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Chapter 16

The next two days flew by quickly and before I knew it, Friday was upon us. I gut-wrenchingly nervous that day at school. Rory saw the anxiety in my eyes and assured me that we would have a wonderful time, and I knew that we would. I mean, I never been on a date, before. What would I wear? How would I do my hair? Would he like it? My mind was pummeled with questions.

That evening, Maggie came over early to help me get ready. She wanted time to get me ready and prepare for our sleepover. She burst into my room, without my knowing, because I was in the shower. As always, I had my music full blast, this time I was in a Les Mis mood. As I belted out One Day More, the music shut off.

"Hey! Mom turn it back on!" I whined

"Kirsten, it's Maggie. Hurry up so we can get you ready!" She demanded with all the gusto of a drill Sargent.

"Turn my music back on!" I shot

"Yes, because a musical about prostitutes and death is very comforting!." Her tone was teasingly sarcastic

"Hey, no hating on my tunes!" I called back

"Fine, fine. Just hurry." I heard her rummaging around

" What are you doing?" I asked as I wrapped myself in a robe and stepped back into my bedroom

"I have a gift for ya." She triumphantly pulled a red dress from a garment bag

My eyes bugged out of my head. "Margret, you should not have bought this!" I didn't know whether to be grateful or angry.

"Think of it as an early Christmas present." She beamed

"Maggie, Christmas is a month and a half away!" I shrieked in frustration.

"I saw it in the store and I knew it was perfect! Honey, I wanted to get you something special tonight." She gave me a sweet smile as her tone grew soft

I sighed. "Thank you, Mags. It's gorgeous." I laid it on the bed carefully

"You are more than welcome." She pecked my cheek. "You deserve it!"

As I slipped into my dress, she covered my dressing table with a million different cosmetics and hair products.

I laughed "Please don't go crazy." I begged with a teasing smile

"You are gonna dazzle that boy." Her eyes sparkled

The next half hour was spent by Maggie smudging every brand of makeup ever known to man on my face, trying this and testing that. When it came time to do my hair, Maggie worked tediously, making sure every hair was in place. She twisted and pulled, but when she turned my chair around, I didn't know the girl that looked back at me.

"Maggie, wow!" I clasped my hands around my mouth, tears surfacing.

"Kirsten Avery, don't you dare cry! I worked too long on that masterpiece!" She exclaimed

"I won't, I won't, I promise!' I said hurriedly, sniffing.

She glanced at her phone. "He'll be here soon, we should get down there to show your mom."

I nodded, grabbing my heels, purse and coat. I breathed deeply, trying to clam my nerves.

"Keep breathing, girly" She whispered. "I think he's here"

I peeked around the corner and sure enough, there he was. Rory's hair was combed to the side and he wore a dark purple shirt, dark slacks, and a suit jacket. He was chatting happily with my mom. I climbed quietly down the stairs, hoping not to disturb them.

"Kirsten, you look amazing, sweetie!" Mom squealed, pulling me into her arms.

"Thanks, Mom." I smiled, trying to swallow the lump in my throat

"He's fantastic." She whispered. "I approve."

I giggled "Thank you Mom. It means so much."

"I know, Baby." She patted my cheek, eyes watery. I pressed a kiss against her forehead

I turned to Rory, and couldn't help but blush. "Hi Rory."

He swept me in his arms and into a warm embrace. "It's good to see you." He held me at arms length. "You are stunning!" His eyes sparkled

I blushed "Thank you."

"Picture time!" Maggie squealed, jumping between us.

Rory and I both endured the flashes of the camera, plastering on smiles that made our cheeks ache. Rubbing our jaws, we headed out the door. He opened the car door for me, but caught my hand before I could step in. I looked into his eyes.

"You truly take my breath away." He kissed my knuckles

I smiled "It's just a little makeup." I said timidly

He shook his head "Kirsten, it's more than that!" He pressed gently. "You are beautiful, in and out. You are sweet, you have such a tender heart. You deserve everything."

I pressed my lips together, tears forming yet again. "You know this night isn't going to end without me crying, right?" I laughed huskily

"It's alright, darling." He pulled me close. "Let's go have some fun." He released me and I stepped inside the car.

The drive was quiet, but he took my hand tenderly, his eyes smiling with joy. I was so lucky!

The restaurant was sooooo charming. It was warm and candle-lit with soft swing music playing in the back round.

"This is lovely." I whispered as Rory pulled my chair out. "Thank you for this."

He kissed my hair, "You are more than welcome."

He settled himself, glancing over the menu. He gently reached for my hand, never looking up. I smiled, slipping my hand into his. He peered back up at me, grinning. Hands still entwined, I looked to the menu, skimming over rows of main courses, drnks and desserts. After several minutes of indescribable, I settled on four cheese ravioli will grilled chicken. YUM! I carefully sipped my water, trying to keep the nerves at bay.

"So have you thought about Phantom auditions?" Rory asked

I nodded, "I'm singing Ave Maria."

His eyes lit up. "Such a beautiful song, I'd love to hear you sing sometime."

I bit my lip. "Of course. I'm sure it'll happen sometime."

"You will get Christine, I know it." He squeezed my hand.

I sighed "It's always about Charlotte, I seriously doubt it. But I'm going to try."

He beamed. "That's my girl! Show her who's boss."

"Okay, I won't go that far." I said with a laugh

"Honestly, you're the star. You deserve the spotlight." He proclaimed

"Rory, please. Charlotte as more vocal knowledge than I."

"Don't put yourself down, sweetheart. You are better than her. You have better character, you are sweet and humble. She is bossy and egotistical. You embody Christine through and through."

"Oh Rory." I smiled and kissed his hand. "No one has ever said anything like that to me. Ever."

"Well," He continued, "It needs to be said, and you need to know just how special you are to me. We started out on the wrong foot, and have already had our little ups and downs, and for that I am so sorry. You are such a treasure in my life."

I was stunned at this monologue. Could it be true. How was I to respond?

"R..Rory I don't know what to say." I said breathlessly.

"I'm sorry, that was sappy. I didn't mean to be dramatic. But it is how I feel. I mean every word." He took both his hands in mine

"Thank you...Rory that was beautiful, truly." I hoped he knew how touched I was

Dinner was delicious! We chatted gaily between bites of pasta. We joked around and laughed til our sides ached. I've never had such a fantastic time. He even got us a slice of chocolate cake for us to share, and I was in love.

There was a small dance floor in the back that I hadn't noticed when we walked in.

"May I have this dance?" He extended his hand.

"I'd be delighted." I gave a small curtsy.

Rory wrapped me in his arms, swaying me gently to the music. My heart leaped as a familiar song came on. You're Always On My Mind!

"This is one of my favorites." I whispered against his shoulder.

"Is it? Mine as well." He stroked my curls

I relaxed as he held me, thanking God for bringing Rory into my life. I snuggled my head against his chest, letting the music carry me away.

Maybe I didn't treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn't love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

But you were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn't hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I'm so happy that you're mine
If I made you feel second best
Girl, I'm sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your

Sweet love hasn't died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied
Satisfied

Little things I should have said & done
I just never took the time

You were always on my mind

He was always on my mind and I could stay in his arms forever.

So what do you guys think? I really love writing these relationships, and I really do like Rory. Kirsten's dress and hairstyle will be on my profile! Review!