The New Leaf Project

Chapter Two

Lily's engagement party is a torture in all forms because it kept giving me flashbacks about Terrence. But according to Paige, I should just suck it all up. Lily chose to host the party at Beckett's Table. It's probably the best restaurant around the Biltmore area. The restaurant had a warm comfortable feeling with an open kitchen. We have frequent trips to this restaurant before Dad passed away, mostly because he was friends with Chef Beckett. When Paige and I got there, the place was swarming with guests even if it was only minutes before the program starts. 

"I didn't know Lily invited a lot of people. I thought it was, uh, intimate." 

"You know how unpredictable my sister can be sometimes. I've learned to live with it." Just then I saw mom walking towards my direction. 

"Lulu darling! I am so glad you're finally here! Your sister has been looking for you earlier. Oh hi Paige!" She said while giving us both hugs. Then she shrieked when she saw my new hair, "Wait a minute, what happened to your hair young lady? Who on earth destroyed your precious golden hair?!" Oh shoot. Mom has a tendency to overreact at situations that doesn't even need a reaction in the first place. "I sort of changed appearance? Do you like it mother?" I flashed a huge smile. She looks disgusted by my new auburn hair but she has to put up with it especially if she wants to embrace The New Loise. 

"Do I even have a choice? It's already there. Anyway, try to circulate please. I saw Scott and Nate earlier." Ugh.

"MOM!?"

"What?? Okay okay. I'll stop. How about your speech? Please tell me you have one."

"It's all right here." I planted my hands in my chest. I don't need to memorize it or have it written down because I want it all to come from my heart. 

"I trust you. I'll see you girls later okay?" Then my eyes brought me to Lily and Troy's picture that was plastered on one wall. Well, I must have to admit though. They look really good together. I just hope Troy won't do what Terrence did to me. 

"Lulu! Oh good you're finally here. I'm so busy at the moment. Can you take this to the planner? She's by the counter over there. Thanks!" She passed on to me a platter filled with invitations for her wedding. Right before I could even say anything she was off again. The soon-to-be bride is in chaos. I wonder what it's like, being all over the place and looking for the best and perfect wedding gown. Sigh. I could only hope. While I was walking towards the counter to hand the planner the wedding invites, my steps were starting to wobble and eventually I slipped. The tray I was holding flew in the air and the invites were tossed everywhere like some confetti. I'm screwed, I thought to myself. Lily's going to kill me! My face was flushing in red. I was trying so hard to keep my cool while gathering the invites. How could I be so clumsy at a time like this? I took a glance at everyone and yes, as expected they were staring at me. When will this night ever come screeching to a glorious end?

"Loise?" I stood up and saw a guy helping me pick out the invites scattered on the floor. 

"Uh, yeah? Do I know you?" I nodded as he reached out his hand to meet mine.

"I knew it! It's me Scott Kydd." Holy crap. I felt my jaw drop open. This couldn't be Scott. I mean, he did have the facial features of my playmate back then but wow. It's a good thing he recognized me because I surely didn't recognize him. He swept an appreciative glance at me from head to toe, "You remember me right? Wow. I was on the lookout for a five year old with a big blue ribbon headband but I realized you look exactly like her." I laughed. He remembers my favourite blue ribbon headband! For a moment there I forgot all about Terrence. He glided his hand behind my back, leading me to a table. I don't know but his touch shot electricity all throughout my body.