WHAT ABOUT NOW

CHAPTER TEN

Mom has never been so melodramatic in my life. I just got off the phone call saying she misses me and that I should call her often. Well, if only long distance phone calls are cheap, sure why not?

Preparing the greek salad has always been my favorite, it was easy to do and it tastes delicious. Cara is quite busy watching cartoons as Aunt Stella took out the chicken pot pie from the oven. I made smoked salmon with steamed asparagus. I know what you think, different variations of food. Did I mention we baked a cake as well? Yup! A red velvet cake to top that dinner that we are about to have. He must be special then.

"I had finished preparing the salad and I'm heading for a quick shower." I sang as I head straight to the guest room, well, my room per se. Not knowing what I should wear, I decided to wear my lavender dress, I let my hair down and sprayed Lacoste Pink perfume. Ooh! I love this scent... My bangles hang freely in my wrists as I put the final touch yup, lip gloss. It seems I'm going out on a date, I know right? Gotta make another good impression. I stood up and flatten the sheets on my bed, nervous to go outside and be teased by Aunt Stella. In less than two minutes I heard the doorbell rang. I jumped on my feet leaning and listening intently at my door.

"Oh! You must be Ethan, welcome to our house, come in!" and that's my uncle Deny being hospitable.

"Dana! Ethan's here!" He screamed like we live in a big mansion. Those adam's apple really did its job well. I can hear his footsteps towards my door. Wait, it's getting smaller and smaller by the second.

"Dana... I know you're in there.. I can see the shadow of your feet at the doorstep, hihihi." I know that voice...that silly small voice... I suddenly opened the guest room door.

"Aha! It's you!" I started running after her, completely forgetting my endeared outfit and ran around the house trying to catch up with Cara.

"Hey! May I join you guys?" I turned around to see Ethan. Cara was laughing so hard that I blushed in front of him.

"She's hiding from you!" Cara added.

"No I wasn't." denying it with all my heart I started to sit down on the dining table.

"Don't worry Cara, Dana and I will play hide and seek later on." Ethan said. Aunt Stella gave me the look- that says oh my! What a change of atmosphere it is! She's not that strict to me anymore. Guess it depends on the person, I know the trick she has to like him first and everything is approved.

"Ethan if you wanna take Dana out on a date you have to pass thru me first." Or so I thought.

"I hope you like salmon, Dana prepared it." winking at me she passed the salmon to Ethan, who looks so yummy- I meant Ethan, and the salmon too.

"So, where did you guys meet?" Uncle Deny stared at him obviously studying him.

"At the library. Victoria Library, to be exact, sir." I blushed at the memory.

"I want to go the library too! Can I come with you tomorrow, please pick me up?" Cara being cute and all gave Ethan a pleasing face. Who can say no to that.

"I'm afraid you gotta have to ask permission from your mom and dad first young lady." Oh, Ethan's being a gentleman. I barely touched my food. Sneaking a peek on him from time to time made me full. His pointy nose, that pink pouty lips that makes me want to grab and kiss him right this moment. Those biceps even with the polo shirt it is too visible to my eye. And the way he push his hands on his strands..ahhhh, dreamy.

"Dana!" Cara interrupted my reverie. Touching the tip of my nose which suddenly became itchy, from nervousness or embarrassment, I have no idea, because he is currently staring at me.

"Yes, Cara, you were saying?" Oh God I was so obvious. I looked down at my plate as I listened to Cara.

"Mom and Dad agreed to me going to the library tomorrow with you and Ethan." I blinked twice then looked at Ethan.

"Are you ok?" He asked me. While he chew the asparagus from the tip to the end which gave me a sexy sight to look at.

"Definitely, why wouldn't I be?" I was completely smitten by him.

Ethan and Uncle Deny exchange political discussion which I have minimal knowledge on the subject as Aunt Stella motioned me to help her get the dessert from the kitchen counter. Cara excused herself saying she was too full for desert and went to the living room to watch treehouse.

"Dana I know you like him. But don't be so obvious." Aunt Stella whispered while she reached for the small plates for the cake.

"I am trying not to. It feels weird and magical at the same time. And I have to confess we kissed already." I looked down on the sink.

"You what?! When did this happen?"

"Please Aunt Stella, don't tell mom, don't be mad?" I held her wrist while pleading in a whisper.

Turning on the other side of the counter to reach the cake from the fridge, placing it on a glass cake plate, she stopped and stared at me.

"Are you in love with him? The truth Dana."

"I think so. I mean I've never had a boyfriend. I had my first kiss, it was Jasper. But it didn't feel like this."

"You mean there was no spark?" Aunt Stella added.

"Yes, that's exactly it." I sat on the bar stool and waited for what she has to say.

"Tomorrow I agreed on bringing Cara to the library, please watch her carefully she can't seem to stay in one spot. I have to be somewhere tomorrow."

"It's not a problem." Lifting my heavy bum from the stool and grabbing the utensils I went beside my Aunt.

"Thank you. I promise I will behave." As I kissed her on the cheek.

I saw the gleam in Ethan's eyes when he saw the cake. He's so adorable.

"Wow! Red velvet? You shouldn't have." He smiled at me and winked. Oh God, I just died on the spot. My heart is racing like T-rex hunting for its victim.

"Dana hand me the plates." As usual, I was daydreaming. Snapping back to reality I handed the plates and utensils.

"Do you like the cake?" I asked Ethan. Looking up at me he licked the cake at the edge of his mouth. I know. Gross. Yet. Adorable.. Dreamy..

"Are you kidding me? Red Velvet is my favorite. Did you made this?" he blurted as he took on a big bite.

"Yup! My own recipe." I proudly replied. Ethan seemed surprised.

"Really? Wow Dana you can be a chef." Ok too much praise is so not good for me. I already adore you, I may have to control myself nonetheless.

"Thank you. I'm glad you liked it." After cake we had some tea and finally Cara said goodnight to Ethan as she started to feel sleepy.

"Don't forget to pick me up tomorrow, goodnight." She gave him a kiss on his cheek and Uncle Deny carried her upstairs.

"It was nice meeting you." He said as he lifted Cara bridal style.

"Would you like to bring some food at home?" Aunt Stella asked as she started to clean up the table.

"No thank you ma'am. I ate enough. Thanks for inviting me."

"Our pleasure. You can head on the living room if you like while I clean this up."

We all stood and I started picking the plates, she stopped me and whispered in my ear to entertain my guest. I obliged and followed Ethan.

"Actually I would like to stay in the front porch if you don't mind?" He asked Aunt Stella. In which she gave him a nod.

We sat on the oak swing and here it goes..alone with him....