Chapter 19: My Not-So-Casual Date[1]
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A few hours passed quietly. By now, the sun hung high in the afternoon sky—though it wasn't shining bright.
The clouds had crept in like a soft blanket, casting a grayish tint over Brisden. It wasn't gloomy, not exactly… just a hint that maybe, later, the sky would cry a little.
Inside the Whitmore home, Lily slipped on her shoes at the entryway.
Her little backpack hung on one shoulder, her phone in hand, earbuds dangling from the cord.
"I'm heading to Lima's!" she called out, half-shouting as she waved goodbye.
"Take care, sweetie!" Sarah called back from the living room.
"Don't forget your umbrella!" Emily added, eyeing the sky through the window.
"Yeah yeah," Lily mumbled, flashing a peace sign and slipping out the door.
The house quieted after she left—just long enough for a little spark of tension to slip into the air.
Because in the next few minutes, Luke and Sarah were getting ready too.
Luke stepped out of his room, jacket already on, hair slightly styled. He looked… different. Effortlessly sharp, but in a calm, humble way. Like he didn't know just how good he looked.
Sarah descended the stairs not long after, wearing a soft beige sweater tucked into a flowing navy skirt. She kept it casual—but tasteful. A bit of lip tint, light perfume, and a quiet confidence in the way she walked.
Emily, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, eyed them both like a hawk.
"Where exactly are you two going?" she asked for the third time that noon.
Sarah gave a mysterious smile. "Just out. We won't be too late."
Luke shrugged with a small smirk. "Nowhere dangerous. Don't burn the house down."
Emily narrowed her eyes. "That's not an answer."
"Goodbye, Emily. Take care of the house," Sarah said, patting her gently on the shoulder before heading toward the door.
"Later," Luke added, following close behind.
Emily was left sitting there, mug in hand, watching them go.
She sighed.
They didn't say it, but she could tell.
It wasn't just a casual outing.
They were going somewhere—together.
And a quiet little stab of jealousy twisted in her chest.
Not because she didn't want them to be happy.
Just…
She didn't want to be left behind.
"..."
Outside, the world was beautifully moody. The sky was brushed with soft gray clouds, and the cool breeze hinted at possible rain.
But the air was fresh, alive with birdsong and the scent of morning dew still clinging to leaves.
Luke and Sarah walked side by side, not touching, not saying much at first.
But every step held anticipation.
Their destination: Riverdell.
"[A/N: I know the names Sucks, but I'm not very good at remembering complex ones, so I chose simple, easy-to-remember names instead]"
A charming, mid-sized city just 10 kilometers from Brisden.
Nestled along the winding banks of the Silverpine River, Riverdell was known for its scenic waterfront, cobblestone alleys, and a downtown where old-fashioned cafés sat shoulder-to-shoulder with sleek arcades and neon-lit ramen shops.
It was the kind of place that felt alive, no matter the season.
Where time seemed to slow down—but your heartbeat quickened just from walking its streets.
Perfect for a date.
They waited together at the bus stop. Sarah stood close, just enough that their shoulders brushed when a breeze passed.
Luke glanced sideways at her. Her hair was tied back loosely today, with a few strands dancing in the wind. Her eyes seemed faraway, thoughtful.
"You sure you're okay going out in this weather?" he asked gently.
Sarah looked up and smiled at him—soft, sincere.
"As long as you're with me," she said, "I don't mind a little rain."
Luke looked away quickly, ears turning faintly pink.
The bus arrived.
They stepped on together.
And just like that—the day began.
A day that would change everything.
"..."
The bus ride didn't take long—twenty minutes or so, coasting through the soft edges of Brisden and then out into the open stretches of countryside.
By the time they reached Riverdell, the sky had begun to clear. The earlier gray had peeled back to reveal streaks of blue, and a gentle light spilled over the buildings like a promise.
They stepped off the bus.
Sarah took in the air with a quiet breath, and Luke stood beside her, his heart thudding just a bit faster.
He turned to her, hesitated—then reached out.
"Shall we?" he asked, offering his hand.
Sarah blinked, visibly surprised. There was a flicker of amusement in her eyes, then warmth.
She accepted.
Their fingers laced.
Luke swallowed hard, trying not to show how nervous he was.
Her hand was soft—warm against his. It didn't feel like holding his mother's hand. Not in the way he remembered as a kid. This felt… different.
More adult.
More intimate.
They began to walk.
Their footsteps fell in rhythm as they headed toward Willowlight Pier, a quiet and scenic walkway that ran along the Silverpine River.
Boats floated gently in the water, their sails fluttering in the breeze.
The pier curved out in a long wooden stretch, surrounded by weeping willow trees that swayed like dancers in slow motion.
It was known as a spot for dates—especially among college students or newlywed couples.
And today was no exception.
Around them, young pairs walked hand-in-hand, shared snacks, pointed out birds, or leaned over the railings to take selfies with the water in the background.
It was a weekend, after all—and the kind of afternoon that made you want to slow down and savor everything.
Anyone watching Luke and Sarah from a distance might have assumed they were just another couple in their twenties.
Reason? Easy.
Sarah, with her youthful glow, didn't look like a woman in her thirties at all. Her figure was elegant, her face radiant with a quiet, mature charm. The kind that couldn't be copied—only earned.
Luke, tall and lean, had that boyish gentleness that made people turn for a second glance.
They fit together in a way that didn't need explaining.
As they walked, Sarah gently tightened her hold on his hand.
Luke felt it. The way her fingers curled against his palm, her thumb brushing lightly over his.
He blushed, grateful she wasn't looking directly at him just then.
His own hand felt rougher by comparison—cooler, a little clumsy. But she held it anyway, as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
A small smile touched her lips as she looked ahead.
"Today's turned out lovely, don't you think?" she said, her voice soft over the sound of the water lapping beneath the pier.
"Y-Yeah," Luke replied, glancing sideways. "It really has."
She gave a quiet hum, then added with a teasing lilt, "My sweet Luke invited me on a date, so of course I can relax~"
Luke nearly stumbled over his own feet. "I-It's not like that—I just thought, you know… you do so much for all of us. You deserve a break."
Sarah gave a quiet laugh—warm, musical.
"You're right," she said. "I do deserve it."
She turned slightly toward him, her gaze steady. "But I didn't expect you to be the one giving it to me."
Luke scratched the back of his neck with his free hand, flustered. "Well… someone had to."
They walked further down the pier, the wooden planks creaking gently beneath their steps.
The scent of the river hung in the air—clean and fresh, mixed with hints of sweet roasted chestnuts and caramel popcorn from food stalls at the edge of the promenade.
Luke looked around.
Couples were everywhere.
Some were feeding birds. Some were sharing bites of dango or taiyaki. A few were clearly on first dates, awkward but trying.
Others seemed like they'd been together for years, comfortable in the silence.
He glanced at Sarah again. She was watching the boats in the distance, the sunlight catching in her hair, her expression peaceful.
He couldn't help but wonder how they looked together—if someone was looking from the outside.
Did they look strange?
Or did they look right?
"You know," Sarah said suddenly, "you've changed a lot."
Luke blinked. "Huh?"
"In a good way," she added. "You used to be so quiet. Always in your own world. I thought it was just shyness at first, but… it was more than that, wasn't it?"
Luke looked down at their hands. "Yeah… I guess I was trying to figure things out."
She didn't press further.
Instead, she shifted just a little closer, enough that her shoulder touched his arm.
"I'm glad you're figuring it out," she said.
They reached the edge of the pier. The walkway widened into a lookout point, with benches and an open view of the water.
A few kids were tossing stones into the river nearby, laughing when they made a splash. Further ahead, a street violinist played a slow, sweet melody.
"[A\N: 1500+ Words!! My finger hurt's]"
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By Ecstasy Crown