The sun rays trickled down the window and on my forehead. I groaned at the sudden light but forced my eyes open. It took me a while to adjust to the bright room, but when I did, I woke up slowly and stretched my arms.

I let out a yawn and scratched my head, looking around and slowly coming back to life.

Yesterday's conversations and findings came rushing into my brain. For once, I didn't wake up with any fear or anxiety. We knew who the killer was. All we needed was a way to get him in handcuffs.

But today I didn't have to worry about that. As promised, Blake and I were going out on a proper date today. Before I fought my last battle for Rosalind, I wanted to have a colourful day. And today was that day.

I got up from my cozy bed and opened my room's door. I was expecting the usual view of my mom cooking breakfast and my dad's head buried in his newspaper.

But, for a change, I witnessed my best friend in the middle of a grave conversation with my father. He looked really interested in whatever they were talking about. My mother was talking to somebody on the phone. This sight immediately made me look in the kitchen where I saw Kelly and Blake cooking together.

A warm smile travelled to my face and I decided to stay silent and just watch this happy moment for a while, sinking in this jolly feeling.

"Kelly, no!" Blake warned and snatched the bread from her hand. "There are a few bread in the toaster. Wait for some time."

Kelly rolled her eyes and took a place next to my mom, waving at her and then joining in the conversation with Brianna and my father.

Blake carefully removed the toasted bread and poured honey over them, trying to make a specific design. A beamed with satisfaction and walked over to the dining table, putting the plate with a long pile of toasts.

His attention snapped in my direction and I was quick to shush him before he spoke a word. He nodded and went back to the kitchen.

"No way!" My dad said, shocked by a certain statement.

"It is true!" Brianna quickly shook her head. "I know it's shocking, but I swear, it exists."

"Never in my life have I experienced what you're talking about," Kelly said and took a huge bite of her toast.

My dad took a plain toast and applied some butter on it, cursing something under breathe. My mom shot a serious glare in his direction, slapping his hands for using foul language.

"Good morning, you guys," I smiled and joined the happy family. They all gave me the same wide smile.

Blake tiptoed over to me and placed a small peck on my lips. I closed my eyes savouring all the love and positivity.

"We don't have a fancy breakfast today, but you won't mind that considering that fancy boy right there made all this," dad snickered.

"Dad, no. Please don't do that. It doesn't suit you." I shook my head and took a seat in between mom and Kelly.

"What were you'll talking about?" I asked, curious.

"Nothing," Brianna nodded and took a large bite of her apple.

"Then why was my dad so intrigued?" I rose up a brow.

"Well, whatever it was doesn't concern you."

"Alright. Whatever you say," I smirked and filled up my plate with the golden coloured toast.

"Eat fast. We need to leave soon if we wanna make it on time," Brianna informed.

"Where are you guys going?" Blake was quick to come out of the kitchen.

"Shopping," Brianna said in a 'duh' tone.

"But why? Valerie has a lot of clothes in her closet already," my mom joined the conversation.

"She does. But, she wants to look extra special for her special date tonight," Brianna laughed.

I rolled my eyes as everybody put their inputs and unwanted thoughts about the day. My dad was the only one silent during the entire time. It was probably because even though he didn't have any objections to me dating Blake, a part of him was protective for me and did not want to see me go through a heartbreak. I looked at him with nothing but pure love in my eyes.

Before I could speak to assure him, the doorbell went off, distracting everybody.

"It must be somebody from your posse," mother spoke, trying to relax everybody.

"I'll get it," I announced and got up from my chair.

My stomach turned at the sight of Derek standing on the other side of the door with his hands casually stuffed in his pockets. I had to work really hard to hide the repulsion and disgust I felt for him. I hadn't really admitted this to anybody, but feared him. I had no idea whether he felt guilt or remorse for killing his own sister or he was a straight up sociopath with no feelings whatsoever. For some reason, I did not want an answer to that.

"Valerie?" Derek called me out. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just distracted," I nervously replied. "How are your parents?"

"They are still sinking in the news. Mom would not stop crying, we had to give her sleeping pills and dad has barely spoken a word." he replied. Derek's face reflected guilt. I had mistaken this guilt as sadness. I believed that he was mourning Rosalind's death.

"Come in," I smiled, opening the door wider. "We were just having breakfast."

He walked inside the house and made his way to the crowd. Brianna froze from taking a bite of her food and put the apple down. I widened my eyes at her and gestured her to act normal. As expected, Kelly brought her best deception skills and got up, to offer him a seat. Blake walked outside the kitchen and stood next to Brianna, folding his arms. I made my way to my parents and stood in between them.

"What brings you here so early in the morning?" mom asked with concern.

"I was on my way to work and wanted to ask for a favor and invite you'll to something." Derek replied.

"Valerie told us what happened, are you parents okay?" dad asked.

"Honestly, no. It would mean the world to me if you'll spent some time with them. I'll also drop by Brianna's place and ask her mother. I don't feel comfortable leaving them alone. Not after a huge bomb was dropped on them."

"Of course," my mom sympatetically smiled. "I'll prepare the lunch."

"Thank you," he nodded and then made eye-contact with me.

"Dad has decided to throw a gala. I think its an impulsive decision, but I did not want to start an argument, so I decided to go with it. All the town will be invited and its taking place at the town hall."

"Ahh, a gala," Brianna spoke, trying her best to be normal around him. "It was a good thing Val and I were going shopping."

"I am also inviting Jordan and of course, Kelly and Blake. Its my way to thank you'll for trying to get my sister some justice."

"Thank you," Kelly formally said. "If you don't mind me asking, what is this gala for?"

"Oh, I am inheriting dad's company, so we wanted to make it a celebration. Plus, I guess my parents need socialisation right now."

"We'll be there," I informed. "Thanks for stopping by."

Fortunately, Derek got the message and left. Soon after, me and Brianna also left for the mall. The two of us spent most of our afternoon purchasing clothes. The twinkle in my friend's eyes had brightened when she realised we needed more outfits for the gala. I reminded her that we could wear the outfits we brough the last time, but she insisted. After buying evening gowns, we shopped for my date outift.

I was reluctant at first, but I confessed that I wanted a new outfit for tonight. It stunend her. In my entire life, I never wanted to look good for anybody. That being said, a very frightening question rose in my mind. Was there a chance that my emotions had grown much more than mere attraction or liking? I decided that it was for the best I did not voice out my concern. The future would reveal the answer on its own.

After a big shopping spree, we finally returned back to my home and Brianna stayed to help me with my looks. She removed the brightest of the makeups and I had to walk her down the memory lane and remind her that it was just a date and not a fashion show. Obviously she frowned a little when I said that, but she adjusted and kept everything minimal.

Once Brianna was done with her magic, I glanced at this completely new reflection of myself. My dark circles were no longer visible and there was a natual glow on my face that make up could not have achieved. My lips were glossy with a nude shade and my eyes shone brightly with happiness. I stood up from the chair to get a better look and mentally thanked god for giving Brianna a good taste in clothes.

The black laced tunic top hung loosely on my body, tucked into a pair of leather pants. My hair were loose and yet properly set so that no strands rested on my face and Blake could get a clear look. 

I gave Brianna a huge smile, indicating my content by the end result. She gave me a wink and a flying kiss before leaving the room and joining my parents in the living room. I slowly opened the door with caution because I did not want Blake to see me yet. When I saw no signs of my boyfriend, I fully opened the door and let my parents check me from my head to my toe. I could see the same love my father had on the day of prom or when I wore my mom's dress for a competition. Mom was quick to engulf me in an embrace and kiss my forehead.

Before I could speak, the doorbell rang distracting all of us. Brianna rushed to see Blake standing on the other side with a bouquet in his hand. She invited him inside. My was flushed at the sight of him in a suit. He had never looked so handsome before.

"Hey," he greeted me in a soft voice. "You ready?" All I could do was muster up a small nod in response. I happily accepted the flowers he brought me and placed them in a vase before leaving for the longed date night.

He led me to the hired car and opened the door for me. He didn't close it until I settled and when I did, he joined me in no time. I refused to meet our eyes because I was afraid my heart would not stop skipping beats.

He sensed the tension rising and decided to make it comfortable by playing a playlist of all my favourite music. When I heard the familiar songs, I turned to him with a huge grin on my face.

"Brianna helped me," he smiled.

"She seems more excited than us," I chuckled and finally locked my gaze with his.

I noticed the details he had worked on and could see my friend's working in order to make him look like this. I was quick to look away before it go too late and shifted my view outside the window.

We halted in front of restaurant we were supposed to dine it. The golden lights illuminated the street, giving it a magical glow. Only a few cars were parked outside because this was a very expensive place to eat at and people only made reservations during special ocassions. The title of the restaurant took after our town because it was built proudly by the founding families.

Once I left the car, letting the night breeze to move a few strands of my hair. Once Blake was next to me, I looked at him, he gave me an assuring nod and I slipped my hands into his long ones, intertwining them.

He led the both of us inside, letting the dim golden lights reflect on our skin. My eyes sparkled a little extra under the lighting and made it difficult for Blake to look anywhere else. I rolled my eyes and he let out a small guffaw.

The manager took us to our table and we were quick to sit. There was so much I wanted to know about Blake, but everytime I tried to frame it in a sentence, I would forget. Kelly had been a sweetheart and told me about a few topics I needed to avoid if I wanted to date to go swiftly. Of course, those were the only things that came to my mind because of its inquisitive nature.

"How are you?" I asked Blake.

"I am really happy. We finally caught the killer and now we get to spend the rest of the evening together without any interruptions," he smiled.

"Everytime before I went to sleep, I would fantasize about today."

"How would you imagine it?" he asked, leaning closer to listen with interest.

"In the beginning, it would go really well. We would get to know each other better, open up and confide in each other. But, in the end, something would happen. It changed every night. Sometimes it was a really personal question or sometimes I would do something stupid to get you all anxious," I replied.

It took every muscle in me to be honest. I did not want to address my insecurities in the beginning of our date, but at the same time, keeping it inside would have really led to a dreadful outcome and I did not want that to happen. I feared that Blake would stiffen up, but instead he just put his warm, huge hand on top of mine and looked deeply into my eyes, "This date would end perfectly. Don't worry."

Unconsciously, my lips tugged upwards. Why did those words provide me so much comfort? Brianna had assured me of the same, but him saying those words was different. There was a promise in there and that scared me. Promises were often broken. Me and Blake had not dated for a long time, but I still felt many foreign emotions for him. Blake tried hard to open up too or display his feelings for me. I really appreciated the effort, but at the same time, the thought of losing him scared me so much.

I mentally shook my head to stop overthinking and live in the moment. Mom pointed out why my relationships often failed. It was because of expectations and fear. Overthinking usually led me to believe that the person would leave me when they would get tired and that did not even let me give them an opportunity to give them a chance. But this time, I was going to change that. I was no longer going to let those thoughts scare me.

Blake and I placed our orders and I talked a little about what my life had been in the town. All the precious moments, the moments that still made my stomach hurt from laughing, I told him. We took a small break from talking as my pesto pasta and Blake's steak arrived. We admired the rich looks of our food and the delicious smell that lingered in the air. We also did not fail to praise the talent of the chef when we took our first bites.

"I did not like Kelly when I first met her," Blake said, taking a sip of his red wine. "I thought she was arrogant for being the boss of the group because of her constant glares and blunt speaking. But after my first case, after the mistake I made, I understood why she was always so tough and then, we became really good friends."

"I was terrified of Kelly." I snorted. "She had come to see my boss at the clinic and I had to entertain her until the client sitting in the office left. Kelly was obviously there for something urgent, so her agitation ended up giving me anxiety."

"You know, I was supposed to go to talk to the therapist? But Kelly asked me to go through some evidence."

"Wow," I whispered. "Do you think we would have dated if you saw me then?"

"I think so, yes." He nodded without hesitation. "I fell for you because of your way to deal with emotions, to handle a difficult situation and your power to calm Brianna down when she is angry, to soothe Jordan when he is anxious. That, right there, is a gift. You even managed to transform me from Sheldon Cooper to a normal human being."

He did it again. Blake made my heart skip a beat again.

"Blake, I-"

"No, don't feel flushed or embarassed. Whatever I said is the truth. Your flaws make me love you even more."

Blake widened his eyes and I just laughed. These were not the emotions I was hoping to feel when we confessed our love, but he was such a dork.

"Shit, I didn-"

"No, Blake. It's alright." I said in between my laughter.

"Oh hey! I found a flaw. Your inability to remain serious in grave moment."

I continued laughing. He had no idea that laughter was my defense mechanism everytime something I couldn't comprehend or something I did not know how to deal happened. His words had managed to stop my heart. The boy in front of me was going to be the death of me.

I cleared my throat after seeing Blake clearly cringing at his choice of words. "I apologise. I shouldn't have done that, but you should have seen your face."

To make the atmosphere normal again, he ordered dessert. I apologised three more times before he forgave me. I was quick to change the topic later.

"Blake," I said. He was still feeling a little stupid. "I haven't said this, but you have no idea how grateful I am that you don't feel restrict myself when you're around me."

We talked a little more. I got to know a glimpse of childhood Blake. He sounded so carefree and optimistic. But as usual, the world played its cruel tricks and pushed him to lose all his of his glow and focus on making a living for himself. He had to leave all of the his childish habits and become a grown up. People disliked him for being so wise and tensed that he lost all of his friends.

He also told me how Jordan and him that officially shook hands and were not in each other's good book. I felt immense joy because now Blake had a new friend and all the things he missed in his childhood, he would get a chance to relive them all and Jordan found a friend who he could depend on. A friend who would not manipulate him for remember the favors he owed him. A friend who would help him achieve something in life. Something Rosalind wanted him to have.

After eating, I took Blake to my spot. It was close to Brianna's house and yet was far away from the world. It had its own, small and soothing magic. I would always visit it when I felt overwhelmed and suffocated. There was nothing much to it, just plethora of grasses which happily welcomed my feet. Fresh air, carrying the smell of due and the night sky that showed its beauty off.

Blake and I sat on the grass, my hands still linked with his. I scooted a little closer putting my head on his arm. Upon feeling my presence, he let go of all the tension he had piled up, relaxing his muscles. Both of our gazes went up on the dark sky where the stars shone brightly, providing security and hope. None of us spoke the entire time. I realised that you could know so much about something without talking. It created a different kind of bond, a special kind.

We stayed like that a little more before returning back home. The drive back was much different than the ride I previously had. I was much more comfortable with him now. The previous thought that tempted me to stop it before it was too late were no more and a new emotion had unlocked itself.

Before stepping inside the house, I turned to him, connecting our lips and closing my eyes to remember the sparks it sent everywhere in my body. It was truly magical. My heart fluttered and goosebumps rose. After breaking the kiss, there was only one thing that would end this date perfectly.

"Blake, I love you too."

I was going to throw my phone away. I had been working on this chapter day and night coz I suck at writing dates or even romance and when I finally got the product I wanted, I LOST IT ALL.

Luckily, there is a think known as "revision" and I could restore everything I wrote.

Anyhow, enjoy reading this. It was high time I gave Blarie their chapter.

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