his cheeks and lifted his face gently toward hers.
—It's okay. Anyone can forget something like that—she leaned in and gave him a quick, sweet kiss—We can just buy some things and cook dinner together at my house.
(Her parents were home, but they already knew Brandon and trusted him completely.)
Brandon blushed bright red and nodded over and over. This side of Nataly was rare—only for him. She wasn't always this affectionate, but whenever she was, he fell in love with her all over again.
Nataly smiled, took his hand, and they went into a supermarket to buy everything they needed for dinner.
As they walked toward her house, Brandon looked over at a hill nearby.
—Look over there. Do you remember that place?
Nataly glanced toward the hill.
—Oh, right. That's where we used to sit and just enjoy the fresh air and the view.
—Yeah. Wanna go there now?
—Sounds good. Let's go.
They climbed up the small hill, hidden a little by bushes and trees, and sat down on the grass. Right in front of them lay a beautiful view of the nearby city, glowing and sparkling with thousands of lights.
—It's beautiful, don't you think? Brandon asked.
Nataly leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder, admiring the sight.
—Yeah… it's really beautiful. And… it's even more beautiful when I'm with you.
Brandon blushed and smiled, and they stayed there together, watching the view and enjoying every second of the moment.