To New Things?

Chapter 15: Family Gatherings (Part 5)

MORNING

Marco walked out from the closet, fully dressed. He wore his black hoodie, with a grey t-shirt and dark formal jeans. He twirled his wand in his hand, and kicked his suitcase back. There stood Star, wearing an orange-ish, strapless dress that showed off her beautiful legs and shoulders. Her hair was in 2 buns and with chopsticks in them, and she wore sandals.

"Damn.. I-I mean wow Star. Wow, you look pretty."

"Oh.. Thank you. Marco.."

She smiled weakly, making up the bed. He sat his bag in the closet and looked at her.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm lying to everyone down there. About everything. About you and me.."

Her face was pale as she sighed.

"My parents look so happy. Everyone does, now that the oldest kid of the family is.. growing up. But.."

She shook her head.

"I'm just a big, fat liar."

Marco came behind and hugged her. She didn't react.

"Your not a liar and it's not your fault. You just wanted to live up to the expectation of your family. I know how that is."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah! If there wasn't so much pressure on you maybe you wouldn't be going through this..."

She nodded and faced him, looking up into his eyes.

"So how about we just tough it out for one more day? We ARE still on a bet, you know."

"I guess you're right."

She laughed and hugged him. She pulled back, just inches away from his face. They stared into each other's eyes.

"Marco I... I just-"

"Me too."

She grabbed his face, kissing him. He kissed back, bringing her close to him. She kissed his lips, slowly and passionately. Their passion ran through his whole body, electrifying him. A glow hit her face as she pulled away slowly, staring at him with widened eyes.

"M-Marco....?"

His cheek hearts and eyes glowed a bright white light darkening the whole room as he floated into the air. The light flashed all throughout him, making Star shield her eyes.

"Ah!"

He floated back down slowly, landing onto his feet.

"W-What..?"

He shook his head.

"Star I-"

There was a knock on the door that made the two jump in panic.

"Star honey! It's time to start the day let's go!"

She was quiet for a while.

"B-Be right out, mom!"

She straighten her dress out and walked towards the door.

"Um... okay.. Talk later."

She spoke quietly and walked out.

15 MINUTES LATER

Marco walked downstairs, and into the kitchen.

"Morning Mr. Butterfly."

"Marco! Glad you're here! How about we get started on the cooking? Got a lot of bellies to feed."

"Sounds great, sir."

"Excellent!"

He glanced over and noticed Star standing outside on the balcony. She turned and the two made eye contact. He immediately looked away, feeling his face get hot.

"Let me just wash my hands!"

He ran over to the sink. Outside, Star put her face in her hands and sighed.

9:30 pm, FINALLY DINNERTIME

While everyone was getting settled for dinner, Star paced her room, overthinking everything.

"Why did we do that? Why did I do that!? I-I have a great boyfriend who I really like and-and he really likes me! Plus Marco is with that creature called Jackie!"

There was a knock on the door that made her jump.

"Um... c-come in."

Marco walked in slowly.

"D-Dinner is.. ready."

He spoke kind-of quietly, avoiding eye contact with her. He walked into the closet and closed the door. She face palmed and walked into the bathroom.

"Okay butterfly! Pull yourself together!"

"Diaz get your head on straight!"

The two talked to themselves in the separate sections of the room they locked themselves in.

"It was a tiny, accidental kiss!"

Star pointed at herself in the mirror.

"It meant nothing!"

Marco yelled to himself.

"So get your ass out there, and go have a great family dinner!"

"Go enjoy an nice meal with your fake girlfriend and her family!"

The two of them sighed, pleased with their speeches to themselves and walked out. They stared at each other.

"Um... you should probably ch-change."

Star cleared her throat. Marco nodded.

"Right."

He walked back into the closet. Star sighed in relief and sat on the bed.