PRETENDER

Chapter 14

It was Saturday night, I was in my suit and tie. This was my first and last prom in high school. I hoped everything would be alright and I hoped it would be fun.

Naomi teased, "Here goes Nathan."

My mom said, "Oh my God Nathan, you look handsome on those."

"Mom, I've always worn this kind of outfit whenever we go to the party."

"Well this is different because it's your prom. I'm so proud of you that you decided to go to this kind of event in your school. Anyway , who is your date? Do we know her?"

My father walked towards us, he will hear who I will date. Am I going to tell the truth with them? And am I going to tell you about my relationship with Chloe? They are my family, I hope they will be happy for me.

I gulped, "Since all of you are here. I'm going to tell you something but please don't get mad". They all looked serious. "My date today is my girlfriend. You know her, she is Chloe Radcliffe."

My dad laughed, "Why are you so nervous telling us. If you're happy with her then it's alright for us."

My mom said, "Yes honey. We're happy for you but I want to see her here."

Naomi giggled, "I knew it."

I smiled, "Thank you so much."

My dad said, "We love you son. Go fetch her and have fun."

I drove my favorite car, my blue tesla roadster. Since Chloe told me that I need to do what I want, I will drive this for her. This night must be special to her. I was outside of her house then I was knocking at the door. Mr. Radcliffe opened the door.

"Well hello Nate. I didn't expect you to be the one my daughter's date."

I said, "Yes."

"Please take good care of her."

Mrs. Radcliffe asked me, "Are you two dating?"

Chloe interrupted, "Mom stop". She was so beautiful in her red dress. She walked outside then kissed me.

I felt nervous, "You're parents are here."

Chloe said, "It's alright babe. They now know that you're my boyfriend."

Mrs. Radcliffe surprised, "Oh. The first time I saw you both together, I knew this would happen. I'm so happy for both of you."

Mr. Radcliffe said, "Please enjoy tonight."

I said, "Thank you. Let's go?"

She was staring at my car. "Is this your car? Wow, you really love cars."

Mrs. Radcliffe said, "That's hot. Be careful in driving, don't drink too much."

Chloe said, "We will mom. If you still have questions, please save it for tomorrow. Goodbye dad and mom. "

We were on our way to school and I can't take my eyes off her.

I said, "Babe you're so beautiful tonight. I'm so lucky you know."

Chloe giggled, "Stop I'm blushing, you're so handsome too. It's alright right? My parents already knew about us."

"It's okay. Earlier my family also knew about us. So I think we're legal."

She yelled, "What? They know now?"

"Yeah, that's what I said. Don't worry they will like you. They want to see you when I talk about us."

"Oh my God babe. I'm nervous."

I laughed, "Babe don't worry about it now. We have a prom to attend."

"Oh yeah. I need to focus on that."

We were at the party, we were walking with our hands held. Most of the students were amazing looking at us. Some of her squad were beside us.

Samantha said, "Hey girl you look beautiful with that dress". She looked at me, "Hey Nate, you look hot there, what a perfect couple you two."

Chloe smiled, "Thank you Sam, you look pretty too. I need to leave now girls, see you later and let's have fun."

She held my hand and we walked through the dance floor. We danced there and kissed. After an hour someone interrupted the music and all of the students stopped dancing. He was our principal, Mr. Montgomery.

"Hello everyone it's time to announce who will be the queen and king of the night. Are you ready?"

Everyone was shouting and excited to know who would win. Chloe was holding my hand nervously, she wasn't looking at me and never said any word.

Mr. Montgomery holding a paper containing the name of the winner. "Listen. Our queen of the night is none other Chloe Radcliffe!"

I happily said, "That's your name babe, congrats".

I kissed her and she walked to the stage. The last year queen of the night passed the crown to Chloe. Chloe wore the crowd and the crown got wild, she looked beautiful out there. She was waving at me and I waved back and gave her a two thumbs up. Mr. Montgomery was about to say who will be the king. I was so nervous because I hoped that I wouldn't get jealous of them.

Mr. Montgomery said, "Who will be our king? Are you guys ready? Our king of the night is Nathaniel Irvine!"

I didn't hear it clearly and I thought I heard my name but that was impossible, I stood there blankly. Someone pushed me at the back, it was Samantha.

"Hey Nate that's you, you win. Congrats!"

"What?"

Everyone looked at me, I guessed Samantha was telling the truth and since no one came to the stage. I walked to the stage and Chloe was so happy. Mr. Montgomery put the crown on my head.

Chloe smiled, "I knew it babe. I'm so happy for both of us, congrats."

"I can't believe it. Anyway congrats babe."

Mr Montgomery said, "Please start dancing the king and queen of the night."

We started to dance happily staring at each other. Chloe said, "I love you so much Mr. Nathaniel Yeshua Irvine. I'm so happy you came into my life."

I smiled, "I love you so much Ms. Chloe Mikayla Radcliffe. You didn't know how you changed my life and I'm happy too that you're here with me."

"Oh Nate, come here". Then we kissed.

***

It was our graduation day, my family were all present. The ceremony was finished and I walked to where my family was.

My dad said, "Congrats son. I'm so proud of you."

My mom hugged me, "Congratulations my Nathan."

Naomi hugged me too, "Congrats brother!"

"Thank you. I love you so much."

Chloe was there too and her family, "Hi". Then she held my hand.

Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe said, "Congrats Nate."

"Thank you."

My dad said, "Congrats Chloe. I'm happy seeing both of you graduate."

My mom said, "Both of you will enter Stanford. I'm so proud of you two."

Naomi hugged Chloe, "Congrats Chloe."

Chloe smiled, "Thank you all. I'm so happy that we are still together in Stanford."

"I can't imagine without you there. Stanford and same degree, business administration. You have no choice, you will see me more."

She laughed, "I don't care at all."

"I love you". I didn't care that our family was around, I kissed her.