A Date to Remember

Deliah sat in the living room, her eyes fixed on the heartwarming scene unfolding before her. Alex was showering Sarah with affection, tenderly brushing her hair and holding her hand with a gentle touch while whispering sweet words in her ear. Deliah couldn't help but look away, feeling a pang in her chest.

"Why does he treat her like that?" Deliah thought to herself. "He never did that with me."

The feeling of heartache intensified, and she decided to step away before her emotions overwhelmed her. She fought back the urge to cry and hurriedly made her way to her room, not wanting Alex and Sarah to see her in such a vulnerable state.

Later, as they gathered in the kitchen for a meal, Deliah attempted to hide her emotions by focusing on her plate. But when Sarah invited her to stay and eat together, Deliah hesitated, her inner turmoil evident in her eyes.

"I think I'll eat in my room," Deliah said, trying to sound nonchalant as she gathered her dishes and cutlery.

Sarah's face dropped a little, and she pleaded with Deliah to stay. "Come on, Liah, it won't take long. Just half an hour. Please?"

Deliah looked down, feeling the weight of her emotions. "Actually, I can't," she murmured softly, trying to hold back tears. "I'll eat in my room."

As Deliah closed the door to her room, a wave of emotions washed over her. She couldn't bear to face her sister now, not when every glance at Sarah reminded her of the love she saw between Alex and her. She craved that kind of love for herself, and it hurt.

On the other side of the door, Alex sensed that something was amiss. "Hey," he said gently, a frown on his face as he looked at Sarah.

It had been a week since they had announced their relationship, and Deliah had learned about it then. The situation was delicate, and Alex was trying his best to navigate it without causing further pain.

Sarah's smiles had been few and far between ever since the rift between her and Alex. He had tried earnestly to mend the bond between the sisters, yet he couldn't escape the fact that he was the source of their initial pain. Self-reproach weighed heavily on him, manifesting in countless sighs and temple-rubbing gestures.

"If only I hadn't accepted Deliah. If only I had recognized my feelings from the start. If only I hadn't been so oblivious," he lamented.

As he looked into Sarah's puffy, red eyes once more, a part of him felt as though it was crumbling inside. Gently, he reached out and tugged her arm, drawing her close against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, finding solace in the scent of her hair.

"Alex?" Sarah's voice was muffled and curious.

In response, he let out a small sigh and pressed a tender kiss to her temple.

"Please don't cry anymore," he pleaded softly, his heart aching at the sight of her tears. "It kills me when you do."

Sarah managed to wriggle out of his embrace, forcing a sunny smile onto her face, trying to mask her true feelings.

"I'm fine now," she insisted, though Alex saw through her facade.

Flicking her forehead playfully, he responded, "No, you're not. And we're going to do something about it."

Taking her hand, he led her to his car, and she followed, curiosity furrowing her brow.

"Alex, I thought we were going to the library together," Sarah inquired. "It's just down the road, we don't need to drive."

"That's because we aren't going to the library," Alex replied, a mischievous grin on his face. Opening the car door for her, he motioned for her to get in.

Sarah entered the vehicle, her heart still racing whenever Alex flashed that endearing, goofy smile.

"We're going on a date," he declared firmly.

"A date?" Sarah echoed, surprised by the unexpected proposition.

"Yes," he affirmed, nodding. "We've been together for a week, liked each other for even longer, but we haven't been on a proper date yet. As an official boyfriend-girlfriend, I want to change that."

With that, Alex drove off, leaving Sarah to glance back at her house, her gaze lingering on Deliah's window, her mind swirling with a mix of emotions and thoughts.

"But-" Sarah began to protest.

"She has to learn, Sarah," Alex murmured. "And you have to, too."

"Me?" Sarah twirled around to face him, her astonishment evident. "What do I have to learn?" She huffed, feeling a bit defensive.

Alex gave her a small smile. "Living for yourself."

"Alex..." Sarah was left speechless, not expecting that response.

"Okay. Okay. I've got to calm down," she said, fanning herself as she struggled in her long diver's suit. "Alex, have I ever told you that you're the most romantic guy on earth?"

Alex chuckled in amusement and playfully flicked her forehead. "No, but I don't mind hearing it," he mused. "And most girls wouldn't think this is romantic either."

Sarah gave him a look to show that she wasn't like most girls. She beamed around her as the sound of water splashed, and children's laughter filled the air. She couldn't keep the smile off her face—a drastic change from her previously forced smiles.

"Oh, Alex..."

Taking her hand, Alex led her to the trainer who was waiting for them with a smile. "Hi, this is Alex and Sarah?" the man greeted them warmly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Dolphin trainer, Leo Declan." His voice had a slightly airy and high tone, fitting for someone working closely with dolphins.

"Hi," Sarah bit her lip to contain her excitement. She looked out at the reserve and saw three dolphins having the time of their lives as one of the trainers played with them using a ball. One of the dolphins balanced the ball on its nuzzle and leaped into the air, turning a full round before diving back into the water.

"Wow," Sarah whispered in awe. "You mean we can... we can touch them?" she squeaked with excitement.

Leo chuckled. "Touch and even kiss them if you want to," he said, signaling for them to follow. "Come on, we'll disinfect your hands, and then we can start the interaction session.

Alex beamed with delight as he watched Sarah follow Leo with evident excitement. He was proud of his decision to bring her here. Sarah wasn't like any other girl who settled for ordinary mall trips and bland chick-lit. She deserved extraordinary experiences, even if it meant digging a deep hole in his wallet. He had no intention of letting his dad find out about the expense though.

As they approached the water, Leo encouraged Sarah to touch the dolphins. Alex playfully warned, "Touch the dolphins all you want, Sarah. But remember, your lips are mine."

Sarah shot him an amused look, teasingly asking, "You're jealous of dolphins?"

Alex grinned, observing the adorable creatures. "Hm, look at them. It's hard to find someone cuter than me, but..." he trailed off playfully.

Sarah played along, tapping her chin as if pondering. "Hm, you're right. I think I'm going to rethink my choice of a boyfriend."

Alex bumped her shoulder, rolling his eyes with a smile. "Come on, you know you wouldn't trade me for any dolphin."

Leo interrupted their banter, reminding them about meeting Mimi. Sarah rushed over and crouched beside Leo, her eyes widening in awe at the sight of the dolphin by the poolside. Alex joined her, surprised at the creature's size; it was even larger than him. But what fascinated him most was its adorable face.

Leo introduced the dolphin as Mimi and whistled, prompting Mimi to tilt to the side and lift its fin out of the water, waving it around while emitting a high-pitched squeak.

"So cute!" Sarah exclaimed, which was a rare occurrence since Sarah hardly ever squealed. Alex smiled warmly, waving back at Mimi. "Hi Mimi~"

Leo chuckled and motioned for them to crouch closer to the delightful creature.

"You can touch her forehead if you want, but make sure to approach slowly and let her see your hands first. Gain her trust before attempting to caress the top of her head," advised the dolphin trainer. Sarah and Alex inched closer, their hands extended to touch the dolphin's snout. "Feels like wet rubber," Alex exclaimed in awe. Sarah nodded in agreement and smiled at the dolphin. "Mimi, can I touch the top of your head?"

Sarah glanced at Leo, the dolphin trainer, who nodded in approval. Tentatively, she reached out and tapped the top of Mimi's head, letting out a soft gasp. "Alex, look into her eyes. It's like she has feelings."

"Of course she does," Leo smiled. "And it seems like she likes you two." The dolphin squealed as Leo pretended to lean over and speak to her. Mimi responded by rising out of the water and making playful sounds. "Oooh, she says you two look good as a couple."

"She didn't!" Sarah laughed. "You're teasing!"

"Nuhuh, I can talk to dolphins, didn't I tell you that?" Leo playfully dived into the water. "Come on, Mimi, let's show off some tricks for the sweet couple, shall we?"

"Thank you for today, Alex. I can't express my gratitude enough," Sarah said, biting her lip, her eyes shining. "And I have no idea how much you spent on something like this. Please don't do it again!"

Alex smiled and ruffled her hair, pulling her close. "It doesn't matter. Your happiness is worth it. Are you smiling now?"

Sarah's expression softened, and she leaned against his shoulder. "I don't deserve you," she whispered. "You're perfect."

"No, I'm not," Alex shook his head, almost laughing at the idea. "I'm far from perfect. But because you think I am, I know you love me." He kissed the top of her head. "Now, it's getting late. Go inside, and I'll call you tonight."

Sarah nodded and tiptoed to kiss his cheek. She waved goodbye and almost skipped to the door. Alex felt gratified to see that the surprise he had prepared had worked well. "And?" Sarah looked back curiously.

"I love you," Alex murmured.

"I love you too," Sarah replied with a smile.