Chapter 22
Natalie's POV
Still on the weekend. Today being a Sunday I decided to call up Ariana so I could discuss some things with her.
“So how's everything going?” She asked.
“Fine... At least. Nothing major has happened for now. But I don't know in the next coming days.”
“How about the Anderson brothers? Anything about them?”
“Nothing.... maybe there is.”
“What is it?”
“I don't know Ari; I just feel something isn't right somewhere. There's something really serious going on between those brothers, but for some reason, they've decided not to speak up about it.”
“And have you tried asking?”
“You just don't go asking personal stuff, especially judging from the way I got associated with them. I think it has something to do with Lucy.”
“Who's Lucy?” Ariana asked.
“Xander's ex-girlfriend?”
“He even as an ex? Wow. What are your suspicions, then?”
“That whatever must've occurred in the past between the brothers and Lucy, has got to be some serious shit. And I have a feeling it's going to play out on me if I'm not careful.”
I heard Ariana sigh from the background before putting herself back on the line.
“In as much as I'll advise you to be careful, I'll also say you should try as much as possible to know what's going on as well. Because leaving now might cause more harm than good.”
It was my turn to sigh.
“Guess I'm stuck right?”
“Well... Maybe you are. But you can unstick yourself. Don't forget to keep me updated.”
“I won't. Bye, talk to you later.”
“You too. Take care. Bye.”
I hung up and placed the phone on the bed, letting out a huff. Face palming myself, I groaned. What the hell did I get myself into??
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Darren's POV
“Aren't you done yet?” My dad called peeping into my room.
“Almost,” I answered. I picked up my wristwatch from the dressing table and wore it. Tina was in my room, playing with her teddy bear.
“Bro Darren? Where are you going?” She asked in her tiny voice. I walked over to her and stooped to her level.
“I don't know. It's dad that's taking me out.” I answered.
“Can you at least guess?”
“It's a date. A blind one.”
“What's a blind date?”
“It means I don't know who I'm going to see till I get there.”
“Okay....” she trailed off, scratching her hair. Then smiled.” I hope it's Mira. I like her.”
“Exactly what I was thinking. I'm going now, wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” She said with a smile. I nodded and walked out of my room, closing the door behind me, then proceeding down the stairs to the living room.
“Took you forever to get ready.” He complained. I shrugged.
“Was with Tina,” I answered.
“We don't have much time. Let's go already.” Mom came to hug me.
“Bye son. Take care of yourself.” I smiled and disengaged, walking out of the house to the car, which was already parked and waiting for us. I got into my seat and the driver began driving out of the house. My dad was quiet all through, reading a newspaper.
“Dad,” I called. “Can you at least give me a heads up to who I'm meeting there?” I asked, breaking the silence in the car. He looked at me and scoffed.
“Wait until you get there.” He answered gruffly. I frowned and relaxed on the seat, looking out the window. Why do I have a bad feeling about that date??
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After driving for a while, we soon arrived at the venue, and I discovered we weren't the only ones there. The family of the supposed blind date was there as well... And they looked familiar. I walked ahead and greeted them, hugging and giving handshakes, I bowed slightly.
“Oh my! Look at Darren! He's so tall now! And very handsome!” The woman exclaimed, pulling my cheeks. I grimaced.
“They all grow up so quickly.” The man who I'm guessing to be her husband said beside her said.
“Good afternoon sir, good afternoon ma.” I greeted, feeling slightly nervous.
“Good afternoon, dear. Come, come have a seat. Your date will join you soon,” she said and pulled me into one of the chairs. So she's not here yet... Just great. We soon settled down, and they all began talking, while I was just on my own there. Just as I was about to get bored there, a worker signified that my supposed date was here.
“Tell her to come over.” The woman said. The worker bowed and left. Soon the lady arrived dressed all elegantly, but I wasn't paying attention to her.
Hi Mom, hi Dad. Good afternoon Mr. Kentucky. Hi Darren.” The voice greeted me, and that's when I looked up.
No, not her... Anybody else but her. Why on Earth would my blind date be with Celine!!?
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And there she was, smiling ever so brightly. Everything tells me she planned this.
“Darren, say hi to Celine. Remember when you two used to be friends?” Her mom asked. Used to be, we're not anymore.
“Hi....” I said a bit coldly. Then covered it with a smile.” It's nice to see you again. “
“Cut all the formalities, Darren.” she gushed sweetly.
“Now that you're back, we'll be seeing each other a lot more often.” She offered. Now I'm regretting why I ever came back to New Orleans.
“Cool....”
"Aww, look at them. Don't they look perfect together, honey?” My brain stopped. They aren't trying to matchmake me with her, are they?
“They sure do. We'll leave you alone to do your thing. We have ours to discuss.” And stood up while I watched in awe. This is seriously not happening.
“Bye and have fun!” And with that, disappeared from the table. I looked back at Celine, and she was still smiling.
“So I guess we're alone now, right?”
“Hell, we are...” I muttered, but it had a bitter aftertaste in my mouth... This is undeniably the worst date of my life.
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Natalie's POV
I was at the edge of the city, waiting patiently for Xander. We had promised to meet each other hereafter I talked with him. But unlike yesterday, my reason for seeing him is quite different. I just hope he lets me. I heard footsteps behind me and when I turned, it was indeed Xander. I smiled and waved. He nodded and walked towards me.
“Hi...” I greeted.
“Hey.” He answered, then glanced at me. “Nice view, huh?”
“It Sure is” I answered. Although Middesville view beats it by far, I muttered in my mind.
“So, why'd you call me?” He asked, hands in his pockets. I breathed out and sucked in as much air as possible.
“You know why I'm calling you, right?”
“Well, I don't want to guess... Or think it's what I'm thinking.”
I was quiet for a while before finally speaking up.
“Well, I want us to talk.”
“About what?”
“About what happened between you and your brother,” I said. Xander looked at me for a while before looking back at the city. For a moment thought he wouldn't reply, but when he did, it wasn't the reply I was expecting.
“I'd love to answer that, but.....” He trailed off.
“But what?”
“I'm not in the position to answer that. Why don't you go ask Xavier, he'll be in the best position to answer that question.” He said without emotion. I was stunned for a while but recovered quickly.
“So what you're saying is, whatever I asked you, I should ask your brother, right?”
“Pretty much, yes.”
I chuckled a bit. “Wow....”
“So you're going to ask him?” He asked slowly, staring at me.
“Of course, yes. You just said I should.”
“Well...” He breathed out. “Good luck then.”
“Thank you,” I answered. And with that, we lapsed into silence, each of us lost in our thoughts.
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Darren's POV
The date seemed to go on for like..... Forever. When I finally thought I had enough, my parents came back, each of them smiling. Wait, did they think we would start something together? They all sat down, each of them staring at us keenly. I scoffed and shrugged.
“Aww, they don't want to be interrupted. Too bad, we have to leave now.”
“We can't stay some more?” Celine piped up.
“No darling, we have other things to attend to.” Then, standing up, turned towards my dad.
“Bye, Mr. Kentucky. We'll see you again soon.”
“Bye Darren.” I barely nodded and counted off the seconds they'll use before finally getting off the place. Finally, they bade their goodbyes and left. I let out the breath I was holding and stood up, walking and getting into the car, totally ignoring my dad. Once he got in, he looked at me skeptically.
“And how was the date?” He asked.
“Fine,” I muttered. Taking one long look at me, which I pretended to ignore, he informed me the driver to start up the car, and we drove home. Leaning on the window, I thought of Mira and imagined if she was the one I had the date with. The corners of my lips twitched but didn't quite form a smile. I had hoped she was the one.
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(Nighttime)
Tina requested I read her bedtime story which I accepted. Maybe it'll help me get my head off the horrible date.
“And that's the end.” I finalized. She yawned sleepily.
“Aww, that was cute.” She added.
“It sure is... Go to sleep.” I added, pulling the covers up.
“Wait... You didn't tell me about your date.” She asked. I scoffed.
“Because it was boring.”
“Why, wasn't it Mira?” I scooted closer to her. “No. It was Celine.” I saw her cringe at her face in disgust. “Ew...” she muttered. I couldn't help but laugh.
“That evil witch.” She muttered angrily.
“You can say that again,” I answered and stood up, walking towards the door. Just as I was about to open it, Tina called again.
“What about Mira? Do you like her?” I stopped for a while, processing her questions while she was expecting her answer.
“Yes, I do like her,” I answered. Tina beamed.
“Have a goodnight Darren.”
“You too, Tina.”
And with that, I stepped out of her room, closing the door behind me.