CHAPTER 8 (SHANE)

I dug my hands into the pockets of my jeans. I tilted my head backwards, looking up at the sky. It was a clear, cerulean blue. My favourite shade of blue.

I stared at the door before me. It was a pink maple door and the sign 'Welcome' hung on it. Even if I were welcome, I wouldn't come here. There were too many memories here. Memories I couldn't take.

What the heck did Shane want me here for anyway?

Ah. Only one way to find out.

I pressed the door bell and a small ring buzzed throughout the house.

Hm…

Another one. And I pressed it once more.

Hey, this seems fun.

I pressed the door bell thrice.

I was actually laughing now. One more time!

I placed my finger on the door bell once more when the door swung open. I saw Shane coming out, a frown on his face. He was wearing a black shirt and some jeans.

"Jeez Norah. Once was enough you know," he rolled his eyes.

I smirked at him. "You're in no position to complain. You dragged me here. What's up?"

He held my hand and led me down the steps. "We are going out on a date."

I froze and stood rigid.

A DATE???? Is he out of his mind???

I yanked my hand out of his and narrowed my eyes at him. "What the motherbullpoppy are you talking about?"

He shrugged. "A date. You know. I know a place that's offering discounts for couples. And I do want to go out with you."

I held up my hands and shook my head defiantly. "Wait a minute. First of all, I never agreed to this. What the heck has gotten into you Shane? I knew you were abnormal but this is beyond whacko."

He frowned, looking hurt. "I am not abnormal. And wouldn't you like a treat? It's by me."

I narrowed my eyes at him and sighed. I paced about, trying to see what I should do.

Okay. So it's HIS treat then… Hm…. That changes everything! Hm….

Okay. I will go out with him, but he has to pay for a lot. I am going to order so much.

"Fine. As long as you pay," I nodded.

He smiled. "Excellent."

WHAT THE MOTHERBULLPOPPY IS THIS?????????

I stared at the restaurant, looking horrified. The place had an extremely cozy and close setting inside. The couples got to have their very own corner and the chairs were extremely close to each other. From time to time, Cupids would sprinkle confetti all over the laughing couples. Sometimes, they'd even lower mistletoe over them, a demand that they should kiss.

It was just too….

Romantic! This was just a casual thing! I was only supposed to take advantage of Shane. Not kiss him and do all those gooey mushy stuff.

"This is… Hell on Earth…" I muttered.

He let out a laugh. "Oh come on Norah. It's not that bad. I doubt mistletoe will be over us."

I gulped. "Can't we find another place?"

He shook his head. "No. I've already booked this. Ah. Here comes our waiter."

A man wearing a tuxedo and holding a clipboard in his hands smiled at us. He made a sweeping gesture with his hand.

"Welcome to Cupid's Cove. We have your seats now. Right beside the band," he smiled and pointed towards our place.

"Good. We even get music," Shane smiled.

I was getting sick inside.

"There's a mistake! We're not a couple!" I exclaimed.

Shane laughed nervously. "Of course we are dear. Silly girl. Confused and too overwhelmed."

"No! I… Er… He's gay!!"

The couples stopped whatever they were doing to take time to stare at us. Shane grew red and I clapped my hands to my mouth.

Shoot. Norah and your big mouth.

"I'm… Er…. Never mind," I said and hurried towards our table before I die of embarrassment.

"Sorry. She's mentally deranged," Shane announced and the crowd laughed.

It was my turn to go red.

"What was that for??" I hissed furiously at him.

He only grinned. "You said I was gay."

I rolled my eyes, completely unable to snap back.

"What's the deal?" I asked Shane as I speared macaroni with my fork. I popped it into my mouth and chewed slowly.

There must be some underlying intentions. This was just odd. If he wanted to be with me, he could've done that a long time ago.

He smiled after taking a sip of his drink. "Is it wrong to spend time with you?"

I snorted. "Yeah right Shane. Tell me."

"No."

I raised an eyebrow. "Alright. Why won't you tell me?"

He wasn't this secretive when we were together.

He motioned me to come forward and cast furtive glances around the place, as if someone was listening in on us.

"You know why?" he whispered.

"No. Why?" I asked in a hushed tone.

"Because you're mentally deranged."

I pouted and decided to just shut up. Hmph. There was no point in arguing with Shane. It's like arguing with a witty quantum physicist.

"So, what's up?" I asked him.

He grinned. "What? I just wanted to meet up."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh haha. We can all hold hands together and sing a campfire song any day. You're up to something."

I narrowed my eyes at him, as if he was the most dangerous criminal and I ought not to trust him.

All of a sudden, he scooted nearer to me. My eyes widened.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?" I asked him, slowly moving away from him.

This does not look good.

He smiled, and to my annoyance, he moved even closer. "What? I just want to be closer to you."

I pushed him and smiled sarcastically. "This is too close for comfort. Give me space."

"No," he replied and swatted my hands away.

I was getting nervous now. I hadn't been this close to a boy in years. Why did he have to shock me now??

All of a sudden, something was lowering right before us. It was attached to a string and all of a sudden, the musicians behind us began to play a romantic tune. I stared at the thing, almost getting cross-eyed.

"Wha-what?" I sputtered as I saw what it was.

Oh my gosh!! It's a mistletoe!!

Isn't it too early for Christmas???

"Shane… Stay away…" I told him as I backed away. Little by little, my space was running out as he kept on getting closer. Oh gosh. What should I do?

He was grinning and he suddenly placed his hand on my face. I froze up.

"Shane! No!" I cried out and bent my head.

"Don't you miss me?" he asked, his head closer to mine, his lips nearing my mouth.

I recoiled even more and shook my head. "Shane… No… Please…"

I was whimpering inside now. I didn't want to do this… Please don't.

Shane was still getting closer but I only bent my head even more.

Only a few more seconds now…

All of a sudden, he stopped. He smiled and finally moved away. He looked satisfied.

I stared back at him, completely astonished. What the heck was that for? Was he actually testing me?

"Hm… It seems that you're over me," he said.

"Of course I'm over you, you nitwit! Do you think you're that great? And why did you do that??" I retorted heatedly, feeling embarrassed.

Honestly, Shane is a sadist! He just wants to hurt me!

"I didn't do that to hurt you. I was just seeing if you were over me. You didn't try to kiss me back. Now I know you like another guy. Is it Nate?" he asked, an eyebrow raised.

I gulped. "H-How do you know?"

His eyes widened and then he let off a laugh. "Eh? You like my brother? I was just teasing you. Jeez you give up so easily. Hah. Now I know you like Nate!"

I turned red and clapped my hands to my mouth.

Norah you idiot!!!! Why'd you have to have such a big mouth??? He never even knew!!!

"Um… No… That's not true…" I said, coughing.

He was still laughing. "Riiiiggghht. Norah, I know you when you're lying. Your right foot taps the floor, your hands are entwined together and you turn red."

Dang it. He was right. My hands were entwined and my right foot was tapping the floor rapidly. And I have no doubt that I'm turning red.

"Well… It doesn't matter! He's… He's… Oh never mind…" I floundered.

Because he's your brother. That's what I was about to say.

He was holding his glass of water in his hands for a while. I was only silent.

"If it's because he's my brother. That shouldn't matter. The past is past Norah. I wouldn't feel awkward if you started dating Nate."

"R-really? It feels like it…" I replied.

He shook his head. "Nah. We're family. I wouldn't hate Nate even if he dated you. It's okay with me Norah."

"I wasn't asking your permission."

"Well, it seemed like you were. The point is, I don't mind. We're friends now Norah, and if my little brother can give you the happiness that I can't, then it's okay. I have no right to interfere."

I was silent. I hadn't expected Shane to be like this. I thought he'd get angry or something… But he was nice after all. I appreciated it.

"Thanks," I grinned at him, feeling that no other word would be more fitting.

He smiled and kissed my cheek. "Stupid Norah. Of course."

I laughed. "It's been fun, even if I had been forced to go."

"Yeah. I wonder why we fell apart though? We used to have a lot of fun."

I smiled as I remembered the memories. Yeah. What did happen?

"I dunno. We just… did. We fought a lot."

"You know what? I'd be willing to go through those fights again if it means I'd still be with you… But no worries. I've moved on. It just doesn't feel the same."

I laughed and pinched his cheek. "Shane, we're still friends. A lot has changed. But you'll always hold a special place in my heart."

He kissed my forehead this time. "Thank you. You too."

Shane and I went back to their house after eating. I had fun talking about our dates, and it wasn't such a bad relationship after all.

We got to the house and we were in front of the door. I heard a girl's voice say Nate's name.

I cringed inside. That must be Sasha…

"Ah. She's here," Shane smiled.

I smiled a bit, but my expression was far from happy. Sasha… I wonder what she looks like?

Nate opened the door and grinned as he saw us. "Oh hi. Glad to see you back."

Shane shrugged. "It was just a get-together."

Nate nodded and smiled at me. "Hi Norah. It's been a while."

I waved back at him feebly. "Yeah. It sure is."

I should just go home now. If I stay maybe I'll see him making out with Sasha. I couldn't bear to witness that.

"Oh Norah. I'd like you to meet Sasha. I know you'll love her!" Nate said excitedly.

Sasha. His perfect girlfriend. The girl that maybe I couldn't match up to. Or would never match up to.

"Go on," Shane winked at me. I only looked back at him.

I sighed. Oh well. Accept the truth.

"Sure. I'd love to meet Sasha," I said.