Chapter.07- The Story Of Beasty And Goliath

Seven: Huh Huh Homega Huh Huh Homega Huh!

After taking a nice warm bath, I spent twenty minutes faffing around on me bed, clad only in a bathrobe and head wrapped in a towel staring off into the distance. The spot next to the study table seemed far more interesting to look at than get dressed.

After successfully fannying around, I entered the walk-in wardrobe and pulled on a pair of neutral sweat pants and t-shirt. I let my hair down, raked my fingers through them to get rid of the knots and let them air-dry.

I made my way downstairs and straight into the kitchen to eat, my stomach grumbled. I walked to the fridge and took out a jar of freshly squeezed orange juice and poured myself a generous glass of it. I stashed the jar back in the fridge and took a hearty sip, just in time for Greta to arrive in the kitchen.

When she spotted me she smiled. "How long have you been here? You must be hungry, why didn't you call for me?"

I shook my head. "I just got here, so don't fret." I took another sip from my juice, the tangy, yet slightly sweet beverage burst in my mouth making it water.

"Oh, good. Did you sleep well?" She hurried towards making breakfast for me.

I went around the counter to help her, she swatted my hand and pushed me away. "Yes, I did. Ra-" Just then I heard the doorbell ring. "Excuse me," I said and rushed to get the door.

I even beat Benson DuBois, the housekeeper to the door, I saw him walking briskly along with me to the door. But I quickly reached the knob and yanked it open.

"Miss, let me do my job." He spoke in proper butler, clicked his tongue in disapproval and left muttering under his breath.

"Next time, Benson, she's a personal guest!" I hollered.

Rachel was stood with a big goofy grin on her face, my eyes zeroed in on her black velvet choker, then moved down to the oversized plaid shirt which hid her black round neck t-shirt, which she'd paired with a jeans skirt, and white trainers. She looked effortlessly gorgeous which made me feel like I'd dressed up in a bloody bin liner.

Without warning she immediately engulfed me in a tight hug, I didn't expect that hug from her. Her bubblegum scent filled my senses and in a half-arsed attempt put my hand around her small frame.

"Err.. why're you hugging me?" I asked her confused.

She let go immediately and held my shoulders, she was only a few inches taller than me. "Because," she shrugged, tapping my nose with her index finger, she walked past me and let herself in.

Sure make yourself at home! I thought to myself.

I closed the door and said, "yes because that's a valid reason."

Don't aca-at me I was suffering from withdrawals because I'd woken up much earlier than I'd planned to.

She didn't say much and just made a beeline for the kitchen, but came back screeching with a look of fear on her face. She hid behind me.

"It's trying to eat me!" She shrieked, grasping both my shoulders in a vice-like a grip.

"What-?" I looked away from her when I heard a fast thudding noise followed by a panting and distinct growl. My eyes met the sight of Beasty, the Doberman, he looked ferocious, hunger flickered his dark eyes. He barked and growled as he rushed towards me.

Hell, even I feared Beasty at the sight of him.

"Huh huh huh HOMEGA huh huh HOMEGA!" Rachel breathed out in fear. "Good doggie, good doggie!" All the while gripping my shirt and twisting me, making me her shield.

"Down, boy! Down Beasty, go away!" I shooed him. "She's a friend, we do not bite friends!" It was difficult for me to stand my ground while Rachel was twisting me around like a wet wash-cloth.

He snarled at me bearing his canines. "Greta, who let Beasty in?" I yelled as I tried to keep him away from Rachel.

I could still hear Rachel's huh-huh-huh-huh breathing behind me. "It can smell fear, stop doing that!" I hissed.

"Of course it can, have you seen that? I can't possibly stop when it looks ready to rip me apart!" She shrieked and looked ready to climb on top of me.

Time to bring out the big guns! I sighed as I took out my phone and played recorded audio of my dad. "Heel Beasty!" The voice resounded.

Instantly the monstrous dog froze. A few seconds later, Beasty turned his head around to see where my dad was, his tail wagged and he let out a whimper. That always worked!

Beasty was my Dad's dog, he bonded with only him and just tolerated the rest of us. He was friendly and playfully especially around Dad. But he didn't take kindly to strangers, he had never seen Rachel, we'd let him out in the garden, he was a guard dog as well as our family dog. My dad would only let Beasty in when he was home since my mum was petrified of the dog, she was scared that he'd bite us.

"I'm sorry, I don't know how this crafty little fellow let himself in." Greta rushed towards us an apologetic expression on her face. "Come on, boy!" She coaxed him.

He calmed down and I slowly patted his head. "Adequate Beasty! Adequate." With one last growl directed at Rachel, he let Greta take him away.

Rachel let out a whimper. I made sure he was back in the garden and Rachel let go of my shirt and breathed out a sigh of relief but she still looked scared. My t-shirt was bunched and crumpled, I tried to straighten it.

"All I wanted was to spend time with somebody, not have a dog who's aptly named Beasty to attack me! Why didn't you tell me you had ferocious Doberman?" She hugged herself, to calm down, she was shivering.

I felt bad for her. "I'm sorry! Beasty doesn't like strangers in the house." I held her so that she'd calm down and rubbed her back gently. "We usually don't let him in unless my Dad's around. He's crafty and that naughty little fellow let himself in."

"Beasty? Really?" She twisted her lips to the side.

"Carter named him that because he resembled a beast. We had this black Great Dane, and Carter, when he was toddler, thought it was a pony and he'd sit on it's back and ride around it whilst yelling mush. He started calling it Tiny Pony, but his name was Goliath. But the name Tiny Pony stuck." I laughed. Rachel's lips twitched upwards.

"Beasty is friendly around us, but he truly loves my father. He can be gentle when he wishes to be but has a mind of his own. Although quite opposite of what he's been named." I pulled her to the kitchen.

She grunted in response. "That's ironic!"

I snickered. "My sincerest apologies!" I squeezed her hand. "Here, take a seat you're just in time for some lunch." I poured her a glass of fresh orange juice.

Greta came back in, her gaze settled on Rachel. "Are you alright, love?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." She licked her lips and set the glass down on the marble counter.

"I'm sorry, I don't know how he let himself in. He's usually quite friendly-"

"It's fine." Rachel cut her off.

Greta nodded and placed two plates of eggs and toast with strips of bacon in front of Rachel and I. "Here, have some nosh. You must be hungry." She'd put extra bacon strips on Rachel's plate.

"I already ate, but I guess I can go for seconds. Thank you." Rachel shrugged and picked up her fork.

"Thank you, Greta." I smiled at her and began nibbling on the bacon.

She just grinned. "Oh, don't thank me! Tell me if you need anything, I'll be heading out for the farmer's market."

"We're good! Don't worry about us, hurry up and enjoy your trip."

"Are you sure, love?" She queried. I nodded my head. "Alright, I'll be off now. You girls enjoy yourselves. Cheerio!" She waved and walked out of the kitchen.

"We will, bye!" I picked up my fork and began eating.

"So, what are we going to do?" Rachel looked at me with expectation, she picked up her glass of orange juice and took a sip.

I chewed my food, swallowed and spoke, "Nothing, I have no clue. If I'm being honest I was just going to sleep until noon, but here we are. Maybe we can just binge watch some series?" I offered.

Her excitement dimmed. "You're no fun. But, I guess we can watch shows together, it's better than sitting at my uni house faffing around."

"How did the meeting with your mum go?" I glanced at her as I finally asked her the one question I've been meaning to ask her.

She visibly tensed in her seat. But she continued to eat and answered. "It wasn't like the usual ones, she stayed over at the hotel with dad. He saw our performance and had certain things to say." She scoffed indignantly, but added, "other than that mother asked me to come home during vacation."

"Ah Rachel, I'm sorry to hear that. You should go, but you don't have to visit your parents, instead, you can visit your Nan." I squeezed her hand.

She inclined her head slightly. "I'll think about it." Sparing me a small smile, she turned to her plate. That was a sign that she didn't want to talk about it anymore. So, we finished our food in silence and headed up to my room.

Rachel was Korean, her parents had sent her to London when she was eighteen to study. During her initial days in London, she'd stayed with her mum while her father stayed back in Korea to look after the family business. Once she started adapting to the people and culture, she lived in the uni house and her mum went back home.

She seldom visited her parents; because being a middle child she was neglected while growing up, she didn't like her nosy, nagging, snobby rich aunts, her siblings nor her fake friends. The only reason she'd go back home each year was because of her Nan. Her Nan raised her with love when no one else did, so she visited her during her birthday, Christmas and New Year.

The first time I met this girl, was in year one when we were auditioning after we were chosen, we had practice and during those times she was very reserved, angry and had a lot of angst. She didn't have friends and mostly kept to herself, it was difficult to get along with her, but Charlotte bless her soul was very friendly and understanding, and put in a lot of effort, initiated the conversations and included her in our little circle. Eventually, Rachel opened up, it wasn't until the end of the last term that we became friends.

She was sitting all on her own under the tree on campus, I decided to talk to her when she was watching these Korean series with a huge packet of jelly babies, she offered me some and I took them asking her questions here and there to which she patiently answered and we both watched the show on her laptop in silence. She introduced me to the world of K-pop since then we've become close.

I didn't mind her spending time with me, I was glad that she was slowly coming out of her shell and being more social. She spoke a lot more than she did last year, and she's become very friendly. I was glad that she was starting to open up and be happy, even if she ruined my chances of getting extra hours of sleep.

Once inside my room, she turned on the telly and flipped through the numerous channels. Finally, settling on watching a film The Trolls. Instantaneously, it reminded me of the past week's performance of the aca-Trolls at Wimbledon Theatre. Rachel and I shared a look and tittered up. But in all honesty, it was one of my favourite movies. Half an hour into the movie, I heard my phone chirp out a notification signalling a text message.

My eyes flickered to the phone beside me, I picked it up to see a message from Kayden. Immediately I was plagued with guilt and felt like the most awful person.

Kayden❣: Hey, I hope you're well, was worried so I'm checking to see if you're all right. Also heard you made it to Finals. Congratulations, I'm so happy for you. x

I felt bad for not texting him the night before since I'd made him a promise that I'd be calling him after the competition. I was visibly upset with myself for making Kayden wait. He was such a nice bloke and I felt like I was taking him and our relationship for granted. I texted him back.

Me: Gosh, I feel so bloody awful!! I'm sorry for not calling you :( I was going to but yesterday we were off to Bath on a study trip and I was knackered after I came back.

I bit my lip as I hit send, the chat bubbles appeared as his reply was instant.

Kayden❣: No worries, gorgeous. I know the competition ended late and I understand how difficult it must've been going on that trip despite being knackered :) X

My heart melted at his words, a huge smile appeared on my face. How could he be so considerate and kind? He understood because he knew how difficult it was to text back or call someone when you were busy. He should know because he was the busiest person, he attended university and modelled as well, balancing both proficiently.

Me: Thanks very much, Kayden for being so understanding xx:-* So what're doing?

Kayden❣: Np x. Just getting ready for a shoot. I was wondering perhaps if you're free on Saturday?

Suddenly, my palms began to get clammy after I read his text. Fiddlesticks!

Me: I'm free. It's university break, why?

I bit my lip and hit send.

Kayden❣: That's wonderful then. I've got reservations at this famous Italian restaurant, so I was wondering if we could go out this Saturday?

I sucked in a breath. This was happening.

AHHHHHHHHHH!

Me: Oh, fab! It's a date! ;) x

Kayden❣: Fab! I'll pick you up on Saturday at 7! xx

Me: Can't wait! xx

I quickly replied back and just had this strong urge to squeal, from the corner of my eye I caught Rachel staring at me, I turned my head in her direction to see her with a questioning brow.

"What?" I asked her, trying to hide the smile on my face.

She opened her mouth, "I'm sorry, I am trying to watch the film, I really am, but I couldn't stop myself because you've been radiating this energy that surpasses the Trolls and I just had to look!"

"What do you mean?"

"Who're you texting? Is it a boy? Because I doubt Charlotte makes you smile like this. Only a boy can make you feel like that." She smirked.

I dropped my phone and it fell in a soft thud and then squealed. "Yes, it's a boy! I've had feelings for him since I can remember and he just asked me out on a date! Blimey, can you believe it? I can't! Phew, I feel so lightheaded. Who would've thought? I mean, I thought I'd never get to be his girlfriend. Bloody hell, I just labelled us! Is it too soon? He hasn't called me his girlfriend yet, but, we've admitted our feelings! Ugh!" I rambled like a loon.

Rachel just looked at me with wide eyes and I could swear I heard crickets chirping in the background.

"Rebecca, do not go off the deep end! For the love of all that is holy and A Capella, snap out of it!" She shook my shoulders and pitch-slapped me hard I felt my brain wobble and go back to normal.

"Ouch! Stop assaulting me!"

"Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and get rid off all the madness," she instructed and I did what she told me to. "Now, open your eyes. Good! Let's talkapella." She turned her body in my direction so she was fully facing me.

I took a deep breath and told her everything. By everything I mean, from the beginning, I told her about Kayden, his kind heart, how we know each other, our meeting on Saturday and how he confessed his feelings for me to him asking me out on a date.

I looked at her expectantly, but all she did was stare at me with her mouth slightly open. I half-expected her to squeal in between and smile, but all she did was stare at me blankly for five minutes.

But when she finally decided to open her mouth, the first sentence was what I was expecting, the rest that followed was shocking.

"Kayden Adams?! Dear God, you're dating that supermodel Kayden Adams? You lucky vixen, you!"

"Yes! That's the one!" My voice was high and squeaky.

Then she pulled on a po-face. "So what you're trying to tell me is that you've always fancied the pants off him, but he's always treated you like a friend and nothing more whilst also aware that you fancy him, but then he reveals that he fancies you as well at the party?"

"Erm, yes?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Mhmm, that seems a tad dodgy to me, if I'm being honest. It's all so out of the blue and I sort of feel like it's too good to be true."

I was slightly taken aback by her choice of words. "Err... I beg your pardon! How is that dodgy?"

"It just seems sort of dodgy. Maybe it's just me you know..." She let out a frustrated breath. "Ugh! Forget what I said, maybe I'm just being bitter because you're a jammy little bitch who's going out with a dishy bloke." She nudged me.

I blinked and looked unconvinced. "Erm?"

"Yes, I'm happy for you." She squeezed my hand.

I shot her a smile. "Thank you."

"So when is the date? Where is he taking you?" Genuine curiosity flickered her dark eyes.

I bit my lip. "He said he has reservations at this famous Italian restaurant and he's picking me up at 7 this Saturday."

"Oooh fancy and romantic!" She clasped both her hands together and sighed and continued yakking off.

My mind went back to the conversation I had with Kayden.

Saturday!

I was going out on a date with him. Unexpectedly, I was feeling quite nervous, and anxious because I've never been on a date before and I'd just hoped it would go well. But there was also this nagging feeling in my mind that wouldn't just shut the hell up, screaming, taunting that this, perhaps was all rushed and the inevitability of it all blowing up in my face and me becoming a laughingstock were very high.

I really didn't know how to feel after Rachel's reaction and convinced myself that I was just overthinking, perhaps I needed to stop and just go with the flow for once and not be sceptical about this. Feeling a tad better, I pushed those pesky little thoughts away.

____________

A filler chapter but it gives a little background story of Rachel. I hope you all like this chapter. Let me know your thoughts!

Anywho, please vote, comment, share and follow.

I love you all my, orange obsessed Oompa Loompas 💜

Until next time!xx