By the time I had calmed down, it was 5:30. For some obscure reason, I was panicking, panicking that I would run out of time, though I had 2 hours. I had a shower, cracking open the 'Super Manly Jungle Swing' shower gel my my aunt had got me for Christmas. She told me she bought it for the irony. Oh how I laughed. Then, when dry and dressed in boxers, I searched frantically for something to wear. Yes, I do care about my appearance, and no, this does not make me feminine. Eventually, I found a pair of skinny grey jeans, and wore a loose blue shirt, and threw on a blazer. Criticizing myself in the mirror repeatedly, I waxed my hair to stick up in all the right places. Or at least what I hoped were. Grabbing a slightly worn pair of red converses, I went downstairs to talk to Mum. "Mum.. Is this ok?" I asked cautiously, and she beamed as she turned around. "My baby!" She exclaimed, running at me with her arms open, planting kisses on my cheek. Cringing, I asked her again. "Of course you do!" She said, squeezing my cheek. "Mum! I'm being serious.. should I dress up more? Am I too dressed up?" I was rambling, and she smiled. "Who is this girl? You'd think she was a celebrity or something?!" I blushed ferociously, and she looked at me, confused. "Mum..." I said slowly, then blurted "I have a date with EVA O'BRIEN!" Mum grinned, then punched me on the shoulder "You... you're joking, right?" "Nope." I was smiling from ear to ear, I felt so amazing. "I'm serious." "Hang on.. stay there." She walked quickly away into the living room, as I was standing in the hall, and I could hear her rummaging in cupboards and drawers. "I've got it!" She exclaimed, and returned. "Close your eyes." I squeezed them shut. "Mum... what is that?" "You'll see!" She placed a box in my hand. Opening my eyes, I looked at it. It was blue velvet and was larger than expected. "Mum.. It's only a first date!" Shushing me, she said eagerly "Just open it!" I did so. Inside lay a silver bracelet, there were four strands of silver woven together, with one studded with rubies. It was gorgeous. "Mum!" I did not know what else to say. She shushed me once again, and ushered me out of the door. "Just be yourself." She called after me. I walked to the hotel, and was stopped at the door by a man dressed all in black. He cleared his throat and held out his arm. "What is your reason for entering?" His voice was guttural, he looked tired. "Eva O'Brien, she.. well.. invited me here. My name is Oska.." "Evans? Come on in." He moved out of my way, and smiled a little. Then, when I had got through the door, he turned back and returned to his grumpy manner. The hotel, like I remembered, and how Eva had described, was altogether cosy and welcoming, it's interior like a cottage, though larger, and in every room there were vases of flowers and stunning chandeliers. I was lost in the beauty of it all, and jumped when my name was said. Turning around, Eva was standing there. I gasped. She was beautiful. Just so beautiful. She was dressed in a tight fitting shirt, with a pair of denim shorts and petite black heels. I beamed, not only out of joy, but I was relieved. Relieved she was not dressed up, relieved I did not look shabby. Though I felt shabby standing next to her, she was so radiant, so .. well.. beautiful. "So..." Eva said awkwardly, and I realised I had not said anything for quite a long period of time. I cleared my throat, and shook myself. "Shall.. we.. um go somewhere?" I asked, feeling like a moron as I held out my arm for her to hold. She laughed at my gesture, and simply slid her hand in mine. "I thought we might staay here. Dorothy cooks the best meal." I was a little confused as to what to do, torn between agreeing with her, and wanting to take her out somewhere special. Though... there really was nowhere special to go in this town. No where at all. "Ok" I agreed, and she took me to the living room. I was confused once more, as there was only a sofa. She plonked herself down, and I followed. Smiling, she said "I bet you were expecting bright lights and the red carpet, eh?" "Not at all. This is perfect." I said as she snuggled up to me, placing her head on my shoulder. "You are perfect. This is all... perfect." She giggled at my rambling, and said suddenly "Ouch! There is something in your pocket!" Looking down, I noticed that she was rubbing her hip, it had hit the bracelet box. I cringed, this was not how I wanted to give it to her. But, nonetheless, I took it out of my pocket and held it out to her, saying "Is this too quick?" She laughed, and playfully hit me on the shoulder. Then, opening it, she gasped and said "No. This is perfect."
