Today was FINALLY the day! The day Gohan was going to ask Marron to become his girlfriend. He was excited yet nervous, and had everything planned out. He'd been in love with her for two years now.
How did his love for her begin? It all started when he hired Marron as his personal assistant three years ago. Before Gohan hired her, Marron was seven-teen years old, and looking for a job. Goten and Trunks put in a good word for her, and strongly begged Gohan to give her a chance. They convinced him it would be a win win situation for everyone, considering Gohan's and Marron's dilemmas. Gohan needed a personal assistant, and of course, Marron needed a job. But to be honest, Goten and Trunks were tired of helping Gohan out. They were only supposed to help him out for a few weeks until he hired someone permanently, but a few weeks, turned into a few months, and they ultimately had enough. They wanted their lives back!
After his divorce from Videl, Gohan buried himself with his work, and actually thought he could never love another woman again. After falling in love with Marron, he was glad that he was wrong. Gohan sadly realized that he was a lonely and unhappy man. But not anymore! Why? Because he is happily in love. And now that Miss Marron has turned twenty, Gohan is comfortable confessing his love for her. He fears another man will take her away if he doesn't act now.
Many Factors prevented him from telling her how he felt in the past. Factor 1: He is thirteen years older than her. Factor 2: He is divorced. Factor 3: He has a daughter with Videl, named Pan, that lives with him, and his daughter is six years younger than Marron, and is Marron's friend. Factor 4: His parents and her parents. Factor 5 and his biggest fear: REJECTION.
Gohan kept telling himself that love conquers all, and he really hoped this time around that it would come true.
- Bridgewood Knowledge University -
Gohan is a chemistry teacher at Bridgewood Knowledge University, one of three of his professions. He taught two morning classes there three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Well, today is Monday, and after both of his morning classes were over, Gohan called Marron in to help him grade papers, to help him prepare for his lesson plans next week, and to tell her how he felt about her.
When Marron arrived, she entered the classroom happy and sparkling. She wasn't in her usual, laid-back, comfortable attire. Today, she was dressed differently, and Gohan thought it was strange, yet he thought she looked really pretty. She had on a blue, off the shoulder, dress, that was laced at the top. It was mid-length, so she was showing off her legs. She had on brownish-red high heels, and her hair was swept to the side with loose curls, instead of the French braid she usually wore. But what really surprised him the most is that Marron was wearing make-up.
Marron greeted Gohan, pulled up a chair, and took a seat next to him at his desk. "What would you like me to do first?" She asked, making herself comfortable.
Gohan tried not to stare at her. He handed her a stack of papers, and cleared his throat. "You can start by grading these tests," he said, turning red in the face. Gohan couldn't help it. He was extremely conscious of her. He couldn't stop his heart from racing, and he couldn't stop blushing. He felt like such a dork, and Marron wasn't conscious of him at all.
"Okay," she said. She picked up a red Sharpie from the desk and asked him for the answer key. Their hands slightly touched during this exchange, causing Gohan to sweat. His nervousness increased, and he started to feel light-headed. "How am I suppose to confess to her like this?" He thought. He knew he had to get out of there quickly before he made a fool of himself! He needed to calm down. Gohan stood up from his chair. "Marron," he said to her. "I'm leaving to get a drink of water. I'll be right back," he said.
"Okay," Marron answered, as she continued to grade papers. Not one time did she make eye contact with him.
As he was exiting the classroom, he tripped over an extension cord that was plugged into the wall, and fell hard onto the floor. He cried out in pain while thinking, "There goes not making a fool of myself. So uncool, Gohan! So uncool!"
Marron dashed over to him right away. "Are you alright?! You didn't break anything, did you?!" She asked leaning over him.
Gohan avoided looking at her, and groaned as she helped him up. "I'll be alright," he answered. "I'm just a klutz." Gohan was completely embarrassed.
Marron offered to bring him some water, but Gohan declined her offer. The way she worried and fussed over him made him want to kiss her.
Gohan assured Marron that he was fine, and she went back to grading papers. After he made it out of the classroom alive, he closed the door behind him, and wiped the sweat from his forehead.
After a few minutes went by, Gohan wasn't back. "No big deal," Marron thought. A half hour went by, and Gohan still wasn't back. "I'm starting to worry," she said to herself. After an hour went by, Marron was officially worried, and she tried calling him on his phone. "No answer. Where are you, Gohan?" Marron began pacing around the classroom, and called Pan to see if Gohan was with her.
- Two hours later -
Gohan peeked his head into the classroom and saw that Marron was still there. Her facial expression looked as if she was annoyed or irritated. He felt bad for leaving her all alone, and he re-entered the classroom to apologize. "MARRON. I'm so SORRY. I didn't mean to leave you alone. I lost track of time and.."
Before Gohan could finish his sentenced, Marron hugged him tightly. "I was scared and worried about you," she said. "You didn't answer your phone, and you've never disappeared like this before. I didn't know what to think."
This made Gohan happy, as he hugged her in return. "I'm sorry," he said, softly. "I won't do this again. I promise."
"Good," Marron said, as she released him. "Well, I finished grading the test papers, and I made the syllabus for next week. I just have to make 180 copies."
Gohan was now feeling confident and relaxed. "That can wait," he said. "Since... I... caused you trouble, let me make it up to you."
"How?" asked Marron, looking up at him.
"You. You look especially beautiful today. How about I take you out to eat somewhere?" He asked, while his heart pounded.
Marron smiled, "Thank you, Gohan. That's really sweet of you, but that's not necessary. Maybe some other time," she said.
Gohan did not see that coming. He was so positive she'd say yes. "Oh," he said disappointed, with a sad look on his face.
"Aw, Gohan, it's not like I'm purposely being mean," she said. "I already have dinner plans."
"Ohhh," he said casually. "I see now. That explains why you're dressed up. You must be meeting your parents."
"Uh, no. Not this time," replied Marron. "I turned you down because I have a date with this totally hot guy that I met at the gym!" she said excitedly. She checked her phone. "I'm waiting to receive a message from him."
"Say what now!" Gohan said displeased. "You have a date! With WHO?" He demanded. "How long have you known this guy?! BAD idea, MARRON. BAD IDEA. Maybe you should cancel. Yeah. Cancel your date," Gohan said angrily.
Marron laughed at him. "You sound like my mother," she said. "You know how overprotective she is, and no need to worry, Gohan. I'm not a baby anymore. I'm not going to do anything I don't want to do."
"I don't want you to do ANYTHING," Gohan said desperately. "PLEASE, just cancel your date. There's something I NEED to tell you! If you listen to me, maybe you'll change your mind."
Marron grabbed ahold of his hands. "Calm down, mom," she said sarcastically. "Geez! I'm NOT canceling my date," she said. "I really like this guy."
She gently stroked the right side of his cheek. "Thank you for worrying about me, but I'll be fine."
Marron grabbed her purse and her keys. "Please don't worry, Gohan. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, and left.
- Gohan's Home -
Gohan arrived home bummed out and pissed. When he entered inside, he saw Pan on the couch watching TV with Goten. "Hey, dad! Welcome home," Pan said happily. "Thanks sweetie. I'm sort of in a bad mood. Things didn't go as planned at work today, so I don't want to be bothered," he said.
"What happened?" Asked Goten.
"I don't want to talk about it," snapped Gohan.
Goten shrugged. "Alright bro," he said.
"Dad, are you hungry. We have pizza," Pan said.
"Didn't I tell you I didn't want you spending your money on pizza," Gohan said, scolding her.
"I didn't buy it! Marron did. She called me earlier worried about you, and I told her I was hungry."
Gohan tossed his briefcase in a corner, and stormed to his room. "I DON'T WANT TO BE BOTHERED!"
Goten and Pan looked at each other. "He must've really had a bad day," Pan said, feeling sorry for him.
"Yeah," said Goten. "But he'll get over it."
The two of them continued to watch TV and ate the remainder slices of pizza.
- Marron's Date -
Marron met her date at the front entrance of an Italian restaurant. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, and gave her a dozen of roses. "Wow! You look stunning," he said to her. "Shall we go in?"
Marron blushed. "We shall," she said. He offered his arm to her, and escorted her inside.
A waiter dressed in black and white, with a red vest, greeted them and showed them to their table.
Marron looked around the restaurant. It was huge and designed very nice inside. "Do you like it?"
"Yes, Cage. I do," replied Marron.
"Then I'm glad I made reservations for this place."
They both picked up the menu and began scanning through it. Marron didn't know what to order, so her date, Cage, asked if he could order for her, and Marron complied. The waiter came over to their table and said, "Ha già deciso?" Marron didn't understand what the waiter asked, but Cage did. He immediately answered the waiter back in Italian and ordered their beverages and their food.
Marron was impressed. She was really attracted to Cage, and liked his brown curly hair. She thought he had a nice build, and thought he dressed well. She loved the sound of his voice, and she thought he was a perfect gentleman. Marron was having a nice time with him. He made her smile, laugh, and blush. She thought that he could be the one for her.
As their dinner date was coming to an end, the waiter came by and gave them the bill. Cage looked at the amount, and gave the waiter his credit card. As they waited for the waiter to return, Cage started rocking himself a little bit.
"Uh, is something wrong Cage?" Marron asked, looking at him worried.
"I'm just getting nervous since I'll have to say bye to you soon," replied Cage.
"It's okay. I had a great time, so just relax," she said, as she opened her purse and began looking through it. She stopped when she heard a faint sound. When she looked up at Cage he was sucking his thumb, and twirling his hair.
"WHAT THE WHAAAAAAT?" Thought Marron inside her head.
Cage took his thumb out of his mouth. "This is how I'm able to relax," he said, and stuck his thumb back in.
Marron got up so fast. "Oh my gosh! Will you look at the time? I just remembered I had to be somewhere else! Far away...from..here."
"When can we meet again?" Asked Cage with his thumb inside his mouth.
Marron barely made out what he asked. "I'm guessing...um...probably...NEVER."
Marron hightailed it out of there so fast and didn't look back.
- The Following Morning -
Gohan called Marron around 7:00am, and told her not to come in to work today. When Marron questioned him about it, he didn't give her an answer. He only told her not to come in.
Marron was hard-headed and went to work anyway. Today was Tuesday, the day Gohan worked at the real estate firm. She entered into his office with two cups of coffee and a box of doughnuts.
"What's your problem?!" She asked, placing his coffee on his desk.
"I told you not to come in!" Gohan said, standing up. "And I don't want this coffee!"
"Don't make me pour this coffee on your paperwork," she said.
"Get out!" Gohan yelled.
"NO! Not until you tell me what your problem is!" Marron said.
Gohan was frustrated, but he gave in. "Fine," he said.
"Okay. I'm listening," Marron said. "Tell me."
"I'm in love with this incredible, beautiful, and thoughtful person. I wanted to confess my feelings to her, but I think I might be too late. What should I do Marron?"
"I'm so happy for you! Although, I am surprised you had time to fall in love," Marron said, sitting down. "See, don't you feel better by talking to me?"
Gohan sat down too. "Yes, now will you please give me some advice?" He asked.
Marron stared at Gohan. "Hm," she said. She got up, and invaded his personal space. She removed his glasses from his face. Then she took her hands and messed up his hair.
"Confess to her, Gohan. Even if it is too late, confess to her like this. Let her see your wild hair, and handsome face," Marron said.
"What if she rejects me?" asked Gohan.
"Then I'll comfort you," she answered, giving him back his glasses.
Gohan smiled, and pinned Marron against the wall in the corner of his office. "Marron, when you told me you had a date yesterday, I was angry. I was angry because I was jealous."
"Why, why, why, why, why, were you jealous?" She asked lowly, fearing his answer.
"Because," he said, leaning his face against hers. "I'm in love with you," he said, whispering in her ears.
Marron tried to move, but he had her cornered. "I know you're not in love with me, but will you give me a chance? Will you be my girlfriend?"
"Gohan, I'm not -"
"Please," he whispered.
"But what about Pan?"
"Please," he whispered. "I love you so much."
"But, Gohan," Marron said. "I never saw you in this way. Even now, with you so close to me, I don't feel anything."
"Please," he said, looking directly into her eyes, as if his whole world would end if she said no.
Marron pitied him, and just couldn't break his heart. Although she wasn't in love with him, she did love him as a friend. "Fine," she said, giving in to his request. "I'll be your girlfriend."
Gohan hugged her. "YES!" Then he pulled away from her. "What happened on your date last night?"
"Nothing happened, Gohan," Marron said. "And I will never see him again."
"Excellent," Gohan replied.
"Gohan," Marron said, calling his name gently.
He answered, "Yes, baby."
"I want to keep this a secret from everyone," she said.
"Why? Are you ashamed?" he asked.
"This is all new to me," answered Marron. "I won't be able to handle this if everyone knew. This is my first relationship. I've never had a boyfriend. I've never been kissed on the lips. I've never been in love, and I've never been intimate with anyone. I have my doubts about this. I don't know if I'll fall in love with you, but I want to take you, and this relationship seriously without any interference."
"Okay," he said hugging her. "For now, our relationship will stay between us."
End of chapter