CHAPTER TWO
( BLACKMAIL )

     CARMEN'S ALARM CLOCK blared. She found it hard to believe that ten hours of sleep had already rushed past her, and ached for more of it. The clock screamed in her ear, causing her to groan and roll over. Carmen slammed her palm onto the snooze button, calming it's outbreak.

After rubbing her eyes, she snatches her phone from her bedside table, before skimming through her notifications. Two texts were from Elle, four from her older brother Braden, and one from an unknown number.

Confused, Carmen opens her messages, and reads the text from the unknown contact.

Unknown number - The Fault In Our Stars? Nice taste in books, coffee girl.

Carmen furrows her eyebrows, her eyes falling on the bag that rests in the corner of her room. She instantly dumps it's contents on the floor, shuffling the items around.

"You have got to be kidding me," She groans, seeing as though she didn't have her book from yesterday.

Sitting back on her bed, she studies the text, before sending a reply.

Carmen - I sure do, but may I have it back?

With a sigh, she places her phone aside, and lays back down on her bed. She's surprised as her phone rings immediately, signaling a text back.

Unknown number - Only if you meet up with me ;)

Carmen glares at the phone, hoping Zach could somehow see it. Unfortunately, though, she had no choice, as Zach would most definitely keep the book if she didn't show up.

Carmen - I will if there is food.

Instead of sitting her phone beside of her, Carmen stares at her phone expectantly. His next reply puts a smile on her face.

Unknown number - Always. Do you mind a double date?

Shaking her head, she lets out a chuckle, and replies.

Carmen - I didn't say it was a date.

Unknown number - Okay then. Will you go on a date with me?

Carmen's breath hitches in her throat, and her heart skips a beat. Since her ex boyfriend, she had declared that she would never go on a date with anyone else. It was a promise she made to make sure that she wouldn't get hurt again. All guys were the same.

But she needed her book.

This was an exception.

Carmen - Well, you have my book. So yes.

Unknown number - Great! Meet me at the mall in thirty minutes ;)

With a sigh, Carmen heads over to her closet with a distasteful expression on her face. She should've packed her book the day earlier, instead of forgetting it.

But deep down in her heart she knew that she'd never forget a book. She just hated to admit that 'accidently leaving her book' was actually on purpose.

__♔__

"You know, there are formal ways to asking a girl out," Carmen states, crossing her arms across her chest as she rolls her eyes at Zach. "Blackmailing is not one of them."

"I wouldn't call it blackmailing," Zach shrugs, handing over her book. "It's just . . . using something to my advantage. Besides, you were the one that left it."

"Fine, you got me," Carmen smiles, scanning over his black t-shirt and jeans. "I see you stalked me this morning. Black on black is my thing."

"I belive it's my thing, especially since I was born first. So ha." He smirks, holding out his arm for her. "Now, I think we should go find Jonah and his date."

Carmen hesitantly links arms with him, before they make their way over to the Disney store. She looks at Zach with furrowed eyebrows, of which he replies a small laugh.

"We just have to help," Zach fills her in, opening the door. "Jonah texted me earlier asking for help. His date is currently sprinting around in here."

"And her name?"

"Aurora," He replies, allowing Carmen to enter the store. "It's a coincidence, really. She has a thing for Disney."

Carmen's attention is swept away from Zach when a girl begins to sing a song from The Lion King. The girl then proceeds to toss a stuffed lion from a shelf, her song continuing.

"And that's Aurora," Zach says, pointing at her.

Jonah rushes after the girl, only to have a stuffed snake thrown at him. Aurora sprints to the other side of the small store, touching every toy in sight. Near the counter, a mall guard breathes heavily, bent over in laughter as he scans Aurora's actions.

"She's complicated," Carmen states, pulling the cardigan from her shoulders. "But I am, too!"

Tossing her cardigan into Zach's arms, she sprints over to Aurora excitedly. "Hello, my name is Carmen. And you are my new best friend," Carmen says, looking at the brunette.

"I know you! You're the Caramel girl! Jack told me about you, and I helped Zach with his awkwardness!" Aurora yells over the Disney music that plays in the store speakers. "Are you seeing this Cinderella dress? WHY IS IT ONLY IN A KIDS SIZE?"

"I don't know," Carmen giggles, glancing back at Zach who holds an amused expression. "But I think you should try it on anyway."

"Are you serious?" Aurora asks, jumping up and down. Getting a nod in response, she picks out the biggest size on the rack, before turning to the guard. "SIR, MAY I TRY THIS ON?"

Nodding and holding back more laughter, the guard points at the dressing room at the back of the store. Aurora squeals, yanking Carmen to the back with her.

Once at the dressing rooms, Aurora runs into one just in time. Moments later, Jonah appears beside Carmen, panting heavily. "Jesus take the wheel, that girl is crazy."

"For you, I'm guessing." Carmen winks, glancing back at the door. "Aurora, you done yet?"

"Yep," She giggles, unlocking the door. Once in sight, Carmen can't help but laugh to tears. "How do I look?"

Zach furrows his eyebrows when examining Aurora in the sparkly blue dress, and Carmen crying on the floor. Jonah, on the other hand, sighs, before laughing along with Carmen.

"It's a bit tight," Aurora says, adjusting the small dress. "But I think we should get it. I look perfect."

The blue dress clings to her body, showing off her curves. The fabric barely comes above her knees- something that would touch the floor on a small child. On her arms, the dress sleeves reach her elbows, along with a blue puff at her inner shoulders.

The back of the dress isn't fully zipped, as the dress would rip if it were attempted to be pulled around her chest.

"Ten out of ten," Carmen says between her laughs, still on the floor. She wipes away a single tear, "Jonah, you made the right choice."

Aurora smiles, before skipping back into the dressing room. Zach helps Carmen off the floor, steadying her. "Why would you encourage her?"

"Why wouldn't I?" Carmen retorts. "She's amazing. Like I said, Jonah did a great job. She's my new best friend."

Jonah grins at her, before his attention is on the small blue dress that comes flying from the top of the dressing room. He catches it, looking confused. Aurora prances out, pulling the three of them to the counter.

The same guard stands next to the cashier, giving an amused smile to all of us. "I see you've finished shopping."

"Yes, we'll have this," Aurora says in a mature voice, placing the blue dress on the counter.

"You're kidding," Jonah says, looking at her in disbelief.

"I don't joke when it comes to Disney." Aurora shakes her head, pulling out her wallet.

"No, I'll pay," Jonah argues.

"I can't believe she's actually getting it," Zach says, looking down at Carmen.

"Really? Because I think I should get one, too." She motions to a yellow dress that resembles that of Belle's from Beauty and the Beast. "Don't you think so?"

"Lets go get some Starbucks," Zach suggests, changing the subject as he catches the attention of Jonah and Aurora. "Anyone up for cookies and coffee?"

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