It's the kiss of life - Nathan Sykes

Chapter XIII

Chapter 13

"No."

"But you'd let me go on any other date!"

"That's not the point."

"Then what is!?" I said exasperatedly to my mum. She was sat there, coffee in her hands, watching TV whilst denying me of my only chance of true love like the cold, heartless meanie she was.

Maybe that's a little over exaggerated, but the details remain true. She was potentionally destroying my chance of true love; but then again, she could destroy that by denying me of going on any dates.

"The point is," She sipped her drink pensively. "He's a stranger. Who knows if he's a sex addict, or if he's money mad. What if he's a clingy diva? You'll end up stuck with him."

"And that's a problem... why?" I asked, stepping into her line of vision.

"I don't want you going out with him. If Lucy was going; maybe."

"It's a date for God's sake!" I said. I sighed, composing myself. "If I bring him in beforehand for you to judge, will you consider it?"

She remained pensive for a few nerve-wracking seconds, before sighing.

"Fine." I jumped a leap of faith and kissed her cheeks.

"You won't regret it!" I was about to run out when she called my name.

"Gemma?" I turned, smile plastered on my face. "Just don't get hurt. Celebrities almost never live up to their expectations."

I let my smile flicker, but remained positive, and nodded enthusiastically.

~~~

Friday night arrived before I could prepare, and I was rushing around, looking for an outfit.

On Thursday (3:56pm to be exact), Nathan had texted me.

Wear something formal tomorrow :) - Nathan xx

Was all it said, leaving me to imagine up an outfit in just over 24 hours. This was what I'd condured up. Thank god my mum hadn't thrown out the dress she'd worn to my Aunt's wedding 3 years ago.

The outfit wasn't exactly formal; but it was close enough.

I left my hair half wavy and stumbled walked elegantly down the stairs.

My dad wolf-whistled (much to my embarrassment) as I stepped through the door of the living room.

"He must be special..." My dad said, looking me up and down.

"Dad!" I protested, walking into the kitchen. My stomach was turning; Nathan had been linked to some gorgeous, skinny women and I had to live up to his expectations. I ate a cracker; the only non-fatty non-filling thing in sight; I had to assume Nathan was taking me out to dinner and I didn't want to ruin my appetite. I drank back two glasses of water and then sat down in the living room, waiting for the knock.

6:50pm arrived and I was shaking. I never thought I'd end up in this position with any member of The Wanted, let alone Nathan, in my opinion, the most popular member.

7pm rolled past, and it was 7:15 in no time.

"Maybe he's stood you up."

"Shut up Craig." I said sharply.

"God, I was just saying-"

"Shut. up."

"Gemma, love, your brother was only trying to talk to you." My dad cut in. I just sighed, hoping that my brother wasn't speaking the truth; after all, 15 minutes wasn't really late.

At 7:34, 4 sharp knocks sounded through the house. A smile jumped onto my face and I leaped up, heading to the front door.

"Remember; bring him in!" My mum called from the living room. I rolled my eyes and opened the door.

Nathan was stood, hands in the pocket of his straight black jeans, and he had a white t-shirt and a blazer on. A shy smile was placed on his lips and his eyes shone from under his wavy fringe.

"Hi." I breathed. He glanced me up and down once.

"Wow." He said, smiling cheekily. "You look beautiful!" I felt me cheeks heat up in contrast to the chilly December air that was slowly creeping into the house.

"Thank you." I squeaked.

"Sorry I'm late; Interview overran. Shall we go?" He asked, stepping back for me to step out of the house.

"Er..." I glanced behind me. "I'm sorry, my mum wants to meet you to make sure you won't rape me..." I whispered.

"Okay!" He said, smiling, unphased, and stepped through the door. As he past me, he murmered; "I won't rape you yet; it's only the first date." He winked and stepped into the hall. My face was redder than Rudolph's nose as I closed the door and led Nathan into the living room.

"Mum, dad..." I mumbled. "This is the potential sex addict-rapist-murderer known as Nathan Sykes." Nathan beamed and waved. My dad turned off the TV and my mum's jaw dropped.

"I didn't actually think you were real." She said. I smiled. So she thought I was making it up? Nathan and I exchanged a glance and he moved closer to me, throwing his arm around my waist.

I wanted to capture the look of shock on my mother's face, the look of mild approvement on my father's and the starstuck/dumb look on my brother's face and keep them forever.

"We better be off, right Nath?" I asked, picking up my coat, scarf and bag.

"Yes, reservations have been made." He smiled. "Nice to meet you Mr and Mrs Harrison." My parents nodded approvingly.

"I have your beanie..." Nathan said, handing my the material as we stepped intot he hallway.

"Thank you!" I smiled, and threw it on the floor in the corner. Nathan laughed.

"Be back by 12!" My mum shouted as we escaped, me giggling and Nathan chuckling. I shut the door and threw my coat on, then my scarf. I hitched my bag over my shoulder and followed Nathan.

"No car?" I asked, cocking my head to one side.

Nathan shook his head. "It's only a 5 minute walk. Can you handle it?" He asked, glancing wearily at my heels.

I grimaced. "Maybe..."

"Piggyback?" Nathan offered.

"Short dress."

"No one will see anything." He said, crouching. Something felt odd about this, but I climbed onto his back anyway.