She is Not Who You Thought She Was

Chapter 21/Flawlessly

The Arabic fattoush salad sat untouched in front of me. I listened to the sparkling water fizz in my champagne glass and the chandelier glowed brighter than Mrs. Chase's white teeth. My mother sat beside me making polite chitchat with Mr. and Mrs. Chase who both sat at either end of the table leaving 'Rockwell' and Flora to be placed across from us. I stared at Rock while he ate his salad politely and actually seemed to be enjoying the evening. What in the actual fuck is happening right now?

"Scarlett do you not like the salad?" Mrs. Wenna Chase's question awakened me from the holes I was burning into Rocks head.

"Oh no, I-" I took a small quick bite, "it's delicious." Wow it actually is delicious. The tomatoes were juicy, the cucumbers tasted fresh, and the amount of parsley was perfect.

"What grade are you in?" Mrs. Chase kept on chatting with me.

"I'm in twelfth grade, a senior." I answered as I took a sip of my water.

"Oh how incredible, Flora and Rockwell are also both seniors as well." Mrs. Chase gestured to them and they both smiled. "What school are you attending?"

I paused before responding, "Crescent Valley High." I said through a forced smile. This was 'incredibly' awkward.

"Oh my goodness. Flora, Rockwell have you met Scarlett yet?" Wenna asked. Oh god.

"I think I may have seen her around." Flora put a finger on her bottom lip.

"She looks familiar." Rock said staring at me intensely. This was humiliating. They both have met me. We have both talked more than twice. I have talked to Rock too many times to count by this point.

"Well you two need to help her adjust to her new school. Show her around. Be a friend." Mrs. Chase said joyfully.

"Sure thing mom." Rockwell replied.

"Of course." Flora nodded.

How were they so calm and collected? I was starting to notice the similarities between Rock and Flora. Flora also had pretty hazel eyes and she easily acted as if everything was normal. Unfazed by anything just like Rock. Rock took after his father's looks more than Flora did, she took after her mother's.

"The main course." The chef came out of the swinging door placed in the back corner of the room. "Duck confit, with a cranberry balsamic glaze." He announced then continued to place the dishes in front of us.

"Thank you Joaquín." Brandon said as Joaquín placed his plate down last.

"Looks great." Wenna complimented.

"Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Chase." He nodded his head slightly.

"For dessert can you wait to bring it out till seven." Mrs. Chase instructed.

"Yes ma'am." He nodded then exited. I turned my attention to the duck in front of me and started to cut into it. I put a small piece in my mouth and let the meat melt. Joaquín knew what he was doing. This is perfect. The cranberry and balsamic glazed wasn't overwhelming and brought out the flavor of the duck flawlessly.

"Have you thought about college Scarlett?" Mr. Chase asked me as he craved into his own duck.

"Oh, I'm still reviewing my options." I put another piece of duck in my mouth hoping that would be a good enough answer. College and my life after high school is something I don't think about. I refuse to.

"You still have time, but early admissions are always a smart idea." Brandon said almost in a strict tone.Why was he talking to me like a school counselor? "Rockwell-"

"Dad don't." Rock interrupted him. I looked in between the two of them wondering what it was Rock wanted to stop him from saying. Rock had a stern look across his face and his head was lowered as he stared at his dad.