Realize (PUBLISHED)

Realize (25)

Dedicated to AdzBala! :D Her username is very familiar to me now. Haha! I just noticed now that I haven't dedicated a chappie of Realize to her yet. Hehe. :D

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There she was; sitting beside Janice was Margaret Islestorm.

She had long straight red hair; she was pale as a porcelain doll that she looked quite delicate. She wore an elegant dress that was just above her knee. She radiated beauty and elegance like none other.

In Maxine's opinion, Margaret "Maggie" Islestorm was every boy's dream girl and every girl's dream appearance.

When her eyes reached Maggie's, Maxine noticed that she was staring at Todd. She couldn't exactly say what her expression showed. And before she could really get to the word to describe Maggie's expression, Natalie spoke.

"Sweetie, this is Margaret," Natalie told Maxine, gesturing a hand toward Maggie.

That was only when Maggie's eyes looked at her. She smiled warmly and stood up. She walked toward Maxine and gave out a hand for a handshake.

"Call me Maggie," said Maggie as she smiled fully, showing her pearly white teeth.

Maxine accepted it, though a little dazed at how anyone could be so beautiful.

"I'm Maxine," she said as they shook hands.

Now that she was closer, Maxine could see Maggie's tantalizing greyish blue eyes. She slowly pulled her hand away while Maggie turned to Todd, who was staring out the window.

"It's been a long time," said Maggie, hoping to get Todd's attention.

He ignored her.

"How have you been?" she tried again.

Still no answer.

"I think I better call Mike," announced Janice, standing up. Not a second later, she exited the room.

"James, can I cook something for dinner?" asked Natalie, turning to James.

He reluctantly looked at her. "Er, no need to do that, Mrs. F. Our cook is going to prepare for us."

As soon as he said the last word, he turned his eyes back to Todd and Maggie - obviously anticipating what would happen next. But Natalie insisted.

"No, I think he just called your mother and said he cannot come by today. I really do want to help your Mother prepare our food," said Natalie pointedly.

James sighed and nodded. "If you say so. Come, I'll lead the way," he added politely, cottoning on.

Alex followed them.

It took three seconds for Maxine to realize the situation. The others intentionally left Todd and Maggie alone to talk. She had to leave them, too.

So she turned around to leave the room when she felt warmth held her hand. She looked over her shoulder and saw Todd stopping her.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

Maxine hadn't yet thought of a reason why she was leaving. In fact, she didn't want to leave. She feared that if she did, Maggie might manage a way for Todd's feelings to return. With a beauty like that, how could he not? Then again, Todd wasn't that shallow. Surely, he wouldn't fall for her good looks.

But . . . what if . . . just what if . . . his feelings returned?

She might not be able to handle that.