PRETENDER

Chapter 8

Weekdays came, Chloe and I only texted each other but only at night. We were careful not others to accidentally read our conversation. Whenever we see each other at school, we just look away. Like we don't know each other.

It was Friday night, our mansion was so bright and there were a lot of cars outside. I need to wear formal clothes because there were a lot of rich people coming to our home. In this kind of event, my dad won't let me do my nerd look. I texted Chloe that I can't text her because I will be busy.

I was in the party room and there were a lot of people congratulating me and shaking my hand. Most of them said to me that I was so smart and so handsome then I only smiled. I was not in the mood to talk but my dad ordered me to act like a friendly person.

I was so tired smiling at people. Naomi waved at me, she was sitting and eating.

"Nathan, sit here and eat. All the foods are delicious."

I sat near Naomi and the place was perfect. I was facing the wall, I can't see anyone aside from my sister. I can pretend that I can't hear my father because I can't see him.

"You're right Naomi, they're delicious. You're a lifesaver", I winked at her and she laughed. "Where's mom?"

"Somewhere with her lady friends. They are gossiping." We both laughed.

I heard my father talking to someone. Their voices were so familiar to me.

My dad said, "I'm happy that you came to my son's party. How's your business doing?"

The man answered, "Doing great. I owe you a lot to you Mr. Irvine without you our life will be miserable. By the way the party is so good."

The woman said, "Thank you so much for your help Mr. Irvine and for your invitation to this wonderful party."

My dad said, "Don't be so formal to me. We're friends now, just call me Charles" He laughed. "Who is this beautiful lady?"

The man answered, "This is my daughter, Chloe."

Chloe introduced herself, "Good evening Mr. Irvine. It's nice to meet you."

My body was electrified, I couldn't move when I heard Chloe's voice. I hope my father doesn't call me because I know that Chloe will surely be mad at me. I can't think of a good explanation for this.

"She is beautiful. Do you already apply for your college application? And what university do you like"

Chloe answered, "Not yet. But I like Stanford so much."

My father said, "Oh like my son. My son is a genius, that's why he passed his application. You need to meet him."

I can't breathe. In my mind I said, "Please dad don't call me."

"Nathan, come here." he looked at me because I didn't stand up. "Nathan."

I stood up and walked beside me. He patted my shoulder. "This is my son, Nathan."

Three of them were shocked. Chloe and Mrs. Radcliffe shouted, "Nate?!"

I can't speak and so nervous. But thankfully my father talked, "You knew my boy and you knew him in this look?"

Mrs. Radcliffe said, "Yes. Nate is tutoring my daughter. You're so handsome tonight Nate. Congratulations on passing Stanford."

Mr. Radcliffe who was a silent man whenever I was in their house. Extended his hand for me to shake my hand. "Congrats Nate."

"Thank you," I had a fake smile.

Chloe was so shocked and her eyes locked on mine. I thought that she was so mad at me. "Congrats Nate", she smiled.

My dad said, "Yeah he mentioned that he was helping his classmate. I didn't know that she was your daughter, Rafael."

My dad was looking at the entrance door waving to my mom.

"This is my surprise for you Nathan." Then he shouted to my mom, "Dear come here and bring her with you."

My mom walked beside us and she was with someone. Her face was so familiar to me. She has straight black hair, green eyes, and her body was like a model.

My dad said, "Nathan, do you remember her?" My face was so confused, I know that I knew her. "Come on Nathan. This is Elena, your childhood friend. Since you don't have a girlfriend and you never find one because you're so focused on your study. Her father and I decided that you two will be married. In other words, Elena is your fiance. "

I was shocked, "What?"

My mom said, "You have a crush on Elena right Nathan? Don't be shy."

Elena starts to talk, "I'm so happy that I meet you again, Nathan. How are you? I was so surprised too when my father told me that I have a fiance. You're looking good."

I smiled, "You're still looking beautiful. Nice meeting you too again." I glanced at Chloe and her face was so angry. I hoped she forgave me for what's happening right now. I was so sweat.

My dad said, "Nathan, go sit with Elena. You two have a lot to talk."

"Sure dad. Let's go Elena." I bowed my head to Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe and Chloe. They both smiled and I knew that Chloe's smile was fake.

I switched chairs with Elena so that I could see Chloe. They were sitting too and eating. Looking at her face, she was so angry.

"Elena, this is my sister Naomi. Do you remember her?"

"Hi Elena. I already knew you're my brother's fiance", Naomi said.

I was surprised, "You knew this?"

"Of course", she giggled.

Elena said, "Of course I remember her. Soon she will be my sister too. Congrats on passing on Stanford Nathan."

I said, "Thank you. How's your application?"

"I passed too on Harvard."

"Wow, you're still amazing, Elena", I smiled. When I was in grade school she was my classmate and I had a big crush on her. She was so amazing, she's pretty and smart. But this is different now, she's still amazing and she looked more beautiful but I love Chloe so much than her.

"Nathan, you're amazing too."

My mom was behind Elena's chair. "I am so happy that Elena is going to be my daughter."

"Yeah mom. Ah, can I excuse myself for a second. I need to talk to someone. I forgot to tell her something."

"Sure son." My mom said.

"Please don't miss my present here", I smiled and they all laughed.

I walked to the table of the Radcliffes. "Hey how's everyone here?"

Vanessa said, "I was surprised, I didn't know you're an Irvine. One of the richest families in the United States."

I gulped, "I just don't want to brag about it."

Charles said, "You're so kind and humble Nate. You have a wonderful party here."

"Thanks". I looked at Chloe and she never said anything. "Could I borrow Chloe for a while. I need to talk to her."

Chloe angrily said, "I'm not done to my food. Just leave."

Charles said, "Don't be so rude Chloe. Go talk to Nate."

"Whatever."

I said, "Thank you Mr. and Mrs Radcliffe."