The World As We Know It

Chapter Six

Despite my better judgement, I decided to wear the black dress from Sebastian's project. I was sorely tempted to just wear my usual leggings and t-shirt, but I had a sinking suspicion that those wouldn't be deemed "appropriate" by my exasperating neighbor. I had no idea why I was going along with this to begin with. There was no obligation to go, and free food was not a good enough reason for me to subject myself to him again. He seemed to like me, but I didn't know him well enough to consider dating him. Though, to be honest, that fact made little difference in my decision to remain single.

Sighing, I brushed the last few knots out of my hair, studying my reflection in the mirror. I hardly recognized myself any more. There used to be light in the stormy eyes that peered back. Now they were just tired. Shay had passed only a little over a year ago, but it looked like I had aged a decade since then.

A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts, and I quickly slipped into my calf-high boots. It was exactly eight. I had to give the man props for punctuality. When I went to let him in, I was surprised to see only Ciel in the hallway.

"Is Sebastian not ready yet?"

Ciel grinned at my puzzled expression.

"He's waiting for you outside."

I rolled my eyes and headed for the back door.

"He will need to be fed in about an hour!" I called over my shoulder.

"Okay!"

As promised, Sebastian was waiting for me on the porch that we shared. He was wearing the black suit from the first time we met, and his eyes lit up when he saw the dress. I followed him down the stairs to his car where he opened my door with a wicked smile.

"Milady."

I scowled, but I allowed him to continue playing the gentleman. There was no point in arguing.

"So, where are we going?"

He was still grinning when he turned on the car.

"There is a lovely Italian restaurant not too far from here. Would that be alright?"

I nodded, staring out the window.

"Yeah. I like Italian food."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw his grin widen. Damn it all. Who told him my favorite food was Italian? I sighed inwardly. Well, at least I was getting free food out of this.

Sebastian had chosen the nicest restaurant in town, not that I was surprised. While he and Ciel lived in a low-income area, I knew from the day I met them that they had money. Looking at the menu only further proved this with appetizers that cost more than a week's worth of food for me. There was nothing within a price range I felt comfortable ordering, so I meekly asked the waiter for a glass of water when he came to take our order.

"What kind would you like?" he asked in a bored tone.

"What...kind?"

The waiter gave me an annoyed look, rolling his eyes at my ignorance. Before he could begin listing off different types of water, Sebastian waved him off.

"I need more time. Go."

With a last eye roll, the waiter disappeared into the kitchen. Tears had started to prick at my eyes. It was bad enough that I was awkward in normal social settings. Embarrassing myself in a higher class setting just reminded me how uncouth I was compared to Sebastian and Ciel. It made me want to run out of the restaurant and find a hole to hide in.