Chapter.10 Did The Native Ritual Dance So That The Spirits Help Me Find A Dress!

Ten: Did The Native Ritual Dance So That The Spirits Help Me Find A Dress!

I sunk a little deeper into the bathtub and let out a content sigh, the warm water was so soothing, relieving tension, calming my tense muscles, it was very relaxing, and the background so very serene. I lit some scented candles and used my lavender-scented body wash and bath bomb to calm my nerves down.

Calm my nerves for what you may ask?

Today is date night with Kayden and I was a bunch of nerves. I'm was so very anxious, I thought I'd pass out. I've never been on a date before and I don't know what I'm supposed to do there. I hoped that I didn't talk excessively or talk too little making it sound like I'm not interested like I'd rather be somewhere else instead of being there. And also hoped that I didn't embarrass myself.

I know it sounds very silly, but that's the truth!

I leaned my head back and let my fingers skim the water gently, playing with the bubbles, humming a tune. I made up scenarios in my head if the date were to go very well, which had me giggling like a silly school girl.

Fifteen minutes later, I was back to feeling nervous no matter how much I'd doused myself in lavender. I even considered burying myself in a bed of lavender flowers as well.

Lavender was supposed to be calming but all it ever did was make me even more anxious and smell strongly like lavender that gave a person a headache. It was absolute bollocks about lavender calming a person. Absolute sham!

I got out of the tub and rinsed myself under the shower, put on my bathrobe and marched out the door to my room, still a nervous wreck and my anxiety through the roof.

My stomach churned and I clutched it as I was sat on the cherry wood floor of the walk-in wardrobe clad in nothing but a bathrobe and towel smelling strongly of lavender.

Why'd I agree to go on that date? I've never been this nervous for anything. Apprehension was building up in my stomach and I even contemplated hitchhiking and running away.

"Dear God! What's wrong? Why're you sat on the floor like this?" Rachel came bounding towards me with concern written all over her face, she bent down to my level.

"I'm nervous. I think this is a bad idea because now I'm having mixed feelings about the date and I don't know... I have this ominous feeling like-"

"Like he'll end up being a dodgy sociopath clown who hides behind a facade and will most certainly kill you after the date?"

I looked at her in disbelief, silence engulfed us for thirty seconds and I could most certainly hear the cuckoo noise in the background.

"-it- What?!" I looked at her in incredulity. "No! You're not helping." I groaned.

"Look I get it! You're nervous, but who wouldn't be? If I'm being honest here you really shouldn't be because you've known the bloke your entire life and if he's nice and a gentleman like you say he is then you shouldn't be nervous." She squeezed my hand in assurance.

I bit my lip, not quite sure what I felt, I just knew that I was very nervous. "I kind of am, but above all, I'm a tad scared."

"Why? You've been dreaming of this moment your whole life, why're you scared. He isn't a murderer. All he asked was for a date, not your organs or soul." She reasoned out.

I sighed tracing circles on the dark wood floor. "Well, that is true, but it just feels like it's a dream and it's so unreal." I countered back.

She hummed in response, "Mhmm, I mean this is like a dream come true for you. So you should just be happy and get ready now."

"Thanks, Rach!" I shot her a grateful smile as I felt a little better.

We just sat there in silence and stared at the ceiling. Rachel finally spoke. "What time did he say he was going to pick you up at, again?"

I turned to face her. "Seven. We still have two hours left," I said.

"Two hours left?" She yelled incredulously. "That's not enough time to get you all dolled up. We need to do your makeup, hair. Oh, and, have you picked out your dress yet? You reek of lavender!" She commented.

Cringing I bit my lip. "Err...indeed? Is it bad?" I took a whiff and she wasn't wrong, it was too strong. I nearly sobbed. "About the dress..." I trailed off, letting out a nervous laugh, "that's part of the reason I'm sitting here. I don't know what to wear. I even did one of those native ritual dances but forgot the part where I had to light a fire and throw clothes into it so that spirits would help me with the perfect dress instead I doused myself in lavender as a substitute."

Rachel looked at me with a stunned and concerned expression. She was quiet and I could hear both crickets chirping and the cuckoo bird in the background.

She cleared her throat. "I...err...I don't know what's going on in your mind, but let's investigate that later and find you a dress for the date." She got up and rummaged through the array of clothes. "Because I can conclude that the ritual failed in epic proportions and the spirits didn't help you at all!"

I laughed, she made me feel better. The spirits may have failed me but Rachel was like god-sent right now.

I didn't know what to wear nor did I know how to match my dress with the shoes or what accessories went well with the outfit. I was clueless, this was unfamiliar territory and I needed Rachel's expert advice right now.

I had all kinds of clothing from regular denims, humble pyjamas to designer gowns courtsey of my mother. She said that a lady needs to always have dresses in her closet, she wasn't wrong though. Only when there was someone who could help you wear the right outfit and match clothes and shoes, you would look peng.

Rachel then moved to the shoe section, I had me all time favourite converse shoes, trainers, stilettos, pumps, wedges, flats and ballet shoes; I never wore them except for my beloved converse shoes and trainers. Then, when you went further in, there was a glass case full of accessories, too-small- to carry anything clutches, cross- body bags, mini bags and even backpacks.

Finally, Rachel settled on a vintage blue off the shoulders cocktail dress, that reached just above the knees, it had a bow near the waist, she'd even picked out the jewellery and shoes and set it on the bed.

"Alright, that's done. Now let's get on with your hair and makeup." She dusted her hand and ordered me to sit down. I was sat in front of the mirror with a robe whilst Rachel pranced around the room to go through her phone. "Your fairy godmother needs some music to hype her up." She turned around and grinned.

She hooked up her phone to the Bluetooth speakers so that pop songs played around in the background because no makeover montage is ever complete without it. All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor came on, she said that it helped calm the nerves down and gave a wee bit of confidence. She was right, a few moments later we were singing along to No by the same artist as she did my hair and makeup.

Once she was finished with everything, and I had put on proper clothes she let me see myself in the mirror. "Now for ze moment zyou 'ave been waizing fharr," she began with a faux French accent, "Voila!" She turned me around.

I bit my lip in anticipation and when I saw my reflection I was startled at the person staring back at me. I was startled because I thought the makeup was a tad flamboyant. Not because I'd transformed into a nymph or something. Occasionally I'd put on makeup, and that was only when we had competitions, and that was even heavier, but this was light compared to it, but I somehow thought that this was too much.

"Wow," I said quite unsure.

"What? You don't like it?" Rachel asked a little hurt.

I closed my mouth and met her eyes through the mirror. "Oh gosh no! I-I love it!" I reassured her and turned in my seat. "I just...feel it's a tad too much, don't you think?" I asked her.

Maybe it's just me who thinks it's too much, also I was being ungrateful to Rachel by thinking that thought.

"No, it's just the right amount. If you compare the makeup during the ICCA'S to this it's much better. You're just nervous about this date that's why you feel that you've been gang-banged by Crayola!" She commented dryly.

I snorted but looked at myself in the mirror. My long hair was tamed and curled around the ends to give it even more volume and bounce, the makeup.... now that I really looked at it was simple and just the right amount and she finished it off with light coral lipstick.

The only accessories I had on were a diamond stud earrings and a thin silver necklace with a teardrop-shaped pendant.  I stood up and the dress material fell softly against my skin. The dress looked beautiful on my pale skin and hugged my figure perfectly, the bow made my waist look smaller and the four-inch sparkly silver stiletto pumps I wore made my legs look longer whilst also giving me the desired inches I longed for in height.

All in all, I looked fabulous.

Now, that I stared at my reflection, it was perfect and I had just overreacted back then.

I turned around towards Rachel and hugged her. "Thank you so very much. I'm sorry I doubted you, I could have never done this without, Rach. I look amazing," I said with sincerity.

"Aww it's fine, I forgive you! Of course, you couldn't have done it without me!" She stuck her nose in the air. "You'd be lost without me, ducky. And I know, I'm talented," she said cockily.

I rolled my eyes at that. "Yes, of course! What would I do without you, fairy godmother? I am forever indebted to you," I said holding both her hands dramatically.

She swatted my hands away and said, "no need to be so dramatic, Rebecca. Just say you love me."

"I love you!" I hugged her for one last time and let her go. She opened her mouth to say something but was cut off when we heard the doorbell ring.

We both stared at each other with wide eyes, her expression morphed into one of excitement whilst mine stayed the same. The nerves that I'd tried to suppress earlier was starting to build back up again.

My stomach churned badly and I felt nauseous. "Oh my god! He's here, it's too soon!" I fanned myself.

Rachel sensed my fear and put both her hands in my shoulders and shushed me. "Of course he's here. It's exactly seven. Look, if you're that scared and worried I'll come on that date with you, of course, I'll follow you discreetly and I'll look out for you from a distance and if he makes one wrong move...." She trailed off.

I let out breathy laughter after I heard her. "No that won't be necessary. But thank you so much for the offer."

She grinned but quickly put on a po-face. "It is the time! Don't be nervous, you look gorgeous and Kayden is going to have his socks blown off when he sees you. You got this, Rebecca. So, chin up, girl and walk with your head held high because nobody likes a girl who keeps looking down at her chest."

Her pep talk eased me up a little. I squared my shoulders. "Indeed! You're right," I told her, squeezing her hand. "I got this!"

She smiled and I began to walk ahead. I yelped when I felt her smack my bum.

"Go get him, tiger!" She winked.

I straightened myself and we both left my room and went downstairs together, feeling a little more confident.

Rachel led the way, I followed her closely, my heart raced in anticipation and fear, my palms were starting to get clammy, I smoothed my dress, and exhaled. I could hear shocked whispers of my parents, my mother's voice rose an octave when she heard Kayden say that he was here for our date. I could already imagine the clueless expression on both my parents' faces and the look of alarm on Kayden's face.

It'd completely slipped my mind, that I was supposed to inform my parents.

Whoops!

The confidence I felt a while ago slipped and in its place fear and apprehension came back with vengeance. I hadn't notified my parents that I'd be going on a date with Kayden, I reckoned that they wouldn't be home on a Saturday evening, I speculated that they'd be swamped with work, because that was usually the case.

But I guess, I thought wrong. Huh!

To be completely honest, I was scared, nervous and shy to inform them, because they were well aware of my silly crush on Kayden and I was afraid that they might not agree or worse make fun of me by asking me embarrassing questions, that thought made my cheeks flush already. My parents can be overwhelming, sometimes.

Especially Dad! I groaned as every step I took would lead me to doom.

We reached the last step of the stairs and arrived at the living room, I stood there motionless feeling overwhelmed, taking deep breaths as Rachel walked in but my feet felt like lead. It was inevitable and I had to face them. It was now or never!

So I took a deep shuddering breath and walked forward.

It's showtime!

Rachel cleared her throat, to make our presence known, all conversations ceased once they took notice of us, it was awfully quiet and I squirmed at all the attention directed toward us. My parents were the first to notice me hiding behind Rachel, she cunningly moved and I was visible to the entire room.

Their eyes widened in surprise, I felt my face getting warmer by the second, my gaze drifted to Kayden's and met his sterling grey one's, they were wide with awe, and his gaze appraised me from head to toe, I hope he liked how I dressed, I bit my lip when he smiled and I smiled back shyly. Carter's mouth went slack when he saw me, he nearly dropped his can of coke.

"Bloody hell! This was the reaction I was hoping for!" Rachel turned to me with a smug smile, my lips curved into a slight smirk. "I've done a spectacular job in transforming her into this." She exaggerated her point by pointing at me, I whacked her.

"Blooming hell! You did, Rachel, she looks horrid that you've rendered us all speechless." Carter looked horrified.

I glared at him, I would insult him and beat him to a pulp, but I'll just have to do with a glare and curse him mentally. I can't let Kayden know I'm some kind of savage person when he witnesses me thump Carter and swear like a filthy pirate, I had to behave like an absolute proper lady.

"Do you have something that you want to inform your parents, ducky?" Dad raised an eyebrow as he petted Beasty. He let out a low growl, ready to pounce on Kayden.

Gosh, not this again!

Both Beasty and Dad looked like they'd pounce on Kayden. "Why is this boy here?"

I gulped audibly. "Errr...yes." My heart hammered so furiously in my chest.

"Rebecca, your father and I don't recall you informing us about your supposed date with this young man." My mum spoke up, she looked a little disappointed.

So many pairs of eyes were on me, at the same time I was feeling awful for not informing them, I was nervous and didn't know how they'd react to the news of me dating Kayden. I wanted to keep it a secret and tell them when the time was right.

"Fiddlesticks! Must've slipped my mind, I'm sorry?" I let out a nervous giggle.

"Indeed?" Dad inquired his eyes watching me like a hawk. He looked so bloody intimidating right now that Kayden shifted in his seat uncomfortably.

My mother narrowed her eyes slightly. "Darling, I'm surprised that such an important matter slipped your mind. Imagine when we're having a normal evening and suddenly there's a man who's at the door saying that he's here for a date with their daughter whilst they look shocked just because their daughter didn't think it was important for her to inform her parents."

I was getting embarrassed by the second. I wanted to stomp my foot like a petulant child and tell her that I was nineteen and that I wasn't obliged to tell her anything. But since I'm staying under her roof it'd be expected to inform them.

She had a point and I had to own up to my mistake. "I was anxious, I didn't know how to inform the both of you, that I had a date this evening, I reckoned it was too soon and wanted to bring it to your knowledge after I was confident enough. I'm sorry." I bit my lip feeling genuinely apologetic.

"Mhmm," Mum pondered for a while. But then she smiled, comprehending my disposition. "I suppose I can let this one slide. You must've felt that we wouldn't approve. We're just taken aback, is all."

"We? I'm still not very happy about this." Dad disputed. He then focused on Kayden and scrutinised him. I could practically see the animated sweat rolling down the sides of his face and he looked like he wanted to hightail out of here and regret ever asking me out on this date.

"I hope you don't expect anything to happen tonight boy. I'm still not pleased with the situation but since you're here I suppose I can let her accompany you. If I were to have my way I'd never let her leave." Dad narrowed his eyes.

Kayden jolted upright. "Err..y-yes, sir!"

"What?" Dad pinned with a glare.

Kayden opened his mouth but looked like he was at a loss for words.

"How old are you boy?" Dad asked him.

"I'm twenty sir."

"What do you read at uni?"

"Mechanical engineering, final year. I'm studying at Imperial College London sir." Kayden answered.

Dad looked slightly impressed and stroked his chin. "Mhmm, I suppose that's adequate qualifications if you're courting my daughter."

"I'm glad you approve sir!"

I sat down next to Rachel. My parents began interrogating Kayden, they asked him how and when we began courting each other and all sorts of other questions. If he was feeling nervous under my parent's scrutinizing gaze, he didn't show it and answered them all as best as he could with a smile on his face and calm expression.

"Maybe we should follow them, love. Since they're going out for dinner and it's been quite a while since we've dined out. Reckon we should have dinner as well?"

I whipped my head when I heard my dad whisper to Mum.

"No! Absolutely not!" She shot back.

"They won't know that we're there. We'll be inconspicuous. I can keep an eye on him as well and if he tries anything I'll-"

My mouth hung open at their exchange and looked at my dad appalled. "Dad!" I hissed. He only shrugged.

Thankfully Kayden didn't hear any of this and I was so happy.

Mum rolled her eyes. "You will do no such thing." Her voice was firm and that made my dad shut up.

Finally realising that it was time for us to take off Mum turned towards Kayden with a bright smile. "Alright, you lot better get going. I don't want to impose on you two any more than I have, I hope you have a lovely time." She stood up and so did my father.

"Bring her back home safely. And don't look so relieved there because I'll be following you..." Dad trailed off.

I gaped at my father's remark. "Dad!"

"Yes, sir." Kayden nodded his head and gulped.

"Adequate." He grinned.

Dad patted my arm. "Now go enjoy yourself ducky, your mum and I undoubtedly had fun watching you squirm in front of your date." He grinned.

I pouted and grumbled. "You're devious!"

He only laughed in return. I made my way to the door and bid my parents goodbye and warned Dad not to follow us.

"The offer still stands." Rachel sidled up to me.

"What offer?" Dad looked curious.

Rachel explained to him what offer she was talking about and my dad's eyes lit up.

"I'd be very happy if you followed them and kept an eye on him."

"Absolutely not! Mum, dad's off the trolley!" I groaned.

My parents argued back and forth and dad looked defeated in the end.

Just as we were about to reach Kayden's car, my mum called out to us, we whirled around. "It was lovely meeting you, Kayden. Rebecca, make sure to be home by eleven." With that, she shut the door.

"Mum!" I yelled utterly embarrassed.

Damnation! She had to embarrass me by asking me to be home by eleven. See, this is how my parents team up against me and seek revenge.

Kayden guffawed whilst holding the door open to his Maserati GranTurismo. "You still have curfews?" Kayden asked me with amusement.

I frowned. "Ordinarily no, but today my parents are just looking for ways to embarrass me." And got in the car.

He winced slightly. "That was one of the most intimidating and scariest meet the parents in the history of meeting the parents. Your dad's quite terrifying." He began driving and pulled onto the motorway.

I shuddered. "Gosh! I am so sorry, I'm so embarrassed. I'm so sorry you had to go through that all because I didn't let my parents know." I groaned.

"I understand why they did what they did," he spoke but added, "do you think your dad's gonna follow us to the restaurant?" He looked at me briefly.

I bit my lip and pondered about the statement, I wouldn't put it past my dad. He would be capable of doing such things, but my mother would never allow it as well so that sort of comforted me. "No, he was only joking," I assured him but it wasn't that convincing.

I took my time to admire the interior of the car, it was neat, it had this woody and aromatic scent. It had dark red leather seats, just like the exterior of the car. My gaze travelled to Kayden, he looked handsome in his beige dinner jacket and trousers, he was wearing a white shirt, no tie, the first button was undone, his hair was combed back but still sexy at the same time.

I averted my eyes before he could catch me ogling at him and looked at the scenery that passed us by and the ride to the restaurant was quiet, soft music played in the background.

"Is it just me or does the car smell like lavender?" He gave me sideway glance.

I coughed and promptly rolled down the window. "I think it's just you." My cheeks warmed.

We arrived at the restaurant in twenty minutes, I was awestruck when I saw the enormous building, my eyes went wide and my mouth hung open.

We were going to dine here?

__________________

Heyo! What do you all think about how Kayden met Rebecca's parents? And where do you think he's taking her for dinner? Do you think she should've informed her parents or do you think what she did was right? Also do you think her dad's gonna follow them?

And I also changed my book cover. How does it look?? Thanks to Yazz_y for the covers 💖.

So I watched Robin Hood, and let me tell you Taron Egerton is such a dish! Although the movie was okay, I just watched it because Taron was in it, LOL. And I watched The House with a Clock in its wall, so that was good too. I also re-watched Venom, just for the sake of Venom. Eddie Brock is hot and all, but Venom!! Oof

Sooooo....please comment you thoughts, don't forget to vote, share and follow me.

Lots of love! xxx