A/F: There will be a rather biiiigggg jump in the middle. I needed to sweep the story along somehow.

Forever yours magically,

Emmie Rose

This is what Dominique ends up wearing. I couldn't resist stealing the description. It just seems like something Colby would say.
.com/Womens/Dresses/-Sapphire-For-Hire-Dress

I watched my sister stand across from me, a cool statue of trembling anger. The only thing I could think about that would get her here at this time of night and in this state was something happening at home or she realized I stole her shoes.

"Is everything alright? Did something happen to Granddad or Grandmum?" I questioned, opting for option one.

"No. Everything is fine at home. This is entirely about you, Dom," Victorie replied sweetly, but her gray eyes flashing dangerously.

"I know I may have technically taken the shoes without asking but you didn't need to come all the way down here," I remarked slowly. Cameron's shoulder's shook in silent laughter and I elbowed him discretely.

"You know what I told you about taking my stuff. I think we need to have a conversation," she stated slowly, her voice pitching lower on the word 'conversation'. She's never talked to me about taking her—oh shite—this has nothing to do with the shoes. I turned to Cameron and gave him a sheepish grin.

"I probably need to go do some damage control," I remarked, grimacing like this was the last thing I wanted to do on this planet. Come to think of it, knowing nothing about what I've done to work Victorie up to this state, it probably is the last thing I want to do right now.

"I'll see you in the morning," Cameron grinned, giving me a light kiss on the temple before raising a hand to Victorie. "Nice seeing you again. Feel free to unleash whatever you want upon her."

I smacked Cameron as he walked by but he merely laughed and dodged the blow on his way to the elevator. I turned slowly to Victorie who was practically crackling with anger.

"Get into that bathroom now before I hex you," she hissed, pointing to the ladies room off to the side. I gave her a confused look but didn't argue, merely slipping out my wand and backing into the bathroom. Victorie followed and angrily slashed her wand at the door, making it slam close and lock with a bang. I had the sense to perform a quick silencing charm on the walls before turning to Victorie and giving her a cocked eyebrow.

"Honestly, are you this angry over a pair of shoes?" I questioned skeptically.

"The shoes can go to the depths of hell for all I care, as long as you're still attached to them!" Victorie declared before taking a deep breath and bracing herself against the sink.

"Vic, what are you all worked up about? What have I done?" I questioned hesitantly. I've never seen Victorie this angry. Usually I'm the one with the Weasley temper…but Victorie currently looked like Grandmum and Aunt Ginny mixed in a rage at the moment. When she spoke again it was eerily calm and I just wanted her to look at me.

"I stopped by your room tonight…you know see how last night went. Louis told me some things went down with Cameron last night and being the kind older sister that I am I decided to come see what happened. So I get to your room to find you gone, though that's not the big deal. What started was me finding your roommate with your Transfiguration book," Victorie started, pacing the bathroom and still not looking at me. I felt my stomach drop a thousand feet.

"So of course I start covering for you when she looks up, smiles at me and asks me if I could make her stuffed animal come to life."

I wanted to laugh at that but I was too angry at Leah. Didn't I specifically tell her not to let anyone know that she knew my secret?

"HOW DOES YOUR ROOMMATE KNOW THAT'S EVEN POSSIBLE?" Victorie declared, looking at me finally but taking a step forward and clasping her hands on my shoulders.

"Because she was awake when Fred sent the bloody Patronus last night! It was an accident but she hasn't told anyone! I trust her!" I exclaimed, the words spilling out before I could actually think about what I was saying. It didn't occur to me until this moment that I actually did trust Leah and how nice it was having someone that knew around me. It was like a small weight was lifted off my shoulders.

"You didn't erase her memory did you?" I gasped suddenly. Victorie's face went slack and she grabbed at her wand.

"I didn't even think of that! I was too angry!" She exclaimed heading for the door. I let out a gurgled shriek and jabbed my wand at the sink. A fountain of water erupted from the faucet and landed on Victorie like she was the heat source of a heat-seeking missile. Instead of blowing her up, it soaked her through. She froze and slowly turned to me, her eyes wide and her face blooming with shock.

"Why did you just do that?" she asked calmly.

"So you wouldn't go Obliviate my roommate," I answered weakly.

"Why shouldn't I? It's what you should've done in the first place Dominique! That was the biggest rule Mum and Dad gave you!" Victorie exclaimed. The anger was gone and her voice only held desperation.

"I guess I didn't tell them because I was kinda making myself sick trying to hide it all. Do you know how difficult it is to try and act like a full blown Muggle? It's nice having someone there that I don't have to hide from," I sighed, sinking down onto a toilet and thumping the stall door against the wall with my foot. It ricochets back and I repeated the action. Victorie stared at me, her eyes narrowed but not as angry as before. She hefted a sigh and wrung out her hair.

"Are you sure she can actually keep a secret like this? She seems rather titchy," she questioned finally.

"She may be a tad…hyperactive but she wouldn't betray me like that," I answered with more confidence then I actually felt.

"Nobody else can know," Victorie declared after another moment of silence. I looked up at her in shock. I was honestly expecting her to tell Mum and Dad and have me ripped from the program immediately. "And by nobody I especially mean Cameron."

"I am not going to tell Cameron, don't worry about that," I sighed. "I might possibly really like this guy and I have no desire to ruin it by the admittance of magic."

"You really like him?" Victorie questioned, a squeal threatening to breakthrough. She looked up from where she was wringing out her tank top and I fought back a smile.

"More than any of the bloody cocky wizards I've been dating," I snorted. "Not that Cameron is any less cocky… it's just in his own way. There's just something about him that makes me want to let my guard down."

"Ohhh, my baby sister's in love!" Victorie clapped.

"I'm not in love! We've been on one bloody date you nutter. I just want to see where things go. Nice and slow."

Victorie gave me a presumptuous look before taking her wand out.

"Right nice and slow. Good strategy," she sighed, twirling her wand in a circle and conjuring sparkling stars in front of her.

"I agree," I shrugged, debating whether I should perform a drying charm on her. Her eyes flashed for a second before flicking her wand casually at the sink. The same gush of water that assaulted her moments before reared its ugly head and soaked me through.

"Now we're even," Victorie grinned before pushing out of the bathroom without even a goodbye. I wiped the water from my eyes and performed the drying charm on myself. I guess I got off easy.

"So then the progression is just—exactly, there you go!" Cameron grinned as I did the chord progression on my own. I beamed at him and continued on with the song, the tip of my tongue sticking out between my lips. "You're a quick learner!"

"We've been working on this for about a month," I laughed before biting my bottom lip and going through a particularly difficult set of notes. We were now rounding on August and Cameron and I were still going strong. Surprisingly he was still in the dark about me and the whole magic thing and even Leah has kept her mouth shut. Victorie has also been very trust worthy and hasn't ratted me out to Mum and Dad. But she did tell Teddy. That was one conversation that still stung. He berated me for the better part of an hour and Teddy never scolded anyone.

"It took me two months to learn how to play that well," Cameron laughed, moving my fingers just slightly.

"Maybe I'm just smarter then you," I snorted.

"Or you're magic? Either way works," he shrugged. I stiffened slightly and looked at him wide eyed. Cameron gave me a confused look and kissed my temple.

"You're right you're smarter than me?" he piped out. I forced myself to smile and stood up so I could put the guitar back in the stand. I flexed my fingers and Cameron followed, wrapping his arms around me from behind. I leaned back against him and grinned. These past couple weeks have been blissful. My relationship was easy. The easiest that I've ever been in. I don't have to try as hard as I do with other guys. Cameron just makes it simple…but still has this way of challenging me, making me work to impress him. It's refreshing.

"Wanna do something Sunday?" he questioned, kissing the spot behind my ear. I resisted shivering. "We've been so busy with the latest performance that I feel like the only time we have together is our little guitar lessons."

"Ohh are we already to that phase? I miss you so much…we need more time alone…" I mocked, deepening my voice. Cameron snorted and released me.

"I really should've expected a sarcastic comment. I should just stop trying to be a good boyfriend and just be a douchebag."

"Aweh, did I emasculate you again?" I pouted, flouncing over to him and linking my fingers through his belt loops, pressing my hips against his.

"Yes. Yes you did. Most guys wouldn't put up with the snark, you know." He laughed, resting one hand across my lower back and cupping my chin with the other.

"But you're not most guys," I commented with a raise of my eyebrow.

"And you're not like most girls. You're far too snarky and frustrating. It drives me completely insane," he laughed. "Sometimes I wonder if you like me as much as I like you."

"You know I do," I grinned, lightly kissing him. We stood entangled for a moment before he pulled away planting a kiss on my nose.

"By the way. You're a brat."

I smacked his chest and laughed, twirling away and sitting on the piano bench. He gave me a small smirk and came over beside me, softly pressing away at the keys. I sighed a sigh of contentment and leaned against him, resting my chin on his shoulder and closing my eyes so the music could sweep me away.

"So about Sunday?" he questioned suddenly. I opened my eyes and pouted slightly.

"Can we do Saturday? You know I have to go to dinner with my family on Sunday's. We can ditch the open mic night. We performed last week after all," I sighed. I still haven't been able to perform on my own in front of everybody. Two weeks ago I attempted it and froze. I got shifted to the end and once Cameron was up there with me, playing guitar, I was able to sing. I've sang with him ever since. I realize I'm using him as a crutch, but I've embarrassed myself enough to try and go up there on my own.

"I would love to do Saturday…but see-" he stopped playing and looked at me out of the corner of his eyes. I furrowed my brow. Cameron was never the one to play the shy or nervous party. He did things all out or nothing. "This week is the cheapest for flying so my Mom and Carly are coming out. I know it's kinda soon to do the whole meet the parent thing…but it's the only time that I think there's a chance."

I blinked and the silence passed through us like molasses.

"Can you please say something Dom? You're making me all nervous," Cameron huffed, rubbing the top of his hair. I grinned and placed my hand in his.

"I'll talk to my Dad. I didn't know if we would ever make this point," I admitted. "I mean I never have before. My longest relationship stretched about a week longer than this."

"I know what you mean. I've never really opened up to a girl before…or even introduced them to my family," he grunted, furrowing his brow. I grinned and ran my fingers along the edges of his hair by his neck. I was attempting to ignore my twisting stomach. Everything that we've shared has been completely truthful on his part while I've only been able to share half truths. Every time I opened my mouth to tell him how difficult it was to be in a big family or about my trust issues I always have had to alter it so I seemed normal. I couldn't even tell him the whole Luke story, no matter how badly I wanted to.

"I know what you mean. Nobody knows…nobody understands how difficult it was for me at the end of last year," I admitted, plastering a small smile on my face.

"And nobody but you knows how difficult it was for me when my parents divorced," he added. I gave him a soft kiss on the cheek and we lapsed into comfortable silence.

"I'll talk to my dad," I added finally. I felt a long breath leave Cameron and he rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb.

"I was worried you would get scared about the sudden forwardness and run away," he joked. I gave him a small kiss on the corner of his mouth. Even with his smile and laugh I saw the tightness behind his eyes. He really was nervous.

"Would you like me to come with you? To talk to him?" he questioned evenly.

"I honestly don't think that would be a good idea," I laughed. Cameron shrugged and began playing the piano again. I grabbed his wrist and glanced at his watch before cringing.

"In fact…I better go. If appa—if I call now I'll catch him at work," I sighed. Cameron raised his eyebrows and leaned in so I could give him another kiss on the cheek.

"I'll catch you at dinner then. I have band practice before that." He declared as I got up to gather my things. I rolled my eyes. The boys were so private and all of their rehearsals were strictly closed.

"I'll save you a few hot dogs before they're all gone and you're left with that vegetarian shite," I announced.

"That is why you're meeting my Mother. You save me meat," he declared as I left the room.

"That could come across as kinda poufy! I don't know if that will fly with me…wanting meat and such!" I shouted back, listening to his laughter ring after me. I grinned to myself and punched the lift button. As I stepped into the elevator I relinquished a sigh. My heart ached. I never imagined that it would build to this point. I thought it would end before this. Before the point of meeting parents and sharing secrets. Before the point of trust. He trusted me and here I was giving him every reason not to trust me back, not that he even knew it. I wondered, at this point, what would happen if he ever found out about me being a wizard. Would he walk away because he thought I was a freak or because I basically have been lying to him?

"He wouldn't hate you!" Leah groaned, flopping backwards on the bed.

"Leah…he would despise me," I exclaimed, wearing a rivet in the carpet as I paced back and forth.

"Did you talk to your Dad?" she questioned hesitantly.

"I apparated home and talked to my Mum. She said yes and not to even bother trying my Dad because she'll just talk to him. She's ecstatic that I'm finally the girl being brought home, even if he's a Muggle and that I've stuck with a guy for this long. She says plenty of relationships happen this way or wizards would've died out…as long as I don't tell him anything," I replied with a wave of my hand.

"Well that's good! You get to go to lunch on Sunday!" she exclaimed. I froze as a thought bloomed in my brain and plummeted to my stomach.

"I'm meeting his Mum…"

"Yeah, don't worry about that. She's really, really nice." Leah beamed, sitting up and pushing her hair behind her ears.

"I'm not worried about that yet, but thanks for putting into my head. I was thinking about how he's going to want to meet my family now! I didn't even think of that when I said yes!" I shrieked, flopping face first on the bed. Leah got up and sat by my head, gently stroking my hair. "This is a disaster!" I groaned into my pillow.

"How is it a disaster again?" Leah sighed.

"Oh you know for many reasons!" I declared, bolting upright. "Let us count them. My Dad has gigantic scars across his face and only eats his meat raw because he was attacked by a werewolf. My family doesn't know how to function without magic. I live by the sea which is about a three hours away without apparition. Try explaining how I'm able to pop home so often when I live so far away! Oh and if my parents found out that that any Muggles know I'll get yanked from the program all together."

"Okay, now that you put it that way…" Leah sighed.

"It's a completely improbable possibility. What if things get more serious then this? Am I supposed to lie to him for forever? Not let him know that I'm magical until our children start showing signs of it?" I felt the tears start to prick at my eyes and I gasped. I don't cry. I know girls always say they never cry…but I really don't cry. "He's got me crying now? And talking about children! What is this?"

The door flew open now and Colby barged in, making me shriek and quickly rub my eyes.

"Rumor has it you're meeting the parents…or parent?" he announced, automatically going to my closet and yanking it open.

"For the love of Merlin! Things spread faster here then they do at Hogwarts!" I snorted, successfully covering my tears. All I needed now was a second degree from Colby. He froze and gave me a confused glance.

"What the bloody hell is a Hogwarts?" he snorted.

"It's the name of my school," I sighed, getting up and tucking my hair behind my ears.

"Oh…bizarre. Anyways, what are you going to wear! Now I know Evelyn is completely laid back but you can't vamp it up. We need you sweet. We need you girl next door!" Colby declared, going through the closet with nimble strokes. You'd think he'd seen everything by now. I rolled my eyes and sat back, just letting him get it out of his system, because nothing could stop Colby once he got started.

"What about this?" he questioned, holding a sapphire blue frock in front of himself and strutting around the small room. "This dress is looking for a lovely, stylish individual to wear it. Complete with cuffed sleeves, a white and lacy ruffled collar with decorative buttons, a fully lined skirt, and comfy smocked waist, this frock is just what you need to color up your wardrobe," he declared, putting on an announcer's voice and modeling the dress accurately.

"Quit the sales pitch," Leah laughed. "She already owns it."

"But will she wear it?" Colby questioned, waggling her eyebrows.

"She shall," I decided with a huff. "But what with?"

"Oh, I'm sure we could figure out something to match it with." Colby squealed diving into my closet and mumbling to himself. "If I was a Drag Queen what would I do?"

Leah gave me a reassuring look and I sighed pretending to be too busy watching Colby put my outfit together. He carefully draped a plain cream cardigan with three quarter length sleeves over the dress hanger and wrapped a skinny belt the exact same color as the dress around them both before nodding triumphantly. I finally gave Leah a small shrug and joined Colby at the shoes. I was just going to have to take the problems as they came to me. One at a time, otherwise I'd drive myself mad.

:Cameron:

"I didn't know you liked her this much. Having her meet your Mom? Awful big step bro," Nathan whistled as we waited for Dominique to come down to the lobby and my Mom and sister to arrive. I shrugged and looked out of the glass doors. I was lightly raining and people passed by with heads bowed against the drops falling against the sky.

"I was joking you know. I know you really like her," Nathan added quietly. I looked at him and ran a hand through my hair.

"I don't know what it is."

"She doesn't put up with your shit and doesn't fawn all over you?" Nathan laughed, nudging me with his elbow.

"That's only some of the reasons, really. She just, get's me…I don't know," I grunted, not comfortable sharing myself…even with Nathan. That's one of the things that shocks me about my relationship with Dominique. I suddenly find myself sharing things with her that I've never shared with anyone before and she just accepts it. She doesn't judge me. It's…nice.

"Dude, you don't need to say it. I get it," Nathan shrugged.

"I sound like such a chick when I start talking about her," I snorted. Nathan laughed but didn't disagree with me. I socked him in the arm and crossed my own over my chest.

"I wish you would tell me otherwise."

"But you do. It's precious," Nathan replied pinching my cheek.

"I'm never talking to you again," I grumbled as the elevator dinged. I looked over to see Dominique hurrying across the lobby in a blue dress with her hair let loose but swept back from her face. I felt myself smile and Nathan snickered. She came over and plopped down beside me, throwing her light gray coat across the chair next to her.

"Sorry, I know I'm terribly late. I got a last minute message from my Dad and had to fix it," she grimaced.

"Are you in a lot of trouble?" I questioned, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"No, but it seems that my Mum withheld the information that I wasn't actually coming tonight until this morning and my Dad flipped his broomstick," she sighed. Nathan and I gave Dominique a small look and she flushed. She uses the strangest phrases.

"I mean he got angry. I had to calm him down."

"Well I'm glad you're not in trouble," I stated, breaking the silence that was starting to fill our area. Dominique gave me a small smile and pat my knee.

"When should your Mum and sister be here?"

"Well their plane landed about a half hour ago, so depending on the traffic they should be here any moment," I announced checking my watch. Dominique grimaced and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Transportation is so bothersome," she stated with a small huff.

"What do you suggest? Snapping your fingers and arriving at your destination?" I laughed. Dominique shrugged.

"I guess you could say as much," she stated as the door swung open. I looked over expectantly but deflated when I noticed that it wasn't my mother, but a woman with bushy brown hair. Dominique stiffened and jumped out of her seat, making her way over to the woman. They conversed and Dominique threw a hand in the air before freezing. She looked disturbed. She was shaking her head and crossing her arms.

"He's completely lost it! Has he gone totally mad?" she exclaimed. The woman put a reassuring hand on Dom's elbow and smoothed back her hair. "He's a lunatic. A complete lunatic. Tell me Uncle Harry isn't allowing it? I'm not on the list. I'm not a criminal or even in danger and I refused to be treated like I am."

Nathan and I exchanged looks at this and I stood up, lightly making my way over to them. Dominique looked at me and let out a small sigh before smiling.

"Hullo, you must be Cameron? I'm Dominique's Aunt Hermione," the woman grinned, holding out her hand. I smiled and genially shook it before slipping my arm around Dom's waist.

"Is everything okay, Dom?"

She bit her lip but gave my hand a pat anyways.

"Everything is peachy. My Dad just thought he'd try to pull a rather outrageous stunt," she sighed, giving her Aunt an expectant look.

"I told Harry that if he even thought about listening to your Dad I would make him sorry," her Aunt replied, giving Dominique a reassuring stroke.

"Oh thank Merlin. Thank you so much Auntie 'Mione," Dominique sighed, visibly slumping in relief. "You're brilliant."

"So I've been told. Don't you worry. We'll all see you next week," she reassured. "I've got to get going though, if I'm going to make it to The Burrow in time. I'll send everyone your love."

She gave Dominique a peck on the cheek and me a genial wave before pushing out into the street.

"What'd he try to do?" I questioned hesitantly.

"It's not even worth repeating. He's gone mad," she groaned, cradling her head against my chest.

"Should I be scared, that's the real question."

Dominique giggled and raised her face to look up at me.

"No. There is no reason for you to be scared. I can handle it, don't worry." She declared, reaching a hand up to push a few fingers through my hair.

"Oh my big bad protector, what would I do without you?" I laughed, kissing her lightly. She smiled into the kiss and pressed her lips against mine more firmly while twining her hands around my waist.

"SQUIRT!" Nathan shouted. I broke apart from Dominique and looked towards the door. Carly was pushing her way in, her braids plastered to her cheeks from the rain. She ignored Nathan's out-stretched arms and started running towards me. Dominique quickly unwound herself from my arms, blushing slightly, and made her way over to the chairs as Carly slammed into my torso. I grinned and hoisted her over my shoulder.

"Munchkin! Did you have a good flight? You must be exhausted!" I exclaimed as Carly slapped my back.

"I wanted a hug! Not for my breakfast to come up, Cam! And I slept on the plane!" she exclaimed, pounding her fists.

"I wouldn't have slung you over my shoulder," Nathan pouted.

"Sorry Nate! I just missed him more. He doesn't tug on my hair," Carly declared as I set her down and pulled her into a bear hug. She wrapped her arms around me and buried her face into my stomach, jumping up and down slightly.

"I see where your alliances lay," Nathan growled.

"Yes, they lie with my brother," Carly declared slowly.

"I've been your brother since you were three! That's as good as blood!" Nathan argued back. Carly sighed and released me, walking towards Nathan and holding her arms out with a flat look on her face. Nathan came over and stopped a few feet in front of her.

"I'm not hugging you until you hug me," he commented.

"I'm not hugging you until you hug me," she retorted. I groaned and moved next to Dominique, watching the epic standoff.

"Do they do this often?" she whispered.

"Every single time," I sighed as the door opened again. I looked up and grinned as my Mom came in, dragging a few bags behind her.

"Carly Anne Hutchinson!" she exclaimed, struggling with the bags. I jumped up and grabbed a few, giving her a peck on the cheek. She smiled at me and gave me a loving pat on the cheek before turning to my sister.

"I thought I said to help me with these bags?"

"I know…I know! I'm sorry. I would say it to your face and do the whole girly pout thing but I'm in the middle of a contest of wills with Nathan here," she declared. Dominique laughed before clapping her hand over her mouth. I gave her a reassuring smile and motioned for her to join me and my mom as we dragged their bags to the front counter. I deposited the bags where nobody would take them and gently took Dom's hand. She gave me a nervous glance and I grinned.

"Mom this is Dominique…you know the girl that I talked to you about on the phone?" I stated with a small smile. Mom beamed at me and pulled Dominique into a hug.

"Oh it's so nice to meet you! I cannot wait to actually get to know you with all that Cameron talks about. It's always Dominique this, Dominique that. Oh yeah the band's doing well!" she declared. Dominique laughed and returned the hug before shooting me a cocked eyebrow.

"Mom…honestly? This is why I don't let you meet anyone," I groaned, looking over at Carly who was still having a standoff with Nathan.

"Why because I embarrass you?" Mom questioned sassily.

"No because you let on that I'm not as cool as I pretend to be," I replied.

"Don't worry, I already knew that," Dominique shot back before freezing. Mom laughed and she relaxed.

"I like her." She stated before going over and hugging Nathan, making him pitch to the side. Carly cheered and jumped up and down.

"I win!" she exclaimed, as Nathan returned the hug.

"No! No you didn't!" Nathan declared, ripping himself from Mom and glaring at Carly.

"Before Nathan starts crying, why don't we go to lunch?" I suggested. Carly laughed and skipped over to me, eyeing Dominique wearily.

"Munchkin…this is Dominique. Dom, this is Carly," I announced putting an arm around Carly's shoulders and grabbing Dominique's hand in my other. Carly looked around me before retracting into my side and giving me a questioning look. Dominique gave me a questioning glance and I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"So you're Cameron's girlfriend?" Carly questioned hesitantly as we made our way into the street.

"I guess you can say that," Dominique shrugged and pushed her hair behind her ears.

"Hmm," Carly stated, nodding her head slightly. I looked down at her and poked her side. She gave me a small look and shrugged. Dominique giggled nervously and extracted her hand from mine, putting her hands into the pockets of her coat.

"So there's this great pub down the street here," I declared.

"Do they have pizza?" Carly sighed.

"Yes, they have pizza. When will you learn to eat like a normal human being?" I questioned.

"When they start making food not disgusting," Carly shrugged before turning abruptly to Dominique.

"So how long have you been dating my brother? Has he ever mentioned me?" she questioned quickly. Dominique's eyes went wide for a second before pulling her jacket around herself.

"Uhm, for about a month I guess and I can't get him to shut up about you. He thinks you're completely brilliant," she grinned.

"So he needs to shut up?" Carly stated, puckering her mouth. I gave her an exasperated look as Dominique gaped at me, her cheek bones were bright red.

"Where are you from Dominique, sweetie?" Mom questioned quickly, before giving Carly's pig tail a warning tug.

"Uhm…I'm native to England. Grew up in Tinworth," she explained hesitantly.

"Isn't that the seaside?" Mom questioned excitedly. Dominique gave her a small smile and nodded as I pulled open the door to the pub.

"My house, Shell Cottage, has been in my family for centuries. I grew up there with my Mum, Dad, brother and older sister my whole life," she explained, sliding into the booth before me. "I hear you're a dance instructor. You've taught Cameron very well." She remarked kindly. Mom grinned and gave me a warm glance.

"You've taken her dancing sweetie. You must really like her," she stated.

"I thought you always take girls on a first dates. Must not be too special," Carly stated innocently. Dominique shot me a confused look as I gave Carly a bewildered glance. What is she doing? She knows that I don't take girls with me to dance. What is she trying to pull? Carly gave me an innocent smile and Dominique squirmed uncomfortably. I gave her knee a reassuring squeeze and Carly's eyes widened.

"Jeeze, keep your hands to yourself," she stated with a small snort in Dominique's direction. Dominique's eyes widened and she moved as far away from me as possible.

"No. I wasn't…I swear-" she stuttered before falling silent. I narrowed my eyes at my Carly and cleared my throat.

"Hey Munchkin, want to come order with me? So I don't get your pizza wrong?" I suggested, giving her the death glare.

"You know what I want," she shrugged. Mom shot her a dirty look and she sighed. "Okay."

She slid out of the booth and followed me to the counter. I placed my hand firmly on her shoulder and pressed down on it. She squeaked and looked up at me with her huge green eyes.

"What the heck is up with you Carls?" I questioned, stooping down to her eye level. She shrugged and looked at her feet. "I really like this girl and you're treating her like crap."

She shrugged again and I groaned, pressing her cheeks with my hands.

"I don't want you to like…like her more than me…" she mumbled, staring at her shoes.

"Oh munchkin. Like I could like anyone more than you! You're my girl and you always will be. Dominique is pretty cool. She makes fun of me and everything. I really think you could be good friends if you give her a chance," I remarked, patting her cheeks lightly.

"You really won't like her better than me?"

"I swear on a bajillion gummy bears," I reassured. Carly grinned and wrapped her arms around me. I returned the hug and planted a kiss on the top of her head before ordering our food. By the time we returned to the table with one steaming pizza Dominique and my mom were laughing like old friends. I grinned and slid in next to her, giving her knee another reassuring squeeze and kissing her cheek. She blushed but settled against me and inconspicuously resting her hand on my knee.

"Hey munchkin, what do you have to say?" I questioned, giving Carly a raised eyebrow.

"I'm sorry. I'm not normally brat-like. I was just jealous because you were vying for Cameron's attention. And you're really pretty," she declared, before smiling sweetly.

"Don't worry about it. My cousin did the same thing when Teddy started dating my sister. Erm, when my Uncle's godson started dating my sister…" she explained. Carly grinned before grabbing a slice of pizza and munching contently.

"Cameron, did you know that Dominique speaks fluent French?" Mom declared, grinning at Dominique, who just blushed and busied herself with her pizza.

"No I did not."

"You're a horrible boyfriend," Carly announced threw a mouthful of pizza. I stuck my tongue out at her and she smiled, wiping off some sauce with her hand.

"Chew then speak, honey," Mom commanded to Carly before turning back to us. "I wish you were around when Cameron failed French in high school."

"Thank Mom," I deadpanned before giving Dominique a small look. She giggled and nudged her elbow into my side. I tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before turning back to Mom who was grinning proudly. I picked up a slice of my own and took a bite. I knew they would like her just as much as I do. I sat back as Dominique, my mom and Carly spoke freely with each other and quietly chewed my lunch. The main part of me was content with how the day was going, but then there was this other part of me. This small, tiny thing screaming in my brain. Yes, Dominique has opened up to me but I honestly didn't realize there were things that she hasn't told me. That she grew up in Tinworth. That she speaks fluent French. Shouldn't those be some of the first things you tell a person? And honestly how does she get all the way from the seaside to London in a space of a night? She goes home every Sunday and is back on Monday and it's at least a day's journey by car to the nearest seaside. She was obviously telling me less things then I thought.