AN: OMG I haven't updated in like forever. I am sooooo sorry guys. I thank you for your patience, but I just had the worst writers block with starting this chapter. I thank you for sticking with the story and please forgive my errors since this is the rough draft. If it is really bad I might take down the chapter and fix it. Again thank you for all of your review and I hope you enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 9- Dinner time!
I woke up the next morning feeling better, my headache was gone. A nurse was in the room putting sheets on the chair next to the bed. She told me that my parents are signing me out in the waiting area. I got out of bed, thanking her, and headed out to meet them. I didn't see a trace of the Serran's.
Netha, who was reading in a chair, looked up when I walked in. She got up coming towards me.
"Hey Stella, feeling better?" she asked stopping in front of me, giving me a huge hug. I wiggled out of her embrace before answering.
"I feel fine, headache gone," I replied as we walked toward the parents. "Where did the Serran's go?" I asked, though I was glad that they were gone. They intimidated the heck out of me.
My mom turned around answering, "They left." She asked me how I was and after I nodded she continued. "They invited us over for dinner around five."
"Do we really have to go?" I pleaded as we headed towards the door. I really, really didn't want to go.
"Yes," answered my dad getting in the car. Netha and I jumped in to the back seat of my dad's Camry as my mom got in the passenger seats. I assumed my brother was already at home since I didn't see him. "We didn't settle the details because we wanted you to be there when we discuss them." He paused while pulling out of the parking lot. "They also want us to see the house. They gave us the address."
"Where is it," I asked curious. My mom got the address out and gave it to me. When I didn't recognize the street name I gave it back. At the moment I was just glad to be going home.
The first thing I saw as we pulled into the drive way was cars parked outside our house. Dad parked and we all got out of the car, immediately getting ambushed.
"Oh my gosh Stel, are you alright?" a voice yelled pulling me into a hug. I hate hugs. As I tried to squirm away another set of arms surrounded me.
"Girl, how stupid are you?" said a voice I recognized immediately. I looked between heads to see Lalya looking at me, arms crossed and eye brows raised.
I finally got out of the hugs to notice Cam and Adalina. My parents had snuck away giving me my alone time with my friends.
"I'm fine Cam," I answered her, putting my hands in my pocket. Turning to Lalya I defended myself, "That was the only thing I could think of at the time."
"And how do you have a better GPA then me?" questioned Lalya.
"Because I am a genius," I commented back. Adalina came up and patted me on the shoulder asking me silently if I was Ok. I smiled at her and was about to ask what they wanted to do before I was body slammed from the side.
"STELLA!!" shouted a male voice, twirling me around in circles while I hit his arms to put me down. I looked up to see Dar as he set me down and consumed me in his arms again, squeezing oxygen from my lungs.
"Where are you hurt? Did they hurt you? Me and Kael will go beat them up for you!" exclaimed Dar. It was just then I noticed Kael standing next to Lalya.
"Dar you buffoon! I'm fine, they didn't hurt me. I just knocked myself unconscious. Will you let me go! I can't breath!" I wheezed out at the end. Dar let go of me, putting his hands on my shoulders staring me straight in the eyes, I guess I make sure I was telling the truth. I don't have a very good poker face.
"Alright if you're sure…" Dar asked questionably. I nodded at him noticing Kael was indeed there standing next to Lalya who had a blush on cheeks for some reason. Interesting….
"So what's going to happen," Adalina said quietly after a slight pause. I looked around the group to find them all looking at me intently.
"Ummm…" I said nervously. They kept on looking at me. "Can you guys quit staring at me? You know how I hate people staring at me!!" I yelled at them. They all looked away for a moment before focusing back on to me. I sighed. They just can't respect my wishes.
"Well we are going to meet them for dinner to discuss the details of my life pretty much," I answered them, watching their eyes widening.
There was another pause before Cam said bluntly, "So you are going to marry him??"
"Most likely," I said depressingly.
"Why most likely," asked Lalya moving closer to me with a confused look on her face.
"Well I am going to try my hardest to get out of it," I told them like that was the obvious answer. I mean I didn't want to married this early in life and to what? A half witch, half vampire. No way.
"And how are you going to do that?" asked Cam.
"Ummm, I don't really know," I said starting to get looks from my friends. "I'll think of something though."
"What exactly happened after I called," asked Dar. The rest of group nodded in agreement. I started to tell the whole event over, even after I woke up in the hospital and meeting with Thane.
After I finished there was a short silence before Cam said, "At least the guys hot isn't he?"
I turned and glared at her before I heard my parent yelling for me in the house. I turned to say goodbye to them. They wanted to come with me for dinner, but I told them no because I didn't think they would be quiet welcome. They left, Cam and Adalina talking softly, Lalya and Kael holding hands. I turned to ask Dar what was going on.
"Yeah they're going out. Weird I know," he answered me before I could ask. He turned and looked at me then. "Are you sure you're going to be OK?" he asked hugging me again, gently this time.
"Yeah Dar," I answered smiling at him for his concern. He let me go as I continued, "I'll have my family with me, including Netha."
He smiled at that. He knew how protective Netha got over me and vise versa. He waved goodbye before putting his hands in his pockets walking towards his house. I, as well, turned back to go into the house to see what my parents wanted.
A couple hours later my mother was yelling at me to get ready. I was just lying around in my room trying to think of something that would dissuade the Serran's to have me as their new daughter-in-law. I got off the bed and tried looking for clothes that weren't too fancy or to slobbish to where at the dinner. I hoped that there was going to be food there that I actually liked because I was a picky eater.
I finally settled with normal caprices and a black v-neck t-shirt with a white tank top underneath. I was brushing my hair because it was messed up from lying on my bed when there was a knock at my door. I turned around yelling, "Come in" while trying to find some hair ties on my dresser which was extremely messy.
Netha barged through the door wearing a similar outfit as me except her top was green. "Are you ready for this?" she asked walking across the floor and sat on my bed. I looked at her and sighed.
"As ready as I am ever going to be," I replied making my way towards my door to head downstairs.
"Just remember I am going to be there with you for moral support," she said following me downstairs to meet my parents in the family room.
Before we went in, I turned around giving Netha a one armed hug. "Thanks," I said appreciably. We headed inside to find my brother already on the couch watching TV. Netha and I sat down next to Philip not saying anything just watching family feud.
Finally my mom came downstairs with dad following. After we all nodded saying that we were ready we headed out to the car in the garage, parents in the front seat, with us kids in the back, Netha in the middle. Dad pulled out and no one really talked just watched as houses went by.
After awhile I asked, "Do we really know where there house is? I mean is it even in our city?" I directed this questioned to mom because she would know the answer.
"Yes, it's in the city and the way we are headed it seems to be a rich part of town," answered my mom, who was looking at the street signs we were passing, making sure we wouldn't get lost. We probably are going to anyways because we always did.
My mom and dad started going over directions while Netha leaned over whispering, "Hey he's rich to," in which I nudged her to be quiet. Personally I didn't want to marry a rich person, having the stereotype snob person in mind.
We pulled on a street that had huge house. I mean wow; these are the types of house you see on TV with famous people. Netha, Philip and I were staring in awe at the houses before my parents said, "I think this is it."
We all turned to look at the front and I gasped. That house must have been the biggest on the street as well as the whole neighborhood! The outside was a cream color with columns in front of the main door. There were tons of windows and what looked to be the enter way was curved, really there was know way to describe the house. My dad pulled into the drive way next to the house and we all trucked to the front door.
Dad reached out to ring there door bell which I will say was very creeping, like I didn't want to ring this thing at night. Philip, Netha and I were still amazed by size of the house when the door was opened by a maid. We turn to look at her as she bowed.
"The master's are expecting you," she said straightening. "Please follow me," she said politely before turning around walking away. We stepped in to follow her when I stopped. 'This foyer is huge' I thought. 'Who needs this big of a foyer?' There was a huge empty space in the middle and at the far end were three double doors with stairs leading to a double door above the middle door in between the three doors. Netha pushed me again pointing towards the right double door seeing the maid had passed through. We both hurried to catch up.
When we caught I started looking at the painting in the hallway. They were of different things but what caught my attention were the paintings of the different people. They were all so beautiful, like they were actually sculpted. The painter though had captured emotions of the individuals making sure they looked very really looking at you.
Finally we ended up looking like a living room, complete with a fireplace. I wasn't looking to close to the furniture because what caught my eye were the two people sitting on the couch waiting for us. Aloria and Basillio were sitting, looking at us with amused expressions. I guess the awe was still on our faces.
Aloria got up with a smile on her face. "That will be all," she said waving her hand at the maid, who walked out of the room leaving us alone with the two older Serran's. I can only count my blessing because Thane wasn't in the room. For being all 'hot' according to my friends, he still kind of freaked me out.
"So lovely that you all could come," Aloria directed at us. My parents nodded, returning the greeting. "Please sit down," Aloria said sitting down again. "Dinner isn't quite ready yet."
I looked around and noticed a love seat towards the side of the room. I made a beeline toward it dragging Netha with me. My parents sat on another couch with my brother. The couches were unbelievable soft, as I sunk right into them. I could have stayed there forever. Otherwise the room was elegant, everything looked expensive. The walls were a very pale blue, setting off the dark blue carpet, and the white furniture. There was even a grand piano in the corner of the room as well as a sitting window. You know those windows that have a cushioned seal where people can sit on.
I turned my head towards Aloria as she started to speak. "Sorry, Thane isn't here at the moment. He is still upstairs getting ready for this evening."
"What are we going to have to eat," I asked. I hoped it was something good or I will be starving by the time I got home.
Basillio straighten up answering me. "We are having stake and chicken as well as many salads to choice from." I nodded at this, while inside I was jumping for joy. I loved chicken!
"So do we wait for discussing Stella's future with us or do we go into it right now?" asked Aloria looking at my parents then at me.
"I don't care," I said. Really at that moment I was looking forward to food since I didn't have any lunch.
"Now is fine," answered my mom, nodding at the Serran's. "We already made it clear that we want our daughter to finish high school. Also she can see us anytime she wants," continued my mom.
"Yes we did agree to that," answered Aloria. She leaned back into the couch crossing her legs. "So where is she going to live?" asked Aloria. She was about to go on when someone interrupted.
"Won't she be living with us?" All of us looked towards the door. Thane was leaning against the doorway with a smug smile on his face. His hair had the good messy look, and his eyes were bright. He had black slakes on with a black long dress shirt. He sauntered into the room looking around till his gaze got to me. I gulped and I swore the whole room heard me. At least Thane must have for he smiled wider showing a hint of fang. A hint of Fang!! He walked towards the couch Netha and I were sitting on and squished in next to me. Me, freaking out, scooted closer to Netha to get as far away from him as possible. He in turn just smiled and put is arm behind me, and scooted closer to me.
Aloria smiling at my display answered him. "That was what I was thinking."
"Why would she live with you?" questioned my mom defensively. "She can stay with us until they get married." I silently agreed with her.
"But we need to get to know each other first," objected Thane moving his arm closer to me. I, on the other hand, tried to get as small as possible so he wouldn't touch me. "I think living in the same house will fix that for us and make us more acquainted," finished Thane finally landing his arm around my shoulder. I tried to look at Netha for some support. She got the message scooting closer to me. I was starting to get squished from both sides.
My parents looked a little unsure as to what to say to that since it was true; we needed to get to know each other. Aloria looked around the whole room nodding. "Alright so she will be staying with us until they get married," she said with finality. I was starting to feel dread. This was not looking good. "She may go over to your house if she wants but sleeps here," Aloria clarified more. My parents looked relieved at that.
The door on the right from the door we can in opened and another maid popped her head in. "Dinner is being served," she said and left. The older Serran's stood as well as my parents. Thane stood up offering me a hand. Netha stood up the same time offering her hand as well. They both stared at each other in challenge when I took Netha's hand. Thane for a moment, I swear, looked frustrated but it could have been my imagination. You know how those things go.
Before the Aloria and Basillio made their way out of the room I asked them where the bathroom was, for when you got to go, you got to go.
Aloria pointed through the door I originally came through. "Go through that door and it is the third door on the left," she said. A smile then lit her face. "Thane can show you if you want?"
"No," I said quickly as Thane started to move my way. "I'm sure I can find it myself," I said making a dash towards the door. Finally out in the hallway, I counted the doors on the left coming to the third one as instructed. Opening the door I let myself in to what I say is the biggest bathroom I had ever seen. I mean it didn't even have a tub but it was still huge. All of the counters, toilet and shower were made of what looked to be silver. I wasn't sure though.
After using the restroom I was shutting the door when I felt someone coming up behind me. When a hand touched my shoulder I jumped swing my arm around high, hitting someone in the face.
"OWWW!" I turned around and to my surprise was Dar holding his nose.
"What the heck are you doing here Dar?!" I questioned shock at seeing him. His hair was messed up like he ran here and was wearing faded jeans with a band t-shirt on, looking way out of place with the surroundings.
"I'm here to offer moral support before you bashed me in the nose," replied Dar, taking his hand away showing his red nose.
"Well," I said smiling. "At least your nose isn't bleeding." He just gave me a look. "What's with you and Netha with the 'moral support' thing," I questioned. I mean did they think there was something wrong with my morals?
"I just wanted to be here for you like a good friend," answered Dar innocently. I just shook my head motioning him to follow me. I mean as long as he was here then he should eat right?
He caught up looping his arm with mine. "Dude do you know how big this house is?" He questioned looking at me with excitement. "They have two freakin' ball rooms! Two not one! You could throw an awesome party in this house," he commented.
I stopped looking back at him. "How do you know there are two ballrooms?" I questioned suspiciously. He looked down blushing.
"Ummm," he said shaking his head. "I kind of got…lost when I came in. I didn't know which door you guys had gone through."
We started walking again as he answered, "I would have probably spent the night here."
Shaking my head again I was about to open the door to the living room (wait how the door close?) when it opened for me. Thane was standing there with all his glory looking at us.
"Who are you," both Thane and Dar asked at once. Thane grabbed my arm, trying to pull me away from Dar but Dar didn't let go.
"This is my house," Thane answered Dar glaring at him. "I ask the questions."
"Well I am Dar, Stella's best friend," answered Dar glaring back. "So who are you?" Dar started pulling on my arm again.
"I," stressed Thane, "am her fiancé." Thane started pulling on my arm more. My arms were starting to hurt. "What are you doing in my house?"
While Dar was giving his answer I looked at the two of them. Both had black hair but Thane had hints of blue running through and while Dar had bright blue eyes, Thane had more dark clear blue eyes. Thane was paler in comparison but sorry to say had a better built then Dar did. What they did have in common was height. They were the same size and that just made me feel even shorter.
"You need to get out of my house," continued Thane after Dar finished his explanation.
"What if I don't want to," challenged Dar, stepping closer to Thane.
Thane took the challenge. "Then I will make you," growled Thane grabbing Dar's shirt pushing him away from me.
"Wait!" I yelled grabbing on to Thane. Still holding Dar he looked at me. It was then I noticed he had a reddish tint in his eyes. I let go slowly saying, "Can he stay for dinner please. He really is my friend and was just looking out for me."
Thane looked at me a little longer before nodding. He let Dar go, grabbing my hand in the process. He kissed the back of it, making me blush. Never looking away from me, which was a little unnerving he said, "Follow me." He put my hand on his arm and led us to what was the dinning room.
Everyone was seated but wasn't eating. They looked up when we walked into the room. Everyone looked surprised to see Dar there. Netha though started giggling.
"We have an extra guest," he said leading me to two empty chairs on his mother's right. A maid walked in then bringing rolls, mummm my favorite, when Thane asked for another chair to be set. The maid nodded leaving the rolls and got another chair. "This is Dar a friend of Stella's," he said to his parents who were regarding Dar with blank faces. Dar stood nervously until the maid set the chair next to Netha. Thane pulled out my chair bowing to me. I blushed and said a quiet thank you as he took his chair, flashing a smile at me.
"Nice to meet you Dar," said Basillio. "I am lord of this house, Basillio Serran, and this is my lovely wife Aloria Serran. I see you have met my son Thane."
"Nice to meet you too," said Dar confidently. Dar never freaked out with new people for too long like I did. I envied him for that.
"Let us begin eating shall we?" asked Aloria. We all started digging in to the food. My parents were talking to Thane's parents while Philip was asking Netha how college was going. Since I wasn't sitting next to Dar I couldn't talk to him, which only left one other person….
"So what school do you go to?" questioned Thane as he before he took a bite of his stake.
I stared at my food as I answered, too afraid to look at him. "Oh just the local high school." He started to ask me other questions about my life such as friends, birthday, and favorites. I answered all of these shortly and awkwardly. I again was too afraid to ask my own questions. Soon dinner was over which I was glad. I was ready to get out of there half hour ago.
We were all getting up, my parents saying we needed to go. "Oh well," said Aloria leading all of us to the foyer again. "Stella can come over tomorrow to have a tour of the house as well as showing you your new room," she said to me smiling. I really didn't like her smile. It reminded me of an evil step mother. Or evil step mother-in-law, which she kind of was.
We started out the door when Thane grabbed my arm pulling me back. He brought me into a hug, kissing my cheek before saying, "See you tomorrow." I blushed and said a quick goodbye before bolting out the door following my family. As I reached the door I heard him laugh at my embarrassment.
Dar went to his own car which was a couple houses down. He waved goodbye saying the same as Thane as I waved back. We all jumped into our cars and on the road home I thought, 'I still have one week of finals.' I sighed. This is going to bad week I have a feeling.
AN: So how did you like that chapter. Gives you a preview of the house as well as some Thane time. Can you believe Dar went and did that? Please if you have any comments on the story that are good or can help me improve I would love to hear them so please R&R!
P.S. I just want to say that I will never put up a review limit to keep posting chapters. Personally I think these things are not helpful because what if the reviewer really doesn't have a say but 'good job update soon'. Usually I comment on things that I really like about the chapter or things that need fixing. I just wanted to say that so you guys won't feel pressured to do that. (This is my belief. I you don't think the same way I am not critizing you just putting what I believe.)