This Romantic Novel [√]

Chapter 13: Dating

I became stiff. Staring at him with confusion lurking in my eyes with my heart raced in like last time.

"Huh.?" was all that I could say as I waited for him to say something.

I observed his face to see that it matched his desperate tone; worried, hurt, desperate. However, using those words would feel like an understatement (even though I wasn't feeling those emotions right now) I couldn't help but feel empathy towards him as well as confusion.

"Do you have the same feelings as I do?" He questions, hearing his voice cracking.

.

.

.

.

.

I didn't know what to say.

I was happy and thrilled that he confessed (officially!) not like before when he was confused about it - but at the same time, my head was fighting with my heart as it thought of reasons or scenarios that might happen; convincing me to say 'no'.

"But did I want to?" I thought.

Just like 'Walt Disney' said "First, think. Second dream. Third, believe. And Finally, Dare"

*Ding!*

A light bulb lit on the top of my head - literally, as the light bulb that glowed was from one of the street lights. It illuminated the balcony that revealed the jacuzzi and the wooden deck - opening my mouth to say these words.

"Let's do this then,?"

One eyebrow from him was raised as his gaze was upon him. This idea that I'm about to tell him, was an idea that benefited both of us."What do you mean by that?" He searched, mentally thinking what I was going on about.

"I'm talking about a dating trial," I said.

"A dating trial?" He repeated.

"Yes, a dating trial" I answered swiftly, taking one step closer to Luke. "It's simple and easy. This dating trial that I will offer you is only limited and during this time. You can show me how much you honestly love me and how much you care." I explained.

His confusion was replaced with his curiosity. "Any rules that I-" "RULE NUMBER ONE!" I cut him off with my unruly voice. "Nothing exceeding hugging, a peck on the cheek or hand-holding" I began. "Number two. Once and a while, I would like you to surprise me with gifts or special dates that will make me fall for you more," I took a deep breath, gazing at him more seriously and more intimidating - observing how his adam apple dropped, "And number three; whatever you do, you can't think of any women while you're with me," I finished.

I now give me and him some distance between each other, ignoring him as I stacked my closed book on top of my laptop. Grabbing it to locate it in front of my chest as I now walked off.

"Wait a minute," He cut me off, feeling him tug my arm lightly (yet firmly) that made me stop. "Aren't you going to wait for my answer?" He questioned.

"Well why should I,?" I confidently answered; turning my head to stare at him with a challenging glare, "You're still hung up for Amanda" I added, not thinking about what I said before using my strength to unclasp his hand around my arm - allowing me to walk freely to my room (where I thought inspiration would come to me).

And to be honest. It did.

~~~

"Come out guys, dinner is ready!" I hear Penelope exclaim.

I rub my eyes (yawning from the slumber that I just had) It took me a few seconds to allow my vision to become clear whilst taking a few minutes to move my body once again; making small baby steps to the door before it got used to moving.

Opening the door, I see Lance suddenly halting in front of my door as both of our eyes locked in with each other.

"You just woke up?" He questioned.

"No, I was in 'Narnia'" I said so sassily, revealing my bad mood - note, this happens every time I wake up. "But of course you wouldn't know?" I added before strolling away from him after I closed my door. While hearing nothing but our footsteps and his chuckles that seemed to be coming closer to me. "Stop chuckling, or I'll make you stop," I threatened, not looking back.

"Alright, I'm sorry," Lance said before silently following me to the dining table, recognising the others and my nephew already there.

It didn't take long before Julian's gaze shifted towards my direction, allowing his whole face to glow up as he stood.

"Oh boy, sit here aunty," Julian said with an appealing tone, pointing to the seat that was next to him.

Unfortunately, it seems that the seat that I was sitting at was right next to Luke (who had his head down like he was confessing to the priest). However, my observation about his figure was soon forgotten, as I ignored him staring at each and everyone, except for him (like he would notice anyway with his head down and all ) talking, smiling, laughing, and mainly just having fun - like lunch this morning. Though once and a while, I would look at Luke secretly before reverting my gaze to something else; preventing suspicion or curiosity in their own eyes. But anyway, enough of that - tonight we have steak and mashed potato with vegetables (yum~).

"Wow, you are perfect for being a housewife," I complimented Penelope who was handing out the portion size on each plate.

"Well, at least I'm well prepared unlike you," She remarked, allowing my mouth to open up widely, letting flies enter.

"Ooo harsh mommy," Julian said as he hugged me.

From then, my mouth shut tightly; gazing at Julian with a sincere smile before shifting to his mother - which I gladly poked my tongue out of rebellion.

"Don't mess with the one that cooked food for you," Penelope threatened, swearing that she was threatening to give me smaller portions; however, I didn't back away from that challenge.

"Well I can always live on instant ramen," I fired back before holding both Julian and my plate in front of us as we dug in.

"Alright, Alright. We're here to enjoy a nice dinner together; not kill each other with insults," Marcus said, locating his plate in front of him.

"Yeah Penelope," I said back mockingly.

I eye her with victory eyes. Glimpsing at her lifting the mashed potato spoon in the air, while her mouth was throwing silent curse words at me.

"Honey," Marcus sighed.

I continued to observe her; seeing as she hesitated for a moment before slowly placing it back to where it belonged.

"This isn't over," She mumbles before I stare at her sitting back down, once she is done with everything.