I Love the President's Daughter

Chapter 2: Gardens and Greetings

CALUM POV

"Please refrain from unbuckling your seatbelt until the plane has come to a complete stop." The monotone flight attendant instructed. I squirmed a bit by my seat between the window and a very large man. I looked out the small, square windows at my new surroundings. The sky was a clear blue color and I could see airport workers scrambling about. 

After waiting for ages for people to file out ahead of me, I finally stepped off the plane, eager to stretch my legs. The cool air of the airport hit me and felt good on my face. 

I had been to DC a few times with my parents to visit Uncle Kent so I could navigate around the airport myself fairly easily. I made my way to baggage claim and saw Uncle Kent waiting, dressed in a professional black suit. He smiled and waved when he saw me. "Calum! Look at you! You've grown so much." He commented as he gave me a friendly hug. "It's good to see you Uncle Kent." I said politely. He patted my arm, "We're gonna have a good time together Cal. I know you're a bit upset with your dad and mom over being sent to me, but trust me they just did it because they love you so much. Plus, we're gonna have fun bud." He told me honestly and I gave him my best smile. 

A red light went on and the conveyor belt started moving, luggage popping out. I quickly grabbed my ratty blue suitcase and followed my uncle out to his car. 

SCARLETT POV

About an hour later I was at the Gilmore Gardens, a beautifully landscaped garden that served as a function site. The green lawn was perfectly manicured, mowed to a tee, with many beautiful flowers and trees covering the vast space, a huge fence covered the yard all the way to the main building. 

The day was muggy and warm, I was dressed in a white sundress with red flowers all over it, and had my blonde hair braided with a beige floppy hat to cover my face from the sun. 

Everyone in the gathering was at least 10 years older than me, so I kind of just hung back and sat at a table. I sighed, all I wanted was a normal life where I could do whatever I wanted when I wanted.

As I daydreamed, I heard someone clear their voice behind me. I turned around and saw my father standing there, dressed somewhat casually in a red polo and khaki shorts. I smiled, I was a total daddy's girl. "Hey Dad." I greeted him. 

"Hey kitten. What are you doing over here alone?" He asked, pulling out a seat beside me. 

I shrugged, "You know these aren't really my thing, besides all these people are a lot older than me." I said. He was about to say something else when someone called his name. Dad shot me an apologetic grin, "Sorry, this is work after all." He explained, kissing me on the forehead before heading off to talk and mingle with others. 

CALUM POV

"No I'm not going." I told my Uncle determinedly. Uncle Kent looked at me with the same determination. "Yes you are Calum. Now get dressed and we will be heading out, end of discussion." He said firmly. 

I rolled my eyes and shut my new bedroom door a bit harshly. "And you will wear a polo so don't even come out here in anything else!" My Uncle Kent added, as if reading my mind.

Ten minutes later I was back in Uncle Kent's car. I finally gave in to my Uncle's demands, though I was not happy about it. "Why do I have to go to this stupid event?" I grumbled. "Because you jut got here, and I want to spend time with you and keep you in my sight." He answered. 

"I'm not a baby, this is so fucking stupid." I mumbled under my breath. At that, Kent drove to the side of the road and parked. "Calum, I said you are going and that's the end of story. I don't appreciate the shit you've been giving me. Now stop whining and be polite at this event, it is my work after all." He said, pulling back onto the road, me stunned by Kent's boldness. 

We soon pulled into the place, the driveway long and full of bright green trees. My Uncle buzzed in and we slowly parked. I trailed behind him as he professionally navigated to the back yard. 

The yard was huge, and it reminded me of my yard at home. The sting of reality bit me when I remembered that I had been sent from my home, and a scowl set on my face. 

SCARLETT POV

I was talking to my mother and some of her friends when Kent spoke behind us. "Kent, is this your nephew?" My mom asked, referring to the boy behind him. Kent nodded, "Yes this my nephew Calum Blacklee." He introduced. I finally got a good look at Calum. He was about 6'1'' with short black hair that was buzzed at the sides. Calum was built, very built. His large arms bulged out of the sleeves of his polo, and finally a scowl was etched across his face. 

"Hi Calum, how are you?" My mother asked the boy, breaking me out of my staring.

Calum didn't answer just stared boredly until Kent elbowed him in the ribs. He plastered on the fakest smile I had ever seen, "I'm good, you know, just being forced to come to boring parties." He replied bluntly. I bit my lip hard to stop myself from chuckling. My mom just gave an awkward chuckle, and Kent's face turned a tomato red. I felt bad for my security guard, so I gave Calum my own smile. 

"I'm Scarlett." I reached out my hand to shake, but which he didn't return his hand, so I continued, "We're going to be attending the same school and we're in the same grade. Washington Prep is a good school, I can show you around if you'd like." I offered sincerely. He rolled his eyes, "I don't need some charity favor." He said coldly. Calum turned to Kent, "Where's the bathroom?" He asked, dismissing himself from the conversation.

Out of earshot, Kent began profusely apologizing to my mother and I, but I tuned out, watching the retreating figure that was Calum Blacklee.