“Stacy, what did you want to talk about?” asked Chad.
“I wanted to ask something. Chad, would you officially be my boyfriend?” asked Stacy.
“What do you mean by boyfriend? Does that change anything between us?” asked Chad.
“No, it doesn’t change anything between us. We will still be the same great friends we already are. However, I think we should seriously consider spending the rest of our lives together. It solves several problems,” said Stacy.
“What do you mean by problems?” asked Chad.
“I have two problems. The first is that my dad and I just had a fight over you. He disagrees with what you are teaching the children about the Bible. Because I fully support what you are doing, he accuses me of being in love with you and taking your side because I am blinded by my feelings. Second, I am tired of church women trying to hook me up with their sons or having guys like Luke repeatedly ask me out on a date when I have made it very clear I am not interested. It would be convenient if people already knew I had a boyfriend,” said Stacy.
“So, are you in love with me, or is it just socially convenient for people in town to think we are together?” asked Chad.
“I’m gonna be real with you, Chad. I have never met a Christian as true as you. You spend every second thinking about the right move both in Chess and in life by asking what Jesus would do. If I am falling in love with you, it is because of the person you are and who you have chosen to be. I do love you, but I am not sure in what way. I only ask that we explore where this goes,” said Stacy.
“And if something goes wrong, will it ruin our friendship?”
“What could possibly go wrong, Chad? But I promise you that if all else fails, we will remain friends, and I still want to help you explore what it means to be a true Christian and teach the children with you.”
Chad and Stacy had been talking so long that they completely forgot Matt was still sitting there watching them. He got up from his chair and started walking towards the door.
“Hey Matt, where do you think you are going?” asked Chad.
“I will let you two lovebirds finish your conversation privately. I won’t get in the way,” said Matt.
“Thanks, Matt, but just remember, if Stacy and I have a wedding, you will be my best man,” said Chad.
“Thanks, Chad. Good night”, said Matt.
“Are you already planning our wedding, Chad?” said Stacy.
“A good Chess player needs to think a few moves ahead of the current position”, said Chad.
“Well said, Chad, but does this mean you agree to be my boyfriend?” asked Stacy.
"Stacy, you are the only girl in this town I know that is a Vegan who loves animals as much as I do. I also know that you have changed since I met you. You wanted to keep your life private and hesitated to join Soccer Sundays because you didn’t want to be in the spotlight. Here you come asking me, the most famous guy in the town, to be your boyfriend. So yes, I agree, but this is an irreversible decision, and I hope you are prepared for a real commitment, instead of an alliance of convenience.
“What do you mean, irreversible?” asked Stacy.
“Your life will change forever once we are known as a couple. You won’t shake the reputation of being the only girlfriend of Chad Isaac, the watermelon and tofu-eating soccer star. Do you think you can handle the gossip that will happen in this small town where everybody and their dog knows what is happening?” asked Chad.
“I am prepared for whatever comes our way, but what do you mean that I am your only girlfriend?” asked Stacy.
“Believe me, Stacy, plenty of girls have flirted with me, and their parents have tried to play matchmaker, but I can tell when people are only interested in my money or social influence. I turn them all down because I need someone who matches my values, and you are the only one who talks to me like a person instead of dropping hints and doing the flirty eyes.”
“Speaking of which, be wary of my father. Reputation and money are all he cares about, but I am not like my father. I hope you understand that”, said Stacy.
“I figured that out the day you slapped Pastor Mark and told him off after he tried to fire me from being a volunteer Bible story teller. I know you are different, and I am glad you talked to me about this,” said Chad.
Chad and Stacy continued to talk about many things that night, including their relationship and future things they could do for the animals and the children of Podunk.
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