Chapter 17

Natalie's POV

“What do you mean, Xander asked you out on a date? Are you seriously kidding me right now?” Mira asked, surprised.

“See for yourself...” I said, showing her the paper. I watched as her expression changed from surprise to shock.

“No way!... Looks like the brothers are taking this seriously.”

I shrugged. “Maybe,” I said as I opened up my locker to put my books in it.

“So...” Mira drawled. “What are you going to do?”

“Go for the date, of course,” I answered.

“Really??” she gasped.

“Yeah... Which reminds me, I don't have anything suitable for a date. Perhaps you can help with that?”

Mira looked confused for a while, then her eyes widened in understanding.

“Of course, yes. I'd love to help you out on your date. I think I have one or two things to try out on you.” She said.

“Great. I'll just ask for permission from Maggie. Give me a minute...” I said, excusing myself.

“Sure....” I heard her say.

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“Maggie's agreed, which means we can head over to your house,” I said after some time. Mira clapped her hands in excitement.

“Wonderful! Here, hurry... My driver's already here, “Mira said as she dragged me along to her car. The driver opened the door, and we both got in.

“We are going to have a lot of fun!” she squealed, jumping on her seat.

“I'm looking forward to that,” I said, laughing.

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Mira's family home was magnificent!! For someone who keeps a low profile in school, it's a surprise to see she is very wealthy, but I still think my brother's home beats her to it... Just joking. Who am I kidding? Her parents weren't home, so we just greeted the housekeeper, and we went straight to her room. Her room was so exquisitely decorated, and it had a princess feel to it... So totally not like me. With a big queen-size bed and a huge closet, anyone would guess Mira was living the life.

“Wow... Beautiful room.” I complimented then looked at her. “So different from you.” She chuckled softly.

“Thanks... Everyone around here is jealous of my room"

“Why? Because it's beautiful?” I asked, sitting on her bed. It was so soft, and you could sink into it. She joined.

“No, because I designed it myself.” She answered proudly.

. “Woah, can you decorate my room like this? I mean not like this... But then..”

“Of course, whenever you're free. Right now, let's face what you're here for.” She said suddenly serious. “The date.”

“Yeah... The date.” I answered. I watched as Mira picked up a landline phone and began calling a few people. I couldn't hear what she was saying though. Then she turned to me.

“You are a very pretty person, so we wouldn't have to work so hard transforming you, but about your boyish character... We have to fine-tune that a little. And I just know who,” she announced, snapping her fingers.

“And how are you going to do that?” I was interrupted by a knock on the door. Mira hurriedly went to open it. Three ladies walked in with one holding refreshments. I feel kind of hungry now. She gestured to the one holding the refreshments to put it on the table and that one left, leaving only two.

“Natalie, meet my fashion designer, pedicurist, massager, make-up artist, you name it. She practically does everything for me.”

“Wait, wait, wait... You have a personal fashion designer?” I asked in disbelief.

“Of course I do. My elder sister is even worse than I am. She's a model and gets tons of people around her.”

“What! She must be drop-dead gorgeous then.”

“Of course... Right now she's in Korea. She's based there.”

“Wow... My mind has just been blown away.”

“Now we don't have the time. We need to get you into your absolute best for the date. All you have to do, Natty, is to calm down and let them do their job.” She said, and they came towards me.

“Hi... I'm Sophie and this is my assistant, Gianna. I must say, you're a very pretty lady.”

“Um, thanks,” I said quite unsure. “Whatever you're going to do, it's not going to hurt, right? Cause this is the first time I'll be letting someone other than me dress me up.”

Sophie smiled gently. “You wouldn't even feel a thing.”

“Okay,” Mira picked me up and dragged me to her bathroom.

“Hurry!” She called after me. “We don't have the time. Sophie and Gianna, please do your job.”

This is crazy.....

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An hour later and I could barely recognize myself in the mirror. I had been massaged, oiled, my hair straightened, and a dozen other things I couldn't even mention. Right now I was in between choosing a blue floral dress and a black classy one.

“Come on Natalie, you've been staring for hours!” Mira complained.

“Geez Mira, it's only been for five minutes,” I said, rolling my eyes at her. “I think I'll just go for the black.” I finally said.

“You sure? They are other dozen dresses.”

“The black is okay,” I said and made to put it on.

“So....” I began. “How long have you crushed on Darren?” I asked, buttoning up the dress.

“Um... Really long I guess. Even before I got into high school.” She said.

“That long?”

“Yeah.. he's more or less the reason I went into Ambrose high school, other than the education of course. I just really liked him, but I guess I didn't have the courage to tell him that.” Once I was done with the dress, I walked up to her and sat on the bed where she was.

“I don't know Mira, I'm not really an expert on crushes, but if what you feel for Darren is genuine as I think it is, then it wouldn't hurt if you just told him exactly how you feel about him.”

“I will... With your help.” Mira said and I chuckled.

“Of course... With my help. We fell silent for a why until Mira spoke up.

“Have you ever had a crush on someone before?”

“Me? No... I don't think so.”

“Ah…” she trailed off. We were interrupted by the sound of a beeping phone. Turns out, it was mine. I picked it and when I checked it, it was an unknown number, and it was a message. Who could it be?

I clicked on it and checked the message. It was from Xander. How did he get my number? Boys and their ways, I wondered.

“What does it say?” Mira asked, peeking over so she could see.

Hi... Did you get the note? It read. I sighed before continuing.

Yes, I did, I texted and hit send.

Great. And are you coming?

“Sure. Although I do not know the venue.

“I'll send someone to pick you up.

“Well I'm at Mira's house, so whoever is coming will have to pick me up from there, I wrote and sent. It took a while, but he eventually replied.

“Sure. Mira's house it is then.”

“Okay... See you soon.”

“You too. Bye.

“Bye.

I dropped the phone and heaved a sigh in an attempt to calm my quivering nerves. Mira looked at me quizzically.

“Are you nervous?” She asked.

“Just a little. Don't worry, I'll be fine” then looking away from her, muttered to myself. “I'm going on a date with Xander. “it still sounded weird to me.

“I know you'll be fine,” Mira said and smiled. I smiled back.

“Uh Natty, you haven't worn your shoes,” she pointed out...

“Yeah right. What the hell am I going to wear??”

“Well, you have two options. Heels or boots.”

I pondered for a bit before speaking up. “Bring me the boots. "

“Really?”

“Sure,” Mira stood up and went to bring out the boots while I waited for her. I took a deep breath.

All we have to do now is wait.....

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“Sorry miss, but someone is waiting for you downstairs.” A maid came to inform us. We glanced at each other, chuckling softly.

“Guess I have to go now. See you tomorrow Mira.” I said as I stood up and straightened my dress.

“Yeah, you too. Bye and have fun.”. I grinned as we walked out of her room. Her parents were already home and while we were passing by the living room, we greeted them.

I got outside and indeed a driver was waiting for us. Is this how being wealthy feels like? Everything is done for you? The driver bowed and opened the door while I waved at Mira. She waved back, and I nodded as I got into the car. Soon, the driver took his position in the car, and we drove off.

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The driver finally stopped, and I looked out the window. It was in front of a restaurant, a very expensive one at that. No one was in it. Was it rented for the night?? I wondered. I got out of the car and felt the evening air hit me. I took a deep breath and began walking towards it, taking in my surroundings. When I got to the door, I pushed it open, and a bell jingled. Wow.

I kept on walking till I got to a much more beautifully decorated place in the restaurant. And that's where I found Xander. He was backing me, and he looked like he was waiting for me. I took a deep breath and cleared my throat, alerting him that I was there.

He turned around and when he saw, let out a smile. I shrugged and smiled back. What's up with my nerves?

“Uh.. good evening? "

“Good evening.” He greeted.

“Soo... Nice place. Looks beautiful.” I complimented.

“Glad you like it.”

We both gazed at each other and on an impulse, he walked towards me. I almost inched backward. Turns out, he wanted to pull the chair for me. So much for what I think he wanted to do. I nodded and went to sit down and so did he.

“You've been on dates before?” Xander asked.

“Me? Yeah, but it was double dates, and they were not this fancy if you get what I mean...” I said and he nodded.

“I understand.” He said, and I was forced to add, “I'm not saying this is too much... it's just” but he cut me off.

“No really. It's okay.” And then we smiled nervously.

I was glad for the interruption that came when the waiter came to serve our meal because honestly, I was running out of ideas on what to say... It has something to do with the scenery, I'm sure.

Finally, after I was sure I was relaxed enough, I struck up a conversation and soon we began talking.

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Everything was going on fine, but for some weird reason, I still felt weird about something, and I found myself asking.

“So... You've brought Lucy here before?” I asked while staring steadily at him. His fingers twitched a little, making his spoon fall, but he regained composure immediately after. Then he looked up at me, his eyes questioning.

“And how do you know that?”

“Well... Everybody has been saying it. Either directly or not. And I just want to confirm but if you don't want to answer. It's fine by me.” I didn't think he'd answer, but he eventually did.

“Yeah. We've been here a few times.”

“Oh... “I trailed off. This looks like a Lucy kind of place. Damn my curiosity. Now I wanted to know more. Trying to stop myself from asking any more questions, I began picking my food.

“You're quiet.” He pointed out. I looked up at him.

“Yes, I'm quiet, and it's because I don't want to ask any more questions which right about now, I can't help it.”

I said truthfully.

He glanced at me. His lips twitched to one corner, his brow furrowed in thought.

“You want to know more...” He stated.

Yes! Of course, I want to! I screamed in my mind, but instead, I said. “Whatever happened in your past relationship shouldn't be my business even though I badly want to know what happened,” I answered very calmly.

“You know... I admire your sincerity,” he began. “The fact that you're not trying to lie or cover up anything, you just say it exactly the way you feel.”

“Everyone notices that,” I muttered, picking my food.

“Unfortunately, I don't want to talk about it... Maybe not now.” He answered.

I nodded. “Yeah, I understand. I think I'm a little bit pushy as well.”

“No, you're not. You're just curious.” He corrected. I chuckled.

“As curious as a cat. I swear to God I hate it.” He grinned as well. The tension that Lucy's topic had caused was slowly easing out. Too bad I couldn't stay anymore, as my phone began beeping.

“Sorry...” I apologized as I made to pick it up. It was a message from Maggie telling me it was late, and I needed to head home. I didn't even know I was out here for that long.

“Aww... I have to go now. My Wifey is already calling me.” I complained.

“Wifey??”

I laughed at the expression on Xander's face. “My brother's girlfriend. It's getting late.”

“Yeah... I must've lost track of time as well.” He admitted.

“We both did. Thanks for the date. I enjoyed it.”

“I'm glad you came.”

I smiled and stood up, slightly waving at him before turning and making my way out of the restaurant.

Although it was late, a few taxi drivers were still around, and I waved down one. Turning behind me, I saw Xander at the entrance of the restaurant, hands in his pockets. I dallied a bit and waved at him.

“Have a good night,” I added.

“You too.” He added. I grinned before finally entering the taxi. Giving the taxi driver my address, he started up the car, and we left with me, watching Xander till he disappeared out of sight. Then sank back to the chair and heaved a sigh.

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Maggie was waiting for me in the living room when I arrived. My brothers weren't around, so it was just the two of us.

“Hi good evening. Sorry, I'm late. Didn't know I took so long.” I apologized the second I got in

Maggie walked up to me. She was already in her night robe.

“No, it's okay... I should've let you stay a bit longer. It was because your brother Greg called and wanted to speak with you.”

That man...

“Wow... You look good. Can I steal that dress?”

I chuckled. “Of course not. It's mine. a gift from my friend Mira.”.

“It'll never be my size, anyway. I'll head upstairs now. Don't stay up too late.” She warned and began climbing up the stairs.

“I won’t,” I said after her.

“I trust you on that.” She said behind her. I'm even feeling sleepy myself.

I dragged myself to my room and plopped on my bed, using a free hand to remove the night's dress. When I was done, went to the bathroom and had a quick shower before changing into my pajamas and lying on the bed.

But sleep didn't come as quickly as I expected it to be. The date was good, I have to admit and Xander is a nice guy, but... Why do I still feel disappointed?