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Chapter 15 :}

Harry was scampering around the house like a puppy, he was clambering over Damien and jumping onto me, then running around and repeating it like a human obstacle course.  I could feel the frustration in air...largely not due to Harry, I was trying not to look at Damien. Every time he caught me glancing he'd smirk at me and send my heart rate right up. Mum wasn't due back for an hour yet, she'd got caught up in a meeting. She'd insantly sent me money to cover the babysitting. I was really anxed up from the previous make out session and needed to get out the house. Suddenly I felt a surge of boldness and defied the role of the girlfriend.

"We should go on a date later, when my Mum's back." He was trying to avoid Harry's kicking and seemed surprised by my announcement.

"I like the sound of that. Sh- crud.. my wallets back at mine though. We could go tomorrow?" He fumbled over swearing as Harry selected to best place to sit, perched on Damiens leg.

"I got it don't worry. Wanna see what's on at the cinema?" He nods and throws Harry in the air. Giving me a wink before he catches him.

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I hear mum arrive as I'm sat sulking at my wardrobe. I convinced Damien to watch Harry for a 'few minutes' whilst I got changed. This was about forty five minutes later and I had official renounced all the items in my possession. I'd never been on a date, I wanted to look at least mildly appealing. My face and hair were done in record timing but my outfit was narrowed down to nothing. I text Bells for advice, she was flying in the early hours of the morning so I didn't hold much hope of her response.

Suddenly a FaceTime request grabs my attention.

"Thank GOD. Help me, help me now!"

I'm incredibly surprised she's prepared enough for her holiday to actually be on her phone.

"Right I'm in a rush I have not finished packing and my parents can't find the passports but this is more important so I'll give you five minutes before they come hunting for me to help. What are the options?" I meekly hold up the one T-shirt I was considering and watch her face repulse.

"As soon as I'm home we are going clothes shopping you bought that with me nearly two YEARS ago." I sigh dramatically and throw it at the wall.

"Bells what do I DO. We're meant to leave in like thirty minutes, we haven't even chosen the film because I'm up here faffing and I look disgusting." She rolled her eyes.

"You don't look bad you just need a confidence outfit." I stare intensely at the screen whilst she thinks for inspiration. Twenty eight minutes.

"AH I KNOW. Go into the back of your wardrobe." I dive straight in with absolutely no idea what I'm looking for.

"Look for a pink bag that's wrapped up to be returned." My mind is still in blank, this is my stuff yet she has full navigation of something I don't seem to remember owning. I spot a squashed pink bag and pull it out.

"What is this?"

"I had it ordered to your house like months ago because my Mum didn't want me to spend anymore money. I didn't like it but forgot to return it. It's a dress, try it." I moan.

"Romy. If there's ever a time to be a little more feminine now is it. Try." I pull the dress out of the bag and hold it at arms length. It's black, very unlike Bells normal bright choice of colour. It's a T-shirt dress with a thick leather belt fitted to the middle. I pull it on and prepare for the worst.

"SEE. Confidence outfit, you look fit, keep it okay? I gotta go have a fab date send me details byeeee." She hung up before I'd opened my eyes at the mirror. I peek, not entirely repulsed, I look at myself properly. It wasn't a tight fit like I'd dreaded, but was fitting enough to make me look...girly. I didn't hate it, which was more than I could say for everything else I'd attempted. I pull on my all black converse and trot downstairs before I can change my mind.

I can hear Mum and Damien talking in the kitchen, I hover in the door way suddenly feeling nervous. Harry spots me before they do and he toddles over and gestures to be picked up, I scoop him up.

"Where you goin ro ro?"

"To the cinema, I'll see you in the morning okay?" He doesn't say anything back, he's almost asleep on my shoulder. Mum walks over and takes him, taking in my outfit as she does. She smiles.

"You've not worn a dress since...I can't actually remember." Damien pokes his head around the door and dramatically falls to the floor, announcing I'd stolen all of the air from his lungs. Mum laughs and I kick him lightly.

"I have to get a picture of you Rome, no arguing, you never wear dresses for me!" I turn to head for the door hoping Damien follows. He grabs my arm instead and pulls me back into the kitchen. He props his arm around my waist and smiles at my Mum, already in stance with her phone. I protest by closing my eyes and Damien prods me in the ribs so I laugh, the flash going off simultaneously.

"Right well, I like you both a little less now. Be back at 10 Mum!" I'm already walking incase she tries to take more.

I'm on my phone for half of the walk to the cinema, trying to book the seats so we don't need to queue, we chose Jumanji 2. Mum texts me just as the email confirmation comes through.

Attachment, 1 image. It's the photo of me and Damien. I actually really like it but I can't let her know she took a photo of me in a dress that I like. She texts me again.

You can stay out until 11 just text when you're on your way, glad your happy x

"Send me that." I almost jump not realising he's peering over my shoulder.

"Nosey." I elbow him, and forward it across. He takes my hand as we continue walking.

"If my response wasn't clear enough before, you look insane." I laugh on purpose, hiding my joy of the compliment. He pulls me in-front of him so we're walking with his legs waddling either side of me and his arms are around my front. He presses his lips to neck.

"Don't know how I'm gunna keep my hands off of you.." He murmurs and my heart rate shoots back up.