Christmas Angels

Chapter 21 & 22

Chapter 21:

"I like my whites washed separately and just a little spray starch when you iron everything. I have a basket of stuff all ready for you to pick up," Carley said nonchalantly.

"What are you talking about?" Angela demanded.

"Remember our little wager? No? The deal was, if I was right and David came calling, you had to do my laundry for a week. Time to pay up, girl!"

"He didn't 'come calling,' he bumped into me at the park."

"I'll say he did and you are going to have a dandy bruise on your forehead to prove it!

Carley had dropped in on Angela when she returned to the dorm and could see by the look on her face as well as the red mark on her forehead that something exciting had happened. Carley being Carley, was quick to pry the story out of her about how David had met her in the park and the subsequent date he had pressed her for.

"Carley, you are just impossible!" Angela said in exasperation.

"I won't say I told you so, even though I actually did. A deal is a deal, though, and we made one. You wouldn't want to welch on a bet, now would you?" Carley asked sweetly.

"OK, OK, already. You win, but I'll get even sooner or later."

"You're such a dear, Angela. Feel free to drop by anytime and pick up my dirty laundry," Carley said with a devilish grin as she slipped out the door of Angela's dorm room.

Saturday evening was all that Angela hoped that it would be and more. David arrived right on time, smartly dressed in slacks and an expensive blazer and carrying a simple bouquet of flowers.

"Thank you, David! I love daisies," Angela said as she closed her eyes and held them to her nose to take in their summery scent. She had nothing to put them in, and finally enlisted her only coffee mug for the honour.

"Wow, you look great," he complimented her. Carley had insisted on helping her and they had pulled her hair up in an elegant swirl that exposed her long, graceful neck and bare shoulders. Her navy blue dress was simple and tasteful, featuring a gold belt and a slightly daring neckline. She wore her best gold earrings and a little more make up than usual, carefully applied for the evening light. David was lost in her large blue eyes that were accentuated by smoky eye shadow and mascara that had been artfully applied by Carley. The blush on her cheeks raised her cheekbones and sculpted her face while just the right amount of gloss transformed her full lips into an enticing bow. He wished he could take her in his arms and kiss her, deeply.

"Thank you, David," she said, blushing slightly. "You look very handsome too."

His manners were impeccable and he took her arm and escorted her to his car outside the dorm. It was a low-slung, European sports car with chrome wheels and a convertible top. Angela had never sat in such an impressive and powerful looking car.

David opened the passenger side door for her and helped her into the soft leather seat that seemed to mould itself to her body. As he walked around to the driver's side,¸ she marvelled at the chrome and burled walnut interior, the sculpted dash, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the stubby but efficient looking stick-shift on the console between the seats.

"What a beautiful car," Angela said when David entered and they were buckling their seat belts.

"Thanks," he said. "Compliments of my dad. Sometimes I think he is trying to relive his youth through me. I must admit though, the pleasure is all mine, never the less!" The engine started with a throaty roar and they were off.