Captivated

Preparations

Hello hello hello! A bit of an early update from me today because if all goes according to plan, I should be getting another chapter up tonight for you all- surprise! Enjoy this one, comment and vote, and I'll see you all in a few hours!
-ab

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June 30, 2024

Harper

"I am absolutely not wearing that, Vanessa," I roll my eyes. "For the last time, that dress makes me look fat. I don't even know why I still own it, there's gotta be somebody out there who would wear it."

"Oh my god, Harper, if it makes you look fat, then it'll make most healthy humans look the same way. You're being dramatic," Katherine tells me. "Just pick an outfit and put it onto your body. I don't know who this guy is, but if he isn't going to give you a chance because of your outfit, then he doesn't deserve you, alright?"

"I just want tonight to go perfectly... it's... never mind."

"What?" Katherine asks me, sitting down on my bed next to me. "What's worrying you?"

"It's just... oh, this is so stupid, but I've not been on a proper date before..."

"Wait, seriously?" Nessa asks, her eyes widening. "Harper, don't worry. You don't have to stress as much as you are. Just be yourself, love. This guy, whoever he is, will love that, and if he doesn't, then just like Kath said, he doesn't deserve you."

I give a weak smile. "Thanks guys, I'm just so nervous..."

"As you have rights to be, but you don't need to be."

"Nessa's right," Katherine tells me. "Now, pick what you want to wear, then I can do your hair all pretty, and Nessa will do your makeup, because we all know that you're only capable of doing stage makeup and not daily makeup."

I roll my eyes, but sigh in defeat, knowing that she's right. I walk over and pick out a lace, sequined teal dress. "Do you think this'll be good?"

"I think it'll be gorgeous. Let me heat up the straightening iron, and you go get changed, alright?" Katherine suggests. I nod, taking the dress and running off to the bathroom as Nessa and Katherine stay in my room to prepare my hair and makeup supplies.

When I return, Katherine pats my chair, motioning for me to sit down, insisting that I'm too tall for her to reach my head.

"You have so much hair," Katherine complains. "Like, how does it not weigh down your entire head?"

"I'm pretty sure that I lost weight as a child when I got it all chopped off once."

"Oh my god," Nessa giggles.

After a lot of time spent straightening, my hair is finally looking presentable, and about three inches longer, which is a weird feeling for me. Katherine pins back the front few strands of hair with a sparkly clip, then hands me over to Nessa, who begins to smear makeup on my face.

"Be careful... I have sensitive skin..."

"I promise, you'll be okay. You wear more makeup than this for your shows, and you seem to be fine for those."

"I use really nice primer," I laugh.

"And I'm using whatever was in your makeup bag, so I'm assuming it is the same thing," Nessa promises me. "Just sit tight, and we will have you ready in no time."

Sticking to their promises, Nessa announces that she is done before I know it, and hands me a small hand mirror.

"Oh... I love it..." I breathe. "I look... pretty... I'm not used to this, you guys," I giggle.

"Oh, stop it, you're always gorgeous," Katherine insists. "Now, you should probably get going, it takes a little bit to get to the cafe, especially in dress shoes."

I nod, knowing that Katherine is right. "Thank you two so much."

"No problem," Nessa replies.

"Now, go have the time of your life. Your first date is a big deal... I feel like I'm sending my child out into the world for the first time," Katherine laughs.

"Oh please," I roll my eyes.

"We will be expecting the full report when you get back. Keep those hands to yourself, and no wandering eyes. Be home before dark, do you understand missy?"

"Oh my god, Katherine, you sound like my dad."

"Good. That speech is like... a first date tradition. It couldn't be your first date if you didn't have it."

"Alright, while she's over here acting like your father, as your best friend, I'm going to tell you to have a great time, alright Harper?"

"Thanks Nessa," I smile.

"Are you excited?"

"I am," I reply, letting out a deep breath. "I think I'm ready."

"Just keep the conversation natural, be yourself, and don't be afraid to excuse yourself to the restroom if it is getting awkward and you need a break. If you feel in danger, tell one of the waiters and they can help you out of the situation. They're trained for that."

"Thanks Nessa. You're the best."

"Love you Harper. Now, go!" she laughs.

"Bye guys," I smile, waving to my flatmates as I grab my purse and walk out onto the streets of Hampstead.

Outside, I take a deep breath of fresh air and smile at the little kids on their scooters, probably making their way home from school. I try to clear my head a little bit as I stick my earbuds in and enjoy the stroll towards the restaurant which I'm scheduled to meet my date at.

Inside, I meet the hostess and ask her if anybody has come in saying that he is on a blind date.

"Not that I can recall," she says. "Sorry."

"It's okay, I'm a few minutes early anyway."

"Alright, let's get you seated, then, and when a man comes in asking for a blind date, I'll send him your way then?"

"That sounds absolutely perfect," I smile, following her to a seat at a little table for two in the corner. She places a menu down for me and asks if she could fetch me a drink. "Could I just get a water for now, please?"

"Absolutely," she replies, walking away, and bringing back the glass a few moments later.

As I'm taking a sip, I hear footsteps walking up to me. I realize that is probably my date, and fear suddenly strikes through me. I bury my face in the menu, biting my lip with fear... then, the person speaks.

"Excuse me... Harper, right?"