Love Or Hate

Chapter 22

"Drake! Are you taking me or not? Do you want what happened Monday happen again?" Daniela asked. "No, just wait." Drake hopped out of his room on one leg trying to put on his shoes. "You were lucky mom came early that day." Daniela laughed. "Lucky I am." Drake stuck his tongue out. "Oh yeah, I have a change of plans." Daniela said as she picked up her bag. "A change?" Drake asked. "Yup, you can just drop me off at Felix's house. His mom is going to drive us there and drop us off." Daniela explained. Drake opened the front door and they both walked outside. "Oh alright." Drake sighed. "I seriously thought I was gonna have to go with you all the way there." Daniela laughed. "No." Daniela was wearing a blue tank top with white shorts. She wore black flip flops. Daniela had her bathing suit under her clothes.
          They walked crossed the street. "Hey Daniela, not to ask anything too personal, but who do you like better? Louis or Felix? If you like one better than the other, you shouldn't be having to do this." Drake told her. Daniela thought for a moment. "I like them both equally, but I could never date them both, that is seriously wrong." Daniela sighed. "Louis, he is protective of me and he always wants to help me. He also always tells me how much I mean to him. Felix, he is really sweet and very competitive over me, but he always shows me love and compassion. I really like them both." Drake bit his lip. "But you didn't make this decision, now did you?" "No." Daniela replied. They both kept silent for the rest of the way
           Drake and Daniela made it to Felix's house. "Wish you luck on your first date." Drake winked. He stopped at the sidewalk while Daniela walked up to the door. "Thanks." Daniela smiled. "But no thanks, I'm sure everything will go fine." Daniela knocked on the front door. "I'll get it!" someone shouted from inside the house. The door opened. A tall boy with an orange jersey and jeans opened the door. Daniela's eyes widened. "Oh you haven't changed a bit, neither has your brother. Drake!" the boy waved. Drake looked up, he smiled and waved back. "Michael!" Drake shouted. Drake ran up to the door. "What's up Michael? I haven't seen you in a while." Drake asked. "Nothing much. How about you?" Michael asked. "Same here." Drake laughed.
           "Ah sorry Daniela." Daniela looked behind Michael. Felix was dressed a T-shirt and his orange swim shorts. He wore sandals and his glasses were off. Daniela eyes widened at his look. Felix pushed his way out the door. Felix's mother behind him. "Sorry about my older brother. He can be rude sometimes." Felix apologized. "Your brother has changed since the last I saw him. By that I mean he grew." Daniela said in amazement. Felix laughed. "Same with your brother." Daniela laughed as well, "Kind of." "Kids! Get in the car!" Felix's mom yelled. She was already seated in the van. "We're not kids." mumbled Felix. Daniela smiled. "I think I'll stay over for a little while. If that's alright." said Drake to Michael. "Yeah sure come in." Michael walked inside the house. Drake followed behind him. "Make sure to tell mom!" Daniela shouted to Drake as she hopped into the van. "I will!" Drake shouted back. He closed the door behind him. Felix hopped in the car as well and closed the door.
               Felix's mother drove. Daniela and Felix kept silent for a while. "So how was the test this week?" Daniela finally spoke up, trying to break the silence. "Um it was alright. Kinda got stuck on the math part, I'm not that very good at math, but overall it was okay." Felix replied. "I'm pretty good at math, it's really easy." Daniela smiled. "What I suck is at science." she sighed. "Science?" Felix asked, surprised. "Yes." Daniela nodded. "Science is pretty easy if you ask me, you just gotta study and pay attention I guess." Felix shrugged. "Yeah but I'm too lazy to do that." Daniel slumped. Felix smiled and laughed. "So for every test or quiz you take a guess?" he asked. "Yeah pretty much." Daniela smiled. Felix laughed again while giving a confused look. Daniela laughed with him.
*             *              *              *
            "We're here!" Felix's mother announced. Felix and Daniela jumped out of the car. "Felix do you have everything? Sunscreen lotion, towel, change of clothes like your un-" "Yes mom I have everything." Felix cut off his mother, blushing. "Definitely everything." Felix's mother smiled. "Also, Felix, keep an eye on Daniela. I don't want anything bad happening while I'm gone." she added. Felix sighed, "I know, I know. I'll call you when it's time for you to pick us up. Lets go Daniela." Felix grabbed Daniela's hand and they both walked into the water park entrance.
            "How about we go to the changing rooms and we meet by the gift shop over there?" Felix pointed the the small shack after they had gone through the entrance. "Yeah, seems good to me." Daniela nodded. They split apart and went to the changing rooms.
            Daniela entered a dressing stall. She put down her bag and took off her shirt and shorts. She was wearing a dark red bikini. Daniela had already put on her sun lotion at home. Daniela grabbed her bag and sheepishly exited the stall. She felt uncomfortable in what she was wearing. I can't believe I was forced into wearing this, I feel so awkward and exposed, Daniela thought. So what if mom said it looked cute on me, it doesn't matter! She took a deep breath and walked over to the rentable lockers. Daniela paid for the locker and placed her bag in it. She grabbed her towel out of the bag and locked the locker.
           Daniela left and walked to the gift shop. She kept her towel close to her, embarrassed with her bathing suit. When Daniela made it to the shop, she looked around for Felix. He's not here yet, I wonder why. Daniela decided to wait for him outside of the gift shop. She fidgeted with her towel until two men approached her. "Look Joe, we found ourselves a loner." said one of the men. The other man, Joe, smirked, "And it's a fine looking one as well." Joe examined Daniela's body image. She stared at both of the men, frightened. "Did you come here alone?" Joe asked. "Um . . . well . . . I ah didn't." Daniela stuttered. "Well coming here alone or not, I think we should take her with us, right Nick?" Joe smiled. "Right." Nick smirked. Daniela's eyes widened as the both of the men reached their hands to grab her.
"Daniela!" Felix shouted as he ran over to where she and the two men were. "So this is your companion." Nick smirked. Felix's eyebrow twitched. "Let's go. We wouldn't want to get in trouble." Joe said. "But we'll be back." Joe added. Nick grumpily turned around and left with Joe. Felix and Daniela watched as the two men soon disappeared. "I think we should watch out while we're here. You never know if more or the same pedophiles could came back to get you." Felix sighed. Daniela started to tremble, "That makes me more scared." "Don't worry I will protect you better from now on." Felix smiled. "Also I'm sorry I took so long. I had some trouble with the rentable locker I received. Daniela sighed then smiled, "It's fine. As long as you're here now." Felix blushed, "No wonder those two men came after you, your bathing suit made you cuter." Daniela's face turned red. "Not really." Daniela mumbled. Felix smiled, "Very cute." He hugged Daniela tight. Daniela blushed even harder. "Hey Felix, why did you bring me to the water park instead of any other place you could've taken me?" Daniela asked. "Oh um if you don't want to be here, we can go -" "No that's not it. I was just wondering why the water park." Daniela sighed. "Well it was because the water park seemed fun, it's pretty hot out today, and, not to say anything too selfish and rude but, I wanted to see you on your bathing suit." Felix blushed. "You look prettier, but every time I see you no matter what you wear, you look even more beautiful." he smiled. Daniela thought about Melissa had said. I guess she was right in a way, but he didn't take me for selfish reasons. Daniela smiled. "So where do you want to go first?" Felix asked. "The water slides, the Calm River, or -" "Calm River." Daniela replied. "Alright, let's go." Felix and Daniela walked to the river.
*             *              *              *
"Ah, it feels good to be in water on a hot day." Daniela entered the water. Felix joined in with her in the river. He shivered. "It's still pretty cold in here." Daniela laughed and splashed Felix as they trailed down the river. Felix splashed her back. Daniela began to go ahead of Felix. Felix noticed her moving ahead and tried to catch up. "Oh no, I lost her." Felix whispered as he started to move faster, pushing his way through everyone. Felix soon made it under one of the bridges that goes over the river. Where could she be? "Boo!" Daniela jumped out from under the water. Felix jumped in fright. He put his hand to his chest, eyes wide. "You scared the heck out of me!" Felix shouted. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself." Daniela laughed happily. Felix lowered his eyes and smiled. "I was worried, you shouldn't run away like that." "Sorry." Daniela apologized. Felix sighed, "Its fine, just try not to do that again." "Alright." Daniela smiled. Felix grinned, "Now come on, let’s finish going around the river.” Felix splashed Daniela playfully. Daniela smirked and splashed him back.
*             *              *              *
        Daniela and Felix exited the water. “That was fun.” Daniela said as she picked up her towel and put on her flip-flops. Felix picked up his sandals. “Yeah.” he agreed. “Where to next? Your turn to pick.” Daniela asked. Felix thought for a moment. He looked up. A tall, high water slide caught Felix’s attention. “How about that one?” Felix pointed at the water slide. Daniela’s eyes widened as she looked all the way up. “That one?” Daniel asked. “Yeah. So, you wanna go on there?” Felix smiled. Daniela gulped, “I don’t know it’s pretty high.” “Please.” Felix begged. Daniela bit her lip, “I’m not a big fan of heights.” “You can hang on to me.” Felix suggested. “Um, I’m not sure.” Daniela stared at the water slide. “Oh come on Daniela, just once.” Felix pleaded. Daniela sighed. I know I’m going to regret this. “Alright.” Daniela gave in. “Let’s go!” Felix shouted excitedly. He grabbed Daniela’s hand and pulled her towards the stairway to the top of the water slide.
        Felix and Daniela came up to the front entrance. “This ride is called ‘The Red Sea’.” Felix read out loud. “I wonder why it’s called that.” said Daniela. “We’ll find out soon.” Felix replied, and they walked up the stairs and waited in line.
*             *              *              *
Later, they were seated in a tube. “Keep your bodies in the tube at all times. Any injuries because you have not followed my instructions will be on you, not me.” the worker said plainly. Daniela and Felix looked at each other puzzled. “Ready?” the worker asked. “Yeah!” Felix said excitedly. “I guess.” Daniela replied nervously. “It’s alright Daniela. Just hang on to me.” Felix told her. Daniela held on to Felix. The employee pushed their tube and it zoomed down. Daniela held on tighter to Felix. “Wohoo!” he yelled. “Daniela, open your eyes, look at the water!” She opened one eye and looked at the water. It’s red. The Red Sea, red water. Oh I get it! “We’re gonna drop!” Felix announced. “What?” Daniela asked. Suddenly, they both dropped down quickly. Daniela closed her eyes tightly. SPLASH!
        “You can open your eyes now.” Daniela slowly opened her eyes. Felix stood in front of her, holding his hand out, standing on the grass. “It’s over.” Felix smiled. Daniela took a hold of his hand and stepped up on the grass. “So how was it?” Felix asked. Daniela sighed, “It was alright, except for the fact that we plummeted down seven feet into the water. But yeah it was fine.” “Glad you liked it.” he smiled. Daniela blushed, “I’m glad that you enjoyed yourself. I’ve never seen you so happy.” Felix’s face turned red. Daniela laughed. “So it’s my turn to pick the ride, right?” Felix nodded his head, “Uh, yeah.” “Okay then, let’s go!” Daniela smiled and started to run off. “Hey! Wait for me!” Felix shouted as he ran after her. “I told you not to run off like that!” “I didn't promise.” Daniela laughed.
        “It’s confession time, now isn’t it?” Felix asked as he and Daniela sat outside of the water park waiting for his mom. “Huh?” Daniela replied. “Frank’s exact words, ‘Whomever treats her the best, gives her the best time, and confesses how much they love her, wins.’” Felix informed her. “So I guess I have to confess to you.” Felix and Daniela blushed. “Alright.” said Daniela. “I love you. More than anything in the world.” he smiled. “I know it’s kind of cheesy for me to say that, but it’s true.” Felix laughed awkwardly. Daniela smiled, “No not really.” “But still, being in competition with Louis made me think about how much you mean to me and how I don’t want to lose you. But, if you don’t pick me, I’ll be heartbroken and sad, anyways, that’s how some relationships end up.” he nodded his head, “I just want you to be happy, that’s all.” Daniela blushed. Felix reached to her and whispered in her ear, “Follow your heart, make the right decision, and -” “Felix!” his mom called out. She was waving her hand trying to get Felix and Daniela’s attention. “Oh your mom’s here.” Daniela sighed. “Yeah, come on.” Felix got up and walked towards the car. Daniela followed behind him. She stared at him. Wait a minute, what else was he going to say? Daniela thought as she entered the car.
        Felix’s mother drove off. “So Daniela, did you have a good time?” his mother asked. “Yeah I did.” Daniela replied. “That’s great. And you didn't run into trouble while you were there?” asked Felix’s mother. Felix and Daniela looked at each other. Felix shook his head. “No.” Daniela answered. “I am happy to hear that.” his mother smiled. “That reminds me, it was a good thing we didn’t bump into those pedophiles again.” Felix whispered to Daniela. She nodded. “Yup.”
*             *              *              *
        Drake waited outside as Felix’s mother drove into the driveway. They exited the car and Daniela walked over to Drake. Felix walked with her. Then, Daniela turned and faced Felix. “Thank you so much for the date, it was really fun.” Daniela thanked him. “I’m glad.” Felix replied. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer, but it’s almost dinnertime.” she bit her lip. Felix nodded, “I understand.” “I’ll see you Monday.” Daniela waved to Felix as she and Drake left.
“So how was it? The date.” Drake asked Daniela as they crossed the street. “It was great, we went in the river, on water slides, and other stuff.” she smiled. “That’s good to hear. Now all you have left to do is to go on a date with Louis, am I right?” Drake asked. “Yeah, a date with Louis.” Daniela sighed, “I’m all worn out already. When we get home, I’m going to eat dinner and go to sleep.” Drake patted her head, “I think I’ll do the same, I played too many video games with Michael.” Daniela quickly removed his hand from her head, “Is that all you two did?” Daniela asked. “No we watched TV as well.” Drake replied. Daniela sighed again, “You are so lazy.”