*Unedited*

"Why does your room look like it faced a storm?"

"Urgh! Shut up,Mel! Help me find a proper dress!" I say bent over in search of the perfect dress.

"Why don't you wear whatever it is that you find first? What is so special today?"

I stop abruptly as I contemplate his question.
You see I have returned home long ago and since then I am busy searching for the perfect dress for this occasion. Usually I just put on whatever I get in my hand first, since they all scream sexy. But....I can't do that today. I need to look proper I can't scare Drake off, for Emily. I need to look decent enough but not too decent that Drake thinks I am putting an effort for him. So, I decided to Skype call Mel and Lan as they are out for some er..event. But all they are doing is ask stupid questions.

"I can't look slutty and neither can I look too decent I have been saying the same thing over and over again!!"

"But never the reason! What are you going out for?"

"Dinner."

I reply absentmindedly. Realizing my mistake I immediately add.
"I need some Julia time. That's it."

Julia time? Or Trice time?

I don't answer my own question. All I can think is 'horrible conscience!'

"Oooh! Dinner? Don't lie, Julia. You are going out on a date right?"

"NO!"

"Jeez, girl! Don't scream! Mel, please don't agitate Julie further, babe. And Julie.."

"What?"

"Pull out that dress Em gifted you last month for your birthday. It is perfect for such a situation."

Emily's gift. I am going out with her brother for dinner and I didn't think of her gift! Really, I am such an idiot!

Finally! She knows!

Ignoring it I squeal, "Landon, you are a lifesaver. I love you so much!"

Landon chuckles while Mel frowns.

Cutting the call off I change into the dress.

It has an upside down U-shaped off-the-shoulder neckline. A bow shaped black bust line. Black lace decorates the rest of the sky-blue coloured bodice. The skirt is sky-blue as well. It is made of net and has a bit of black lace at the top in an upside down V.

I put on diamond danglers and a platinum bracelet.

Those danglers were a gift from my Dad. I rarely wear them. They have three big diamonds in a horizontal row each, that look round in shape ending with a small diamond on top of a bigger one, giving the endings a teardrop shape.

The platinum bracelet, I bought a few years back. It has a spiral design in the front and is a simple bangle for the rest of it.

I have left my hair open and have given my light blue eyes a dramatic smoky effect.
I run downstairs and put on my black heels that belt up just were my toes start and on the joint of my calf and foot.

As if on cue my door bell rings. I see the watch. Sharp seven pm. Hmm, he is punctual. I run to open the door. My breath hitches on seeing the boy in front of me.

He is wearing nothing special. Just dark blue jeans, a light blue T-shirt and his favorite dark gray hoodie, that he always wears in school. His hair is messed up in just-out-of-bed style. But the confidence with which he is carrying it is what astonishes me.

I hear a sharp intake of breath. I think it is safe to conclude that I surprised him as well.

"I am overdressed."

"I am underdressed."

We both say at the same time. He chuckles and I roll my eyes.

"I will just go and change, give me five minutes."

He mutters something about girls' five minutes equating to five hours. I narrow my eyes at him and he shrugs. Shooting me a smile he says,"You look great. No need to change. I just did not expect this from you. But hey! I am not complaining okay?"

"What do you mean you did not expect this from me? You expected me to be more sluttier? So you brought your hoodie? Huh? So that you can hide your face?"

He blushes bright red and mumbles, "Sorry!"

He didn't even deny!

"You know what, Drake? Just give me the address. No need to embarrass yourself. I can...."

"I am not embarrassed. Not anymore. You look beautiful. I am rather happy to know that someone as beautiful as you agreed to be seen with me for a dinner."

This time I am blushing red and he is smirking. Why am I blushing? I am used to compliments. Wait did Drake Walters just compliment me? Me, Julia Archer??

Oh! My! Godddd!!!

I am living in an parallel universe. Drake, who never compliments anyone beside Charlotte is complimenting me?

I am going to faint.

I hear someone clearing their throat.

"So...umm..let's go?"

Oh, yes. He is here.

I nod. Completely unaware of my internal fan girl moment he starts walking towards his bike.

"Are we going to ride that?"

"Yes", he answers looking a little offended.
" I have nothing against that beauty, but I can't ride a bike in this dress. So I suggest we take my car. You can park your bike here. Then on your way back you can take it with you. Okay?"

"But I can't leave her here. She is my life and I..."

Slam!

The door of my car shuts as I sit in the driver's seat. I hear him groan. He then comes my side of the car and knocks on the window which is closed as the air conditioner is on. I roll it down and he says, "At least let me drive!" I smirk at him and reply, "Nuh..uh, you lost your chance, sweetie. Get in and type in the address so the GPS tracker can guide me."

Instead of moving he stares at me. I stare back. After a few seconds of our stare down, Drake finally gives in and occupies the passenger seat. He types in the address and I hit the road.

"Wow, your car is totally clean."

"I know you are thinking how is it possible as my innumerable friends must have dirtied it. But let me tell you, I don't allow anyone to get into my baby. Just because we are doing this for Emily, so you got to sit in my car. This is a very rare occurrence. Only Landon has been able to get into it except for you."

"Oh! I am honored. Seems like being Emily's brother has its perks."

"True. But it also has some cons like, being her brother you will never get to sleep with me, the legendary Julia Archer. Trust me, sweetie, if you don't get to sleep with me, you have enjoyed nothing in life."
Modulating my voice into a more seductive tone I continue, "I am the ultimate pleasure, baby."

Drake groans, "You just can't manage without saying this, right?"

I smirk and then we fall into a slightly tense silence.

*****************

We reach the restaurant about an hour or so later. As expected from Emily, it was a simple restaurant. She liked simple and homy.

As we enter the restaurant, I take in the comfy atmosphere of the place. I walk up to the center table. Drake follows me. We both take a seat. As we had decided earlier, we will first have dinner then I will talk the manager into letting us having Emily's party. The waiter comes and we place our orders.

Me: Salad and water.

Drake: Two plates chicken breast wings, French fries, two large chicken burgers, two chicken kebabs and two cans of diet coke.

We both stare at each other, each awed by the other's order. The waiter leaves.

"Just salad and water?"

"Two of everything?"

We ask each other in unison. Then we both chuckle. Suddenly Drake says,"Your hair looks so smooth. Probably the curtsey of your shampoo. Oh wait I remember something! "

I look at him perplexed.

He clears his throat and starts.

"What is shampoo?
Shampoo is basically evening poop.
Shyam in Hindi means evening,
When people to do have nothing.
So to murder Mr. and Mrs. Time,
They collect poop of great prime.
So we use absolute waste,
To make our hair better than the rest!"

I stare at him. And then.

"God, Drake....you...you...are...just....hilarious!" I say between my laughter to Drake, who has joined me in my laughter.

Strange! How come just two of us are laughing so loudly?

Look around you idiot! Everyone is laughing. Why can't you rein on yourself?

Not my fault! Drake is mad!

Just then our food arrives. My stomach does a somersault at the smell of the delicious food in front of me. Then my eyes land on my salad.

Yuck!

First time I agree with you, bitch.

Hey! Who are you calling bitch!

"So...Julia. What a pleasant surprise!"

I look up to see the waiter smirking at me. But his eyes....they are looking somewhere else...

"I think no one taught you that when you talk to a girl, you should make eye contact. I am sure that her eyes aren't down there."

Both our heads snap towards Drake. A small smile claim my lips. The waiter frowns. Bernard, his name tag read.
It is not that I cannot stand up for myself, it is just that I don't. Because it is expected of me to be slutty. Bernard turns back to me and asks, "Nice catch. After you are done playing with him, you can ask for Bernard Ardwin in the corner. Trust me the best things are free." My blood boils. But I maintain a seductive smile on my face. This is what is expected of....

"And if you do not do your work and go around misbehaving with my friend then I suggest you go change your name and settle in Antarctica. Because my sister has been wanting a new punching bag for quite sometime and I doubt she will mind if it's a human. I think you know my sister. Emily Walters, state boxing champion?"

Bernard's face pales. I hold back a laugh. Even in this condition he grins but I know that it is forced. I smirk at him and say, "Trust me Berny, you don't want to be Emily's punching bag." I say the last part in a whisper. He gulps and runs away.

Drake and I burst out into laughter. We are laughing so hard that tears come out.

The whole restaurant is laughing with us.

Suddenly, I see Charlotte and Francis entering. I duck my head down and ask for Drake's hoodie. He looks at me perplexed and asks,"Why?"

"Just give it to me."

"But why? What happened suddenly?"

"Just give the bloody thing to me. I won't eat it. Please trust me on this!"

Understanding my desperation, he reluctantly pulls his hoodie off himself and hands it to me. I snatch it and quickly pull it over me, all the while keeping an eye on the couple. They are now asking for a table.

I pull the hoodie cap down so that my face is no more visible. Drake looks around. Suddenly he spots Francis and waves at him calling him over.

Gosh! Drake! I am trying to save you and you are busy ruining my efforts!

Francis waves back at Drake and together the couple walk towards us. Drake probably didn't see Charlotte for when he sees her, his face gets marred by a scowl.

"Heya Buddy!"

"Hey, France."

They both do the slapping at the back man hug.

"Hey, Drake."

"Hi, Charlotte."

"What? Charlotte? Don't you always call me Char?"

Drake shoots her a tight-lipped smile. Francis understanding the situation butts in asking, "Who is this with you? A girl, I guess?"

Drake nods and I stamp his feet under the table.

"Ow! What the he...."

I shake my head slightly. He understands and says,"Meet my friend Trice." I nod.

"Is that your hoodie that she is wearing?"

"Yes."

"But you never lend that one to anyone."

"I gave it to her cause it looks better on her. What is your problem?"

"No problem at all. Why will I have a problem. I am just asking."

"Then please don't ask."

Francis butts in yet again. This time he whistles and says,"Finally got a girlfriend?"

"NO!", we both say in unison.

" That means yes!", Francis says grinning knowingly.

"Do you mind if we share this table with you?"

"I mind."

"I didn't ask you."

"She can answer on my behalf. After all she is here with me." Turning to Francis he says, "I think you should leave. Trice doesn't like company. I should have asked her before. "

Wow! Drake's is defending me!

Nah! He is just offending Charlotte. That's it.

Whatever! Charlotte seems to get really angry. "You know Drake you shouldn't..."

"Leave it, babe. Just leave it. She is already suspended. Now don't agitate Drake further."

Charlotte stomps away, her sneakers thudding on the ground with Francis hot her heels.

"Drake just let it go. Emily won't like it if she knows you are fighting with your friends for her sake."

"They are not my friends!"

I flinch back. He notices and sighs, "Look I am sorry. I know Charlotte only had Francis' good in her mind but...but...Emily is more important to me. I understand why you took cover because as sweet as Charlotte is, she can be a real meanie, when is wants to."

He then goes back to cracking stupid but hilarious jokes.

In between these jokes he began feeding me and I realized it only now that we have finished dinner.

"Ha! My plan to make you fat succeeded!"
I roll my eyes but still smile.
"Thanks for the dinner, Drake. Now time for work."

*********************

Talking the manager into letting us have Emily's party was very easy, all I had to do was pull the will-you-not-help-a-girl-in-her-need card, and Bingo!

We are currently walking in the drive way of my apartment after having drove back in my car in a comfortable silence. I suddenly remember about Drake's hoodie as he reaches to his bike.

"Hey, Drake! What about your hoodie?"

He stops climbing on his bike midway and then walks over to me and replies with a smile,"It looks better on you."

"A polite way of saying, 'I don't touch the thing worn by a slut' ,right?"

Suddenly, he hugs me. Tightly. I go numb. I've never been hugged. Emily is hug awkward. Mel likes air hugs. Kevin maintains a distance. Landon never bothers hugging me.

He whisper in my ears giving me goosebumps, "Now, do you still feel that? I really mean it. It looks better on you, keep it. For me?"

He pulls back looking into my eyes.

I glare at him and push him off me.

"Why, Drake? Why? Just why are you doing this? Is this your revenge? To pretend to be my friend or may be even more and then break my heart so I can never look talk to my best friend again? Or so is it for you Char? Huh?"

Drake sighs and replies, "Trust me Julia. I don't know what or why? Just keep it. One day I will take it back when I know what I was thinking. Please don't take this as an insult."

With that he walks over to his bike and rides away........

************************************

Heya buttercups! I hope you all like this long chapter? Now a few questions..

1) Did you share a fan girl/boy moment when you read Drake's compliment, with Julia?

2) Why do you think Julia took Drake's hoodie?

3). Why do you think Charlotte stomped away?

4). Lastly, why do you think Drake gave his hoodie to Julia?

Please answer a few of the questions or may be all(I would love it that way).

Until next time,

Comment. Vote. Share.

💞💋💞Reina