Love and Friendship

Twenty

They reached a fancy apartment building and head for the penthouse suite.

Selena: Erm Nate?

Nathan: Yes baby?

Selena: Whose place is this?

Nathan: This is my sister's apartment. She doesnt like to stay at my parents' place much so she bought herself this place to stay when she is in town.

Selena: Oh. Fancy.

Nathan sense her discomfort smiled pulling her closer.

Nathan: Do you trust me?

Selena: I do.

Nathan: Then you have nothing to worry about. We chose this place to meet because it is way out of public eye and we dont want the risk of running into anyone.

Selena: Ashley? (Rolling her eyes)

Nathan smirked at her.

Nathan: You are so cute when you're jealous.

Selena: I am not jealous.

Nathan: (coming closer to her) It's ok baby. I would be everytime Leo looks at you.

Selena raised her eyebrows.

Selena: Come on Nate. Leo and me and friends.

Nathan: I know. But you gotta admit, he still have strong feelings for you.

They walked out of the elevator and rang the doorbell.

Selena POV

A tall, dark haired girl answered the door. She is stunning. This would be Ginny. They do look alike.

Ginny: Hi big brother! About time you showed up. (She hugged him)

She turned to me and hugged me which caught me off guard.

Ginny: Hi. You must be Selena! The poor girl who is with this brother of mine.

Nathan: Watch it Ginny!

I chuckled slightly and she pulled me in.

Ginny: I am so excited to meet you. We are gonna be great friends! Shopping and talking about other boys!

Nathan: Hey! She can only talk about me!

Ginny: Ya ya Nate. Im sure. Stop flattering yourself before you explode.

Nathan started to chase Ginny around the apartment. I laugh at the sight. It is obvious they are close. Like me and Tony.

A beautiful middle age woman came out from the kitchen.

Elizabeth: Oh enough you two! You're not 5!

Nathan: Its not my fault mum. Ginny started it.

Elizabeth ignored both of them and came towards me. She pulled me in for a hug.

Elizabeth: You must be Selena. I am so happy to finally meet the girl who manage to steal Nathan's heart.

Selena: Nice to meet you Mrs Anderson. It is such an honour.

I am so starstruck. My favourite author is right in front of me.

Elizabeth: Call me Beth. Everyone does.

Nathan: You know mum. She is such a fan. (He smiled cheekily)

I shot him a look.

Elizabeth: Oh! Is that so? In that case, it is a good thing I got you this as a gift.

She went to the side table to hand me a signed copy of "The mad truth of love and conscience".

Oh my god! I was starting to freak out out! I guess my face was starting to show the excitement which made them laugh.

Nathan: Oh baby! You look like a child been given a candy.

I said in an almost whisper: Thank you Beth. This hasnt even been released. I mean how did you know?

Elizabeth: (smiling) Actually Nathan did tell me you are a huge fan of Alicia Andrews. So I thought you might like this.

"Thank you. Thank you."

Elizabeth smiled: It is my genuine pleasure my dear. Come, lets eat.

"You have a lovely home Ginny."

Ginny: Thanks! This beats the cold mansion anytime.

Elizabeth: Ginny please. Not now.

Ginny: (rolling her eyes at her mother) So Selena, tell us about yourself? Nathan told us you go to the same school?

"Yes. I transferred here from Newcastle to be in the same college as my brother because my parents started a business in London. I didnt want to transfer mid way but my brother was insistent. I think he doesnt trust me to be on my own."

Nathan: Im glad he doesnt. I get to meet u. (He kissed my cheek)

Ginny: Awww.. I didnt know my idiot of a brother can be romantic?

Nathan glared at her.

They chatted a while more before Elizabeth pulled me to the couch to chat while Nathan helped Ginny clean up.

Elizabeth: So Selena, I understand Nathan told you about our family.

I looked down and nodded.

"To be honest, being here today, I almost couldnt believe who you guys are really. You guys looked so loving and normal."

Elizabeth: We are normal. I like to believe that. Whenever we three are together, we are normal. No business talk whatsoever. However, we do have our personal security detail which makes it difficult to get around unnoticed.

"That is sad. I mean no freedom everywhere?"

Elizabeth: Well it is part and parcel of being in the family. Anyway... Nathan told you about Ashley? (She looked at me sadly)

I looked away from her.

"Yes. I.. I actually met her."

Elizabeth looked surprise.

Elizabeth: You did? Did she say anything to you?

"No. Not to me. The reason why Nathan told me everything is because... she... came telling us that she is his fiancè."

Elizabeth: Im sorry my dear that you had to find out that way. Yes, she is his fiancè and they are due to be married once he finishes school.

My tears are threatening to fall. She took my hands in hers.

Elizabeth: Honestly, I would much prefer for you to be my daughter in law.

--

Nathan POV

In the kitchen helping Ginny cleaned up, I glanced to the couch where my mum is chatting with Selena.

Ginny: You really do love her dont you?

I looked at her and sighed.

"I dont know what to do Ginny."

Ginny: Then why dont you break the engagement with that bitch?

"You know it is not that simple. Father will not allow it. And I dont want to risk her safety. Im trying to spend as much time with her as I can."

Ginny: Then what? Dump her for that bitch like last night's dinner?

"Then what do you expect me to do? You know damn well our world is not safe for her. Especially if I decide to break it with Ashley. It is gonna be war"

Ginny sighed. She knew I was right.

Oh god. If there is another way.