#mannysecond

It was something they had dubbed an ‘experiment’. It had really just come up in casual conversation. JT didn’t even know that he still pondered his relationship with Manny until the words had already left his mouth. It was an interesting subject to think about, how his life would be different if he hadn’t been so immature in the past and caused the demise of their high school relationship. Thankfully, the incredible and basically impermeable friendship he shared with her hadn’t weakened at all, despite their brief rough patch in grade ten. Perhaps that was why Manny had brought up the idea that they try dating again, just to see what it would be like. On top of that, there was the fact that despite there being a whole new influx of students to get to know, Smithdale University wasn’t really delivering in terms of a good dating scene.

In a desperate bid to deviate from the cliché ‘dinner and a movie’ scenario, JT suggested that Manny accompany him to the carnival which had been set up on campus. It was only after he asked that he was quickly reminded of the girl’s first date with Craig, and he certainly didn’t intend to bring up such a cringe-worthy subject, especially when his aim was to impress. Still, she happily accepted his offer, providing that he’d have lots of cotton candy at the ready. He was relieved by her answer, glad that he didn’t have to consider alternative options for how they’d spend the night. Deep down, he knew he had to bring his A-game, given the impression that Manny’s hopes were pretty high. They were best friends, and had been for as long as he could remember. There was no way that he could put in less than his best effort to please her, nor would he ever want to do less. The night was set to be one of Smithdale’s most memorable events on the social calendar, with plenty of exhilarating rides, eye-catching attractions, and a never-ending supply of greasy and sugary snack foods. It gave the student body the chance to let go for a few hours, putting the stresses of academic life on the backburner in favour of a night of enjoyment.

Opting not to meet Manny at her room, JT waited patiently just outside the residential building. Knowing that their mutual best friend and Manny’s roommate, Emma Nelson, had quite a talent for noticing the abnormal, they both decided that it would be best to keep their situation under wraps for now. At this very uncertain stage, there was nothing worth discussing with the inquisitive blonde, or at least they though so. For all they knew, there might not be anything to follow after this date. In the next few hours, it could be made certain that they were only destined to be friends, and nothing more. Then again, the outcome might be surprisingly different. JT found himself slightly anxious as he waited by the door, his hands tucked away into his pockets, but he couldn’t figure out as to why. This was no big deal. It was Manny. Catching sight of the brunette descending the staircase, he looked up at her with a smile, giving her a friendly wave as she approached him.