A different view

Chapter 10

"How did it go?" Tim asked me as I headed towards him.

I smiled. "Stop with the suspense already!" he repeated anxiously.

"Preeth's dad said he'd think it over and let us know tomorrow," I said

"He might refuse," Wat said. "Or maybe he'll come along with us to the bar. In which case your plan's not going to work" Would Preeth's dad really do that? That would be so embarrassing! Being chaperoned by her father.

"It's fine, we gave it a shot," Tim said. I wasn't giving up hope yet. It's just some drinks and I offered we'd drop her home right after. Preeth didn't wait until I had finished the conversation with her dad. She went straight into the car. Hope she wasn't madat me.

Hey...  I messaged her. No response until an hour later...

Preeth: Hey

Me: Are you angry?

Preeth: No

Me: Is Pa angry?

Preeth: No

Me: So he'll let you come for drinks tomorrow?

My message was read but there was no reply. I flopped onto the bed.

Next morning...

Preeth: Yes

I hugged Tim as soon I reached campus.

"I'm guessing Preeth's dad agreed" Wat said, "...and let go of Tim will you? He's choking".

"I can't help it. I'm excited! She's never been out with us like this!!"

The final plans were made once we finished classes. "Ok... so Preeth and I will change at my place. Wat you come over with Tim to my dorm once we call you. Don't forget to get the car. We have to drop Preeth home." I started

"Lin... Pa's made arrangements for my drop back home." Preeth said

"Are you sure? It's not a problem Preeth." Wat said

"I'm sure." Preeth replied

"That's even better! This way all of us get to drink! We'll just take the cab both ways then!"

I dragged Preeth to my dorm. It was the first time she ever came up. It was a beautiful mess. I cleaned up a chair for her to sit on. But wait we didn't have time. I pushed her into the bathroom instead, handing her a towel. When she came out she was fully clothed as always, no glasses this time. I dried her tresses... they were soft, like waves of the ocean, only they were black with highlights of brown. I pulled out one of my chains from the dresser.

"You may be an Ice princess Preeth. But just for today, you're a snowflake" I said pointing to the pendant. Makeup was done and she was my best work of art! Guys are going to be drooling tonight!

Third person's POV

"Guys, come on... we need to be there early to reserve the tables." Pha was talking to Kit and Beam waiting in his car with Wayo.

"Sorry, it's Beam's fault," Kit said getting in the car.

"Mine? You were the one talking to Ming giving him minute by minute updates"

"Ok Stop it you two. I've got the address of the pub. It's not the one we regularly go to. Beam, is Forth coming?"

"Yeah, he's hitching a ride with Lam and Park. Lam isn't drinking tonight."

"And Ming" Kit added

"Ming isn't drinking?" Beam asked

"No, hitching a ride with Lam. You don't listen properly at all Beam!"

"Ok. Let me message Forth the address then" Pha said

Immediately on arrival, Forth and Pha went to talk to the bartender and one of the waiters while the rest took a table.

"All set" Forth said. "That table is booked." he pointed.

"I've let them know the drinks to be served as well and the limits on the alcohol" Pha confirmed.

"I'll go get our drinks," Park said.

The junior gang finally entered. Lin was in a white top and a red mini skirt. Preeth was wearing a black turtleneck paired with black jeans and a denim jacket. The snowflake pendant dangling around her neck twinkled in the dim lights of the pub. Tim and Wat followed. They were directed to the table reserved by the seniors.

"I'll never get over how different she looks out of uniform," Ming said.

The band played good pop music. Preeth had her first drink. She took off her denim jacket and hung it on her chair. The turtleneck accentuated the curves she normally hid. As Preeth walked by towards the restrooms, she remarked playfully "You should get a room P's" to Forth and Beam who were getting cozy on the sofa.

The table on the other side of her cat called and asked "How about you get a room with me beautiful?" Preeth walked on, as if she heard nothing. Forth straightened. "Pick someone else buddy" Pha called out. "Plenty of other fish in the sea".

"Why... married to the mob is she?" they called back. Beam fisted his hand on Forth's thigh. Ming and Park were just waiting for Forth to give the sign. To everyone's surprise, "She's family." Wayo called out. Wayo knew she was important to Pha on the same level as Kit or Beam and that made her family in his mind.

"Right. Pha's daughter" Ming said cheekily to Pha

"After Kitty, it's a relief!" Beam said as Kit threw peanuts at him

The waiter served Preeth her second drink and showed the number to Pha with his fingers. Pha raised his glass in acknowledgment. The pub was getting noisier as one of the boys from the opposite table took the stage with the band. Looking at the junior's table he pointed to Lin singing lyrics of "IDK you yet"

How can you miss someone you've never met?
'Cause I need you now but I don't know you yet
But can you find me soon because I'm in my head?
Yeah, I need you now but I don't know you yet

'Cause lately it's been hard
They're sellin' me for parts
And I don't wanna be modern art
But I only got half a heart to give to you

How can you miss someone you've never seen?
Oh, tell me are your eyes brown, blue, or green?
And do you like it with sugar and cream?
Or do you take it straight, oh, just like me?

Lin whispered to Preeth and they headed to the stage. Kit pulled Ming along to sit closer to the band.

"Don't let Kit punch anyone Ming!" Park called out.

Lin took her time eyeing the same table and started to sing "On my way" while Preeth accompanied her on the keyboard. Lin had an amazing voice even if she was drunk. She hit the tones so beautifully the crowd was mesmerized. 

I'm sorry but
Don't wanna talk, I need a moment 'fore I go
It's nothing personal
I draw the blinds
They don't need to see me cry
'Cause even if they understand
They don't understand

So then when I'm finished
I'm all 'bout my business and ready to save the world
I'm taking my misery
Make it my bitch, can't be everyone's favorite girl

So take aim and fire away
I've never been so wide awake
No, nobody but me can keep me safe
And I'm on my way
The blood moon is on the rise
The fire burning in my eyes
No, nobody but me can keep me safe
And I'm on my way

Kit and Ming howled along with the rest of the crowd. The girls were sassy and hot with their response. They made their way to their seats amongst the cheers of the entire pub. Another set of boys occupied the stage now with a fast number. The seniors were distracted just for a minute when suddenly the music was interrupted by a scream. Everyone turned their gaze to the source.

Sharp was standing over one of the boys from the table across right behind Preeth's chair with anger written all over his face.