A Not-A-Date Date.
Dawn Anderson - September 6th, 2025
Today, Raine and I were finally having our not-a-date date, and I wanted to make sure I looked good for her. We were supposed to have dinner last week after the previous auditions, but she had to take a raincheck because of a family emergency. So, we rescheduled for today, and I was anxious to see her again.
Had I just seen her two days ago at rehearsal? Yes, but ever since running into her a month ago, she has been taking up space in my mind. She’d left such an impression on me that I felt like I was having withdrawals when she wasn’t around. From her adorable laugh and cute reactions to how easily she fit into my arms, I was obsessed with her in the healthiest way possible.
But I could tell that she’d been hurt many times before. Hell, she’d said as much in our conversations, so I understood why she was taking her time when it came to fully opening up to me. I’d wait as long as she needed me to because I was serious about everything I had told her. Ididwant to be in her corner forever, because she was slowly becoming one of the most important people in my life.
I enjoyed every second we were able to talk, whether in person, by text, or on FaceTime. I loved getting to know theRaine that was more than just a bomb ass dancer. She was kind and considerate, and wore her heart on her sleeve. Every day I woke up, I was grateful to experience that side of her because I knew she didn’t show it to people often.
“How do I look, Devin?” I ask as I step into the living room.
They looked up and took in my outfit. They were home for the weekend because they were feeling a little homesick. Since their university was about an hour away, I dropped everything and headed to Lafayette to pick them up – no hesitation.
“You look nice,” they nod, munching on a bowl of popcorn. “Where are you going?”
“Just to get dinner with a friend.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, they set the bowl down and hopped up from the couch. I watch in confusion as they shuffle over to me with a Kool-Aid Man smile. They looked more excited about the dinner than I was.
“You have a date?!” they ask excitedly.
“It’s not a date,” I inform them. “It’s just dinner with a friend.”
“A friend? Rightttt,” they chuckled. “Let me ask you this: are you attracted to this friend?”
“Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?”
“Dawn, you never get this dressed up when you’re just going to hang with Sammie and Esmé. This person must be important. You’re even wearing your favorite chain. You never wear that anywhere because you’re afraid you’ll mess it up.”
My hand instinctively travels to the chain around my neck. It was gold with a small “D” pendant attached. It was the last gift I received from my grandpa, right before he passed ten years ago, so I cherished it, often keeping it in the box. Devin was right. I rarely wore it except for special occasions, and this was definitely one of them.
“True,” I reply as I straighten the chain on my neck. “We're still in the early stages of getting to know one another, but, you know, she’s special.”
“Special how?”
“Like…she’s constantly on my mind whenever we’re apart. I think about her laugh, her smile…the way she feels in my arms,” I smile and nod. “You’re right. She is important to me, and I want her to be mine, you know? Still, technically it’s not an official date, but I have to admit, I do want her to be mine.”
“That’s sweet,” they smile before hugging me. “She sounds amazing, and I can’t wait to meet her one day. If she makes you happy, that’s all I care about.”
“Thanks, Dev,” I reply. “Speaking of someone making someone happy, how’s it going with you and your new little friend?”
They blush and try to hide their smile, but I tease them a bit more before they finally open up about how things were going great. Last week, they joined their school’s gaming club and instantly clicked with another freshman. They’d told me how much they got along and how they had all these things in common. They’d even gone to get lunch and dinner together a few times.
I asked Devin if they had thought about taking things to the next level, but they admitted they were taking things slow, which I respected. I loved getting to witness my sibling get excited about meeting new people. They were usually introverted but hoped that going to college would help them come out of their shell. So far, it seemed to be working out just fine.
We talked for a little while longer until it was time for me to head out. I said bye to my parents and Devin before heading out to my car. It only took me about twenty minutes to reach the address that Raine had sent me, and I admired the one-story suburban bungalow as I pulled into the driveway.
The house was a soft yellow color with a black, shingled roof and a pale green door. As I climbed out of my car, I took in the neighborhood around me. Everyone had perfectly kept lawns and beautiful flowers decorating their yards. It looked like a scene from a movie, from the porch swings on a few of the porches, down to the white picket fences.
“Damn, I know for sure the HOA is something serious around here,” I said to myself as I walked up the path to the front door. I knocked a few times and waited patiently.
Within seconds, the door swung open, and a kid, probably about three or four, appeared. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked me up and down. She seemed a bit familiar, like I’d seen her before, and I’m sure it’s from some pictures that Raine showed me. Was she her niece?
“Uh, hi? Is Raine here?” I say, finally breaking the silence.
“What do you want with my TeeTee?” she asked, and I smiled politely.
