Chapter

~edited~

After our agreement, the torture we gave Jessica was our only amusement. We ate the pasta together and whenever it started to get cold, we called for her asking her to go and warm it up again.

She brought the wine with no ice and we told her to go and get it. When she brought the pasta warmed, we would complain that it was too hot and ask her to cool it up a bit.

Jessica would sigh and do whatever we told her to do. I wouldn't be surprised if she would quit her job, considering how much strain we put on her.

She even ended up taking off her heels because of walking up and down. As soon as she walked out of the door we would laugh at her.

Nate and I finished our tasty, delicious meal and Jessica entered the now music-filled room with the bill. I took my purse from the table and opened it, taking out some cash.

Looking at Jessica, her hair was now a mess. It was all over her sweaty face. I suddenly felt bad for doing those things to her.

I held out the money but before she could take it Nathan grabbed my hand with the cash and pushed it back, handing out his.

Jessica took it, looking unsure of what was happening.

"What are you doing? I want to pay too, you know," I told him in a hushed whisper.

"I'm the one who asked you on a date. And I'm the guy anyway," Nathan protested, folding his arms over his chest.

I glared at him. "Technically, you didn't ask me. Secondly, we are both on this date. We should pay together."

He sighed in defeat and said,"Okay. But you'll pay next time.

I beamed and kissed him on the cheek. He smiled at me. "Next time?" I asked.

"Yes, Princess. You didn't think this was our last date, now didn't you?" He questioned raising his eyebrow.

"No, I didn't," I answered, a small smile on my face. He nodded. I took out a sum of the cash and handed it to Jessica.

"For your tip," I told her with an apologetic smile. She seemed to catch on when she took it and smiled apologetically, back. "Thank you," she whispered.

I nodded and stood up from Nathan's lap. He stood up after me. "Well, thank you for dining here. I hope to see you again. Bye," she said and sauntered off.

When she was gone, I walked to the windows. The view of the town and its buildings was beautiful. It was bright all over the city.

"Why did you give her that tip?" Nathan inquired as he came to stand next to me. "It was my way of apologizing to her. I felt guilty," I responded.

"Well, I'm not. Like at all. She deserved it," he said. I rolled my eyes but didn't say anything and we watched the view together. A few cars moving up and down the roads.

At one point, Nathan stood behind me and wrapped his arms around me, placing his chin on my shoulder. I lay my head back and closed my eyes, enjoying the embrace.

A few minutes after, he broke the comfortable silence. "Princess?"

I opened my eyes a little. "Hmm?" I hummed before closing them again.

"I have something for you," he told me and backed away. I instantly felt cold as his body heat was warming me.

I turned around and looked at him. He dug in his pocket and took out a silver bracelet. My eyes brimmed with tears.

"Wha–what is this?" I asked in a shaky tone.

"Give me your hand," he ordered, softly. I gave him my hand and he placed the bracelet on my hand.

"Observe," he said and I took my hand back. I started examining it and for sure I knew it was expensive. A tear fell.

And then, I saw something on it. It was a few words. I turned the bracelet around and read them. On the top it said: Avalor. It is the name of the restaurant.

And then just under that word was: Date One. N+V. I was touched. It was some sort of reminder gift. I didn't know what to call it.

Another tear fell. "Nathan, I...I can't accept this. It...it's just too expensive and...and I just...I just can't," I told him holding out my hand.

He took it back and held my hand in both of his. "This is a gift to remind you of our first date, Princess. It's just the first one out of a thousand. I bought it for you and I need you to take it," he whispered.

"B–but I didn't get you anythi–"

He sighed,"It doesn't matter, baby. Now take it, okay? Please." He sounded a little more desperate.

I was still reluctant but nodded anyway. He gave me a breathtaking smile and put the bracelet on me. It was just a normal bracelet with two hearts in the middle.

That's where the words were engraved.

I pulled him in for a hug and hugged him tight. "Thank you so much. You're just too sweet," I thanked him. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed me.

"Anything for you, my princess. Literally, anything," he whispered in my ear. My knees suddenly felt weak and I almost fell.

He laughed and tightened his hold on me. "I like you," I whispered. But for some reason...I felt like it wasn't enough. I didn't just like him.

I loved him.

"I like you too, my princess." I smiled and we stayed in the same position. I had no idea for how long. Eventually, I pulled away and looked up at him.

He wiped my tears and my eyes were glued to his pink lips. I didn't even know how many times I almost kissed them.

Maybe this was the time my lips would finally meet his.

I placed my hands on his chest; his arms hanging loosely on my waist. My gaze rose and I looked at his eyes, to see he was looking down. At my lips.

Knowing this was the right time, I leaned in...and he started leaning in too. Our lips brushed against each other and tingles were what I started to feel.

I took one last breath and closed the distance between us. The kiss was slow and passionate--perfect for a first kiss. Sparks ran through my whole body and I snaked my arms around his neck.

He tightened his hold on my waist, pressing me to his body. Our lips moved together in sync. I actually had no idea what I was doing but it seemed to be just right.

I felt him smile against my lips. This was the best feeling I had ever had. We kept on kissing for a while.

Sadly, we had to pull away because we were running out of breath. He rested his forehead on mine and closed his eyes.

I closed mine too. "Wow," he whispered.

"I know," I whispered back. I opened my eyes to see him already staring at me. I blushed under his gaze.

I love you. I love you. I love you!

I so badly wanted to say those words at that moment but I knew it was too early. I wouldn't want to scare him away on our first date.

Plus, I was too much of a coward to say those words.

I pecked him on the lips one last time, and backed away. "Let's go," I said and took my purse. He pouted. "After that amazing kiss, I was looking forward to a second one!" He whined.

I let out a throaty chuckle. "Not tonight, Blue Eyes." He sighed and took his phone. He held out his hand with a smile and I gladly took it.

We walked out of the room to downstairs. A few people were here, now. I wondered what time it was.

We walked out of Avalor and immediately felt the chilly air. I shivered. Nathan must have noticed because he took off his jacket and placed it on my shoulders.

I took it off and wore it. Of course, it was big. Ridiculously big. I laughed at myself. "Thank you," I whispered to him.

He nodded and took out his phone. I assumed he was texting Danny. "What's the time?" I inquired. "It's eleven forty four," he replied.

My eyes widened. "We were in there for four hours?!" I exclaimed in disbelief. "Seemingly," he responded.

"Oh my gosh, my dad is going to kill me!" I shouted, running a hand down my face. Nathan's head shot up from his phone and he quickly put it back in his pocket.

"What if you come and sleep at mine?" He asked.

"It could be a good idea. But, what about my dress for tomorrow? It's at home," I said, pursing my lips.

"Well, we'll have to sneak in," he answered, shrugging a shoulder.

It kind of worried me how serious he looked about it.

"Hmm...I did leave the window open. Okay! Let's do it," I chirped, not knowing of a better idea.

"We have to wait for Danny, first. He is near here though. Should be here in five minutes tops," he told me and I nodded.

I wrapped my arms around him as we waited. It didn't take long before Danny arrived. He stopped the car in front of us and we got in.

"Off to my house, Danny. You know it," I said and leaned back on my seat. "What are we going to do there?" he asked as he drove.

"I am going to sneak in my room from a window I left open and take my things. I'll sleep at your house," I replied.

Danny looked puzzled. "Are you sure? What if Nate's parents find you?"

"That's where you come in. You'll walk in first before Princess and I to make sure everyone is asleep," Nathan explained.

"Oh," Danny said and nodded slowly. "Anyway, did you guys have a good time?" He changed the subject. I looked up at Nathan.

"More than good. I had an amazing time," I answered. Nathan smiled at me and his eyes dropped to my lips. On the instant, he smashed his lips on mine.

I closed my eyes and kissed him back. This one was a little bit more faster and demanding than the last one. I ended up stradling his waist.

My stomach did all kinds of flips at the kiss. Forget the butterflies, I felt the whole zoo.

Unfortunately, our kiss was short-lived because of Danny's gagging noises. "Sorry, kids. Not while I'm here. You can do all that in Nathan's room," he told us with a grimace.

Nate and I groaned simultaneously. I didn't move from his lap. I felt him start taking off my heels. When he was done, he placed both hands on my hips.

I laid my head on his chest and closed my eyes.

It was silent in the car. The only thing I heard was Nate's heartbeat. It was such a nice and soothing sound, I almost fell asleep.

Good thing we arrived at home.

I got out and felt the cold tar road on my feet. I started walking towards the gate. I opened it, trying my best to not make any sound.

Luckily, I succeeded and tiptoed around the house. Sure enough, my window was still open. It was a good thing this was a one-storey house.

It was easy to climb inside. My feet landed on the soft carpet. At once, I took my school backpack and started filling it with make up, body lotions and all the essentials.

I zipped it up and sped for my closet. I took out the bags with my dress and shoes in it. I looked around for my nightgown and found it on top.

I took it and shoved it in the shopping bag with the new dress.

I walked out of my closet and grabbed the afro comb on my dresser. I almost forgot it. Looking around for the last time, I knew I was done.

I turned off the lights and walked to my window. I took off my backpack and threw it on the ground. I took the shopping bag and placed it softly on the ground.

I sat on the window sill and jumped off. I took my backpack, threw it over my shoulder and took the shopping bag before running out of there.

I got out of the gate and closed it behind me.

I ran to the car and opened the boot. I tossed my things in there and closed it, then walked to the backseat and entered the car.

I finally could breathe. "Mission accomplished. Let's go," I told them and Danny started the car before driving off.

I laid my head on Nathan's shoulder tiredly. He lifted me and placed me on his lap. "Tired?" He whispered. I nodded in response.

He snaked his arms around me and I lay my head on his chest once again. His steady heartbeat managed to soothe me to sleep.

I watched as my princess fell asleep in my arms. I had the best date with her tonight. And that bracelet, it was nothing.

She actually deserved more. I loveed her. I loved her but I was too scared to say it. And I wouldn't until I knew it was the right time.

Watching her cry was one of the most hurtful moments of my life. I realized that she was a sensitive person. She easily got hurt.

That was why I would try my absolute best to make her happy. She was my princess. And she deserved all the happiness this world provides.

I knew she wasn't my girlfriend yet, but still, I had planned to ask her the question on our second date. I was still not sure when that would be.

We arrived at my house. All the lights were off and I could only assume everyone was asleep but we could never be too sure.

Danny parked the car and got out. I opened the door and was able to get out of the car without waking up Vanessa because she was still in my arms.

Danny took her things in the boot and I took the heels she was wearing today.

We walked slowly inside the house. Danny was way in front of me. We reached the stairs and continued walking up.

It was very quiet.

We reached upstairs and tiptoed to my room. I opened the door and turned the light on, throwing the heels on the floor and walked to the bed, softly placing my princess on it.

She instantly curled herself to a ball. I turned around to see Danny placing down her things in my closet.

"I'll see you tomorrow, man," he said and went to the door.

"Wait," I stopped him. "Thank you for today, cuz."

He shrugged. "It's the least I could do for you. Now sleep tight. It's your big day tomorrow," he told me and walked out of the room closing the door behind him.

I took off my clothes and was left in my boxers. I left the clothes on the floor and walked to the closet, rummaging through her shopping bag.

I found her nightdress and took it out. I walked back to my room. I turned her around slowly, so that she was laying on her back.

I zipped the dress down and started taking it off. It was extremely difficult because she was totally asleep. I honestly thought she would wake up at one point, but she didn't.

I tried not to look at her body much. When I was done, I opened the covers, picked her up and then placed her on the bed.

I pulled the covers over her, strolled to the switch and turned the light off. I walked back to the bed and got inside the covers.

I wrapped my arms around her petite body and pulled her body to me. It pressed against mine and I smiled. "Goodnight, Princess," I whispered and let darkness take over.

As I was having my beauty sleep, I heard the door open. The sound of tiny footsteps filled the room. I heard Nathan groan beside me and he removed his arms around me.

He turned his body around and looked at our sleep-disturber. I turned around too and peeked behind the covers. It was a little girl.

She was so cute. I felt like pinching her small chubby cheeks. She seemed to be crying. Nathan sat up on the bed.

"Nate, I had a bad dweam. I can't go back to sleep. Can I–I sleep with you?" She asked. I frowned. Nathan tensed and he nodded.

"Uh...yeah. Come." No, no, no. He wasn't doing it right. I sat up from my position and revealed myself.

"Hello," I greeted her. Her teary eyes peered at me. Nathan ended up looking at me too. However, he kept quiet.

"Who ah you?" She whispered. I motioned for her to come to me. She cautiously walked towards me. She stood in front of me and I lifted her up, placing her on my lap.

"My name is Vanessa. I'm your brother's girlfriend," I replied. There was no other way. I wouldn't have said I was his 'friend'.

"Mine is Felicia. I had a bad dweam an–and now I can't sleep," she whispered. I hugged her tightly and she wrapped her arms around my neck.

"It's okay my little baby, okay? It was just a nightmare. It wasn't real. Would you like to sleep on the bed with me and Nate?" I tried comforting her while drawing circles on her back with my hand.

I felt her nod.

I pulled away and wiped her tears with my thumb. When she stopped crying, I laid her on the bed, in-between Nate and I.

I laid next to her and she snuggled closer to me. Her action brought a smile to my face. "Thanks, Banessa. I like you," she whispered and instantly fell asleep.

I felt the tears coming again but right now I managed to stop them. I closed my eyes and brought Felicia's body closer to mine before falling asleep.

Nathan's smile as he gazed at Felicia and I was the last thing I saw.

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A/N: (07 January 2022)

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