On the Verge; A One Direction Fanfiction.

Chapter 3

I stared into my closet, realizing I had absolutely nothing to wear on a date. Jeans obviously weren't going to cut it, and the only skirt I even owned was a black tent I couldn't even remember buying, much less wearing. Great sense of fashion I have, I think bitterly. So, I'm down to my last option. The only option, really, since Stephanie wouldn't let me borrow her clothes even if they weren't three sizes too big. Grateful to myself for being smart and not spending money on anything dumb that I don't and won't need, I open up my wallet. Sighing, I count the money in it. There'e actually a fair amount; $300. I suppose that should be enough to buy something cute and save money to offer half the bill tonight. I grab my bus pass and head out the door, seriously not looking forward to shopping. I hate, hate, hate shopping.

I walk into the only store I know my way around; Forever 21. If I ever do go shopping, it's always here. Growing up, my mom never took me to stores like this. We never had much money, so I always got my clothes from Goodwill. I never complained, because I didn't see any need to. Now that I'm older, though, I feel that shopping at places like this is a rite of passage. It proves that I'm really grown up and on my own, and it makes me feel a lot more in control than any other aspect of my newfound adulthood. Salespeople buzz around me, like bees searching for the perfect flower. Usually I would shoo them away, but now I seriously need help. A pretty blonde woman smiles at me, and I tell her that I have a huge date tonight and have no idea what to wear. She's positively beaming as she leads me to different racks and finally to a dressing room. I'm pleasantly surprised when I walk out and look in the mirror, actually. This chick really knows what she's talking about! 

The dress she picked out for me is olive green, and hugs my body in an alluring but not inappropriate way. The color sets off my eyes and accents my olive skin, making me feel a lot prettier than I actually am. With some make-up and an attempt at a french braid, I could look very nice tonight. I buy the dress and realize why I don't go shopping a lot around here. Los Angeles price for the simple dress? $150. It's worth it, though.

By 6:30, I feel pretty pumped. My hair actually cooperated and is resting on my left shoulder in one of the best french braids I've ever done, the loose strand on the right curled. I used more make-up than I usually do to make my eyes really pop, and I dug out a pair of sequined silver flats from the back of my closet, since I don't know how tall Niall is. I smile at my reflection one last time before grabbing my phone and wallet and heading out the door. Here goes nothing, I think as I'm boarding the bus.

The ride seems to be much shorter than I would have expected, but by the time I arrive at the restaurant, Niall is there too. He looks remarkable in dress pants and a blazer over a red polo. His hair is tousled adorably, and his smile lights up the waiting lobby as I enter. He greets me with a hug, and leads the way to our table. I'm nervous as I sit down, but I notice a lot of girls giving me envious looks. I soak it in, since this is a feeling I've never had before. Even Niall is looking at me in a way I've never been looked at before; he's staring at me like I'm a gorgeous creature he was very lucky to come into contact with. Obviously, it's the other way around, I think, until I notice a lot of the men in here are looking at Niall jealously. I smile, a bit proud of myself for once.

"So, Celia, thank you so much for coming out tonight." He says, looking at me happily and blushing a little. I'm shocked that he's the one thanking me, in all honesty.

"Niall, thank you so much for inviting me out. This is, uhm, the first date I've ever been on." I reply, slipping the last bit out on accident. When I'm really nervous or anxious I tend to say more than I mean to. I hate that habit, and I mentally kick myself very hard for this latest mess-up. Ugh.

"Really? How.. how does someone like you not go out on dates?" He asks, eyeing me up and down in his shock. I blush before replying.

"I never get asked, and I'm too shy to bother with asking anyone else..." I bite my lip to make myself stop talking. Lord only knows what I'll wind up saying if I'm not careful. He looks surprised, but thankfully the waiter interrupts us. 

"Hi, I'm Jeremy. Can I take your order? Also, would you like to try this wine we have today?" He asks, in usual Olive Garden procedure. I know for a fact that no one in this area of LA checks people's ID's, so I agree on the wine and order some fettucine alfredo. Niall orders as well and the waiter leaves.

"You're 21?" Niall asks, confusion all over his beautiful face. I giggle, something I've never found myself doing before.

"No, but he didn't ask for my ID did he?" I reply, feeling giddy and reckless. Niall smiles, and we accept the glasses Jeremy brings back to us.

"To the start of something very interesting." He toasts, and I assume he means us and the start of a relationship that I hope will be a long and veru fufilling one.

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Keep reading, voting, and sharing! I know a lot of people might not read these little after comments, but I really hope you do! This is my first story and it's really scary for me to have people reading my work... So thanks for all of your help! (: