After many requests, this is a follow-up to the last chapter before I move on to other oneshots. I hope you guys absolutely love it. I'm sorry it took so long, I couldn't get the ending the way I wanted it. It sounded too rushed. I hope it works for you guys.
To all of you that reviewed I have to say I love reading all of your comments. And for those of you who added me or my story to your favorites, don't think it goes unnoticed although a review would also be fantastic :P And as always, I love you all and am so thankful you're reading my feeble attempts at being a writer. I appreciate it! Thank you! To steal a line from Chloe, "It's like that's all I ever say to you"...thank you.
Also, just in case anyone is delusional, I do not own TNLOCK much to my dismay.
-o-
Chloe had been right about the rain and her hair. Stupid rain, I'm going for sultry, not Ms. Frizzle. Chloe thought, trying to tame her hair into soft waves. It was 6 o'clock on Friday night, the night of the gala, and Chloe found herself standing in front of that same god forsaken mirror she had stood in front of two nights ago. This time though, she wasn't worried about her outfit. Thankfully Jasmine had come to her fashion rescue and would be there shortly with dress in hand. Apparently Alek had told her about Chloe's dilemma although she was sure it had been before she'd cancelled on him yesterday. She had said yes to their dance lesson but after sleeping on it, she chickened out and changed her mind. She wasn't ready to take the next step in a relationship with him yet and she knew that's exactly what would happen if he came over that night. Chloe had told him before school, via text message, using her biology test on Friday as an excuse. Not exactly her finest hour. His response was straightforward enough replying with a simple "Fine." All in all it was the shortest conversation she'd ever had with Alek through text or otherwise. Yesterday and today had been Alek free for the most part. Anyone else would think things were normal enough butt his aversion to eye contact and constant flirting, not to mention his absence from guard duty last night, made his feelings obvious to Chloe. He was avoiding her – like the plague. His iPod had also curiously vanished from her room when she got back home from school. Even though it had been just a kiss on the cheek, Chloe felt guilty. It was almost as if she'd cancelled a date. The whole situation didn't sit right with her but it wasn't time to dwell on it. For now they could go back to being friends, if you could call it that. Their whatever-it-was was over for the moment and Chloe could focus on the most important issue of the week. The gala; a night free of Alek to clear her head which was just what she needed. Chloe heard a knock at the downstairs door followed by Jasmine's voice echoing up the stairs.
"Hi Ms. King. I have Chloe's dress."
"Go ahead and get up there. She's been trying to fix her hair for the past hour. I'm sure she'd love the help."
Chloe heard Jasmine's soft tread running up the stairs before the bedroom door swung open. Jasmine stood in front of Chloe with a wide grin on her face. Jasmine's hands were hidden behind her back. "You will never believe what I got you to wear." Jasmine revealed the black garment bag she had been hiding behind her. The words Oscar de la Renta were written on the bag in white script. Chloe's mouth dropped open. Although she wasn't sure what was in the bag Chloe had an idea and her eyes lit up in excitement realizing the potential of what could be inside.
"I have to admit I can't take all the credit. Amy told me about the dream dress." Jasmine unzipped the garment bag revealing the beautiful gold fabric. The sparkles from the dress' sequins and gold detailing almost glowed as the light hit it. Chloe had seen a lot of beautiful, expensive dresses in her time working at the clothing shop but this one was different. The intense detailing was impressive and, paired with that designer label, she could only imagine how much money it had set Jasmine back.
"Jasmine! How much did this cost?" There was no way Chloe would ever be able to save up and pay back Jasmine for this kind of dress on her small part-time salary.
"Enough but don't worry about it," she shrugged, brushing off Chloe's concern. "As you've said before, 'the Mai are doin' ok'." Chloe chuckled remembering the stupid comment from the first time she had seen Jasmine's home. The size of their penthouse apartment had definitely taken her breath away.
"Obviously I was right." Chloe still couldn't pull her eyes from the dress as Jasmine removed it from its resting place in the bag. "How did you even find this?" Chloe asked, shaking her head in amazement. "I can't believe you bought the Cameron Diaz dress. I love it. Thank you!" Chloe said with genuine gratefulness in her voice. "You are a thousand times better than any fairy godmother."
"I'm glad you like it." Jasmine said triumphantly. She turned back towards her garment bag of magic and revealed yet another surprise. Emerging in her hands was a pair of nude colored Jimmy Choo's drizzled in rhinestones. "Here are the shoes. Amy picked these out. They're a little too bedazzled for my taste but they're cute. Now can you go put this on? We need to hurry and get to the gala. Valentina will slit my throat if she thinks I'm the reason you're late."
"You don't have to ask me twice." Chloe said eagerly, practically ripping the dress and shoes from Jasmine's hands. She made her way into the adjoining bathroom to put it on. As she pulled off her robe, she slipped the gown and shoes on effortlessly. The structured boning of the dress fit her flawlessly, showing off her slender figure. She exited the bathroom, "Could you help me with this?" motioning Jasmine to help with the zipper.
"Turn around so I can see it." Jasmine directed after she fastened the zipper. Chloe spun around to face her. The silk underlay of the dress slid over her smooth legs. Although the sequins poked a bit, the discomfort was worth it. The dress was absolutely amazing. "You're definitely going to be knocking some Mai guys off their feet tonight. I can already think of about 10 comments that are going to fly out of Alek's mouth." Jasmine joked, although they both knew it was the truth. Chloe's heart skipped a beat at the mention of him being at the event.
"Alek's going to be there?" She swallowed, burying her nerves and curiosity beneath the façade of her question. Apparently Alek had decided to omit that fact the other night. Great, this isn't going to be weird. At least Jasmine will be there to buffer. Jasmine answered Chloe's question with a nod of her head as she bent down to straighten the hem of Chloe's dress. As Chloe looked down at her dress her mind jumped to Alek again, wondering what he really would say when he saw her. It would probably something terrible as Jasmine had mentioned but talking would actually require him coming within 5 feet of her which he hadn't done in over a day. Alek had really taken to the whole avoidance route, keeping away from her like the moon avoids the earth, maintaining constant distance but still somehow always within view. There would definitely be plenty of people at the party to where he could get away with not talking to her at all. It was a safe bet he would either pretend nothing was wrong and avoid the subject all together or just not talk to her. Nevertheless Chloe was curious what he would look like in a tux. Probably like a blonde James Bond. "Alright," Jasmine stood back up, "I think we're ready to go."
"Maybe it's just me but it might be good for you to change first. Where's your dress?" Chloe asked, wondering why Jasmine was still in jeans and a t-shirt.
"I'm not going." Jasmine smiled. Chloe looked at Jasmine for an explanation, "I asked for the night off. Alek didn't tell you?"
Clearly Alek hasn't been telling me a lot of things lately. Chloe thought. Instead of voicing her thought she simply nodded her head.
"It's been a long week of standing in the rain." Jasmine admitted, "I need a night to relax, maybe do some judo."
"Judo? Since when is that relaxing?" Jasmine laughed at Chloe as if she'd asked the most ridiculous question. The more Chloe learned about Jasmine the more she realized how much of Jasmine's life as a Mai and job as a protector consumed her life. No doubt something that had been inbred from Valentina.
Chloe let out a puff of air to relieve the nervous energy causing butterflies in her stomach. She wondered if she and Alek would be able to put the past two days behind them. It was tough to say though; Alek had always been somewhat a rollercoaster ride when it came to things like this. "Don't worry," Jasmine reassured. "You'll be fine. Alek will be there." Chloe was sure that was supposed to be a comforting comment but it definitely wasn't. Jasmine looked Chloe over once more making sure Chloe's outfit was in order. "Now let's get out of here. Don't want to keep Valentina waiting."
-ooo-
-ooo-
As soon as Chloe was escorted through the doors of the museum her mouth gaped open in awe. It was incredible. The entire grand entrance inside the museum had been completely transformed into what Chloe could only describe as a starry night in Cairo. The room was golden in color with splashes of jeweled toned fabrics. There were tables set for 8 filling the room signifying the fancy meal that was to occur later on tonight, which molded themselves around the large circular dance floor located in the center of the room. Waterford chandeliers hung from the domed ceiling making the lights play off the crystals. The band was in full swing, and the room was filled with noises of people mingling and laughing as they danced.
The doorman had directed her to table number two and she made her way over to it to find her seat, scanning for any trace of Alek while memorizing every nook and cranny of the room to tell her mom later. Chloe knew she would be dying for details. As she neared the table she relaxed, finding it strangely empty with no Alek in sight despite the hundreds of people present. Chloe sat down in a chair and began fiddling with her napkin, not entirely sure what to do with herself. She couldn't help but let her thoughts drift to Alek and about what hadn't happened at school yesterday. Chloe had been unsure of what to expect from him that afternoon but completely evasive behavior hadn't crossed her mind. She scanned the room once more, searching for his figure but saw nothing. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and her breath caught. Alek. She turned to look at the penguin suit that stood next to her and her face fell.
"Why, hello there." The man said in a light southern accent. His tux shirt was somewhat wrinkled and a small yellow stain was on his chest probably spilling from the champagne glass he held in his hand. His slightly disheveled appearance was contradicted by his over styled, greased back hair. It was clear he must have been in his 40s or 50s and had ingested one too many beers in his lifetime as evidenced by his potbelly. This was definitely not the person she was expecting to see. "You must be Chloe."
Chloe didn't know what to make of him. He seemed gentle enough but something about the man gave her the creeps. He definitely wasn't a threat…maybe it was his grabby touch. It lingered too long on her shoulder. He slid into the empty seat next to her. "Um, yes…" she answered gingerly.
"I'm Neal." The way he said his name made it sound like Chloe should've instantly recognized him. He placed his hand on her lower thigh. "I guess you could say I'm one of Valentina's friends, although I'm not sure how accurate that statement is. She's not exactly a teddy bear." Chloe nodded, and chuckled out of politeness, still very much uncomfortable with the placement of his hand. Even though it would generally be a simple enough gesture, the way he placed it on her lap reminded her of some disliked, pervy uncle at a holiday party.
"May I say you look radiant in that dress, darlin'. Good enough to eat." Neal stated. Chloe had never hated the word 'darling' so much in her life as she did in that moment.
"Thanks." She responded, not welcoming the compliment.
"I mean, if I was ten years younger…" he drifted off eyeing her up and down as he chuckled, giving her thigh a squeeze. It gave Chloe's spine chills. Her muscles tensed. You'd think she would be used to unwanted advances and looks from Alek but the way Neal looked at her was different, like she was a piece of meat. The way he eyed her in that dress made her feel dirty and not in a good way. There was no other way to put it, Neal was a creeper. Chloe's mind jumped to a million things to say as an excuse to leave…I have to pee…I need to see Valentina…I need to powder my nose…I think I hear my phone ringing…I'm dying of a venereal disease…
"Neal!" Neal whipped his head to his left towards a woman across the room. Thank God, Chloe breathed. The lady in the deep blue dress motioned Neal over to her. Although the woman was seemingly unalarmed by the way he had been acting with Chloe, Chloe couldn't care less. Pervy Neal was leaving.
"Looks like the wife's callin'." Neal raised his eyebrows at Chloe, "I got to go."
"Oh." Chloe responded halfheartedly, giving him a disingenuous smile, trying to hide her repulsion and mortification at the man's come-ons.
"See you later honey." God I hope not, Chloe thought. Chloe watched Neal walk back towards his wife before wiggling her shoulders and brushing her dress feverishly where his hand had rested, trying to get the creepiness off of her. Chloe began scanning the room again, taking in the sights. Between the artifacts, decorations, elegant music, and the people – with the exception of Neal – it was a gorgeous sight to see.
Chloe noticed Valentina speaking to an older man near the entrance and focused in on it. Valentina politely laughed, most likely at some joke the man had just told. "Well, yes, that is a fantastic idea James." She said "I'm sure we could work something out if-"
"Haven't I told you not to eavesdrop before?" Alek said, interrupting Chloe's concentration. "It's rude." Even though his voice wasn't anywhere near her, she heard it clearly, instantly recognizing his smooth British voice. Chloe turned her head slowly in an attempt to figure out where he was. Apparently Alek had decided to break his vow of silence for the moment and Chloe was more than thankful. After Neal's visit she was glad to talk to Alek if for nothing more than to deter any future visits.
"Where are you?" she asked him, at a volume no human would hear. She stood up to get a better look.
"You can't figure that out?" he stated, "We really do need to work on more ear training if you can't find a person in a confined space like this." Immediately Chloe turned to her right and spotted him. He was leaning up against a pillar near the back exit doors, it was dimly lit and hidden practically out of sight. It was no surprise she hadn't found him instantly. She made her way towards him, weaving through the crowd, trying not to bump into the many people that occupied the room. Once she reached him Chloe stood next to him, side by side, leaving a modest amount of space between their bodies. She positioned herself towards the party, the same direction Alek was facing, and crossed her arms over her chest. She wasn't sure what to say to him but it seemed like they were both short on words as of late. As long as she wasn't back at that table, alone, she could deal with the silence.
As they stood there it was easy to see the extensive schmoozing happening throughout the room as the champagne flowed. What caught her attention the most though were the men and their partners seemingly gliding as they danced. The designer dresses flowed when they moved, painting brilliant colors across the dance floor.
"Wow." Chloe said reverently, "They all dance so beautifully."
"Well, half of them are Mai." Alek observed.
"Oh," Chloe said acknowledging his explanation, "that actually makes a lot of sense." Watching them move to the music suddenly caused Chloe to feel the urge to ask Alek to dance but she wouldn't. Not after what had happened, or hadn't happened, over the past day. They'd both sent enough mixed signals for one week. It would be too awkward, although she had been right – he looked more than decent in a suit.
"I'm sorry about cancelling our dance lesson." She blurted out.
"It's fine. It's not a big deal." Although his tone didn't indicate anger, his answer wasn't good enough for Chloe but she let it go for the moment.
"Alek?" he raised his eyebrows in response, still looking out at the crowd. "Not to criticize or anything but why are you hiding in a dark corner by a pillar? It kind of gives off a lurking vibe."
"I'm not staying. I'm on guard duty tonight."
"Oh, but Jasmine said you-"
"Jasmine was wrong." He cut Chloe off, his voice still calm. "I'm on guard duty. Someone still has to protect you." The shortness of his explanation reminded Chloe again about cancelling on him. Alek's excuse was a weak one and they both knew it. She knew the mass amounts of Mai at the party tonight would mean there would be no attack from the Order, not unless they had a death wish. No one would be a target tonight at this party. But even if there was a protector on duty, it would make more sense for him to be here – inside with her – and Alek was smart enough to realize that. It's easier to protect someone when you're within two feet of them.
"When did you volunteer for that?" she asked, "Yesterday?" Alek gave her a knowing but cautioning glance. That look confirmed everything she'd been thinking. "You just said half of the people here are Mai, Alek. Don't worry; I won't be caught without protection tonight." Alek looked at her, raised his eyebrows mischievously and began to open his mouth. She knew exactly what he was thinking. "Don't say it." Alek shut his mouth instantly and innocently threw his hands up with a smirk that told her the thought crossed his mind. "Mind always in the gutter." Chloe shook her head looking at Alek, relieved that for the moment their conversation had returned to normal. It always surprised Chloe how quickly their conversations could turn from serious to joking. It was like neither one of them enjoyed fighting with the other. A beat passed.
"I see you met Neal." Alek stated before letting a smirk cross his face. Chloe located Neal now standing near another unsuspecting young female. Neal placed his arm around the girl's waist and it was evident, even from where Chloe was standing, that it was an unsolicited advance.
"He's horrible." Alek smiled at her entirely truthful comment, "I feel like I need a shower after talking to him."
"Yeah, he's an acquired taste but harmless. If you think that's bad you need to ask Jasmine what happened to her at the Christmas party two years ago. Now that," Alek chuckled, "was funny."
She grinned, wondering what could possibly have happened to Jasmine at that party that was still funny years later. "Don't worry. I'll remember to ask her when I thank her for this dress for the millionth time."
"You do look lovely in it." Alek said honestly. Chloe blinked her eyes for a moment, his transparency catching her off-guard once again, before continuing.
"Yeah, well this dress could make anyone look great and I love it but I really can't wait to get out of it. The sequins are kind of itchy."
"Well if you need help taking it off later I'm more than available." Alek jested.
"You're disgusting." Chloe chuckled, remembering what Jasmine had said earlier. She hit his arm sternly.
"Can you blame me?" Alek asked, eyeing her in the dress.
"It's really is great, isn't it?" Chloe asked, looking down to admire the gown as the lights hit it. "It must've cost her a first born child or something."
"It was more like my kidney but I'm pretty sure it was worth it." Chloe looked at him understanding the implications of his words. Alek had helped pay for the dress. As if reading her mind he offered up a small explanation, "I had a feeling it would look great on you and clearly…I was right."
"But why did you do that?" she asked, even though if she'd thought about she'd have realized she already knew the answer to her own question. It was the same reason he'd given her the dance lesson.
Alek shrugged, "Doesn't matter." They stood there in silence for a little longer before Alek turned to walk down the dark hallway towards the back door. "I'll see you later Chloe."
"Alek." Chloe said, grabbing his shoulder before he could make his exit. "I really am sorry for the other night."
"Like I told you earlier, it's fine." Alek said sternly, his tone indicating that Chloe needed to drop it but she didn't.
"I know you said its fine and you're pretending like its fine but it's not. Obviously…you care." The way the last part of her sentence came out sounding almost like a question rather than a statement.
"Chloe, it was just a dance lesson." He insisted.
"Oh, right," she stated. "I guess kisses are just a standard part of those for you." She said firmly, slightly hurt by his ambivalence.
"Look," he let out a huff and ran a hand through his hair, "I'm sorry about the other night. I'm not upset with you…" Chloe looked at him challenging his statement, "…anymore." He conceded. "I like you and you clearly don't like me and now I'm backing off. Can we just move on? I'm over it. I don't want to talk about it anymore." Suddenly Chloe felt her stomach churn, the butterflies were suddenly active in her stomach again. In that moment Chloe realized she was being and had been a complete idiot and now Alek had the wrong impression. He'd always been more sensitive than he'd let on and now his feelings were hurt. No matter how well he tried to hide it, Chloe could see in his eyes that he wasn't over it and neither was she. Now was the time to fix this. She had to set this straight no matter how scared she was to admit it.
"That's the thing." She said apprehensively, trying to form her thoughts into words. Chloe wished she could walk away from this conversation but found her feet firmly planted; her legs not allowing her to escape. She was positive Alek could hear her heartbeat speeding up. Chloe found herself wishing they weren't Mai so it wouldn't be so easily recognizable she was nervous. "I don't…not…like you." Alek locked his eyes on hers. She could tell by his expression that he was a little confused and taken aback by her comment.
"You know that's a double negative…?" he stated slowly. Chloe could see he'd understood what she'd said but he was unsure if Chloe had actually grasped what her own words meant.
"Yeah, I know." Chloe said, trying to straighten out her words. "I was trying to say that I do." Alek looked at her questioningly. "I'm saying I like you, more than…just friends."
Alek looked at her letting her words sink in. Flashes of happiness and curiosity crossed his face and yet simultaneously Chloe recognized her own emotion mirrored on his – nervousness. He walked closer towards her and gently took her right hand in his left and her left in his right, entangling their fingers. Chloe wasn't entirely sure what was happening. She could hear his heart; it was a calm rhythm, completely opposite of her fluttering beat. His eyes locked on hers and a new resolve touched his features followed by the expression he'd given Chloe in her bedroom that night. The one Chloe couldn't erase from her memory. He released his right hand and brought it up to her cheek, searching her eyes for any sign to stop. She knew he wouldn't find one. Alek moved closer to where their lips were only a mere centimeters apart before Chloe closed her eyes in anticipation. She wanted to kiss Alek, she had never been more sure. Despite all the ups and downs of their relationship, she cared about him more than she had previously admitted to herself. She was ready. Alek delicately pressed his lips against hers. It was an entirely different kiss than she had expected from him. Instead of feverish kisses, it was delicate and sweet, completely unrushed. She felt the heat from his soft steady kiss against her lips and it made her heart race. His mouth was tender against hers as he continued, not breaking his lips apart from hers. Her lips tingled with his touch. Without pulling her hand from his she moved her free hand up to touch his neck, wanting to never break apart from his embrace. She had never felt anything like it. Within that one prolonged kiss she felt her heart melt and it break instantaneously as she realized he was what she'd been missing all along. After a few moments Alek pulled back, looking at her again before kissing her one more time. As he broke the final kiss, he rested his forehead against hers. Chloe breathed deeply.
"What does that mean?" she asked in a quiet voice, eyes still closed, unsure of what had just happened.
"I think it's perfectly clear what that means. I like you Chloe."
-o-
That's the end of this short story but I'll be updating with another oneshot chapter really really soon. Like possibly tomorrow. I'd like to ask all of you to please go to abcfamily and tell them about your love for the show at .com/site/feedback. Also please, please review for the love of Chalek! but no flames please :)
As a side note, I picked Cameron Diaz because I decided if Chloe was going to have anyone as her fashion icon it would be a strong, funny, independent woman who she could look up to. Also it'd probably be someone who could pull off a hippie chic vibe but also look incredibly glammed up and I instantly thought of Cameron. Plus she can rock a scarf which seems to be a total Chloe obsession. I felt the need to explain my decision for some reason. BTW, if you want to see the dress and the shoes I mentioned, it's posted on my profile.
