Swapped Love | ✓

■ Dinner party I

It was thursday night. Jared and I had chatted these days arguing about Hailey's wedding. I knew I would love Hailey by the way Jared spoke about her. According to Jared, she was crazy, a buffoon and very friendly. Good for me. I didn't take initiatives in friendship.

To be honest, I was a bit tensed as I would be meeting his parents for the first time. They would judge me and I wanted to make a good impression. He was not my boyfriend but I wanted to anyway.

Surprisingly, Alice helped me pick my dress for the dinner party.

"Oh my god, Alli! You look gorgeous! Please dress up more often. You should," She exclaimed as she finished with my hair.

"Thanks, Al. You are really good at these," I smiled warmly, "I can't even wear the mascara without wiping and doing it all over again."

"This is the least I can do for what you are doing. You helped me out already so much," Alice said softly.

That wasn't true though. I had helped her out just once. The rest of the drama was all on me. She didn't force me after that. I went on continuing because Jared was the cutest.

"Not to be awkward but we have become a lot closer than the past two years," I said, "You agree?"

She nodded earnestly, "I do and it feels nice. We both should go out and have fun some day."

"Why not? Remember that arcade we used to go to when we were younger? Wanna go there?"

"Absolutely," She paused, contemplating before giving a soft sigh, "Alli, I know this is weird but I am sorry. Sorry for my behavior. Everything I did was so selfish. I can't help it. I am selfish. But you... you are a really selfless person. I can't imagine any other sibling posing as his or her brother or sister for a month... and may continue to do so for more months or years to come," She laughed at the last part.

I laughed too but somehow guilt was eating me. I had to tell Jared about me. I had to tell Alice about Trevor.

My life was getting more messed up and it was further worsening day by day.

"I am sorry too. I should have been there for you and tried harder. I stopped trying so easily. I know I don't apologize much but I really am sorry and thankful that you are my sister, no matter how much a pain in the ass you are," I smiled, unable to look her in the eyes.

She smiled and grabbed my hands, "You take care."

"I think I should go. Love you, Al," I hugged her.

"Love you too, Alli. Enjoy," She hugged me back tightly, "Go and knock their breaths away."

As I walked out, I realized we hugged each other truly after so many days.

《》《》

I stopped in front of his house or rather, mansion. Holy shit. I could fit ten of my houses inside. They even had a freaking fountain and gargoyle statues in front of the gates. Jeez, he was filthy rich. I had forgotten he probably owned his private jet too at this age and I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe that was getting too ahead but Jared was definitely not middle class.

Huge pine trees a vast garden adorned the place as I walked beside the mass of cars arriving. The gravel under my feet scrunched as I stopped in front of the gate.

Taking a deep breath, I went in, "Keep calm, keep calm."

I was welcomed in among the throng of people walking in. Surprisingly, when I told my name, the guards did not ask anything further. I felt a bit out of place as I stood near the entrance gate, wondering where Jared was.