Chapter 30

Celine's POV

Bursting into the living room, I met my parents discussing. They stopped at looked at me, startled. Yeah, I was kind of furious and I was hoping I could use them to my advantage.

“Celine honey? What's wrong?” “My mom asked.

“Everything! Everything, mom!” I said as I plopped into one of the chairs.

“And what is it?” My dad asked.

“It's Darren!” I whined. “He only sees me as just a friend and I want more than that!”

“And what's wrong with you and him being just friends?” My dad asked.

“Everything. Because I have feelings for him.”

“Then go sort it out with him.” My dad suggested. I stared at him, surprised. Seriously? That's all he has to say?

“Okay...” He breathed out, pursing his lips. What do you want me to do?”

“Well....” I began. “I was hoping you could talk to his dad since you're friends with him....” My dad cut me off.

“No, no, no. That's not happening. I will not sabotage my relationship with Darren's father just because of some flimsy excuse of feelings.” He retorted.

“But dad....” I whined,

“Listen to me, young lady. If you have feelings for Darren, tell him and sort it out with me. Don't come over here and complain about my shoulders. I won't help you.”

“Mom!”

“Listen to your father.” She prodded. I made to say something but pursed my lips instead.

“You two are no good!” I yelled as I left the living room, into my room, and slamming the door behind me. Burying my face into my pillow, I screamed.

Everyone is so annoying!!!

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Mira's POV

We arrived at Darren's mansion, and he parked his car in the garage, which had even more cars. Smiling softly at me, he got out and helped me open mine. Hmm, such a gentleman.

“I must've ruined your seat,” I said slowly, looking down at my uniform.

“No, it's okay. I'll tell just take it to the car wash and they'll fix it. Let's go in.”

I took a deep breath and walked in with him. The interior decoration of his house was Amazing! So beautiful it made me want to cry.

Tina was the only one in the living room along with the maids and she was watching a movie on the television.

“Hey... Little sis.” Darren called out. She looked up reluctantly but opened her eyes when she saw both of us.

“Darren! Mira! You're here!” She ran towards us, and Darren picked her up, throwing her in the hair. She giggled happily. Then he settled her on one arm.

“Good afternoon Mira. What happened to your clothes?”

“She got paint spilled on her.” Darren offered.

“I asked Mira, not you.” She retorted, rolling her eyes. Darren recoiled. “Sorry.”

“Darren is right,” I said, after laughing. “I got paint spilled on me. And I can't go home like this.”

“Oh no, you can't. You look terrible!” She gestured, earning another chuckle from me. Then scrambled down from Darren's arms to hold mine.

“Come on, let me take you to my room. A long soak to get all of that paint would do just fine. Then I give some dresses, oh... And did I forget I have a dance room in the house too? You'll be teaching me some dance steps too!...” She kept rambling on and on. I glanced at Darren, and he rolled his eyes.

“By the way.” She suddenly stopped. “Mom's home.” She said to Darren.

“She is? Then I guess I'll see her then. Be a good host to Mira.” Darren warned.

“I am a good host. Even better than you.” She retorted, raising her chin.

“Whatever.....” Darren muttered. I turned to Tina.

“Where is your room?” I asked gently.

“Oh! I almost forgot. It's this way....” She pointed to a corner, pulling me along... Oh, girl.

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Darren's POV

“Well, that's to the girl want me to start a relationship with. And a lifetime one as well.” I reminded, staring intently at her.

“Wow. I can't believe this. She did that?” My mom said, shocked.

“She's different now. She's not the girl you knew her to be.”

“But this girl... Mira, then you one you brought over. Do you like her or is she just one of your many games?”

“Yes. I like her.” I said sincerely. She heaved a sigh and looked up at me.

“I'll talk to your father.” She said, and the corner of my lips curled up.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“I'd like to see Mira as well...” she added.

“When Tina's through with her,” I added, grinning. She smiled and patted me on the shoulders.

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Mira's POV

Thanks to Tina, I had a long soak in the bathroom accompanied by lots of bubbles. Then we proceeded to the wardrobe where we tried out tons of clothes and eventually settled on something comfortable. I have to admit, Tina was fun to be with even though she's only six, being with her brother is way more fun.

“Are you done yet? My mom's waiting!” She called out in her tiny voice.

“Almost done,” I replied and tightly pack my hair into a ponytail, letting the ends frowned freely. “And ready,” I announced.

“Wow. You look beautiful! Like a real dancer.” She exclaimed.

“All thanks to you,” I said, giving her a mock bow. She smiled broadly and dragged me out of the room. We took quick steps down the stairs to the living room where her mom was waiting. I greeted her immediately as I saw her, bowing slightly.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Kentucky,” I said meekly.

“It's nice to see you. I see you and Tina have been having lots of fun.” She pointed out.

“We sure have. She's a dancer too. She dances at my dance school. Don't you Mira?” she asked, looking up at me.

“You dance?”

“Yes ma'am.”

“Wow, this is incredible. What's your name?” She asked, stretching her hands for a shake. I took it.

“Mira song. Part Korean.” I added.

“Daughter to Dao Ming song?” I nodded. “Well, I am very pleased to meet you. Looks like you are good friends to my daughter here..” she said, gesturing at Tina.

“We get along pretty well.”

“That's good to know. I hope you're not planning on leaving soon?”

“No, not yet. But that also depends on Darren.”

“Good, cause I'll like for you to have dinner with us. Unfortunately, I have to leave now, some urgent work came up and I need to attend to that.”

“Oh....” I trailed off. Tina looked up ate expectantly.

“Mira, will you be my babysitter? We'll have so much fun!” she shrieked.

“I was going to say that....” Darren's mom admitted.

“Of course...”

“Awesome!!” Tina giggled. Just then, Darren's mom's phone buzzed. She picked it up.

“Ah, I can't wait much longer. See you guys later. Stay safe!” She said and, hugging Tina, left the room. I waved goodbye.

“Boo!” someone yelped close to my ears. I flinched and turned. It was Darren. He grinned at my reaction.

“Hey, that wasn't funny! Where were you?” I asked.

“Um, attending to a few things. Wow, you look different without uniform.” He complimented. I rolled my eyes.

“you've seen me without a uniform before.” I reminded. He shrugged, his eyes still on me. I flushed under his intense gaze.

“Where's mom?”

“She went out,” Tina said. I looked at her, holding her hands.

“So that means we're alone?”

“Yeah, and Mira's my babysitter.”

“Wow, even more interesting....” Darren muttered. I arched my brows at him. “So what are we doing first?” He asked.

“We are watching my favorite cartoon. Frozen 2!” Tina exclaimed.

I giggled and turned to Darren. “Hey, let me have your phone. I need to tell my parents I won't be coming home early today.”

“What about yours?” He asked, stretching it towards me.

“It won't turn on,” I said. I collected it and sent a quick voice message to my mom. Then returned it to him.

“Now let's go watch some movies.”

"I'll go get the popcorn.” Darren offered.

“Yeah, you go do that,” I said, and he chuckled. I accompanied Tina to the living room where she is immediately turned on the TV and settled down watching her movie. Darren soon joined us, and we watched while eating popcorn.

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I stayed back for dinner with Darren's family. And his father was present as well. I was initially scared at first, but Darren calmed me down and it went well, maybe even much more than I anticipated. When he found out I was Dao Ding Song's daughter, he became a lot nicer.

Tina was feeling sleepy and kept dozing off on the dining table, so I helped her to bed because she wouldn't let anyone else do it. Her mom says I'm very lucky, she doesn't like people that easily. Hmm... Who knew? After telling her good night, I made to leave the room but met Darren in the doorway.

“And what are you doing here? Want me to tuck you into bed too?” I asked, raising my brows at him.

“On the contrary, I'm here to take you home, it is getting late.” He answered.

“That's true. I have to get going. It's getting late.” I picked up my bag which had my things in it and went out of Tina's room.”

“But first, I have to bid your parents goodbye,” I said.

“Who said you shouldn't?” He said and grinned. Then, holding my hands, led me out of Tina's room to his parents.

I chuckled and went downstairs... Biding them goodbye and went walked out of the house.

“You don't have to do this, Darren. I can easily call my driver.”

“But I want to. As your future boyfriend, that'll be my responsibility.” He added. Future boyfriend? I blushed at hearing that.

We got into another car, and we drove out, heading towards my house. The ride was quiet all through, with soft songs coming from the stereo. Occasionally, I glanced at him and when our gazes met, we'd blush and look away. Other than that, there were no other words between us.

We soon arrived at the front of our gate, and it meant I had to get in.

“So, I'm guessing this is good night now?” Darren asked. I glanced at him.

“Yeah, I guess it is. Thanks for today. I'm grateful.” I said.

“No problem. I had as much fun as well.” He said, and I smiled, blushing slightly. Just as I was about to open the door, Darren stopped me.

“What?” I asked.

“No goodnight kisses?” He asked. I stopped and stared at him.

“Darren... We are in front of my house. Anyone can see us.” I said lowly. He shrugged. Smirking suspiciously, he leaned closer.

“Well, that doesn't matter, does it?” And before I could object, claimed my lips with his. The soft brushing of his lips on mine froze me, and I couldn't think further. I unconsciously parted my mouth a little, and he tugged on even more. The slow sweet kiss was radically becoming something else, and I didn't know when my hands had left my sides and we're in his hair, pulling him closer to me. Every cell in my body tingled for more as I was enjoying every bit of it.

He pulled back before I could begin to think coherently. Staring into his eyes, it had gone a bit darker, and I could see a dozen different emotions, felt a thousand more, but one thing I was sure of was that I didn't want to lose this guy before me.

“Hey,” he muttered, his hands caressing my face. Why don't we hang out some time, the two of us together, alone?” He asked.

“You mean... Like a date?” I asked.

“Yeah... If that's what you want to call it. Just the two of us... And a proper one as well.”

“I like the sound of that,” I muttered. He kissed the bridge of my nose and the butterflies in my stomach went on a rampage.

“Great, I'll send you the date when it's time.”

“I'll be waiting...” I said, smiling. He leaned in and we kissed again. It wasn't as long as the first but still breathtaking. We parted, but our faces hadn't left each other.

“You're like a drug. I could get addicted.” He muttered huskily on my skin.

“I don't know if that's a good or bad thing.” He pulled back and stared at me lovingly.

“I have to let you go now. See you tomorrow.” I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. I stepped out of the car back and walked into the house. I smiled to myself as I remembered the kiss.

Life can't get any better than that.