Little Red Riding Hood

Chapter 8

It was 7:00 and I was still searching for something to wear. It's not that I had an insufficient supply of clothes, it was just one of those moments when nothing was good enough. I had look more than decent tonight, I had to look worthy of standing next to Jared and all of his perfection.
I drop down on my bed in defeat and look over all of my clothes that are slain on the ground, what am I gonna do? Am I gonna have to cancel with Jared and give him some false story about having to babysit a nonexistent younger sibling? I let my head fall into my hands and in the midst of my self pity the door bell rings and a series of soft knocks follow. My heart drops and I feel my face get pale, I really hope that's a random pizza guy that has the wrong house. I have nothing done and I can't let Jared see me this way before our first date. I'm supposed to be beautiful, breathtaking or as close to that as possible. I look to my alarm clock that never delivers good news, it was 7:05 why is he so early?! Is my clock just messed up I check the wires and everything's in place does he think this is funny to show up 55 minutes early? This is not ok.
The door bell rings again and I have to open the door I can't pretend to not be here there's no way he didn't hear my mini screams of panic.
I walk out my room and to the front door and look at myself grievously before opening the door. God help me.
"Heeeyyy, Jared you're early" I say with the best smile I could muster.
"Actually, I'm late I wanted to give you enough time to get ready but I got caught up in a little traffic."
I gave him my biggest 'I don't understand' look, which he thankfully catches keeping me from looking like an idiot.
"I brought you a present." he held out a rectangular box in one hand and in the other hand... a large bouquet of black roses...
My smile brightens, this is just like the movies except, of course, the roses are usually red. I take the presents after gushing out an awkward "thank you" and walk off from the door leaving it open for Jared to follow. It wasn't until I had made it to my kitchen and finished burying my face in the roses that I noticed Jared hadn't followed me. I walk back over to door in confusion and Jared is still standing at the door looking down studying his feet, Jesus Christ why are you so adorable?
"What are you doing? Come inside it's cold out there."
He looked up and smiled at me, his smile was as beautiful as ever but something was a little off about it this time. I brush off the feeling and move back towards the gorgeous bouquet of roses with Jared right behind me.
"They're an endangered species that only grow naturally in Turkey. The people in the little village that grow them say they symbolize mystery and passion, what I see in you." Why is he so perfect?
"I always thought they symbolized death."
"That too" he said back with a mischievous grin.
"Open your present."
His wish was my command and I opened the rectangle box in front of me. I was breathless, speechless. Inside was the most beautiful dress I ever had the privilege of laying my eyes on. An emerald dress was neatly folded in the box, I pulled it out with cautious hands not wanting to ruin the masterpiece in front of me. The dress was intricately embroidered across the top and bottom with assorted beads and jewels on the midsection. giving the dress a middle eastern look. With awe I looked to Jared, my face turned a crimson when he was already admiring me.
"You should hurry up and get dressed before we miss our reservations."
Reservations? That would explain the formality of the dress.
"I'll try to make it as quick as possible, make yourself at home while you wait."
I run to my room to put on the dress, there's no way to explain the relief I'm feeling, this dress is the one to make me look somewhat worthy of standing next to Jared.
I slip the dress on swiftly and zip up the back with no trouble. The dress was a perfect fit almost like it was tailored just for me, how could he have known my size? Was it that predictable?
I stopped to evaluate the dress in the mirror, it was an exquisite dress stopping just above my knees to give a modest look, I look worthy.
I take two thick pieces of my hair from the front and tie them to the back of my head to keep my hair out of my face and to compliment the decal on the dress. My red hair looked like fire against the green dress. I throw on some makeup in nude shades and apply red lipstick which surprisingly turned out to look nice on me for once.
I start to look for green formal shoes and come up with nothing, just as I'm about to give there's a knock at my door. I glance at the clock 7:50, we're about to be late. I go to open the door, Jared stood in the door with a pair of gold heels dangling from his index and middle finger with a knowing smile on his face, like he knew I was struggling looking for shoes.
I took the shoes from his hands saying thank you while laughing at the situation.
"Ready to go?"
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Ok I know not much happened in this chapter and that it's short but I wanted to post this to get yall ready for the next chapter I'm currently working on