Pride and Prejudice, the High School Version.

Chapter 17

Liz didn't think anyone at home would be bothered with sending her Christmas presents but was pleasantly surprised when she found that everyone except Lydia had sent a present to Jimmy's apartment. She was even more surprised to find a gift from Matt, a simple bracelet with a note saying:

Thank you for an amazing time.

She felt a bit guilty as she had not gotten him anything.

If the presents were a pleasant surprise, her last present was shocking enough to send her to the ER. Someone had gotten her A copy of Jane Austen's Emma, first edition. She didn't even need to read the note to know who it was from,but she read it anyway.

Liz,
A merry Christmas to you.
Bill.

Charlotte tilted the book in her hand and stared at the print, "Isn't this thing supposed to be really expensive?"

"Yep."

"And he got it for you, why?"

"I don't know. Maybe it was just in his family and he didn't know how valuable it was and just decided to give it to me because he knows I like the book?"

"He runs a business empire, trust me, he knows exactly how valuable this is. And when did you guys start sharing your tastes in books?"

Liz threw her arms up in exasperation, "Then I don't know, okay? I have no idea why he has given me the book. We are not even friends, and he knows how much I dislike him."

"Does he? And do you?"

"Of course."

"I think he likes you."

Liz rolled her eyes.

"Really Liz, I think he likes you. I have seen him watching you when he thinks no one is looking, and yesterday night, his jaw dropped when he saw you in that dress."

"Anyone's jaw would have dropped at the sight of that dress."

"But his dropped lower."

"He doesn't like me, and if he did, I wouldn't even like him back, he is not my type," Liz said firmly as she snatched the book from Charlotte and began packaging it back.

"What are you going to do?"

"Give the book back of course."

Jimmy's apartment wasn't very far from Katherine's mansion, so Liz decided to walk there and return the book.

She rang the bell and the door was opened by none other than Bill himself. He was dressed in tight fitting black jeans and a black shirt with golden embroidery, and looked like he was going somewhere.

"Are you going somewhere?" Liz asked.

"No. I was just on my way to the apartment to see you. Please come in."

Liz walked tentatively past him, "Where is Matt?"

"He left with Anna and my aunt, they went to Disneyland."

"And you didn't go because..."

"It's Disneyland. Do I need any other reason?"

Liz bit her lip, "No. I guess not," Liz held out the book to him, "I came to tell you that I can't accept this."

He looked down at the book but made no move to touch it, "Why?"

"Because it's too damn expensive, that's why."

"I thought it was you favorite Jane Austen book?"

"It is but I don't want it, not if it's from you."

He folded his hand over hers and smiled at her, Liz felt a slight shiver at the touch, "The book is yours. Goods once given cannot be returned, it's the Pemberly Enterprises company policy."

"I am pretty sure the term is sold not given, and since you didn't sell this to me, I am returning it."

"Liz," he said softly, pushing back a strand of stray hair behind her ear, "I like you, a lot. I have tried to stay away from you. Several times I have tried now, but I can't. I can't live with myself if I didn't try to explore these feelings that I have for you and see where they might lead. I was coming over to ask you if you will do me the honour of becoming my girlfriend?"

Liz jumped away from him in an instant.

"If that's your idea of a joke, it's not funny Bill."

"Joke? Why would I joke about such a thing?"

"You like me? You want me to be your girlfriend? What the hell are you talking about? We are not even friends, I hate you, you know I do. Why would you even ask me such a thing?"

A hurt look crossed his face as he stared at her, "You hate me?"

"With everything I have got. In fact, I have never disliked a human being more than I dislike you, and mark you, I dislike easily."

"Really?" His face was now sneering, "and may I know why I am so repulsive?"

Liz let out a hollow laugh, "You are really asking me that?"

"Yes."

"Where do I start, huh? Right, Jane. Let's start with Jane and Charlie, shall we? You separated them and forced Charlie to break up with her and move away. Ever since you guys left, I have stayed awake for hours, listening to my sister weep. Every single day. Even now, she is in DC and you know it, but you won't even tell Charlie. You won't let them see each other."

He didn't reply, but from the way his face changed, Liz could tell that her accusation was fair and true. Emboldened, Liz went on.

"What about George and what you did to him?"

"George?"

"Yes, George Wickham, the foreign exchange student. You took away his college fund and left him a charity case. What a great way to honor you father's memory by the way. You have piles and piles of money, but you can't give a few coins to support the son of your father's best friend."

"For someone who has only known him a few months, you seem really concerned for his welfare."

"Who wouldn't when they know the way he has been cruelly treated by you?"

"Me? I treated him cruelly?"

"Yes."

"Damn!" He cursed looking murderous then seeing the look on her face, he tried to calm down, "Okay. Thank you for your time Liz. Kindly leave the book on the table on your way out."

Liz dropped the book on the table and fled the house.