Something Worth Fighting For

Chapter Ten: Mollie Who?

Dallas sat on the couch, drinking his hot chocolate. By the time he had come in from shovelling snow, Natalia had gone upstairs and left hot chocolate on the counter for him. Dallas was thinking about her as he sat on the couch facing the backyard glass doors.

She had willingly come to him. At least he thought so. It was the first time since he had gotten back that Natalia had kissed him…without him prompting her. It was like all the pieces of the puzzle were coming together. Not since his first week, could he remember her turning to him. A part of him wanted to know whether or not she felt anything for him, but a bigger part did not want to know…what if she still hates me, he thought. Why would she kiss me if she hates me…it was probably just a spur of the moment thing…Dallas tried to rationalize. He didn’t want his hopes to be dashed.

Dallas stared out to see the snow angel. She had been happy whipping snowballs at him. She had looked serene as she lay in the snow, flailing her arms making the angel. She was an angel. She looked beautiful, Dallas thought as he sipped his drink. She always looked gorgeous…regardless of what she was wearing. Dallas was lost in his own thoughts.

Dallas’ thoughts were startled as Derek came upstairs. “Are you ready?” Derek asked him. Dallas shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Yea.” Dallas replied. “Where’s Lia?” Derek asked. “No idea.” Dallas told him, finishing his drink. Dallas got up and put his cup in the sink. “Go get her.” Derek told him. “I’ll get the car started.”

Derek grabbed his jacket and put on his shoes before leaving. A blast of cold air met Dallas, as he headed up the stairs.

“Lia? Are you ready?” Dallas asked as he knocked on the door.

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“Lia? Are you ready?” Natalia heard Dallas ask from the other side of the door. She had changed her pants. Her other pair had been completely soaked through from the snow.

She was wearing a blue tight knit sweater and pair of black bell bottom jeans. “Yea, I’m ready.” She called as she pulled on her socks. Dallas peered through the door. “Let’s go, Derek’s waiting in the car.” Dallas told her. “I’m coming. Do I look alright?” She asked as she tied her hair up loosely.

“You look gorgeous.” Dallas said to her. Natalia could feel the heat creeping up on to her cheeks. She had dressed simply, but the way he was looking at her…it was as though she had put on a gown. “Thanks.” She muttered as she walked past him.

They walked down the stairs in silence. Natalia grabbed one of her other jackets, one that wasn’t soaked right through. Dallas followed her out of the door.

As the three of them drove through the street, Derek spoke. “So where do you want to eat?” He asked. “Pickle Barrel.” Natalia called from the back seat. “No, I think we should go to Boston Pizza.” Dallas told them. “No, let’s go to the Pickle Barrel. I’m dying for some avocado spring rolls.” Natalia said slightly forcefully.

She could hear Dallas and Derek sigh. “How about I pick a number from one to ten, and both of you have one chance to guess the number.” Derek suggested. Natalia sighed. “Fine…” She said.

“Okay, Dallas guess the number.” Derek said, after a moment. “Hmm…three.” Dallas told him. “Natalia?” Derek asked her. “Seven.” Natalia called out from the back seat. “The answer was nine.” Derek laughed. “So I guess I win!” Cheered Natalia. Dallas groaned. “Don’t be a sore loser Dallas.” Natalia poked his shoulder from where she was sitting. Dallas kept quiet.

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The hostess led them to their seats. Dallas noticed that Natalia chose the seat closest to the window. They all waited for the waitress.