Only You

Chapter 12

"Veronica?"

I leap from my sitting position on my bed, standing straight and looking my father in the eye.

"Yes father" I say calm cool and collected (everything I wasn't feeling)

"I will be hosting a thanksgiving gala for some of my colleagues and business partners. I would like you to be present, and you are required a date. I'll pick out a dress and send it to you, and I hope for your sake that your date be...presentable" he says nonchalantly but I heard the underling threat. I nod my head and respond,

"Yes father"

"It's this Friday, don't embarrass me Veronica," he says, and turns quickly slamming the door behind him. I sigh in relief and sit back down on my bed. It's relatively normal to go to these business parties, as we have to show a happy family to his colleagues, but we rarely host. Something must be changing. I don't know why we moved out of the city, but it's weird how sudden the move happened. I can't help but feel like my father is having trouble, that would atone for his stress and more regular outbursts towards me.

I sigh deeply, "a date huh" I say dreading the inevitable awkward situation I will be putting myself in...and Declan.
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I was sitting across the library table from Declan, trying to gain the courage to just ask him. We'd grown close and he would be happy to do a friend a favor, but this is a big favor. Dinner parties are never very...enjoyable. I sigh slightly, and try to refocus on my history homework but it's no use.

"Are you going to tell me what your thinking, or just continue to sit there and incessantly tap that stupid pencil?" He says raising an eyebrow annoyedly. I grin awkwardly and sigh.

"Will you go to my dads dinner party Friday night...a-as my date" I rush out in one breath, anxiously waiting his answer. He sits there silently, thinking it over emotionlessly.

After a few moments, "will I need a tux" he questions, his facial structure staying neutral. I nod my head slightly indicating that he will. He nods his head in return, still thinking over his next words.

"Okay" He says simply.

"Really," I say with wide eyes, "that's it?"

"Would you really expect me to say no?" He says smirking slightly, giving me an "Are you stupid" look. I chuckle slightly and shake my head finally turning back to my homework.

"You're going to wish you had" I responded nonchalantly. He looks up questioningly but I just smile sweetly and continue with my work.

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"Landon Joseph Belle, what is the meaning of this!" Says a flustered Mrs. Belle, as she walks toward a very messy diner table, frowning as she sees the aftermath of a very intense food fight.

"Nothing"

"Nothing" both Johnny and Landon say in unison, Johnny grinning while Landon pales in fear. I giggle as the two boys start to push food onto random plates and napkins.

"You better clean that up, and stop wasting the food me and Ronnie graciously serve you...for free I might add" she says disgruntled, turning around to scurry to another table. I walk over and begin to help them clean up there mess, nodding my head in mock disappointment.

"Oh please we saw you laughing," Landon says rolling his eyes at me. I just laugh lightly and sit down beside Johnny. It's only the two of them, the rest at home being responsible and doing homework.

"Alright Ron-Ron, I would like to officially give you an invitation to the Belles family thanksgiving on Thursday, including myself, one Ms. Belle, Declan, and hopefully the rest of the morons," he says sending a glare to Johnny, who just smiles sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.

I smile genuinely, "You can count me in" I say feeling my gratitude rise towards these people. Just a few more days left of school and we'd be on break, and I couldn't wait to spend it with these people.