CHAPTER 9 (A DATE)

I entered the house, it still looked the same. The white blue-dotted curtains were still here, the same peach-colored sofa was still near the window, and the shelf full of different novels could still be seen here. I used to come here often, that's why I'd noticed if there were any differences.

There really aren't.

I sat down on the sofa, feeling comfortable. My hands lay on my lap, entwined together.

That was a sign that I was nervous.

Aaargh. What the heck did she look like? No doubt she's pretty. Really pretty I guess. Nate would like someone pretty. Not someone like me.

I was nervous as I sat down. Where was Sasha anyway? Nate went off to get her somewhere but he's taking an awful lot of time.

I checked my watch.

Okaaay. Maybe not that long. It's only been two minutes, but I still think that's a long time to wait! I mean… Two minutes is like an eternity.

Right? Right? RIGHT????

Aaah shut up Norah. Why am I nervous anyway? Why? Bring it on Sasha. I'm not scared of you. I will never EVER be scared of her. Not ever. Not never…. Not ever… Um… Never… Not in a million years…

Oh do shut up Norah. You just keep on repeating what you say.

I shifted from one position to another. Honestly, Nick is taking too long. The suspense is killing me!

All of a sudden, a furry, brown creature plonked its head on my lap. I looked down and screamed.

I got on the sofa, inching away from the creature.

"OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" I screamed.

It was a dog. A Pomeranian. Its tongue stuck out and its little paws were on the sofa. I continued to cringe.

Aaaarrgh! I hate dogs! Since when did Shane get a dog? I've never seen this one before!

I made sweeping gestures with my hands. "Shoo! Shoo! Get away little doggie! Go… Um… Get dirty or something!"

It barked at me, which made me more nervous. I felt like I could cry.

"Naaaaattttteee!!!!" I cried out.

He finally appeared from the back door. He looked surprised as he saw me cowering on the sofa while trying to drag off the monster that was taunting me.

"Oh good. There she is," Nate smiled as he picked up the dog. I sighed in relief as he placed it in his arms. It began to cuddle in his embrace. I calmed down and sat down.

I really do not like dogs.

"Awww… Poor girl. It's just a dog Norah," Nate laughed.

I narrowed my eyes at him and glared at the dog. "I'm scared of dogs."

He shook his head and chuckled. He scratched the ear of the dog. I looked away.

"Ah well. She's a good girl. Ah. Norah, meet Sasha. Sasha, Norah," Nate smiled.

"S-Sasha?" I echoed as I stared incredulously at the dog.

Sasha was a dog? Not some… person?? We aren't even the same species?

"Yup. My lovely Sasha. I told you you'd like her," he smiled.

He held the dog closer to me, close enough for me to pet it. But I didn't. I was still scared.

"This is Sasha? The one you were talking to on the phone?" I asked him.

He blinked at me, Sasha yawned. "Talking to on the phone? Ah. You must've heard the conversation."

I turned a bit red. "Not that I was eavesdropping or anything…"

So that means…

"Yup. I talk to Sasha on the phone a lot. Well, we're pretty tight. The girl a while ago was our cousin Riley. She just went out. I wonder where Shane is though?"

He hummed a song to Sasha.

Deep inside, I was celebrating.

Woah! So he has no girlfriend after all. Yes! Yes!

Ye—

Wait a second.

Why am I so happy??

Oh my gosh.

Does this mean that I'm really in love with Nate?

I looked at him but quickly averted my gaze after a few seconds.

Well, he is pretty nice. He's handsome too. He's smart as well. He's… my type of guy to be honest…

And Shane did say that it would be okay to date him.

Should I really?

"SO little brother!!" a voice boomed as an arm placed itself on my shoulder.

I looked to my back and saw that it was Shane, grinning. Where the heck has he been all the time?

"Hi Shane. Er… Where'd you run off to?" Nate asked.

"Oh nowhere important. Norah has something to say to you," Shane said as he winked at me.

I stared back at him. Giving him the 'what-the-heck-are-you-talking-about?' look. He sighed and smiled.

"She wants a date with you," Shane replied.

I nearly screamed but I squeezed his arm instead.

"Ouch! Er… That was nothing," Shane grinned as Nate gave him a suspicious look.

I could nearly murder Shane. What the heck is he planning????

"Sure Norah. If you want to," Nate said.

I stared back at him, completely not knowing what to do.

This isn't happening… This isn't happening… This is not happening…

Is it?

"Um… Um… R-really?" I said tentatively. Gosh I hoped that I didn't sound lame.

Nate nodded. "Yeah. Totally. It'd be nice to get out."

I nodded, feeling stuporous. I must be dreaming…

"Yup! She says yup! Right Norah? Anyway, I'll be planning the date!" Shane said as he withdrew his arm around me.

"Who gave you the right?!" I protested.

He shrugged. "Knowing you two, you're BOTH hopeless at dating."

I began to smile and punched him on the shoulder. "Oh do shut up."

I smiled at Nate as well. He smiled back.

Wow. I can't believe I'm on a date with him.

Shane is so crazy.

I stood outside the house, in my skirt and a pink top. My hair was tied up in a neat ponytail since I wanted to look clean. I clutched the red bag that was in my hands.

Gosh. I feel so nervous. But I look fine I guess. I look like date material anyway. My mom was sick and tired of my constant questions about my looks. So I guess I do look fine.

Don't I?

Feeling like a fool, I pulled out the small mirror inside my bag. I checked myself.

Yup. I still look fine.

I placed it inside my bag and waited for Nate to come out.

Jeez. This is all Shane's fault. Really. But I am sort of grateful. Still, it would've been nice if I had the courage to ask Nate.

Where the heck was our date anyway? Nate said that Shane told him, so it must be a surprise. I'm sure Nate'll know the way.

Finally, the door clicked open, ending my suspended state. Nate popped out, looking good in a Beatles shirt and jeans. Heck, he even looked good in just uniform.

He smiled at me. "Ready? I got the address, although I don't know where it is. I'v never been here."

I smiled. "We'll find out soon."

Shane… I don't trust you one bit…

We arrived at a blue building with about three stories. It was a few meters away from a mall. The building looked a bit old, and only a few people were entering it. All of them were carrying grocery bags and others looked like they were in a hurry.

Nate held my hand, and my body felt a tingly sensation.

Oh get a grip Norah!

"Let's get in. Shane said to go to the third floor, room C," Nate smiled at me, not letting go of my hand.

I nodded weakly. "Sure."

We stepped inside the building. The inside was very simple, white walls and sofas at the lobby. People were taking the elevator on the way up and few people were milling about. Nate and I looked like the only young ones here. The rest were either old or middle-aged.

We walked towards the elevator and squeezed between a few people. We didn't say anything for a few seconds.

Ping!

I looked up. Third floor. Our stop.

"Let's go," Nate said.

I nodded and followed him outside. We passed by a few rooms. I heard some noise, like the tinkling of pots and pans.

Where did that come from?

Nate and I finally arrived at room C. The sign 'Welcome students!' was on the door.

Students?

We entered the room and got a surprise.

We were surprised to see people dressed in aprons and hairnets, like bakers. There were ovens on the sides of the walls and people were mixing different batters. A woman in a pink, flowery apron approached me. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. She had platinum blond hair and thick-rimmed glasses. She smiled at us.

"You must be the one-day group Shane was talking about. Come in. We've prepared the ingredients for ginger cake. Let's go," she said and led us inside. The people inside smiled as we proceeded to our table. We smiled back.

As we arrived at the table, we were given aprons and me a hairnet. I carefully tied it around my waist and put on the hair net. Nate had a happy expression on his face.

"What's up?" I smiled at him as I poked his nose.

He blinked and grinned. "I love ginger cake, that's all. I'm pretty excited."

Oh. Now I totally get it.

"Could you preheat the oven?" he said as he began segregating the ingredients. I could tell that he looked excited. His movements looked a bit more energetic.

"Sure," I smiled.

We were nearly done now. Nate's put in the milk, egg, baking soda, ginger and flour already. We were just about to place it on the tin. Nate looked like he relished every second, like it was the best thing to do on earth. It was refreshing to see him like this.

Finally, we placed the tin inside the oven. All we had to do was wait now. a bead of sweat trickled down the side of my head. I wiped it away with my handkerchief. I took in a deep breath.

That was pretty tiring, but really fun. The idiot actually set up a good date.

"I need to wash my hands. Come with me?" Nate asked as he held out his hands, which were dusted with flour.

I nodded. "Sure Nate."

We asked the teacher where the comfort room was. She pointed to a door to the far right. We said thank you and proceeded there.

We got inside the comfort room. It was big enough for two people to squeeze in without having to feel uncomfortable. The tiles were blue and there was an apple-like scent.

Nate began washing his hands. I was only silent.

"I loved baking. It's been a while since I've baked. Ginger cake is my favourite. I've never baked with a girl though. You're the first. Shane's a sly one," Nate said and smiled. He gave off a small and barely audible laugh after that.

I could feel my heart beat. Dang. This guy's like Prince Charming! He makes me feel so…

So…

Oh what the heck. Maybe I should start being honest with him?

But still…

Is this a good plan?

Norah, do it. And end things. If he doesn't like you back, period. That's it. But if he does…

I gulped. I should just take my chance.

"Nate…" I said before I could stop myself.

He turned off the faucet and looked at me. "Yup?"

I gulped once more, my hands beginning to shake, which is plain ridiculous.

Then again, nothing made sense to me anymore. Is this even a sensible move???

Or was I as dumb as a tree stump?

Anyway, stupid or not, it needs to be done!

"Nate… I like you," I blurted out.

And at the same time, a loud crashing sound erupted from the outside.