Chapter 5: Three first dates, one’s heartbreak

Courtney’s walking in her room back and forth. She just wore jeans, ballet flat shoes and her tank top paired with her cardigan. She never felt her butterflies in stomach for a long time and today, she’s very nervous. She will eat breakfast with Neil without her friends. This is going to be great.

“Tell me about the feeling Court! You’re not alone; I am obliged to have dinner with Tyler later.” Heather read what’s on Courtney’s mind and offered her sympathy.

Courtney sighed. “It will be fine Court, it will be fine. Courtney Allen, you can do it.” She encouraged herself.

She froze when she heard a knock in the door. “Oh my god, oh my god.” She collected herself and opens the door.

“Have fun Court!” Heather said as Courtney went out the door.

Courtney ignored Heather. She’s now looking to the handsome creature in front of her. Neil is wearing jeans and white t-shirt. Heather could smell his masculine scent. How sexy?

“Hi, are you ready?” Neil asked.

“Yeah, let’s go!” Courtney smiled. At least she managed to walk despite of her nervousness.

They remained silent on their way down to the dorms until they get to Neil’s range rover.

Neil opens up the door for Courtney. “Hop in.”

Neil went to the driver’s seat right away. “Have you tried the borderline? Best Mexican in town.”

“Um, I haven’t, it’s my first time to explore the town.” Courtney answered. “Mexican sounds great.” She smiled.

“Sounds like a plan.” Neil grinned. “Why you transferred here anyway?”

“um, it’s complicated.” Courtney answered shortly.

“Borderline is a 20-minute drive, we’ll eat breakfast together, and if you want I could treat you a dessert as well, come on I can handle ‘complicated’.” Neil glanced at Courtney who turned pink then back to the road.

Courtney laughed “You’ve got a point Mr. Goalie.”

Neil laughed as well. “Are you going to tell me or what? It’s not that you are accused by murder or something that you think Spencer is the best great escape, was it?”

“If you’re a crime suspect, you are black listed and couldn’t even fly out of the country.” Courtney laughed. “Okay I’ll tell you.”

“We got suspended, all four of us, Taylor, Heather, and Paddy. Since our parents were friends, they think we’re better off in a boarding school away from them. They don’t want us.” Courtney’s voice sounds a little sad.

“Oh? So you’re in a gang or something? Why you get suspended? I did not know beautiful girls like you know how to be reckless err?” Neil teased. He got a sense, sense of humour.

“I’m not sure if I’d take that as a compliment.” Courtney winked. “Did you know that there are three ways to get out of the gang? It’s either you go to jail, you get shot or in our case, gang kicked us out. That’s how notorious we are, nobody could handle us.” Courtney joked.

“Are you serious?” Neil asked.

Courtney laughed. “I’m kidding.” Neil also laughed. He likes this girl.

“I figured out, you would say that.” Neil said. “I’m glad you could laugh now.” Neil commented as he remembered the scene in the gazebo.

Courtney remained silent. The amusement in her face fades. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to.” Neil apologized.

“It’s okay.” Courtney curved a smile but doesn’t reach her eyes.

Neil pulled off when they arrived at the Borderline. He went out to open up the door for Courtney but Courtney is already out of the car. Maybe she thinks chivalry died.

They went inside the restaurant and Neil help Courtney on her seat.

“What do you want to eat? Tacos are great here.” Neil offered as they looked at the menu.

“Whatever you say.” Courtney smiled.

“Ok, two Tacos, burrito, and two diet coke.” Neil ordered to the waitress who’s flirting with him.

“The girls around here like you.” Courtney said. She sounds cold.

Neil shot her a what-look then Courtney points her head to the giggling girls at the next table.

“Are you jealous?” Courtney did not expect what had just Neil said. She went pink.

“No, I’m just stating the fact.” Courtney defends herself.

Neil just smiled and stared to Courtney’s eyes. “What?” Courtney asked him. She went uneasy when Neil’s looking at him intensely.

Neil stares broke when their order served.

“Thanks!” He mouthed to the waitress who giggles.

Neil looked back to Courtney who rolled her eyeballs. She is jealous when Neil’s flirting with other girls. Neil did not just mind it and dig in, as well as Courtney who’s starving.

Courtney just eats her breakfast. Neil is flirting with girls openly and willingly. Courtney couldn’t blame them. She is having breakfast with the Spencer’s goalie, his tan skin, his smile, his stare, his beautiful face and his athletic build-up would make every girl crazy.

It’s first time in a week she’s not thinking of Simon anymore.

**

Paddy is dancing crazily in their room. She’s now dressed up with above the knee dress and tights. She is waiting for James to pick her up for their second date. Her excitement went even worse when she heard the knock in the door.

“Paddy, relax.” Taylor said glancing to Paddy then back to the book she’s reading.

Paddy ignored her and opened up the door. James greeted Paddy and Taylor then they went out of the door.

“Where are we going?” Paddy asked holding James arm as they went down the dorms.

“Where do you want to go?” James answered Paddy with a question.

“I don’t know, I’m new here, remember?” Paddy answered him. She hit James in the arm.

“Oh, I forgot, It feels like you’ve been here in my arms forever.” James laughed at his own pick-up lines.

Paddy laughed even harder. “You’re funny, James!”

James brought Paddy at the Jo’s arcade. After lunch, he needs to buy a present for her mom’s birthday and he could use Paddy’s help since she is a girl.

“What your mom’s like?” Paddy asked as James told her about his plans. They are eating lunch right now.

“She is the best.” James answered. He showed his mom’s picture from his phone.

“That’s sweet. I’m sure you two are really close.” Paddy said as she saw the picture. “I miss my mom.”

“It’s ok Padd, I’m sure she misses you too.” James smiled. “How’s Courtney doing anyway?” James asked as he remembered Courtney’s sobbing.

“She went out with Neil, you know him, the goalie?” Paddy asked. She continues her story when James nodded. “He hit Courtney hard in the head with the ball then Taylor made Neil to go out with Courtney as a consequence for hitting her.”

“Really? I like Taylor. I remember she made us exchanged numbers as well.” James stated.

“Yeah, you’re right! You like Taylor?” Paddy teased.

“no, um, I mean I like her because if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have the guts to ask you out.” James said. He is so honest about what he feels.

“Oh?” Paddy blushed.

“You know, I really like you blushing.” James grinned. Paddy went even redder.

Paddy laughed. “So, I’ve heard.”

“I think I should get Taylor a present, shouldn’t I?” James asked.

“She really likes to read, I’d suggest you’ll get her a book.” Paddy suggested.

“Ayt!” James agreed.

They went out of the diner and start looking for what’s the best gift for James’ mom.

“My mom really likes to collect soap with personalized designs.” Paddy stated. “You think your mom like that?”

“That’s perfect Paddy, you’re amazing.” James exclaimed. He reached for Paddy’s shoulder and hugged her sideways.

“I know right!” Paddy laughed. She really is a happy person and you won’t try harder just to hear her laughed.

They found the perfect shop and purchased the designed soap. James also escorted Paddy as she goes shopping. Seriously, what could be even worst in shopping? James would rather solved thousands of Calculus problems than spend less than five minutes in a dress shop.

But he’s enjoying every moment with Paddy. He enjoys watching her running fingers on the dress rack and how her eyes lightened when she saw the perfect dress. Priceless moments.

***

Heather did not waste her minutes trying to be look perfect. She tied her hair up messy. She puts her jeans on and a sweatshirt. She lied in her bed so Tyler wouldn’t think she is excited. But the truth is she hadn’t slept better last night.

She heard a knock at her door. She stands up and pretended she just woke up. She opens up the door and rubs her eyes. “Hey Tyler.” She said lazily.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Tyler looks angry. “We have a date, remember?”

Tyler expected that Heather would dress gorgeously more than last night but not like this. She’s wearing sweatshirt and looks like she just woke up but she is still beautiful with her curly blonde hair tied up messily.

“Oh, I think I couldn’t go. I’m not feeling well.” Heather said yawning. Tyler immediately touched her neck to check her temperature.

“You’re a terrible liar, Heath.” Tyler said calmly but he looks mad. “Go get your purse and change your footwear.” Tyler commanded.

Heather looks down at her foot. She’s wearing her bunny slippers. Tyler looks very intimidated. Heather followed what he commanded. She puts her slip on shoes and grabs her bag.

Tyler immediately drag Heather in arm as she was done putting her shoes on. “Wait, I need to lock the door.” She said gasping from Tyler’s grip.

“Tyler, you’re hurting me.” Heather whines. Tyler is still dragging her until they got in the elevator.

Tyler loosens his grip but still holding Heather’s arm. “You think you can ditch me that easily ha? Remember you owe me a date. We had a bet.”

“I don’t want to go on a date with you, don’t you get it?” Heather said glaring. Tyler is still dragging her as they went out of the elevator.

Tyler flinched to Heather’s words. He waits until they got into his car. He gets the bouquet of flowers from the passenger’s seat. “Fine!” He handed the flowers to Heather and walked to the driver’s door.

“Tyler, wait!” Heather called up. Tyler stopped. “I pretended that I just woke up so you would think that I am not excited going out with you but the truth is I haven’t slept last night.” Heather admitted. “Thinking of you..” Heather couldn’t look at Tyler’s face so she just faced down as she said the last words.

Tyler went immediately towards Heather after he heard what she just said. When Heather raised her head, Tyler leaned down to kiss her lips. Tyler stepped back when Heather did not kiss back. Heather looked shocked.

“I’m sorry, um, I shouldn’t do that.” Tyler apologized. Heather looked down and started to walk away but Tyler holds her hand. “Heath, wait, you still owe me right?”

Heather lightly laughed. She faced Tyler and said “You’re impossible. If the world ends today, all you have in mind is still that bet.”

Tyler grinned and walked Heather to his car still hand in hand.

Since Heather isn’t dressed as what Tyler had expected, there would be a change of plan.

“Where are we going?” Heather asked as Tyler made his turn on McDonald’s drive thru.

“Watch and learn.” Tyler winked. Heather did not asked more questions as Tyler ordered McDonald’s goodies.

Tyler drives to the shore. Good thing he has a blanket back in his compartment. “We’re here baby!” Tyler said grinning.

“What? Where?” Heather said confusedly then her eyes lightened up when she saw the shore and the beautiful sunset. “Oh my god” Heather said absentmindedly. She went out of the car and looked back at Tyler. “This is awesome Ty!” She said excitedly and hugs Tyler.

Heather couldn’t believe of what she had just done. She hugged Tyler but released him right away. It was the awkward moment.

Heather ran towards the shore and Tyler followed with the McDonald goodies and the blanket. This is a bad timing for beach because of the mid-October breeze.

This wasn’t a bad idea at all. Tyler thought.

They sat down at the shore and eat while watching the sunset.

“I’m glad you like this.” Tyler said.

“Like Ty? I love it. This is awe-mazing.” Heather exclaimed. “I miss California.”

“I miss you too.” Tyler muttered

“What?” Heather asked.

“Nothing” Tyler said. Then Heather brushed her hand on Tyler’s face. “Why did you do that?”

“Nothing” Heather smirked. Then Tyler started to tickle her. Heather starts screaming and laughing.

Heather ran and Tyler ran after her. They play and play like they are five years old. Heather couldn’t imagine this date with Tyler wasn’t a bad idea after all. She is having a great time as much as she had last night.

Tyler likes this girl. One time he hates her then still found himself coming back to her then now he’s enjoying this moments with her. And he knows Heather felt the same as well. He made Heather’s heat cool down for a moment and he hopes it will last forever.

**

Taylor busied herself reading books while her three best friends’ have their date.  Courtney’s breakfast with Neil seems gone well because Courtney hasn’t back yet. Paddy’s lunch with James obviously went good as well because she’s not here yet and Heather is probably enjoying her date with Tyler right now.

Taylor finished two books already and her eyes are not cooperating so she opens her netbook and surf the internet for a change. As she log on to her facebook, she found that she has a lot of notifications but she just opened her account the other day when she blogged about Kent. When she checks her friend requests, the one that lifts her heart up is that Kent sends her a friend request. Taylor accepted it and started stalking his account.

Kent is not vain at all. Most of his pictures are stolen, so probably he’s not taking pictures of himself like other vain guys do. Taylor also noticed in the pictures that Kent always covers his mouth. What’s wrong? Taylor’s eyes couldn’t believe when Kent Alter’s name pop up in her chat box.

Hey Tay!

Hey Kent! What’s up?

Where you at?

Dorms, you?

At Penguins

Where’s that?

You don’t wanna know. ;)

Taylor doesn’t know what to reply. Kent is making fun of her again. Where the hell is Penguin’s and what is that?

Kent is the middle of his DOTA tournament when he saw Taylor has accepted his friend request. He ‘chat’ her but she went offline after he started teasing her. He took a break to the game and started to stalk Taylor’s account. After he saw random pictures, it came up to his mind, what if Taylor has another account aside from facebook?

He googled Taylor’s name and he found out her blog. Kent being nosy much started to read her latest post.

Spencer’s strangers

My first day at Spencer went just fine. I’m so glad I got the upper locker since I’ve grown this gigantically tall. The most interesting today is this Kent guy, my future husband. Haha just kidding. ……

Kent smiled, Taylor blogged him. He found the other post and continues to read it.

Taylor ‘can’t’, No, it is Taylor Kent

I so love Photography. Fate stepped in and he is my partner with the project coach assigned. He is fun to be with. I spend the whole class punching his arms because he always kept shooting pictures of me. I hate it especially when he borrowed my camera overnight. Good thing I did not use it when I took him a picture during our history class. hush, ok?

Kent grinned. He wasn’t sure what he feels. Was he flattered?  

Taylor has a crush on him. Kent just realized that’s why she feels awkward when he’s around. He admits Taylor is beautiful but he was too busy with his addiction with DOTA and did not even notice it. How could he be so insensitive?

He stands up and paid how much he owes the Penguins. He wasn’t sure if where he’s going but he hurried up to his car. He’s going to find Taylor.

**

Taylor went down to get some chips in the cafeteria. She is used to be alone because her parents are always out of town. Her brother is always late going home and she always eats alone. So being alone is just normal in Taylor’s case.

After she bought the chips and water, she saw Kent entering the dorm. Taylor immediately ducks her head down. Oh my god, she’s acting really weird when Kent’s around.

When she looks up, she saw a girl hugs Kent. Kent looks shock but then hug back the girl. Kent puts his hand on the girls shoulder and the made their way to the elevator. Oh no, they’re going to Kent’s room. Taylor concluded.

Taylor went frozen. She wants to cry but for what? She’s not even Kent’s girlfriend and for all things why Taylor hadn’t think about that first, about Kent being in a relationship.

I hate you Kent, I hate your stupid smiles, I hate your flirting and I just hate you. Taylor flinched at the thought.

Now she hates Kent for having a girlfriend. Taylor shrugged and went upstairs back to her room. She started cleaning her room and busied herself arranging her closet. It is Taylor’s attitude when she is depressed or unhappy. She is not the usual girl. While others eat ice cream and chocolates when they are depressed, Taylor cleaned her room.

**

Kent’s sister arrived to surprise him. She is studying in London and barely went home. Kent is supposed to find Taylor but when he entered the dorm to find her, he was surprised to see her older sister. He is really close to his sister and usually people think she is Kent’s girlfriend. His sister looks young despite that she’s two years older than Kent.

“What are you doing here?” Kent asked as he hugs her sister.

“I miss you too brother!” Kat greeted her brother ironically. “Let’s go to your room. I have something for you.”

“Sure, come on!” Kent said.

“So, where’s your girlfriend ha?” Kat teased.

“Actually Kat, I’m looking for her but you came.” Kent explained. He doesn’t have a girlfriend. He’s too in love with computer games.

“Are you serious? Well, in fairness to this girl, she made you take a break in playing DOTA ha?” Kat said.

“Yeah, I’ll introduce you to her soon.” Kent winked.

“So my brother is serious? What’s her name?” Kat asked curiously.

“It starts with letter T.” Kent grinned, opening the door of his room.

“Come on Kent, why so secretive?” Kat glared.

“She’s not my girlfriend yet Kat, but she wants to be.” Kent joked. They continue exchanging stories and talk about Taylor, Kent never topic a girl before to his sister. Taylor seems so special.

***

Among the three, Courtney is the first to arrive. She handed Taylor a takeout salad from Neil then excused herself because she needs to take a shower.

“Neil said thanks.” Courtney said as she handed the salad. Taylor doesn’t have any idea why but accepted the salad anyway.

Taylor did not tell her that she’s depressed. She faked a smile so they won’t see. She ate her dinner at her room because she doesn’t want to go out of her room anymore. Paddy arrived after ten minutes and looks very happy with shopping bags in her bag.

“What’s this?” Taylor asked as Paddy throws the paper bag to her.

“James’ thank you gift.” Paddy shouted while she’s changing clothes the bathroom. “He owes you because you taught him courage to ask me out.”

So that’s it, Neil gave her a salad and James gave her a book for a thank you gift. They think Taylor is their stupid cupid, the reason why they are now dating her friends. Yeah right, but my heart is breaking now.  Taylor thought.

“Oh? Tell him thanks.” Taylor called up. She saw it was a book. “I’m going to sleep early Padd. My eyes suck. I need to rest it, Goodnight! Tell me what happened tomorrow, ok?”

“Ok Tay, sleep well.” Paddy said. She’s now out of the bathroom. “Did you clean Tay? The room looks nice.” Paddy commented but Taylor did not reply.

Taylor is so happy with her best friends. She is sure the three first dates went just fine. She doesn’t want to ruin it because of her heartbreak with the boy who’s not even her boyfriend. She pretended that she’s sleeping but actually she hadn’t slept well that night. Before it was a sweet dream when Kent showed up to her dreams, but now it seems like a horrible nightmare.

Next Chapter: Chapter 6: Truth unveiled Estimated time remaining: 52 Minutes