A/N: You guys are awesome! You still review even after like, 2 weeks of waiting! You rock! xD

I won't be doing separate reviews this time, but in Chapter Nine I most definitely will. I'd like to thank you ALL so much for reviewing so loyally – you're comments are what keep me writing the story! I'll continue until the end, and I have plans for a sequel if all goes well. Thanks again!

Chapter Eight

Spa days were exhausting - calming and serene, but definitely exhausting.

I'd spent the past four-and-a-half hours out at the spa, accompanied by Marissa of course, for a full set of manicures, pedicures and about five different massages. We talked – a lot – mostly about school, boys (more specifically Seth and Ryan), and a whole bunch of other girly nonsense.

When I got back to the house, no one was home, but Charlie of course. The over-sized golden retriever ran to the front door, wagging his tail excitedly. I smiled, patting the top of Charlie's head in admiration. "Good boy!"

I kicked off my shoes, heading into the kitchen. I swung open the refrigerator door, grabbing a bottle of water. I quietly hummed along to the tune of some song I'd heard on the radio earlier today, shutting the fridge, and jovially walking up the stairs, entering my room.

I immediately stopped singing, placing the bottled water on the nearest table, which happened to be my new and improved computer desk. I smiled brightly, and couldn't help but laugh in amusement.

About three dozen pink roses lay in a neat, perfectly placed heap on my bed. I blinked a few times, still not believing my eyes. I walked closer, picking up a sheet of paper that was folded in half three times. I unfolded the letter, smiling to myself.

Rachel,

I though this might be a great way to kick off our first "official" date. I spent two hours trying to figure out what color of roses you'd like the best, since there were about five million different shades to choose from. At first I was thinking black, but then realized black was way too emo for such a pretty girl like yourself. So, I hope you like pink.

Anyways, I'll pick you up at say…7:30 tonight? Call me if it's a problem…I'll probably be home playing video games or something.

Infinite X's and O's,

Cohen

PS – Captain Oats says hi to both you and Princess Passion.

I laughed and titled my head to the side, looking from the note to the mountain of roses on the bed. I seriously wondered if there were enough vases in the house to support 36 pink roses. I doubted it, but it was worth a try. I placed the letter on my desk, right next to the bottle of water I'd been carrying moments ago. I stepped outside of my room, and abruptly headed downstairs, hoping to find a vase or…five.

It was almost 7:30. I dashed around my room, trying to decide what to wear.

Jeans were too casual.

Most of my dresses were too formal.

At least I'd decided on how to do my hair – loose, shiny curls – totally Hollywood.

I frowned, sitting down on my bed. I sat there for almost two minutes, before standing up.

"Eureka," I said softly, walking swiftly into my closet. I pulled on an off-white v-neck dress with lace detailing – it was formal, but not overly so. The straps on the dress were almost three inches wide, the torso was tight, but flattering, and the flowing skirt fell not far past my knees. I picked out a pair of strappy, black high-heels, and then headed out of my room, quickly down the stairs.

The tiled floor echoed the sound of my shoes, and I swiftly walked into the living room. My aunt and uncle were sitting on the sofa, watching the latest episode of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?. They looked up as I entered the room, and I smiled excitedly.

"All right…now be honest. How do I look?" I asked, grinning from ear to ear. I imagined my peach-flavored lip gloss sparkling in the dim light.

My aunt gasped, and my uncle smiled, laughing gently. "You look absolutely stunning!" My aunt exclaimed, nodding in approval.

I spun around. "You sure it's not too desperate?"

Both my Uncle Joey and my Aunt Jennine shook their heads – coincidentally at the same time. "Of course not! You look great, Rach--" My uncle stopped in mid-sentence.

The doorbell rang.

I gasped, turning to run for the door, but then turning around again, facing my relatives. "I'll see you guys later, okay?"

"Don't stay out too late, honey." Aunt Jennine called, and I nodded, walking very swiftly towards the entrance hall. I swung the door open, smiling brightly.

"Cohen!" I gasped, acting as if I were surprised to see him or something. I stepped outside, closing the door behind me, before embracing him into a long, passionate kiss.

He grinned, and I pulled away, looking up at him. "I guess you really like the flowers, huh?" He asked.

I nodded vividly. "Of course! Pink is definitely the new orange."

He gaped. "That's like saying pale is the new tan."

"You don't like pink?" I asked, pretending to be offended.

"Well…" He trailed off, but placed one hand behind my neck, stroking my cheek with his thumb. "I like pink if you like pink."

"Score."

He laughed, pulling me towards him, kissing me gently. "As much as I'd love to stay on your front doorstep and make out, we should probably get to the restaurant – we'll miss our reservation."

I smiled teasingly, and nodded. "Where are we going, anyways?"

He walked towards the Range Rover, his arm draped across my shoulders. He grinned with satisfaction. "You'll see all in good time, my dear, all in good time."

The restaurant was beautiful. It was kind of dark, but candlelit and romantic. When we walked through the front entrance, I couldn't help but gasp.

"Wow…Seth…this place is gorgeous…how'd you get in here? Isn't there like a two week waiting list for reservations?"

He shrugged limply, his arm across my shoulders again, almost protectively, in an admiring sense. "I've got some connections, you know…my dad being a lawyer and all that fun stuff."

The Maitre D' seated us at a table, close to the long, open windows that over looked the beach. The tablecloth was white, and a single candle was placed in the middle of the table, glowing relaxingly in the dim light. We sat down, and I cast a quick look towards the scenic stretch of beach, before looking back towards Seth.

"So, how was your day at the spa with Marissa, Princess?" He asked, looking keenly interested.

"It's was amazing, but I honestly can't believe there are over 18 different types of massages. But the manicures were spectacular – Marissa went for shimmery pink nail polish, but I like clear polish best – it goes with everything." I answered, smiling softly. I held out my hand, and he took my hand into his, carefully examining each perfectly manicured nail.

He smiled. "Where'd you go?"

"The place just down the street from the mall…I forget what it's called though. Something French, I think."

"Ooooh. I think my mom gets her nails done there, too." He smiled, and kissed my knuckles, before letting my hand go.

I giggled, grinning widely. "It's pretty quiet, but it's really nice."

Seth opened his mouth to say something, but the waiter came to our table, handing us our menus, and apologizing for the delay – apparently they were extremely busy and there was a party of fourteen people that needed to be taken care of. He promised he'd be back, but would give us a couple of minutes to decide what to order.

We both nodded, watching as the waiter walked away.

We discussed what sounded good, and the waiter came back, taking the menus, and our orders.

Of course, both Seth and I ordered the same thing. What a coincidence.

After dinner, while we were waiting for dessert, we started talking - again. Mostly about Death Cab, not to mention.

"I'm telling you, Rachel, that band was like, made in HEAVEN."

"It's so like, depressing!" I exclaimed, tilting my head to the side slightly.

"It's still awesome, Rach—" He stopped himself, both eyebrows raised.

I blinked curiously, before realizing why he'd stopped. I winced, looking down at my purse. My cell phone was ringing, but thankfully I'd turned the volume on the ringtone down before we left. I looked suspiciously down at the caller ID. I didn't recognize the number.

"I only carry it around for emergencies…I'm so sorry, Cohen!" I winced, before answering the phone. I looked at him, and he nodded in understanding.

"Hello?"

"Rachel, hi."

"Josh?" I asked, recognizing the voice.

"Of course it's me."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm at a restaurant – what's wrong?"

"Oh." He sounded apologetic.

"Yeah."

"Well…I know you're busy. But just let me get it off my chest, okay?"

"Okay." I agreed, listening intently. I looked over at Seth, again, who was completely silent.

"Rachel…"

"Yes…" I said impatiently, waiting for his response. There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone.

"I'm getting married." Josh said finally, almost breathlessly.

"OH. MY. GOD." I almost dropped the cell phone. I hesitated for a moment, letting each word sink in. "To who?"

"Adelle, of course."

I yelped. I'd never liked Adelle. She was so sweet and cheerful all the time it was almost sickening. "I-I'm going to have to call you back." I stuttered, biting my bottom lip.

"Okay, bye Rachel." He hung up.

I closed the phone, throwing it dreadfully back into my purse.

"Cohen." I sighed, frowning slightly.

He nodded, a look of concern crossing his face. I wondered if he'd heard the conversation, but I wasn't sure.

"My brother is getting married." I said grimly, sinking further into my seat.

"And why is that a bad thing?" He asked gently, after we'd finally left the restaurant.

I rested my head on his shoulder as we walked to the parking lot, his arms around me tightly. "He shouldn't be getting married." I stated simply.

"Uh…why?"

"He's marrying ADELLE."

"Oh." He said, blinking. "Who's Adelle?"

"The Wicked Witch of the North." I answered, frowning.

Seth snorted, fighting back the urge to laugh. "The north?"

"Yeah, she from like Canada or something."

He nodded, grinning slightly.

"She's evil. You know how freaky clowns are when they just smile all the time? Adelle is EXACTLY like that. She's happy all the time. It's just…weird."

We reached the Range Rover, and Seth sat on the hood of the car, gently patting the empty space next to him. I sat down, sighing. "How does that make her 'The Wicked Witch', though?"

I shrugged. "I dunno. I just don't like her. And it's just depressing knowing that I'm going to have to deal with her immortal happiness for the rest of my life." I said grimly, looking down at the ground, before looking back up at him. "I'm going to have a SISTER-IN-LAW, Cohen!" I added, sighing.

He laughed gently, brushing my hair out of my face. "I think you're just overreacting. I'm sure there's a reason why they're getting married. You know, maybe they just love each other, like most people?"

I chuckled softly. "I really hope you're right." I said, sighing for about the thousandth time in the past 15 minutes.

"Cohen?" I decided to change the subject, not wanting to talk about the dilemma any further.

"Mmhm?"

"Thank you…for everything. The roses were beautiful, and the date was unbelievably perfect. I'm so sorry it had to end with you hearing me complain about my family issues." I said. I looked up at him, smiling.

He touched my cheek. "It was still perfect, even if it didn't end like we expected. And trust me, I've heard worse."

I smiled, leaning up and kissing him. "Thank you, even so."

A/N: I hope you guys like it! Nothing much yet, but the drama is brewing! ;D