Chapter 51 Barbie Girl.
Chris drives home with a smile on his face. He can't seem to wipe the smile off his face. He pulls into their driveway, parks, and exits the car.
As soon as he steps into the house, Emily welcomes him. Their mum appears from the kitchen.
"You are just in time for dinner."
'What are we having?"
"Your favorite," their mum grins.
"Yay!" Emily cheers and Chris grins at her.
"I can already tell that your day was splendid with that grin on your face," their mum, Kate beams.
Chris tries to stop himself from smiling but he can barely keep his lips straight for ten seconds before it curves back up. "It was. It really was."
"It's because of Stephanie," Emily comments.
Chris walks over to her and ruffles her hair. "Smart pants."
Emily frowns and as usual, swats his hand away.
"Come help me set the table for dinner."
"Yes, Mum."
They both help their mum and some minutes later, they're settled down at the table, ready to eat.
"So, tell us about your day. Where did you two go?"
"Well, Hazel insisted that she drive so I made her stop at our spot when I found out that she hadn't had breakfast yet..."
"Our spot?" Kate interrupts.
"It's just a café we usually visit together. It's nothing special ."
"Uh huh," Kate coos and Emily smiles.
"After she had breakfast, she drove us to an Ice skating rink."
"You love Iceskating," Emily comments.
"That's why she took me there."
"Awwww," Emily and Kate coo in unison.
"Stephanie is such a sweet girl," Kate says.
Chris nods, "And I'm a lucky guy."
"What happened next?" Emily asks with curiosity.
"We skated for a while, talking. Hazel kept falling," Chris chuckles to himself before continuing. "And she asked me to be her boyfriend."
"What?" Kate's eyes widen.
"You're lying," she adds in disbelief.
"It still seems surreal to me but it did happen, Mum." Chris asserts.
"Wow, I didn't know she had it in her."
"Me too," Chris says before taking another bite from his food.
"So, what was your answer?" Kate gushes.
"Yes, of course, I said yes."
"I'm so happy for you, son. My ship has finally sailed. You know, I noticed how unhappy you looked about two months ago. That morning Emily and I found you two talking, I guessed that something happened between you two. I'm glad you guys are finally together. It took you guys long enough."
"I confessed my feelings to her then and she said she didn't feel the same way."
"So I can call her my sister-in-law?"
It took a few seconds for her question to register in his head.
His eyes widen, "What?"
Kate begins to chuckle.
Chris looks flustered as he thinks of a reply. "Uhm... I guess you can but not in her present, okay?"
Emily nods, grinning.
"This is just between us, okay? It's our little secret."
"Okay," Emily agrees.
Kate watches them in amusement before remembering something. "Hey, a gift bag is waiting for you on your bed."
"But you already gave me a present."
"I can give you as many as I want. But it's not from me. It's from your girlfriend." Kate wiggles her eyebrows as she completes her sentence.
"Hazel?" Chris asks in astonishment.
"Yes, Hazel."
Chris recollects her saying that she got him a present. He drops his fork and begins to stand up from his seat with an excited look on his face.
"Where do you think you're going?" Kate questions.
"To open my present."
"Sit down and finish your food. You can do that later," Kate chides.
Chris pouts at his mum as he settles back in his seat and Emily giggles.
Chris isn't able to go to his room until he helped clear the table and do the dishes.
Once in his room, he sits carefully on his bed and picks up the gift bag beside him. He opens his present with the curiosity and excitement of a child opening his presents on Christmas morning.
The excitement on his face disappears when he pulls out the first thing he sees. He stares at it in disbelief.
"What the..." He trails off, staring at the hot pink leather jacket in his hands.
Yes, he does love leather jackets but this one is pink. Pink. For crying out loud! Couldn't she pick any other color, huh? A color that is considered manly, perhaps?
He notices a note poking out of a pocket and pulls it out. It sure is a note and it says: I'm looking forward to seeing you in this.
Chris scoffs, "Seriously."
He drops the jacket on his bed when he notices that something else is in the box. They're two sold-out tickets to a basketball game. He grinned in astonishment, wondering how she got them. It's ironic how she managed to get him a present that made him frown and another that made him grin.
He wasn't expecting a gift though. She made today the best birthday of his life. Her becoming his girlfriend is the best birthday present he has ever gotten.
His phone begins to ring. He hurriedly drops the stuff in his hands to pull out his phone from his pocket, hoping it's Hazel. The excited look on his face vanishes when he sees the caller ID. He answers the phone.
"Hey, birthday boy!" Jason hollers from his side of the phone.
"Hey, random dude that I don't know," Chris replies.
"You wish," Jason chuckles. "Anyways, I called to inform you that I'm throwing a party tonight to celebrate your birthday."
"Your dad is out of town again." Chris deadpans.
"Yeah."
"I don't know, dude. I'm not in the mood for a party."
"It's your birthday, dude. You have to be."
"Okay, how about you don't invite the entire school? Just close friends."
"Hmmm... I'll try."
"Okay, thanks. See you soon."
After ending the call, Chris dials Stephanie's number. She doesn't pick up until the third ring.
"Hello? Who's on the line, please?"
Chris grins as he answers. "Your boyfriend."
She starts to giggle.
"Oh, I wanted to hear you say that so badly."
"It felt great. You'll be hearing me say that word a lot."
"There's another word that's way better than that," Steph tells him.
"And that is..."
Steph giggles again, gushing like a fan girl fawning over her favorite boy band. "Boo. You're my boo."
Chris has this weird look on his face with furrowed eyebrows as he wonders if he's speaking to the same Hazel that he knows.
"Hazel? That you on the line?"
"Yes, it's your girlfriend in the line."
"This is so weird," Chris comments, smiling.
"What is?"
"You acting like this and being hella cheesy," he still has the smile on his face, wishing he was with her right now.
"I'm just so happy that you're my boyfriend but I'll stop it if you don't like it."
"What? No, don't stop. I didn't think you'd be the cheesy type of girlfriend."
"I didn't think so too. You're my first boyfriend so be patient with me. I have to a lot to learn 'cause there's a lot I don't know, okay?"
"I understand. You're doing great so far." Chris assures her.
"I'm glad."
"So, Jason is throwing a party to celebrate my birthday. Are you coming?"
"Of course, I shouldn't miss it."
"But you don't like parties."
"This one is for my Babe so I'd be there, except you don't want me to be there."
"Of course, I do. Let's go together. I'll pick you up," Chris says.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm going with Brooke."
Chris can't stop himself from pouting. "That's unfair."
"You can drive me home."
Chris smiles. "Great."
Then he remembers his present and his tone changes.
"I got your present."
"Yay! Do you like it?"
"How did you get those tickets? They're sold out."
"I know a guy," Steph answers smugly.
"Should I be concerned?"
"No. It was no shady business. So, do you like your present?" Steph sounds excited.
"Yes and no."
"Huh?"
"Thanks for the tickets. I'm really happy about that but the jacket... Hazel, why? Why pink? Of all colors."
Steph starts to laugh.
"It's so funny, isn't it? You just wanted to get a laugh out of this. And the note you left in the pocket is very funny too. I see your sense of humor has upgraded."
"So you don't like it?" Steph asks, even though she knows the answer.
"Don't worry. It won't just lie around forever. I'd save it for you and give it to you on your birthday," He tells her.
Steph keeps laughing.
"I'm going to hang up if you keep laughing," he warns.
"I'm sorry. Sorry, I'll stop. I won't laugh again," Steph says in between laughs, trying hard to stop.
"Better."
"Kill joy," She mumbles.
Chris remembers what he wants to talk to her about.
"Hey. Should we tell others about us? Are you okay with them finding out that we're together?"
"Others? Our friends or the whole school?"
"Both." For some reason, Chris feels anxious about her answer.
"Brooke already knows about it. I called her as soon as I came home. I was too excited to keep it to myself so I told her. And besides, she has been rooting for us since we first kissed at that party. She'd have killed me if I didn't tell her as soon as I did."
"Wow."
"We can tell our friends at the party," Steph suggests.
"Okay. And are you okay with others finding out when school's back on?"
She sighs. "Yeah, I don't want us to hide it. I'll deal with the consequences of dating you, Mr. Popular Guy. And people need to know that you're off the market."
Chris chuckles. "Consequences?"
"Girls would hate that you're taken and some people will hate me just because of that," she explains.
"I'm sorry."
Steph grins. "Apology accepted. It's your fault for being so damn handsome."
"You know it! I'm so damn hot."
"And cocky. I had almost forgotten how cocky you are."
They both laugh.
"See you at the party. Don't be late," she tells him.
"I'll be fashionably late, babe."
"Finally, we're here. Thank God!" Steph exclaims as Brooke turns off the engine.
"I'm sorry but we're only 30 minutes late," Brooke commented with a huff.
"All thanks to you."
"Oh please! The world won't end even if we're an hour late.
Steph glares at her playfully before reaching for the door handle to open the door.
Brooke had trouble deciding on what to wear to the party. She kept changing her mind and wasting their time.
She’d put on an outfit and ask Steph, “Do I look hot in this? Do you think Cole would wish he never broke up with me when he sees me in this?"
Steph’s answers were always the same but it didn’t deter Brooke from trying out another outfit.
It wasn’t until Steph threatened to leave her and go alone that Brooke got her shit together. She begged Steph to give her five more minutes. That’s why they’re late.
“I’m sorry, Steph.” Brooke apologizes as they head towards the door.
Steph sighs. She hates that her best friend still feels like this while Cole is happy in his new relationship. She wishes there was something she can do about it.
She pats Brooke on her back. “It’s okay, B. I understand. You’re a strong girl. Don’t worry, you’ll get over him soon, baby girl.”
Brooke giggles and the mood swing surprises Steph. “What’s funny?”
“You said I’m a strong girl and then called me baby girl.”
“So?”
“It’s just funny to me.”
Steph shakes her head as she knocks on the door. Max opens it and welcomes them in.
“It’s time to party…” Brooke trails off as they step into the house.
“Uhm… Where’s everyone?” She asks.
Jason’s house that’s usually packed and overcrowded with people whenever he throws a party is now scanty. Now that they think about it, there didn’t see a lot of cars outside.
“This is everyone,” Max replies.
“I refuse to believe that people didn’t agree to attend the most popular guy in school's birthday party,” Brooke says in disbelief.
“Chris wanted it to be a small gathering with just friends. Which is weird and so not like him.” Max informs them. Brooke gives Steph a knowing look and she smiles.
“Whatever. Where’s the alcohol?”
“The kitchen.”
“Hey!” Steph exclaims as Brooke drags her along to the kitchen.
“Why am I being dragged along? I’m not even gonna drink any.”
“You’re my best friend. You’re supposed to follow me wherever I go without any questions,” Brooke retorts.
“Oh, really? Assuming you’re taking us to somewhere we can get killed, I’m just supposed to blindly follow you like a puppet.”
“You got that right.”
“You’re crazy.”
Once in the kitchen, Brooke stops for a second on sighting Chris.
“Oh look, it’s your boyfriend.” She whispers with a smirk.
Steph follows her direction of sight and sees him too. She faces Brooke to see her wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
Steph giggles and bats her eyelashes. This wipes the smirk off Brooke’s face.
“It’s just been a few hours since you started dating Chris and I’m already seeing a new side of you. It’s adorable but at the same time, makes me wanna cringe.” Brooke says.
Steph badly wants to mention that Brooke’s was worse than hers when she was dating Cole but she doesn’t want her mood to turn sour. Instead, she said, “ You should feel honored.” Which causes Brooke to roll her eyes.
“What are you waiting for? Go to your beloved boyfriend.” Brooke nudges her forward.
Before Steph makes a move, her eyes lock with Chris’ and a grin appears on his face.
Jason, who Chris was having a conversation with, notices that Chris is distracted and follows his line of sight.
“You sure look happy for someone who hasn’t gotten the girl yet,” Jason comments.
Chris smirks, “Who says I haven’t.”
“Wait, what?”
Chris leaves Jason hanging, walking towards his girlfriend. Brooke takes two steps to the side to give them some space.
“Hey babe.” Chris pulls her into his arms and hugs her passionately. A delicious fluttering starts in Steph’s stomach as she hugs him back.
“I missed you so much,” Chris coos.
“We saw each other a few hours ago,” she smiles.
“Doesn’t matter.” He pulls away and stares at her lovingly. “You’re late.”
“Thanks to Brooke,” Steph playfully glares at the culprit.
“Having to watch you guys being all lovey-dovey is torture for me. I think I’d have to be avoiding you guys from now on.”
“Always a delight, Brooke.” Chris chuckles.
“Uh uh. Now, I’m going to leave you two lovebirds and get myself some booze.” Brooke walks away.
“Have you changed your mind?” Chris questions.
“About what?”
“Telling everyone we’re dating?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“You sure?”
“I’m very sure.”
“So we can do it today?”
She shrugs. “Yeah, sure. The sooner, the better, I guess.”
“I need to let everyone know that you’re off the market.”
“Hey! I should be the one saying that. After all, you’re the most wanted commodity.”
Their cringey conversation is interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat. They turn their grinning faces to see Jason looking at them suspiciously.
“Hello, Jason.”
Jason just continues to stare at them, squinting his eyes like they’re specimens in the laboratory. “Something smells fishy.”
“Do you smell fish, Hazel?”
“I don’t.” Steph plays along.
“Neither do I.”
It’s obvious to them that Jason didn’t overhear their conversation. Because if he did, he’d definitely have put two and two together.
“Something has changed between you two. I can feel it.”
Steph and Chris give each other a knowing look.
Jason’s eyes widen as he realizes what’s going on. “Wait, is it what I think it is? Are you guys dating?”
Chris puts his hand on her waist and pulls her closer to him. “Yes. This cutie is now my girlfriend.”
“Really? Like you guys aren’t playing a prank on me, right?” Jason directs the question to Steph.
She nods, grinning.
“Finally!” Jason exclaims. “Took you guys long enough. I told Max and Piper that you guys would start dating before the new year but Max disagreed. He believed it would take you guys longer than that.”
“Please, tell me you guys didn’t make a bet.” She says.
“I wanted us to but Max was against it. Congratulations, I’m so happy for you both. Especially you, Chris. I’m glad she finally accepted.”
“Actually,” Chris grins mischievously at Steph. “She did the asking. She took me ice skating for my birthday and asked me to be her boyfriend.”
“Chris!” Steph covers her face with both hands in embarrassment.
“Wow. I would have never expected that from you. That was cool, Steph. I’m amazed.” Jason comments.
“Thanks,” she mumbles and Chris laughs.
“Thanks for throwing Chris a birthday party,” Steph says, pulling her hands from her face.
“It’s nothing. Don’t you know that throwing parties is my hobby? And besides, this is barely a party thanks to Chris’ terms and conditions.” He mockingly glares at Chris.
Chris rolls his eyes at that.
“Now that you’ve gotten the girl, don’t forget your bros.”
“I’d do whatever I want,” Chris replies, laughing.
“Steph, I’ll hold you responsible if he doesn’t spend time with us anymore,” Jason teases her.
She chuckles, “It wouldn’t be my fault.”
“Gotta go tell Max and Piper the good news. See you guys later.”
“Okay, thanks, bro.”
They watch Jason walk away before Steph speaks. “You’re enjoying letting people know that I asked you to be my boyfriend, right?”
“Why wouldn’t I? They need to know how cool my girlfriend is.”
“Oh, please.” Steph scoffs.
“You’re so cute,” Chris touches her nose, grinning. Steph looks away, pretending to be annoyed.
“I need to join Brooke. You should go meet the guys.”
“Why can’t I come with you?” Chris pouts.
“Don’t be so clingy. We’ll come and join you guys soon,” she says, chuckling.
Chris pulls her into his arms and purses his lips for a kiss.
Steph grins, shaking her head but she still gives him a peck on his lips.
“Hey, that’s not a kiss,” Chris whines, batting his eyelashes. She hurries away, smiling.
AN HOUR LATER.
“I’m a Barbie girl in a Barbie world,” Steph sings, seated on the kitchen countertop. Her words are slightly slurred as if she’s finding it hard to pronounce them.
Brooke chuckles from where she’s seated. “Wow! I knew this day would come but I never thought it’d be this soon.”
“What day?” Steph pulls Brooke closer and squeezes her cheeks. Then she lets out a giggle.
"The day I get to meet drunk Steph."
“Hey! I’m not drunk,” Steph counters, shaking her head vehemently. “But, let me tell you a secret.” She gestures for Brooke to come closer and when she does, she whispers, “I’m drunk. Don’t tell anyone, okay? It’s a secret.”
“Shhh…” Steph puts her forefinger to her lips and giggles again.
Brooke has an amused look on her face. “I really want to film you right now and then show you when you’re sober. Your reaction would be hilarious.”
Steph gets off the counter and moves a few steps forward to stand in front of Brooke. “I’m ready,” she announces.
Brooke furrows her eyebrows in bewilderment.
“What are you waiting for? Go ahead.” Steph strikes a pose.
“Huh?”
“You said you wanted to film me. Start the video, I’m ready.”
Brooke throws her head back as she bursts into laughter. “Oh My God! Steph!”
Steph narrows her eyes and does a small pout. “You’re not gonna film me? Hmmm, your loss.” She flips her hair over her shoulder dramatically and lowers her head.
She stays like that that for a few seconds, slouching. But just when Brooke is beginning to think that she’s sad that she refused to film her, Steph raises her head.
“I wanna dance. Let’s shake our booties, B.” Steph hollers.
Brooke watches her, shaking her head slightly. She was thinking about how Steph would never do all these if she wasn’t drunk. Truth be told, it’s kind of refreshing to watch. Steph begins to shake her butt weirdly.
“What are you trying to do?”
“Can’t you see? I’m shaking my booooty. I’m twerking.” She drags the word unnecessarily.
“No, please stop. You’re embarrassing me.” Brooke moves closer to her and stops her from shaking her booty. “Where’s that boyfriend of yours? He needs to see you like this.” She looks around, hoping to sight Chris.
“Shawn!” Steph shouts at the top of her lungs, startling Brooke. “Shawn!”
“What the hell? Stop yelling, would you? And who's Shawn?”
“That’s my boyfriend’s name. Have you forgotten? Shawn Mendes.”
“You wish!” Brooke scoffs. “Keep dreaming.”
She pulls giggling Steph closer to the kitchen counter and makes her sit on a stool. “Wait here, let me get you water.”
Steph nods, grinning mischievously.
Once Brooke has her back turned, Steph hurries out of the kitchen, trying not to stagger on her way out.
Brooke turns around just in time to see her leave. “She’s something else when she’s drunk,” she mumbles to herself as she goes after her.