Happy Birthday, Mr. President
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Rachel POV
I am a liar.
On every perspective, we are all liars.
We lied for every reason we could think of.
Tonight, I lie to Derek. I wasn't sitting on my sofa, I wasn't bra-less. In fact, I was wearing a push up bra that could enhance my cleavage on my Oscar De La Renta gown.
I wasn't even at home.
'Do I look good?' I timidly ask the lady who is making a final adjustment to my hair.
'Stunning.' She smiled at me.
'I'm sorry to bother you at the last minute, but this is really important to me.' I explained to her. But I was relieved to know that she wasn't bothered by my intrude when she was about to close her shop.
'I was shocked that you showed up in my door with the gown, you could be risking your night.' She hinted at my red gown.
'I got this gown and almost everything last-.' I emphasize again.
'Last minute.' She repeats the word for me and I burst out laughing, which infected her as well.
I was taking a risk, doing everything last minute. I had my gown chosen three days ago along with the alterations and I completely forgotten that I needed my hair fix after my gown is done. The sales man at Oscar De La Renta told me that there is a salon a few street down and if I hurry, I might still be able to get my hair done.
'I was doubtful if at such a short notice, I can ever make any hair that will match your gown, they are simply fit for red carpet.' The lady spoke, spritzing hair spray to make sure her creation will last through the night.
'I think they are gorgeous and my boyfriend will like it.' I blush, although I wasn't sure if Derek is considered a boyfriend in real life.
My hair was made into half updo, the bottom part was wavy and marvelously volumed.
'Now, you can rule the world.' The lady nodding at my hair, satisfaction filled her pride.
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'You look absolutely stunning, sweetheart.' Dad fetched me after I messaged him the address of the salon.
'I'm freezing, not really worth it.' I laugh and got inside the black Mercedes. Everything sparks luxury when it comes to my dad, I was considered lucky to be adopted by the Woods somehow.
'It's the first time I got invited by the White House, thanks to Hoffer.' Dad mentions.
I intentionally browse at my clutch in search for nothing just to hide my silly smile from Brandon. Actually, my dad should thank me, I was his expressway to the White House.
'Yup, I'm sure Hoffer has got more to offer than just White House invitation.'
My palms were sweaty, it's gross if Derek ever held my hand in this condition. The nearer we get to my favorite house, the faster my heart beat. I wonder what will be Derek's reaction. I have never worn such an exclusive gown in my entire life, tonight, it better make it worth remembering.
Dad talked about his favorite project that his company is engaging in, and Facebook has a part in it. I can't focus entirely although I wish I was, but dad never detect because I was so good in my job, my body language is still able to hide what I am thinking inside. Sadly, the ten years that I was separated from Brandon, I felt loop holes all over, we weren't as open as we were in the past, where he will baked cupcakes with me while I smeared the egg mixture on his face. That was a lost memory.
'Here we go, careful with your shoe.' Dad shifted his body to get out of the car, halfway, he turned back, 'by the way, Rachel, you look beautiful tonight, your mother would be so happy to see that.' He smile warmly and left the car.
I was utterly touched that mom came inside out conversation. After what he did with aunt Lucy, its about time where he came out from his guilt circle. I don't have any right to blame him for what he did. I was having an affair myself.
Both father and daughter.
I was so glad that my dad was beside me when we were ushered to the East Room. Perhaps, it has been arranged, one of the White House staff were extremely attentive to us, Derek might have a part in this.
The hallway was crowded, and the ambience were exceptionally complying with the Christmas mood. Michael Buble were having a live performance, singing Jingle Bells right now. The White House can be so cool in their own way.
'Where is the President?' My dad asked.
My attention from Ryan Reynolds were dragged back to where my dad was. I needed to know where is Derek is as well. My appearance has to be unexpected.
'You will find him in the crowd, Mr. Woods, along with the First Lady.'
The First Lady. A cold shiver ran down my spine. To meet Grace and showed her my presence wasn't something I'd like to do.
'Dad, I'll catch up with later alright, I saw my colleagues.'
'Right, sweetheart.'
I left my dad and went to join Corbin, Dolores and other cabin crew of the Air Force One.
'Oscar De La Renta says hi.' I showed up behind them and pose with my hand tucked to my waist.
'Wow, I couldn't recognize you!' Corbin observe me from top to toe, his expression were a total stunned.
'I thought you wasn't joining us?' Dolores touched the fabric of my red gown.
'I change my mind.' I shrugged happily.
'Tony Linton would be here as well.' Dolores whispered to me.
'Where is he?' I asked.
'Behind you, Ma'am.' I heard the familiar voice. I turn around with blushes on my cheek. Maybe I wasn't accustomed to being this glamorous, somehow.
Tony stare as me, but not in those creepy stare. He was all suit up, aura of confidence surrounded him. 'Hi.' I merely breathe. The ladies at our administration office were drooling over Tony when he is dress smartly in the uniform, wearing aviator sunglassses. Now, he just look at least ten times better.
'How do I look?' He fixed his tie.
'Come on, Tony, you can wear t-shirt and jeans, see if anybody cares.' Dolores tease him.
'The security would care. They wouldn't let me in.' Tony replied her.
I peered at where Derek is, far from where I was. As always, he got my heart beat races, especially tonight. I mean he always looks good no matter what. But the magic in Christmas seems to make everything better.
'Your boyfriend seems busy.' Tony was looking at Joe when I turned my attention to him.
'I guess.' Shrugging, I look at Joe, who is standing at the corner wearing sunglasses.
It's late and he is wearing sunglasses.
'Thanks for the helicopter ride, by the way, haven't got a chance to mentioned it. Our flight were cancelled and I had an online course to take recently.'
'You are welcome.' I tiptoed, trying to distract myself. Somehow, I still felt awkward over the incident where Tony saw the boxes of condoms on my basket. Plus, right now, he assume Joe was my boyfriend. My hulky boyfriend, so it's normal if our sex life were so active, very, very active.
'I'm gonna get something to drink.' He pointed at the bar. His body was already shifting towards there, my instinct told me, he was trying to run away from me.
'I'll, uhm, see you later.' I replied him, pressing a smile on my lips to show him that I am totally fine with that.
He nodded, headed away, vanish into the crowd. Dolores and Corbin were nowhere to be seem. I, the lady in red were all alone. I paced around the crowd, finding myself a spot where it's good to stalk Derek.
There he is, talking with some gentlemen, Grace is nowhere near him.
Right now, I told myself. I should approach him right now. I took the first step, feeling bold, and everything around seem to move in slow motion. My eyes focus on Derek. I got him, he is only a few meters away.
Yet, something distracts me, the cold, death stare peering at me were halting my footsteps, drenching away all my positive vibes.
Grace.
Even when I had the audacity to appear in such distinct event, but the last bit of dignity I have left were actively pricking my guilts.
She hates me. She was looking at my gown with obvious disapproval. Maybe, disapproval is an understatement, she is disgusted. If she had the super power of Cyclops from X-Men, my gown were probably on fire now.
I wasn't moving anymore, Grace too. With her hand holding to the flute of champagne, she just stood there, doubting if she should come forward and pour the fuzzy drink to my face.
I forgot if I am even breathing at all. The situation was too tense, Michael Buble could make the event livelier, but it couldn't penetrate the cold wall between us.
Somehow, a lady came forth to her, that's where Grace pulled her death stare away from me. She seem reluctant somehow, but it wouldn't be wise to create a scene right now.
I breathe a sigh of relieve, I haven't felt this tense before even when I ride the roller coaster. By the way, I hate roller coaster.
I walked away from the crowd, I need a little space to cool myself down, I wouldn't want Derek to look at me in this manner.
I knew where would lead me to Derek's room. But the security personnel were everywhere, I can't even walk up the stair. Eventually, I just walk where it leads me, the balcony.
It was cold with December snow. The teeth shivering wind blows through every inch of my skin, I was out of my mind to even step out of the indoor.
The coldness refreshes me, my mind were thinking of nothing except the cold. It was good, actually. It numbs all the drama in my real life. Perhaps, a person who is facing huge amount of stress, will seek their relieve like what I am doing now. I used the piercing cold to put off other thoughts.
Out of the blue, my eyes was being covered by hands. A pair of warm hand. Nobody. Nobody else would does that. Nobody except him.
A smile lifted up my lips. I held his hand and hold it. It was somehow bigger than it used to be. I had some reserved but I'll just take a leap of faith.
I pulled the hand away from mine, and what I discovered next shock me. There is no ring in his finger. I turn back, getting enough tortured of the cold.
'I'm sorry, but this really isn't my idea at all.'
'Joe!' I looked at him. His angst expression sometimes just makes the situation comedic. I wanted to laugh when he showed his awkward wide eyes.
'Now we're even.'
I turn my head sideway, Derek walks towards me. My Derek, all smiling, happy and speechless. His hair was a gorgeous sculpture, the one where it should be place in the museum, and only the conservator is allowed to touched. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am the conservator in this case.
'You saw me?' I can't avoid a lips-bitting smile with the way he looks at me.
'Technically, your boyfriend saw you.' Derek hinted at Joe, his hands were all kept obediently at his side, Derek knows he can't touch me at all, even though he wanted so much, but there were too many pair of eyes.
Joe cleared his throat. 'Glad to be at your service, Mr. President.'
He knows about the misunderstanding where Tony assume Joe was my knight in shiny armor.
'Would you please hand your girlfriend your coat, Joe, she must be freezing.' Derek orders Joe without leaving my gaze.
'It's okay, Joe.' I wave my hand.
'It's fine. We endured a hell of an arctic ice training week during the Navy S.E.A.L days.' Joe passed his coat to me.
'You guys have been knowing each other for that long?' I simple can't believe, absolutely novel.
'Best buddy.' Derek lifted his hand and made a punching gesture, Joe proffered it and punched his hand.
My face were burning at this point, so, his buddy has been covering his ass whenever we are having affair, and sex.
I stood firm, head facing down, trying to get a glimpse of my red Manolo Blahnik, but my dress was too long that it covered the tip of the heel as well.
'Can we dance, inside?' Finally Derek speak up.
'Thank God.' I spatted. This is totally weird with Joe in between us. I handed Joe his coat, 'thank you, really.' I said.
Derek allows me to walk first, 'go and find your dad first.' He managed to whispered at my ear swiftly. I followed his order blindly, without knowing what his real intention were.
Michael Buble was singing LOVE in the stage and I absolutely adore his jazzy style, especially Christmas.
'I was looking for you, sweetheart, let me introduce you...' Brandon had made some new friends, clearly, this party does enhances his social circle again. I simply smile at anyone Brandon told me but my attention was paid to Derek, he wasn't anywhere to be seen.
After the song ends, he still isn't anywhere. I began to feel worried. Maybe Grace started any drama with him, since she saw me.
'Brandon.' Derek finally shows up. I hid my bursting feeling inside. His charisma did not fail him, I was awed simply by his presence, standing tall and all aura of confidence surrounded him. That's my President, my Derek, my dishwashing partner. 'Miss Woods.' He simply nodded at me, pretend to be all unaffected by me.
'Mr. Hoffer.' I replied him.
'Thank you for your hospitality, I must be a fool to miss this party.' Brandon laugh.
'I almost became a fool.' I intrude, smiling a little. Derek turns to me.
'It might be the last Christmas Party hosted by me, glad you all made it here.' Derek humbly stated.
'We've got confident in you, Derek.' Brandon pats his shoulder.
When Brandon was sharing his opinion of his view regarding the next election, Michael Buble taps on the microphone, getting ready to sing another one.
The familiar tune sets in, it was neither festive song that that we are all familiar, too familiar in fact, nor it was his song that he is presenting. He sang someone else's song. He must have been requested, because clearly, when Derek disappeared a while ago, he must have been requesting the song that is of significance to us.
Will you still love me tomorrow.
Michael Buble is singing this song.
And I know right away, I have to steal Derek away from Brandon.
'May I have the pleasure of dancing with you, Mr. President?' I asked, shamelessly, breaking the conversation between them. Brandon was surprised. 'As far as I know, today is your birthday, isn't it?'
'It is. Excuse us, please, Brandon.' Derek nodded at my dad, and to hell if anybody starts noticing us.
'You are full of tricks, Mr President.' We walked to the centre, where everybody is dancing. Apparently, we have to keep our flirty talk to a minimum since its so public in here.
'We have exactly three minutes when this songs end, make it count, Miss Woods.' He smiles.
'Happy Birthday, Mr. President.' I said simply, there's nothing more sincere than the look in my eyes that I truly wishes him all the best for his life.
'I want you more than anything else.' He said softly, squeezing my waist.
'More than the White House?' I tease him.
'Don't spoil the mood, Miss Woods, you know what I mean.'
'This is wonderful, I'm glad I came, I meant it.'
'I should have met you earlier.' He said.
'Still can't change the fact that you are older than me, and I might be underage, depends on which age you'll love to meet me.' I replied.
'You know how to spoil everything. But anyway, this will made up for the prom night we never attend together.'
'Like a time machine equivalent kind of stuff?'
'Sort of.' He lips curled up. 'I still prefer the brownies that you baked in the cabin.'
'I don't want to remember the cabin, Derek. Tonight, just live in tonight, Derek. I look so beautiful, and you have no idea how much this gown cost me, probably you should say something like you look so pretty tonight.' I shrugged in a girly manner.
He purse his lips for awhile, humming, like his mind was going through something. 'You are so beautiful, Lady in red. But I might strip that gown down tonight and I don't care how much it cost.'
'Whoa.' My eyes rolled around, scanning to see if anybody heard us. 'My legs is getting wobbly, if you continues to do that.' I felt my cheeks burn.
'Is that word called foreplay?' He smile mischievously. I was hoping the camera guy won't capture us.
'You should check the photos that your man took tonight, he might discover something.'
'Hmmm.' He said simply
'What?' I chuckles.
'On the contrary, I was hoping he took our photos.' He looked into my eyes. 'Something to preserve, it's not like everyday we could have our pictures taken in such high quality shot.'
'I want a copy for myself as well.' I told him.
'Deal.' He smile complacently.
Good thing doesn't last, but that's okay, because it simply means bad things doesn't last as well. I just have to wait for Derek.
Waiting.
Waiting.
Waiting.
And when the song ended, I know that we have to break apart from each other.
Like a robot, we were programmed to move, no emotion attached, nothing. Sometimes, I questions myself, what got me into him? What makes me jump into a tunnel that is not going to show me the light anytime soon.
It might be his Givenchy Homme, I might just buy a bottle and spray it on myself to remind me he was real. It's so addictive, I practically breath him to survive.
The clock strikes twelve. When the countdown finished, Grace took the mic, stand at the podium, raising her flute of Champagne.
'To Derek.' She said, and we all raise our glasses to him. I chose to stand all the way back, to where people can't see me, as I wish him Happy Birthday from my heart.
His eyes found me. I wrinkled a smile, making a toasting gesture at him. The noise from the crowd couldn't penetrate Derek and I as our eyes glance at each other. Just a mere five seconds, and I am already contented.
What has he done to me? What magic has he created on me?
A/N
Hi!! I'm sorry it took soo long to update this chapter.
You know, writers block and distraction, plus personal life gets the best of me. I was so busy with my kid that I haven't had a goooood sleep this past few days.
Anyway, I am so exited about Christmas! It's coming soon!!!!