Kaleidoscope

|| Chapter 9: Candlesticks Aren't Great Weapons ||

Author's Note: The picture attached is who I see as Marcus Denner, sans the tattoos (or I don't know maybe with the tattoos haven't fully decided his ~vibe~ yet) 

Florence

Friday comes around much sooner than I thought it would, and it's safe to say I am a bucket of nerves. It's my first date ever, and it's with Marcus-freaking-Denner of all people. I enlist Aria in getting me ready, since I have no idea whatsoever how to properly do anything remotely girly, she's coming over after school.  

I don't fully understand the extent of Beckett's issue with Marcus, but he has been cold to me all week. But, me and him get into fights often, so I'm not too worried about it.

I'm in my bedroom when Aria walks in with her vault of makeup. 

"Is that a makeup bag, or a suitcase for a weeklong trip Ibiza, because I can't tell the difference." 

"This? This is nothing compared to what I have at home, but it is everything I need to get you ready."

"How long is this going to take...?"

"Not long don't worry!" Fuck me, Aria is a terrible liar.

Three painstaking hours later, Aria has finished her work, and looking in the mirror I must say she has constructed a masterpiece. My eyes are lined with black pencil and a subtle gold smoky eye, she paired it with a pink lip gloss, and somehow made my skin look airbrushed. She has my hair in a loose ponytail with some beachy waves. 

"Dude you are seriously skilled," I compliment.

She smiles, "it's not that hard when I have great material to work with."

I groan, "that was corny, but thanks Aria"

"Always, now he should be coming soon so put this on!"

She has laid out a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans, a white tie-up blouse, and some tassel earrings. I slide them on, and wait for his arrival by watching New Girl, with Aria. 

"I think you're the Nick to my Schmidt, and then Emily is the Winston."

"Who are Leo and Beckett?" I ask.

"Leo is either Jess or Outside Dave, and Beckett is probably Cece - and if we include Jason he's Coach."

"I think that is an accurate assessment."

Alonso walks in, "Miss. Flora there is a young man waiting for you downstairs."

"Alonso! Did you leave him alone downstairs, oh god! I can't do this."

Aria shakes me, "get a grip woman! It's just date, no big deal. Stop stressing."

Alonso nods in agreement, "you will be fine Miss. Flora."

I take a deep breath, they're right. I can do this.

We head down the stairs together, Aria waves goodbye and heads out the door and Alonso takes me to the living room where Marcus has been waiting.

He stands to greet me, and pulls me into a hug. My arms instinctively wrap around him, I mumble "You look beautiful" I mentally slap my forehead, why did I say that!

He laughs, "I think that is what I'm supposed to say to you, but I'll take it." 

Alonso slowly backs out of the room, "I'll leave you to it, let me know if you need me send a car Miss. Flora."

"Don't worry! I can drop her home."

Alonso shoots him a warm smile, but the moment Marcus Denner turns his back to him Alonso makes eyes at me. I nod at him, message received. If things go awry, I am to call him immediately and request a car.