Beauty's Rose

Chapter #7

"Nice car." I commented absentmindedly. I didn't know anything about cars, but Mary- Lynn once told me to talk about them around boys. The tactic seemed to work as Achen ended up talking about motors and car makes for about half an hour. He then moved onto more complicated things, so I just drew the scenery that was rushing by the car's window in my head. I started twiddling with the radio stations but it wouldn't turn on, just crackling noises came out.

"Sorry," he apologised. "My niece broke it." He shot me a sheepish smile. "My older sister's daughter. A sweetie." I had to admit it, he was cute. His chocolate coloured hair covered his forehead, but you could still see his long eyelashes peeping out from underneath. His features were smooth, and his green eyes were like a maze; I could stare at them all day. I could see myself marrying him; he was able to hold a conversation (even if it was about cars), and was very, very cute. Adorable, even.Yes please I thought to myself. "Don't you want to know where we're going?" He asked, although his eyes didn't leave the road. I was intrigued.

"Where are we going?" I asked, turning to look at him. He chuckled slightly at my question.

"A horse race," He answered. "Don't worry, we've got premium tickets, and I've booked a box. Oh, and I bought you a hat. It's on the back seat." My inner self was squealing; I've never been to a horse race- let alone one with a boy, and special tickets to the box! I imagined myself sat higher than the rest of the crowd, cheering on the horses. I leaned round the seat to get the hat box. It was circular and stripy. I quickly undid the bow and tore off the top. The hat was beautiful, with net and everything. It was a navy blue which matched my dress, and net spiraled round the left side. I tried it on and looked in the mirror- it fitted perfectly! "Thank you, it's wonderful! I would hug you," I said "But you're driving. Maybe when we get there?"

~

"Go on Blade!" Me and Achen were stood in the box, stomping our feet and cheering. We were getting really into this, but Achen kept disappearing, and bringing back snacks and drinks. The horses had a final lap, and Blade- the horse we'd decided to support, was first. A ginger horse was quickly approaching him though, so I held my breath. Looking around, I saw that Achen had disappeared again. I quietly opened the box door, and crept out. To find what? Achen and some slutty faerie princess pressed against the wall. Disgusted, I reeled away, and made my way back to the box. The words "Blade: Winner!" Were flashing on the small screen, but I took no notice. I know I hadn't know him for very long, but I had already liked him. He was good at holding a conversation, funny, handsome, and cute. It also seemed he was a man-whore. The door creaked open, and Achen walked in with ruffled hair and puffy lips.

"Looks like you forgot to sort your hair out after that quick make-out session. You know, I really was starting to quite like you." I said, surprising myself with how calm yet intimidating I sound. I sounded like my mother. Urgh. I inwardly shivered.

"Belle, it wasn't what it looked like. I swear!" He begged. His eyes were pleading, but I stood my ground. I'd wanted to go and stroke Blade, but know I knew I couldn't. It'd be too awkward.

"Could you take me home?" I said quietly. He looked down, guilty, but nodded.

The car was awkward, with no radio, and with us not speaking. "Listen-" He started, but I cut him off.

"No. You listen. I came out with you, and found you pushed up against a wall with some waitress. How'd you feel if I was making out with some guy?"

"I'll make it up to you," He muttered under his breath. "I will. Somehow." It was barely audible, but he sounded determined. He started driving up our lush driveway as I was glad it was nearly over. I heard the gravel crunch beneath the car, it was that quiet. He drove around the water fountain, and parked up next to the gates.

"Listen, I know I made a mistake, but I'll make it up to you. I promise I will," He kissed my cheek, and got out the car. He made his way round to my side and opened the door like a true gentleman. If only, I thought wistfully to myself. He hasn't got a chance now. "Any chance of me getting that hug you promised me for the hat?" He asked, his eyes hopeful.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I can... I'm sure your Faerie friend would be able you, though. If you want, you can have the hat back?-"

"No. No, it's yours." He said wearing a determined face. "Keep it."

Out the corner of my eye I saw Ezra; our doorman hovering behing us. "Miss Belle! There's a Heidi here for you!"

I wonder why Heidi was here?

I shot Achen a small goodbye smile and walked to the castle.