My Fiance

Six

Even as guilt plagues my mind, every time James's and my eyes meet, it slowly disappears. I can't help but feel like a child with a secret, and it feels refreshing.

"So... how was school?" My father asked taking a bite of the chicken. I give a small unsteady smile and reply, "It was... different." Feeling uneasy, I reach over to sip a drink of my water.

"I'm sorry for the sudden notice of your engagement." James's father says abruptly, his voice booming throughout the dining room. I almost spat out my water but was able to keep in my composure. "I... I don't know how I feel about this. I just..." I stutter unable to gather my thoughts.

My father looks at me apologetically, "Look Ron, I know you want this wedding to happen soon but they are young. Nadine hasn't even finished college yet." My father gave me a nod after defending my feelings about the wedding. "James isn't finished with college either. But I would like this wedding to happen. We both agreed that this would be a great opportunity for both our companies to merge. And our children are obviously attracted to one another. "

Faster and faster my heart began to beat, "Dad we need to get to know each other first. Nadine is a sweet girl and...a lovable one." James says taking a bite of his steak. The word lovable and Nadine in the same sentence... nakakakilig. I repeated in my mind. Nadineeee! Stop. I say to myself trying to keep a straight face while butterflies fly rampant in my stomach.

"We hoped you both would feel an attraction to one another." Our fathers say at the same time causing a boom of laughter among the two. "That is why starting tomorrow James, you will be attending the same college as you, Nadine."

"No way..." James and I both say under our breaths looking at each other in a panic. Every attempt James and I had, to convince our parents that moving him to my school was a bad idea, went unnoticed.

"Bye Tita, bye Tito... Bye James." I say before heading into my father's car. "This was a really great night." I add.

Hugging James's parents, his father teases, "Aren't you going to hug James goodbye?" I froze after hearing the unexpected request. James looks at me, then at his parents, smiling.

"Honey, they don't have to hug. They'll see each other tomorrow. And they already had a great time in the garden." She chimes. My face became hot, and I knew it looked like a tomato. James's mother really has a great way with words. James let out a loud laugh seeing my face, "Your face is so red! I think you should go before you explode."

Embarrassed, I bid them alast goodbye and practically run to father's car. I was just glad this nightwas over.

Next Day

"No effing way." I say as I walk out of my house. "Well good morning to you too." James says stepping out of his car. I slowly make my way to the passenger's side door.

He opens the door for me and says, "Yes, this is going to be a daily thing, so you might as well throw your driver's license away." I roll my eyes and got inside; I was not in the mood to argue.

I settle into his seat, "Let me guess, your mother's idea?" His blank expression instantly became a large smile. "Man you know my mom so well. She really is your mother-in-law." He teased.

"Let's get this clear, right here, right now. I won't say anything if you promise not to say anything about our 'situation'..." I say looking at his gorgeous face as he drives. SNAP OUT OF IT! I say in my mind trying to stop myself from being distracted by him. "Look, I know this has gotten even more complicated now that I go to your school now. Plus Sarah goes to your school..." James says making the turn into the school parking lot.

"Wait hold on... rewind. Did you say Sarah? As in Sarah Gonzales?!" I ask in shock. "Yeah you know her?" He says parking into a spot. "Dammit James. You're just making this harder and harder for me." I say getting out of the car. "Woah no need to be grumpy this early in the morning."

"Sarah Gonzales is the person no one ever wants to mess with. This is just great." I say flailing my arms into the air unable to control a sudden panic surging through my body. "NO ONE can know about us." I say walking way from James's car before anyone sees.

James made no attempt to catch up with me, which made me feel a sense of relief. Suddenly, I tilt my head down at the sight of the person in front of me, Sarah Gonzales. "Hey!" Someone says behind me causing me to jump. "Oh hey." I reply seeing Eli beside me.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. Let me walk you to class." He adds. Suddenly I feel my arm throb, but I ignore it.