The Masquerade ~ Jonathan Toews

Chapter 4

I woke up slowly as Secret sat next to me on my bed.

"Mornin' puppy" I said as I ruffled the fur on top of his head. Secret let his tongue hang out in reply. I slowly looked over at the calendar hanging limply on my wall.

Friday November 17

My eyes grew huge as I bolted out of bed tripping over a moving box in the process. I was moving into my own apartment and starting classes in the winter. My parents were out of town looking for a new trailer for the horses so I was left to move all my stuff on my own with my brother. I threw on a pair of boot cut jeans and my typical cowgirls boots. I jumped up and down on one leg as I hopped my way over to my closet still trying to get my one boot on.

I finally got my boot on as I stood in front of the closet. I quickly opened it and threw on the first flannel I saw. I grabbed my jacket and wallet and phone. I walked out the door making a pit stop to feed the horses in the barn and then hopped in my pickup and made my way to town. Gotta love grocery shopping for a new apartment.

I wasn't too worried about finding a nice dress to wear for tonight since we're just going to a movie. besides who says I'd wear a dress.

..........

I ran my finger over all the products on the shelf as I walked down the aisle. I occasionally grabbed things I needed like cereal or chips or drinks.

I picked up a pack of soda and threw in buggy when I felt something collide with my back. I immediately turned around and came face to face with the one and only Lindsey vecchione. She looked up and down them huffed and walked away muttering something like 'stupid country trash'.

I rolled my eyes and continued my shopping.

Once I finished I made my up to the counter with no line and began putting my things on the conveyor belt. The cashier began ringing things up as I watched them go in the bags. Once the bags were facing me after she spin them around I started putting them in my buggy.

"You local around here?" I heard the cashier ask.

"Umm kinda, I live right outside of town on a farm." I replied as I stuck another two bags in my buggy. The rest of the checkout was in silence.

I payed the cashier lady named Emma and made my way out to my truck. I rolled back the flap covering my bed and began putting my groceries in there.

"You obviously didn't have any problems if you didn't bother to even say hello last night." I turned around towards the familiar voice and there he was. Patrick Sharp.

"Actually I ended up having a great night after that." he chuckled.

"Trust me, I know." he replied with a smirk forming on his handsome face.

"I was the one that got Tazer to finally ask you out. He was like a 3year old in a candy shop when you said yes."

"That's quite the mental image there Sharpie." I continued putting the bags in the bed of my truck.

"Here, let me help." He said as he picked up some bags too and began putting them in.

One we finished I thanked Sharpie and he pulled me into a hug.

"See you soon pretty lady." he said as he made his way inside the store. I smiled as I got in my truck and drove home.

............

"Micheal I'm home!" I called out so my 17year old brother could hear. I heard shuffling as he made his way down the stairs.

"Hey, where were you?" He asked.

"Grocery shopping for the apartment" he looked down.

"Oh." I stood up slowly and walked towards him.

"What's the matter?" I put my hand on his shoulder.

"It's nothing. really it's not. no need to bother you with my problems."

"Micheal Patrick May! Don't you dare say that! I'm your sister and will help you with any problem. All you gotta do is just ask me. I ain't ever gonna turn you away."

"It's just, ever since the um incident happened" he closed his eyes "I feel like you haven't been wanting to spend time with me. I feel like you think I'm some slut or something."

"You're my brother who lost his innocence way before he should have. I wouldn't ever think you were a slut. Ever. I love you and I always will. You're the best little brother any girl could ask for!" He looked up and smiled. I could see the unshed tears in his eyes as I feel his shoulders slightly shake under my hand as he remembered that traumatic night in the back of an alleyway.

"How about this." I began. he looked up at me. "I'm going on a date in..." I looked at the clocked. "an hour. and I want you to help pick out the perfect outfit okay? I know it's not exactly manly and all but it's a good bonding besides you have to approve of him anyways!" He nodded his head and soon we were making our way up my stairs to my bedroom.

...........

I looked at my self in my full length as I inspected my outfit. Michael had great taste in clothes. I adjusted my jeans to fit inside my boots as I heard the doorbell ring. I looked at my self one more time as I heard two masculine voices downstairs. I was wearing my typical jeans but these my nicer quality one that fit better inside my boot. I was wearing a simple lacy blue and white blouse. I couldn't help but notice that the light blue brought out my eyes. I had on my 'fancy' boots that were white and Michael even picked out a nice necklace from Ma's room to wear. It was white pearls with blue diamond accents occasionally peeking out on the necklace.

I ran down the stairs and ran right up to Michael and looked at Jonathan. he was wearing nice jeans with a bright red polo. He smiled at me as he looked me up and down.

"You're even prettier when you're not wearing a mask." I blushed.

"Michael didn't harass you too much now did he?" I looked over at Michael. He smiled then looked at Jonathan as he spoke.

"Nah don't worry he's just benign cautious." Jonathan said as he playfully punched Michael in the arm.

Michael nervously chuckled as I laughed.

"Shall we get going my lady?" he said as he took my hand and kissed it.

I put my hand and front of my face like some flattered gal from the 1800's.

"I believe we shall." I laughed.

"Oh brother." Michael said as he rolled his eyes.Me and Jonathan laughed before he grabbed my hand and we walked out the door.

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A/N Haha 2 chapters in 2 days! I'm on a roll. shout out to soccerbeast16 for giving me motivation to keep writing! hope you enjoyed it!