On Love Potions and Charms (Slow Editing)

Chapter 10: Dressing up, Looking down

*Chapter Ten*

(*‘-‘*) Annie's POV:

                It was already around five o’clock when I went inside the house. I have two more hours left to prepare and pamper myself by then. I directly went to the kitchen to tell my mom about tonight. I really don’t know how she would react to it. Will she be mad that I’m going to have a date with a guy that she doesn’t even know? Or will she be happy that I’m finally introducing a guy to her and dad? I am not so certain. My knees wobbled in fear. Well, whatever her reaction may be, I hope she takes the news kindly.

                When I entered the dining room, she was already there, arranging the table for dinner. I looked at her arrangement and realized that she was preparing a spot for me. I wonder how she would feel if I tell her that I will not have dinner with her for the first time tonight. I grimaced at the thought. Not good, I suppose. She didn’t saw me come in so I cleared my throat to grab her attention.

                “Oh, Annie. Welcome home. Just put your bag down somewhere over there and then we can have dinner already.” She looked up and smiled at me. I gripped my bag tighter and went near her. Oh gods of dates! Help me!

                “I will, mom but umm… I have to tell you something.” I said and looked down. My fear of disapproval was rising up. What if she’ll say ‘no’? Poor Raven! I cannot let that happen.

                “Sure. You can tell me anything, my dear.” She said and stepped closer to me. Her footsteps made me tremble as she grew nearer.

                “Mom… I…” I looked up and faced her. “I can’t have dinner with you tonight.”

                Her face turned gloomy which made me feel like I was stabbed! By a hundred swords! In the heart! “Why can’t you have dinner with me? I made pumpkin soup, you know.” She breathed out. Wow! Pumpkin soup! Maybe I’ll just call in sick if that’s the case- I mean- No! I need to have that date! It might just be my last.

                “I… err… have a date?” It was more of a question than a statement. Her face then suddenly bloomed. Whoa. I did not expect that to happen.

                “Oh, why didn’t you say so?” She giggled like a kid. “That’s okay, dear.”

                “Are you sure you’ll be fine all by yourself?” I fidgeted with my fingers. I am certain that dad won’t be able to have dinner with her because of his job.

                “Of course! But wait… This boy… do I know him?” She eyed me playfully. I laughed at what she did. Sweet lemons. My mom can be such a child sometimes.

                “You’ll meet him later on when he picks me up.” I smiled at her enthusiasm. It’s not her fault for being this giddy. This IS the first time that I introduced to her a guy personally.

                “Yeah! I have to or else he won’t be able to take you out.” She gave me a hug and let go. “So, do you have something to wear?” Quest already asked me the same question so I guess I’ll just give the same answer.

                “I think I have something in my closet, mom.” I said thoughtfully.

                “Are you sure that it’s safe and not provocative?” She looked at me teasingly, giving away a half smirk. Why do people always say that to me? I laughed a bit inside.

                Well, let see. I have that black formal dress that my mom gave me or maybe that cocktail dress that dad bought for me last year but both of them are either too formal or too short. I sighed out. I do not have something to wear tonight at all.