Chapter 18
Xander's POV
A smile tugged my lips on my way home. The date went well and I'm glad. And she wasn't as crazy as I expected her to be. She sure is a chameleon. She could almost make me forget Lucy, I said to myself. Parking my car at the garage, I got off the car and walked inside. I was about to go into my room when I saw Xavier sitting quietly on a chair, staring into a picture frame. When he noticed he wasn't the only one in the room, he looked up at me.
“Hey, where were you?” He asked. His voice sounded hoarse as if he'd been crying. I hesitated a bit before replying.
“On a date?... With Natalie.” He looked at me, his expression blank, before turning back to the picture. As if he knew what I wanted to ask, he spoke up.
“Today is mum's memorial. And you forgot. Everyone forgot.” He slowly said.
What the...!? I checked the date on my phone and truly it was... What the hell was I thinking about??
Natalie, my subconscious scolded me.
“Even dad hasn't called. Was waiting for you.” I wanted to say I was sorry, but I stopped myself. Eventually, Xavier stood up and walked into his room. Then he stopped just as he was about to turn the knob.
“How did the date go?”
“Fine,” I answered.
“Good.” Then opened the door and walked in. I stayed in the hallway, taking in deep breaths. Sometimes I'm not as perfect as I think.
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Next day.
Natalie's POV
I was in school the next morning with Mira beside me. We decided to wait a bit before heading for our first classes together. And I could tell Mira was ready to burst with lots of unasked questions, so I waited so she could begin spilling.
“Soo... How did the date go?” She asked with interest in her eyes.
“Hmm... It went well, even much better than I expected, but that's just it.” I answered.
“That's all? No fireworks, surprises?” She prodded further.
“No, none of those,” I answered.
“Woah, you sure are one hard nut to crack.” I smiled smugly.
“I'm pretty sure I'm not that hard. Come on, let's head to class. We don't want to be late.” I said and began walking ahead. Mira was behind after me, and the next thing I heard was her bumping into someone who was making a turn. I turned around, and it was Darren.
“Sorry...” They said and at the same time and stopped glancing at each other. Mira bent to hide a blush... Seriously?
“Good morning Darren.” I greeted. “What a great way to meet you this morning.”
“Hi, Natalie. How was your night?” He asked while standing up, with Mira by his side.
“Great,” I answered.
“I'm sorry for bumping into you... Wasn't looking.” Mira muttered.
“No, it's okay. I was pretty distracted as well.”
“Very distracted,” I stressed. “We have to go now. See you later.” I said and dragged Mira by the arm, heading to class. Mira looked at me in awe.
“you know you're weird right?” I said.
“You're weirder!” She said loudly. We both laughed and walked into classes.
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Once again, we were in one of the dance classes, with Mira practicing her dance moves. But this time. I was helping her out.
“5, 6, 7, 8... No-no-no. You're doing it all wrong!” I complained for the hundredth time. I was gasping for breath.
“But it's hard!” Mira complained, whining. Why does she have to act all cute?
“Dancing is hard. You know what? Why don't we just take a break? It's almost lunch, anyway.”
“I'm exhausted,” Mira said as we went to sit down. I took a bottle of water and, opening it, gulped down all the contents.
“You're such a great dancer Natalie.”
“Thanks. That's due to lots of practice and watching other people dance.”
“Hmm. It's just me alone here,” She muttered, and I smiled, putting my arms around her.
“You're not so alone,” I said, and we chuckled.
“So... Have you thought of a way to tell Darren?” I asked, looking at her. She glanced at me.
“No.. not really. Besides, how am I so sure he'll like me back?”
“You won't know if you don't try.” I pointed out.
“That's true... I'll think of a way, I'm positive about that. And if opportunity doesn't come. I'll make one.”
“That's my girl.”
Soon the bell went off, signifying lunchtime.
“Finally! I'm famished!” I said, standing up.
“You're not the only one,” Mira said and joined me as well.
We left the dance room and on our way to the cafeteria, met Darren on the way. I gave Mira a meaningful glance, she shook her head.
“But he's over there!” I whispered.
“Not today....” she whispered back. I scoffed and turned.
“Okay....” I muttered and the second I saw her relax, I pushed her, making her hit Darren. Finally!
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Mira's POV
Bam! I hit Darren from behind. I should've known better than to trust someone like Natalie. Now I'm in a fix because of her. Darren reeled forward but immediately regained balance.
“I'm so sorry!!! I wasn't looking!!” I said the second he turned. He looked surprised at first, but when he saw me, his expression softened.
“No, it's okay.”
“It's not! I'm clumsy.” I muttered, my cheeks heating up.
“No, it's okay... Really.” He said. I looked up at him. He was smiling. Maybe it's okay.
“So where are you going?” He asked.
“To the cafeteria?” I looked around, looking for Natalie, but she was nowhere in sight. Damn!
“Oh... I'm headed there..”
“Really?” I feigned interest.
“Perhaps we should....” I widened my eyes. “Head there together?” He ended. What?!
“Um... Uh.. sure.” I stammered.
“Oh. Okay.” Just as we were about to leave, someone came rushing into the scene. It was Celine... Again.
“Hi, Darren. Want to come to lunch with me?” She asked before kissing him full on the lips. Seriously though. Then she turned to me, smiling that fake smile of hers.
“Hey, Mira... Didn't see you there.” She said, her hands were wrapped around his waist... And they're not even dating. I glared at her, but she smiled harder, unperturbed.
“I think I'm just going to go now,” I said, not looking at Darren. And in a daze walked out of the scene to the girls' restroom, feeling angry at myself for no concrete reason.
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Celine's POV
I smirked as I watched Mira leave the place. Serves her right. I turned to Darren so I could coax him into coming to lunch with me but froze when I saw the expression on his face.
“Darren... What's wrong?” I asked as I made to touch his cheeks. He slapped my hands away and angrily glared at me.
“What the hell was that for?” He asked, raising his voice. I chuckled. Darren has got to be kidding me.
“What do you mean? What the hell was that for? Of course, I'm asking you to come to lunch with me,” I stated.
“Well no thanks, but I'd rather go alone.” He said and unwrapped my hands from his waist.
“You have got to be kidding me, Darren. “I muttered under my breath.
"I'm very serious. Have fun at lunch.” And with that, he walked away. Seriously? After all that I've done.
“But I like you! “I blurted out, but he didn't turn. I stomped my foot in frustration. Suddenly Darren begins to act all tough now? Well, I'll show him that I'm more stubborn.
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Mira's POV
I'm so stupid, I'm so stupid, I'm so stupid... I muttered to myself countless times. How on Earth will I even think someone like Darren would even like me? Celine is his type. But still, I couldn't help but feel jealous when Celine kissed him. She has him and I don't have a chance against her.
Suddenly the restroom door opened, and a frowning Natalie walked in, hands folded. I glanced at her and sighed.
“I know what you're thinking. That I'm a scaredy-cat. Honestly, I don't know what I think of myself.” I admitted.
Natalie scoffed and glanced at me.
“Seriously Mira, just because Celine kissed him doesn't mean he likes her.”
“I know... I just feel....” Natalie cut me off.
“Feel what? That you're not good enough for him? Come on Mira if you don't try, we won't know. At least if not for him, for yourself.” She said and walked towards him.
I looked at the mirror and took a deep breath.
“You're right. If I don't try, I won't know. So this time, going to make sure I make a good impression. For H said and saw the corners of Natalie's mouth curl up in a smile.
“That's more like it.” She said and patted me at the back.
“Thanks, Natalie. I don't know what I'd do without you.”
Aww... Come here. You look like you need a hug.” She said and hugged me. I hugged her back.
“Okay... Let's go for lunch. All this prep talk is making me starve.” Natalie muttered. I laughed.
“You're crazy...” I said as we walked out.
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( Natalie's home: afternoon.)
Natalie's POV
I arrived home feeling burnt out and wanting to rest. Today has been a long day and a long soak in the bathtub just sounds okay.
“Maggie, I'm home!” I called out the second I walked into the house. She came to join me soon after.
“Good afternoon Natalie. You're just in time!” I glanced at her.
“Just in time for what?” I asked, removing my bag. Maggie smiled.
“Well, someone has been waiting for you. He's been here for a while now.'
"And he? who is it??” Nobody in school knows my house, at least not yet.
“Why don't you see for yourself. He's in the living room. Come, hurry up. “Maggie prodded. I walked to the living room to check who the visitor was and Oh. My. God!!!
My bag slipped from my hands and fell to the floor. Xavier!!! What's he doing here???
“Um Xavier, Natalie is here already,” Maggie called out. I was too stunned to even speak. He slowly turned back and when his eyes met mine, smiled smugly.
“Hi, Natty. Beautiful house you've got here,” He said. I glanced at Maggie, then at him. Still dazed and confused.
What the f*ck!?