Realization hit me when I woke up the next morning. I had to meet Darren Tisdale today. Oh great. I threw a glance at my alarm clock – the damn thing hardly works –it was eight thirty and I darted out of bed. "Good morning darling.” Cody greeted me as I crashed into the bathroom. He was bathing Melanie in the bathtub. "Did I tell you that I have plans this morning?” I rushed through the words as I brushed my teeth thoroughly. "Uh-huh. Don’t worry I’m bringing Melanie to Thriftway. You can do your assignment in peace.” Cody wrapped Melanie in a huge pink towel and kissed me on the cheeks. After that, I took a quick shower and changed into loose ivory sweater and body-hugging jeans. Cody was already serving breakfast. "You have to work in the afternoon?” I asked as I stuffed the cheese toast into my mouth and drowned myself in coffee. Coffee was indulgence. And Cody worked at the hospital. As a receptionist. But one day, he told me, he was going to be some doctor. That’s why he took night classes three times a week. "Yeah. But you want me to cook lunch?” "No need.” "Sure darling.” He refilled my cup of coffee and began feeding Melanie with her cereal. "Actually I think I’ll bring Melanie to Thriftway and cook lunch.” I suggested. I already felt bad enough letting Cody do all the housework. So maybe I should take on some maternal responsibilities. "Wow.” "Cody, I can handle it.” I reassured him. Even if I couldn’t, I would find a way. "Sorry.” I cleared my utensils and went over to kiss my husband. He was like the world’s best kisser, world’s best dad, world’s best husband and world’s best maid. Hmm… He tasted like cheese. And coffee. Enticed, our tongues intertwined and I savored his flavor. And there, Melanie broke our romantic moment. Cody’s lips stayed there for a second longer before he pulled away and tended to our little girl. "Come on, sunshine.” He shoved the spoon into her mouth. "Bye dear.” I pecked lightly onto Cody’s cheek and scooped Melanie up, planting a huge smacker on her eyelids. "Love you,” I muttered and I was out of the house. To make sure that I wouldn’t linger in Darren’s house for a long time, I took Cody’s silver Volvo and sped off. When I reached Darren’s house, it surprised me not to see him sitting on the porch waiting for my arrival. So maybe I’m not that attractive after all, I sighed as I brushed my fingers through my hair.
Darren's POV
"Darren!” Denise called out, jerking me from my sleep. "What is it, you bitch?” I cussed as I rubbed my eyes. "Oh my gosh, she’s just too pretty!” Denise exclaimed. "What the hell are you talking about?” I patted my dressing table and finally found my spectacles. "Claire is here!” My God, what? Claire Edwards is here? For what? Why did she come to my house? Yeah right, the freaking assignment. Crap. "Get lost!” I yelled, pushing Denise onto my bed and scrambled down the stairs. Denise was right. Claire was here. She sat cross-legged on the couch as she chatted happily with my parents. Then, she caught me staring at her. Oh no. What the hell should I do? Run back into my room? No. Then? What should I say? "Why the hell are you dressed like this?” Claire asked, her eyes incredulous. Dad burst out, laughing. Dressed like what? I tucked my chin and took a good look of myself. Crap. I was only dressed in an oversized shirt and boxers. Ugh. I embarrassed myself in front of my parents and Claire. Stupid me. "I just woke up.” I admitted, ruffling my already messy hair. "Oh Darren. Go get changed quickly. Miss Edwards will get white hair waiting for you.” Mum called out as I dashed back into my room. Then, I quickly striped myself. "Darren!” Denise shrieked. What? What? Denise was in my room. And I was naked? Ugh. Why is everything going haywire? "Close your eyes, bitch!” I screamed back as ransacked my wardrobe for something nice to wear. "Who do you think you are? A stripper? Bastard.” Denise hissed as I pulled out a loose grey sweater and black pants. "Whatever. Now get out of my room.” "We seriously need to talk.” "About what?” I was getting impatient as I brushed through the tangles in my hair. "Claire.” I froze. "What about Claire?” "She’s brilliant.” "I know that. Your brother here is the dumb one.” "I think she’s a perfect Mrs Tisdale!” The ‘Mrs Tisdale’ part made me freeze again. "Come on, Darren. She’s perfect. I had a chat with her just now. She’s just wow. Plus she’s so pretty…” Denise continued compiling a list of Claire’s qualities. Like I didn’t know those. "Hey, thanks for waking me up. Love you.” I ruffled Denise’s hair and dashed out of the room with my laptop tucked under my arm. "Mom, Dad, Claire.” I went down the stairs, my cheeks going scarlet as Claire stared at my new outfit. "Darren, we’ll leave you two to do your work now.” Dad patted my shoulders and went into the backyard. Yeah, right. Like they two would leave us alone. Every time I bring a girl home, they would be somewhere eavesdropping. And Claire was no exception. "Breakfast for you?” I asked as I offered her the hotdogs Mom left on the table. "No thanks. But I’ll appreciate if you have a cup of java.” Java? Crap. I wasn’t thinking at all. My brain was like clogged up with this haze. Java? What the hell was that? Yes. Stupid me. Coffee. Say something that makes sense, I pleaded with myself. "With creamer? With sugar?” I asked, the words rushing out like wind. "Anything will do.” She mumbled, tracing her fingers on the glossy top of my laptop. "Mom? Dad?” I asked suspiciously as I poured some coffee into my favorite mug. But I was not drinking it. Claire was. "Yes, son?” Dad answered, peering out from under the stairs. "Please tell me you two are not going to snoop around, listening to me and Claire’s conversation.” I begged with my parents as I wolfed down a hotdog. "Miss Edwards’ a nice girl. We just want to know more about her.” Mom admitted. "Claire. Not Miss Edwards.” I corrected her, getting more pissed by the second. "We’re still going to stay here.” Dad persisted. "Do as you wish.” I muttered and strolled in the living room, holding the mug of coffee in my hand as though it was a twenty-carat diamond. To me, Claire was the most beautiful diamond in the world. "Your coffee.” "Thanks.” And her long slender fingers brushed against the back of my hand. I felt as though I had been electrocuted. “Actually I think you’d better prepare more coffee. We’re going to need a lot of this.” "You’re not going to stay until midnight, are we?” "Eh, no. Of course not. I need to tend to something in the afternoon.” "Then why?” "Cause I drink a lot of coffee?” She stared at me as though I was an idiot. And yes, I was an idiot. "We’ll start work after I finish breakfast, ya?” I suggested, finishing my cup of tea in two gulps. "Actually I’ve been here since nine.” What the hell was the time now? Ten. Great. "Sorry.” I muttered. "And I have to leave at twelve.” Oh crap. Only two more hours with her. "You don’t think we can finish everything in two hours right?” "Of course not.” "So which question are we going to research on?” I asked, sounding professional. "Hmm… what are the two extra courses that you studied?” "Principles of management and introduction to marketing.” "Oh. That’s great. We have one course in common. Apart from introduction to marketing, I’m also taking business and international law.” "Wow. That’s one tough course.” I hid my smile in my refilled cup of tea. Claire was really brilliant, just like what Denise has said. "Not that bad. Anyway can I borrow your notes for principles of management?” "Yeah sure. But for what?” I asked as I opened my laptop. "Well, I actually intend to study that too. But it’s expensive outside of the syllabus. So I figured I’ll self-study it and then take the test in some renowned collage.” "So it’ll look nicer on your resumes next time?” I typed in my password to access the system. "Yup. So you won’t mind, right?” "Do you want me to throw in free tutoring?” I turned my face from the computer to face Claire. And I realized that our faces were only inches apart. The urge to kiss her grew more unbearable. More unbearable. "No thanks.” She pulled back. I don’t believe that she didn’t feel any electricity humming between us. “I think I’ll cope.” Her eyes avoided mine as she examined my wallpaper. "Shall we get started?” I asked. "You bet.” So in the next two hours, we debated and discussed, discussed and debated. And finally, we got the foundations of our assignments all hammered out. Claire would concentrate more on the research while I’ll compile all of them and present them nicely. And I had a feeling that we were going to be the best team. "Hey. Thanks for everything. I got to go now.” Claire looked impatiently at her watch. "Yeah. Sure.” I slammed my laptop down. "Mrs Tisdale, Mr Tisdale!” Claire called out as she brought my mug into the kitchen. "Yes, sweetheart? Are you going now?” Mom called out in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. What’s with Claire that has charmed them all? Including me. "Yes.” And Denise appeared out from nowhere. I should have known. They were all listening. “Hey Denise!” "You must come down next time. I need some fashion advice.” Denise tugged at the hem of her sweater. Claire laughed musically. "Yeah sure. Bye, everyone.” She hugged Denise. And kissed mom’s cheek. And kissed me on my lips?! My god. Before even I had a chance to respond, she was out of the house. Crap. Crap. Crap. Claire Edwards just kissed me. Kissed me. On my freaking lips. And what the hell did I just do? Stood there until one second later, she was gone. I shall officially declare myself as a retard. The world’s most pathetic retard. "Darren, we love her.” Mom came and put her small hand onto my shoulder. "Then you can marry her, Mom.” There was a sharpness in my voice. "What the hell do you think you’re talking about?” Denise demanded. "Hey. Hey. Just joking.” I laughed humorlessly. And I took off for in car.
Realization hit me when I woke up the next morning. I had to meet Darren Tisdale today. Oh great. I threw a glance at my alarm clock – the damn thing hardly works –it was eight thirty and I darted out of bed. "Good morning darling.” Cody greeted me as I crashed into the bathroom. He was bathing Melanie in the bathtub. "Did I tell you that I have plans this morning?” I rushed through the words as I brushed my teeth thoroughly. "Uh-huh. Don’t worry I’m bringing Melanie to Thriftway. You can do your assignment in peace.” Cody wrapped Melanie in a huge pink towel and kissed me on the cheeks. After that, I took a quick shower and changed into loose ivory sweater and body-hugging jeans. Cody was already serving breakfast. "You have to work in the afternoon?” I asked as I stuffed the cheese toast into my mouth and drowned myself in coffee. Coffee was indulgence. And Cody worked at the hospital. As a receptionist. But one day, he told me, he was going to be some doctor. That’s why he took night classes three times a week. "Yeah. But you want me to cook lunch?” "No need.” "Sure darling.” He refilled my cup of coffee and began feeding Melanie with her cereal. "Actually I think I’ll bring Melanie to Thriftway and cook lunch.” I suggested. I already felt bad enough letting Cody do all the housework. So maybe I should take on some maternal responsibilities. "Wow.” "Cody, I can handle it.” I reassured him. Even if I couldn’t, I would find a way. "Sorry.” I cleared my utensils and went over to kiss my husband. He was like the world’s best kisser, world’s best dad, world’s best husband and world’s best maid. Hmm… He tasted like cheese. And coffee. Enticed, our tongues intertwined and I savored his flavor. And there, Melanie broke our romantic moment. Cody’s lips stayed there for a second longer before he pulled away and tended to our little girl. "Come on, sunshine.” He shoved the spoon into her mouth. "Bye dear.” I pecked lightly onto Cody’s cheek and scooped Melanie up, planting a huge smacker on her eyelids. "Love you,” I muttered and I was out of the house. To make sure that I wouldn’t linger in Darren’s house for a long time, I took Cody’s silver Volvo and sped off. When I reached Darren’s house, it surprised me not to see him sitting on the porch waiting for my arrival. So maybe I’m not that attractive after all, I sighed as I brushed my fingers through my hair.
Darren's POV
"Darren!” Denise called out, jerking me from my sleep. "What is it, you bitch?” I cussed as I rubbed my eyes. "Oh my gosh, she’s just too pretty!” Denise exclaimed. "What the hell are you talking about?” I patted my dressing table and finally found my spectacles. "Claire is here!” My God, what? Claire Edwards is here? For what? Why did she come to my house? Yeah right, the freaking assignment. Crap. "Get lost!” I yelled, pushing Denise onto my bed and scrambled down the stairs. Denise was right. Claire was here. She sat cross-legged on the couch as she chatted happily with my parents. Then, she caught me staring at her. Oh no. What the hell should I do? Run back into my room? No. Then? What should I say? "Why the hell are you dressed like this?” Claire asked, her eyes incredulous. Dad burst out, laughing. Dressed like what? I tucked my chin and took a good look of myself. Crap. I was only dressed in an oversized shirt and boxers. Ugh. I embarrassed myself in front of my parents and Claire. Stupid me. "I just woke up.” I admitted, ruffling my already messy hair. "Oh Darren. Go get changed quickly. Miss Edwards will get white hair waiting for you.” Mum called out as I dashed back into my room. Then, I quickly striped myself. "Darren!” Denise shrieked. What? What? Denise was in my room. And I was naked? Ugh. Why is everything going haywire? "Close your eyes, bitch!” I screamed back as ransacked my wardrobe for something nice to wear. "Who do you think you are? A stripper? Bastard.” Denise hissed as I pulled out a loose grey sweater and black pants. "Whatever. Now get out of my room.” "We seriously need to talk.” "About what?” I was getting impatient as I brushed through the tangles in my hair. "Claire.” I froze. "What about Claire?” "She’s brilliant.” "I know that. Your brother here is the dumb one.” "I think she’s a perfect Mrs Tisdale!” The ‘Mrs Tisdale’ part made me freeze again. "Come on, Darren. She’s perfect. I had a chat with her just now. She’s just wow. Plus she’s so pretty…” Denise continued compiling a list of Claire’s qualities. Like I didn’t know those. "Hey, thanks for waking me up. Love you.” I ruffled Denise’s hair and dashed out of the room with my laptop tucked under my arm. "Mom, Dad, Claire.” I went down the stairs, my cheeks going scarlet as Claire stared at my new outfit. "Darren, we’ll leave you two to do your work now.” Dad patted my shoulders and went into the backyard. Yeah, right. Like they two would leave us alone. Every time I bring a girl home, they would be somewhere eavesdropping. And Claire was no exception. "Breakfast for you?” I asked as I offered her the hotdogs Mom left on the table. "No thanks. But I’ll appreciate if you have a cup of java.” Java? Crap. I wasn’t thinking at all. My brain was like clogged up with this haze. Java? What the hell was that? Yes. Stupid me. Coffee. Say something that makes sense, I pleaded with myself. "With creamer? With sugar?” I asked, the words rushing out like wind. "Anything will do.” She mumbled, tracing her fingers on the glossy top of my laptop. "Mom? Dad?” I asked suspiciously as I poured some coffee into my favorite mug. But I was not drinking it. Claire was. "Yes, son?” Dad answered, peering out from under the stairs. "Please tell me you two are not going to snoop around, listening to me and Claire’s conversation.” I begged with my parents as I wolfed down a hotdog. "Miss Edwards’ a nice girl. We just want to know more about her.” Mom admitted. "Claire. Not Miss Edwards.” I corrected her, getting more pissed by the second. "We’re still going to stay here.” Dad persisted. "Do as you wish.” I muttered and strolled in the living room, holding the mug of coffee in my hand as though it was a twenty-carat diamond. To me, Claire was the most beautiful diamond in the world. "Your coffee.” "Thanks.” And her long slender fingers brushed against the back of my hand. I felt as though I had been electrocuted. “Actually I think you’d better prepare more coffee. We’re going to need a lot of this.” "You’re not going to stay until midnight, are we?” "Eh, no. Of course not. I need to tend to something in the afternoon.” "Then why?” "Cause I drink a lot of coffee?” She stared at me as though I was an idiot. And yes, I was an idiot. "We’ll start work after I finish breakfast, ya?” I suggested, finishing my cup of tea in two gulps. "Actually I’ve been here since nine.” What the hell was the time now? Ten. Great. "Sorry.” I muttered. "And I have to leave at twelve.” Oh crap. Only two more hours with her. "You don’t think we can finish everything in two hours right?” "Of course not.” "So which question are we going to research on?” I asked, sounding professional. "Hmm… what are the two extra courses that you studied?” "Principles of management and introduction to marketing.” "Oh. That’s great. We have one course in common. Apart from introduction to marketing, I’m also taking business and international law.” "Wow. That’s one tough course.” I hid my smile in my refilled cup of tea. Claire was really brilliant, just like what Denise has said. "Not that bad. Anyway can I borrow your notes for principles of management?” "Yeah sure. But for what?” I asked as I opened my laptop. "Well, I actually intend to study that too. But it’s expensive outside of the syllabus. So I figured I’ll self-study it and then take the test in some renowned collage.” "So it’ll look nicer on your resumes next time?” I typed in my password to access the system. "Yup. So you won’t mind, right?” "Do you want me to throw in free tutoring?” I turned my face from the computer to face Claire. And I realized that our faces were only inches apart. The urge to kiss her grew more unbearable. More unbearable. "No thanks.” She pulled back. I don’t believe that she didn’t feel any electricity humming between us. “I think I’ll cope.” Her eyes avoided mine as she examined my wallpaper. "Shall we get started?” I asked. "You bet.” So in the next two hours, we debated and discussed, discussed and debated. And finally, we got the foundations of our assignments all hammered out. Claire would concentrate more on the research while I’ll compile all of them and present them nicely. And I had a feeling that we were going to be the best team. "Hey. Thanks for everything. I got to go now.” Claire looked impatiently at her watch. "Yeah. Sure.” I slammed my laptop down. "Mrs Tisdale, Mr Tisdale!” Claire called out as she brought my mug into the kitchen. "Yes, sweetheart? Are you going now?” Mom called out in the sweetest voice I’ve ever heard. What’s with Claire that has charmed them all? Including me. "Yes.” And Denise appeared out from nowhere. I should have known. They were all listening. “Hey Denise!” "You must come down next time. I need some fashion advice.” Denise tugged at the hem of her sweater. Claire laughed musically. "Yeah sure. Bye, everyone.” She hugged Denise. And kissed mom’s cheek. And kissed me on my lips?! My god. Before even I had a chance to respond, she was out of the house. Crap. Crap. Crap. Claire Edwards just kissed me. Kissed me. On my freaking lips. And what the hell did I just do? Stood there until one second later, she was gone. I shall officially declare myself as a retard. The world’s most pathetic retard. "Darren, we love her.” Mom came and put her small hand onto my shoulder. "Then you can marry her, Mom.” There was a sharpness in my voice. "What the hell do you think you’re talking about?” Denise demanded. "Hey. Hey. Just joking.” I laughed humorlessly. And I took off for in car.
chapter 2 (part1)
