Fifty

Fifty
Katy

My dad has been swamped with work lately, so he hasn't brought up any talk about another blind date.

And I hope he keeps getting swamped with work till eternity.

Now, when I think about it, it's all his fault. He threatened to freeze my credit cards and confiscate my car, which made me so desperate and terrified that I had to manipulate Eve into going on the date in my place.

Her life is now tangled up with those Herman brothers. Why can't she just break up with that bastard Charles? I mean, aside from his dreamy looks, what else does he have to offer? Money? Could that be it?

“Hey, buttercup,” Mom walked into the dining room, already dressed for the office, then she sat down, “What's on your mind? You look a little bit out of it.”

I forced out a smile, “Hi, Mom. Nothing's on my mind.”

“I can tell when you're lying, sweetheart.” She tilted her head to the side and gave me a skeptical look.

“Okay, fine. It's about this project given to us at school, and I'm having a hard time getting my head into it.” I lied through my teeth, hoping she'd believe it, “Where's Dad?”

“Here I am,” Dad walked in with his briefcase in his hand. “Hey, honey, you look amazing.” He kissed Mom on the cheeks and walked over to me, “Hey, princess.” He kissed me on the cheeks, too, then sat down in his seat.

We shared the grace and began eating the food laid out in front of us.

Mom and Dad talked about the company while I zoned out for a moment.

“So, Katy…”

“Yes?”

“I have made preparations for you to join the company right after this semester ends.” He dropped the bomb.

“What? But Dad, I still haven't finished college yet.”

“Yeah, you have two semesters left before you graduate.” He stated, “You will finish the rest of the class online.”

I clenched my fist in anger.

This is ridiculous!

I turned to Mom for help, “Mom…”

“Sorry, sweetie,” She gave me a faint smile, “But I'm with your dad in this one.”

“Since you don't want to date any of the guys I've set up for you, the least you could do is join the company.”

“What if I don't want to join the company?” I demanded, my voice cracking with emotion, “What if I don't want to play the role of a heiress? What if I just want to be a normal girl… just like Eve. No pressure from parents, no controlling my dating life, my future, nothing. All you both care about is what you're gonna benefit from, but now you both have never stopped and asked me what I want.”

Before they could say something, I was already on my feet and walking out of the room.

“Katy, wait.” Mom called after me, “You haven't eaten your breakfast.”

“I've lost my appetite.”

I got into my car and drove out of the estate. I should go and pick Eve up from her house, but my emotions were a mess, and I needed some time alone for myself.

I sent her a quick text telling her I wouldn't be able to come.

I didn't drive directly to the campus; I just drove around aimlessly in town since I didn't have any morning classes till noon.

My stomach rumbled suddenly, and I knew what it meant. I stopped at McDonald's and bought burgers, which I was eating in my car as I drove to campus.

All of a sudden, a boy on a skateboard appeared out of nowhere, scaring the shit out of me. I slammed on the brakes, quietly hoping that I hadn't hit him.

“Are you okay?” I asked, stepping out of the car with no hesitation. “You aren't hurt, are you?”

“Lady, do you wanna kill me? Don't you see the red light?” The boy asked, scrambling to his feet with the skateboard in his left hand, dusting off his shirt with his right hand.

“I'm so sorry...” I paused, then blinked in surprise, “Nathan?”

He paused, then whipped his head towards me. His eyes widened as soon as he saw it was me, and my heart skipped multiple beats under his gaze.

“Katy.”

Ever since that day he kissed me at their house, I have been avoiding going into the house. And thankfully, Eve hasn't noticed yet, because she's too wrapped up with Charles.

But sooner or later, she will find out. I'm dreading that day.

“Shouldn't you be at school?” I asked.

He smirked at me, “Today is boring day.”

“Huh? What's that?”

“Career day,” He answered, “I don't think I wanna spend my time muling over what I'm gonna be doing in the next five or ten years. I live in the present… so I kinda excused myself.”

“So, you're playing truancy,” I said.

“Well, now, if you phrase it like that, it makes me look like a bad kid.”

I crossed my arms, “Oh, you're a bad kid, alright.”

He tilted his head to the side, his smirk broadening, “Am I a bad kid because I'm not in school?” He took a step forward and leaned in, “Or am I a bad kid because I kissed you and you liked it?”

My breath hitched, and I could feel the blood rush to my face.

“I… I didn't like it.” I gritted, although I wouldn't believe it myself if someone else had said it the way I said it.

The truth is, I have been thinking about that kiss more than I care to admit.

He took another step closer. “Yeah, you can keep telling yourself that.”

He's too close, way too close! Get it together, Katy! What are you thinking? He's your best friend’s cousin, and you're five years older than him.

“You want me to, Katy.” He purred, “I know you do. You know you do.”

Feral. Very feral.

For God's sake, Katy, we’re in the middle of the road. Get it together!

I took three steps back then regained my composure.

“We have to talk about boundaries and personal space, Nathan.” I said, “For God's sake, I am your cousin's best friend. I am over five years older than you; you're still a kid.”

“I told you I will be turning eighteen in a few months.” He said defensively, “I want you, Katy. I'm crazy about you.”

“You're my best friend's cousin.”

“Yeah, you keep saying that. But not for once have you said you don't want to do it because you don't like me, either.” He pronounced, “So, Eve is the problem. Should I tell her?”

“What? No! Are you crazy?!” I yelled at him, attracting glances from the pedestrians walking about the day. “Look, here, lover boy. This ends now. You're being totally disrespectful right now, and I'm not appreciating it. Whatever sexual feelings you have for me, her rid of it!”

“The feelings I have for you are not sexual.” He said. “They're pure. I'm crazy for you, Katy. I always have, since the first day you stepped foot into the house with Eve. I've just been hiding it, but I don't want to hide it anymore.”

God! I know I shouldn't be having these thoughts because he's a minor who also happens to be my best friend's cousin, but he's so freaking ruggedly cute and sexy that I don't think I can resist him if I stay here any longer.

I spun around and got into my car.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you!” I spat, starting up the car, “You're just a temptation sent from hell to make me miserable.”

“Is that a compliment or…”

“Fuck off, Nathan!”

I drove away as fast as I could. Glancing at the rearview mirror, I saw him standing there in the middle of the road, staring helplessly after me.

Oh, God! What is this? I don't like it! Not even one bit!