Another chapter here! After a very hard week of works and other things at uni, finally I can post it. Hope you like it!
'A little more... just a little more...' - I muttered as I threw carefully some salt to the tomato sauce I was cooking. When I decided enough it was enough, I removed the sauce and tried it. After tasting it for a few seconds, smiled and I finally could focus on the rest of the food.
Although the week wasn't over, Marc was going to have some free days for festivities and I decided to surprise him by preparing a good meal. Since I didn't have much experience cooking and there wasn't too many things to choose in the kitchen, I decided to make a salad and spaghetti. Maybe it was simple, I was decided to prepare the best he had tasted in his life. Or at least one...
I checked my watch and saw that Marc's last class was going to finish. After removing the spaghetti and finished the salad, I started to get ready the table. Maybe it wouldn't fit for a romantic and fancy date, but it was nice. After preparing everything, I finished preparing food, put it on the table and... done. Now I just have to wait until Marc comes and... Suddenly I heard as the door opened.
'I'm here.' – called Marc as he entered and I looked at him surprised.
'How did you come so early?' - I asked as he left his backpack in a corner and gave me a peak.
'We finished a little earlier. By the way, where it comes that smell? It's really good.' - then he looked surprised at the table that was ready with the food. - 'Wow. I didn't expect this.'
'Since you were going to take some time off, I decided to celebrate with a good meal.' - Thank god I prepared everything a little early… He approached to the table and smiled still being surprised.
'Everything looks great. It looks so great it's even making me hungrier.'
'Then what are you waiting to sit?' - He hastened to do it and I chuckled as I sat in front him. While we filled our plates, I saw his excited look and couldn't help laughing. He must be really angry to look like that. Then he went for a bite of spaghetti and I stopped what I was doing just to watch his reaction. I watched nervously as he savored the bite and he moaned.
'This is great!' - He finally said and sighed with relief. Point for me. Well done Elizabeth.
'I'm glad you like it.' - said proudly and then I started eating. Then I discovered the sauce that I prepared specially tasted great. Another point for me.
'Have you cooked before? I mean, you've done very well.'
'The truth is... no. I've done all this with what I have and the cooking books I read..
'Never cooked in your tower?'
No. Songbird always gave me food and when I was in other worlds, I always went to bars and restaurants.'
'Well, that's really surprising. Because you did great.' - said with a smile and I couldn't help blushing. As we ate, he told me about how went at uni and how his friends were a little annoying. Apparently they kept insisting that they wanted to know me but due to studies, Marc didn't found the right time to… well, to officially introduce me.
'Well, you can take advantage of some of these free days.' - I suggested then.
'What?'
'You know, to introduce me. We have more time.'
'Oh well, about that...' - suddenly Marc's phone rang, - 'Be right back.'
Marc went to get it and moved away to talk. From what I understand, it was his friend David and... I think he has invited him to come to something like a party. Marc at first was a bit iffy but after hearing something, he started to ask several questions and noticed his curiosity but apparently he got no response. After saying goodbye to his friend, he left his phone and returned to the table.
'Is everything all right?' - I asked him whoa a little thoughtfully.
'Yup. Hey, you feel like going to a party?'
'What do you mean?'
'David is co-owner of a bar and have organized a small party. He has said there would be a surprise, especially for me but of course didn't tell what it was. He also said that you're invited and you can take the chance to meet new people.'
'Oh, I'd love it.' - said smiling but then I thought about something. - 'But... let's see... about clothes...'
'Oh, don't worry. Don't need to put something too fancy. Something nice for a night it's enough.'
'I know but when I went shopping made was not to buy an evening gown.' - said raising an eyebrow. Marc sighed and then looked like he had an idea.
'My mother told me that Juliet was staying with my grandparents and she will go shopping this evening. You can go with her, stay at my parent's house and get ready there. I'll pick you up when it's time.'
'Okay... okay, I can do it.' - said focused after assimilating the plan.
'Elizabeth, you just have to find a dress. Nothing serious.' – said Marc chuckling.
'In case you haven't noticed I have to find something nice for TONIGHT. What I'll do if I find nothing?'- I said frowning.
'You're taking that like if you were to make the biggest challenge of your life.'
'Marc, shut up.' – said simply and he laughed.
'Okay, okay. I'll obey you and return to eat these delicious spaghetti with this delicious salad.'
'Good boy.' - I said smiling and went back to eating.
'Do you really think it's okay?' - I asked very nervous for the fifth time as I looked at myself in the mirror.
'Elizabeth, don't need to worry. You're beautiful in that dress.' - said Mary in a calm voice.
'But... I don't know...'
'Every dress you've tried looked great on you and this one was the best of them.' - she said with a smile.
I sighed and looked in the wardrobe mirror. The dress was dark blue and fit my body. It covered my shoulders but had no sleeves and covered before my knees. In the waist it had something like a very thin black belt that marked my form. To complete everything, I wore heels with the same color as the dress but looked it weren't too high. I had to admit I looked better than I thought but now I wasn't sure of anything. Will Marc like how I look? I really hoped he liked because if he doesn't…
As I finished getting ready, I heard the sound of the doorbell and Mary hurried to go there.
'Must be Maurice.' – she noticed my nervousness and smiled. - 'Don't worry. Come when you feel ready.'
'Okay...' - responded nervously as I returned to focus on fixing my hair. As I finished, still remembered the dresses I had seen in the shops. Especially I remembered some that I didn't understand how a woman could wear that because they were so short that they could be used perfectly as shirts. Even this dress seemed a little short for what I was used to wear, but I liked it.
I took one last look at my appearance and sighed. Okay, let's do it. I took a small handbag and after seeing that I had everything I needed, left the room and I heard Marc and Mary talking down. Slowly I went downstairs and I became more nervous on each step. When I came down, I looked for Marc and saw him with his mother in the living room. Mary noticed me and looked at me with a smile.
'Look who's here.' - Then Marc looked at me and his eyes widened. He looked me up and down and he went to say something but no words came out. A minute passed in which he kept looking at me and I got more nervous. He didn't like... damn it...
'Aren't you going to say anything?' – asked Mary to her son when she noticed his silence.
'Huh... well... you...' – try to say still not finding the words.
'Don't... like it?' - Was all I could say. Mary was going to say something but Marc did first.
'Of course I like! I mean... you're... you look beautiful. It's just... I didn't expect you'd look so... well.' - said in awe. I blushed and relief invaded me. Mary couldn't stop smiling as she looked at each other.
'Well, well... I think it's time for you two to go to that party. Shelter yourself well, it's pretty cold tonight.'
After taking my coat and seeing we were ready, we went out. It was cold but fortunately it wasn't as intense as usual and my coat kept me warm. Both got into Marc's car and rubbed my hands.
'Where is the bar?'
'It's near the apartment. We'll leave the car there and we'll walk to the place.' – said as he was driving.
As he said, after we were close the apartment, he parked the car near and turned it off. Then looked at me and smiled.
'Have I sais you look beautiful?' – said with sweet voice and I felt my cheeks burning.
'This is the second time I think.' – said chuckling but looked down. He always win me when he does that. And he does that like always. He chuckled and kissed me.
'The bar is really close from here. Maybe everything will be a little new to you but enjoy and be yourself.' – said with a smile.
'I'll do.' – said also smiling. We left the car and then went to the bar. Despite the cold, it was noticeable that there will be festivities as there was people in the streets.
'I hope you like your friends.'
'Someone must be a really bad person to not like you.'
'What do you mean?'
'Maybe you haven't noticed… how I'll explain this…' – stopped walking to think and looked at think curious. – 'For example, when I meet you for first time and still didn't know you at all, I thought you were really adorable and cute.'
'Oh, thank you.' – said blushing again. Seriously, this man…
We moved again and after several minutes, we reached the bar. From the large windows you could see the great atmosphere that was inside and from outside I could hear the music and people. After the guard recognized Marc, he let us in and after getting inside, the first thing I noticed was the loud noise. The second thing was the large amount of people that was there. Although I had been to several famous bars or parties Rapture, this was a little different. The site was well lit and was large but with the people, it was difficult to move. All them were well dressed and some danced while others chatted while drinking.
Marc was holding my hand and slowly led me through the bar while we avoided people. I couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed because I wasn't used to this kind of atmosphere. As we moved, I heard as someone called Marc.
'Hey Marc! Over here!'- I saw as a guy near the bar waving at us near and both went to him.
'I hope we aren't late.' – said Marc shaking hands with him and then looked at me. Put a hand behind my waist and lead me next to him. - 'David, this is-'
'Elizabeth! Finally I know you!' - suddenly said him with a big smile and approached to me while Marc looked at him with a frown. - 'You can't imagine how glad I am to meet you.'
'I could say the same.' - said shaking hands smiling.
'By the way, since we're here, you'll tell me about that surprise you talked so much?'
'Easy. You will know... Now.' -. Said with a mysterious smile.
'What...'
'MAAAAAAAAAAAARC!' – both turned and suddenly I saw a girl at us. When she was close, she rushed over to hug Marc and almost threw him to the ground.
'What the...!' - After regaining his balance, Marc was finally able to see who it was and his eyes widened. -'Eve!?'
'I missed you so much!' - said with a big smile and saw Marc was smiling the same way.
'Oh my god! You're really here!'- said hugging her, almost lifting her off the ground. I watched them silently and felt confused as I didn't understand what was happening. That girl… she isn't her ex, right? Marc then set her on the floor and looked at her still smiling. - 'When you came back?'
'Yesterday in the evening. There were some problems but the trip went well.'
'But I don't understand... no one has told me anything.' – said a little angry.
'I wanted to keep it as a secret to surprise you and almost had to bribe everyone to not say anything.' - said laughing. As they talked, I noticed the appearance of the girl. She was a little shorter than me and thin but had a good physique. Had very short hair with platinum blonde color that contrasted with her black eyebrows. She had hazel eyes and had a pircing near her lower lip. For the moment, she had decided to wear a tight short black dress that covered above her knees and showed her shoulders. It was quite provocative though she seemed like she didn't care.
'Three years and have grown again. Damn it, if you keep like this, I'll have to use a ladder to hug you.' - she joked giving her a gentle punch on Marc's shoulder.
'If you run like you did, it's more than enough to hug me.' - He said while laughing. Then Eve noticed me and looked at me curious.
'And you are...' - she muttered as she was trying to find out who I was but clearly she didn't know me. Marc quickly went to me and gave me a gentle push.
'This is Elizabeth. She's my girlfriend.'
'Oh! Really!?'- she said surprised and then offered me his hand with a smile. - 'I'm Eve. God, you can't imagine how happy I am to meet you.'
'Same to me.' - said shyly though I couldn't help but smile. Okay, she wasn't his ex. And the mood of this girl was contagious.
'Why don't go to a table? I think you have many things to talk about.' - said David with a smile.
'Of course. Come with me.' - said as she pointed us to follow her and in the way Marc greeted the rest of his friends plus he introduced me to them. When we arrived at an empty table, we sat next to Eve.
'Finally some peace.' - she said with a sigh. - 'Well, who begins?'
'You first. Haven't heard about you from a long time.'- said Marc reproachfully.
'I know, I know... you're right. Now, how I should start...'
For several minutes she told us about her experiences and found that three years ago she went to France to study art. She also found work there in an important company and did quite well. After that, she talked about several things that I didn't understand at all but I'll admit I was really interested listening her about France. After that, Eve insisted on knowing how Marc did during all this time and he told him several things, of course forgetting the part about Columbia and Rapture...
'I see that fortunately everything went well after... that.' - said with a slight tone of sadness and I knew she meant Ethan.
'I know. I can say I'm really fortunate after the great things that happened to me.' – said smiling. Then looked at me for a second and I blushed.
'Well, I have more great news for you.' - said her really anxious. - 'After several days of meetings and paperwork, I'm staying in Montreal!'
'Really!? That's great!'- but then he frowned. - 'But you're not because you've been rejected in France, right?'
'Oh, no. Nothing like that. The company where I'm working are also placed here and offered me the chance to work here. And you know how much I like being at home.' - said with great smile.
'Okay. We must celebrate this.' – said Marc as he got up but Eve stopped him.
'Would do me a great favor also getting something to eat? Please?'- said with puppy eyes.
'Anything for you. The same as always?'- she nodded profusely and Marc left us alone. After seeing he was far from us, Eve moved closer to me.
'Well, well... Now I can talk with you.' - said anxiously as she approached to me.
'Oh, really?' - said with a smile but couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
'Yes but don't worry. I'm just curious about a few things. Like how you met.'
'Oh... huh... well... It's a long story.' – that's what I feared. Marc and I had talked a lot of times about this and both thought a good story. Still it was a very difficult topic to talk.
'I know this is a little... personal? Well, I know Marc since childhood and he's like a brother to me. And that's why I want to know more about the girl who has won his heart.' - said with a smile but in her eyes I saw that she was evaluating me. Well, this has become somewhat uncomfortable.
'Well, where should I start...' - I muttered thoughtfully.
'No need to tell me every detail.' - Okay, I can do it. After thinking for a few seconds, final I had an idea about what I should say.
'Trying to make it shorter, I came to Montreal for a few personal issues and I met Marc in a library.'
'Really? A very interesting place to meet your soulmate.' - If you knew the truth...
'Well, I saw that he was looking for a book and helped him to find it. After that we were talking and ... well, we ended like this.' - I said with a nervous laugh. That story isn't even closer to the truth.
'Curious. Although I feel that more things happened, right?
'Well, casually we meet in different places but always knew that Marc was looking for me.' - I lied with an amused smile. That part was an idea from Marc in honor to his mission in Columbia.
'Wow, so the big man tried anything to meet his girl...' – said chuckling and couldn't help but blush. Then she looked into my eyes. - 'Tell me, what you think about him?'
'What?'
'You know, your honest opinion about him.' - that question was quite personal. My honest opinion on Marc... there are so many things to say about him.
'If there's something that always got me is that Marc has always smiled and became stronger when he received the hardest blows. Despite the problems, he always stayed next me even if it meant a high risk…'
'What do you mean by "high risk"?' - asked Eve with a frown and then I realized.
'Oh, nothing. I mean... well... he helped me a lot when I was alone and... huh... he's the sweetest and most gentle man I ever met in my life.' - I said with a nervous laugh. I have to think about what I'm going to say before talking.
'I know. Sometimes he can intimidate because of his size but he has a very big heart. Sometimes too much.' - said with a sweet smile. - 'And how much time do you know each other?'
'Well...' - I went to answer and then I realized something. Our relationship was as if we knew each other since always and mathematically, ignoring the time we spent together after our adventures, we know only for a few days. That's... wow.
'Elizabeth?' - Blinked several times and saw Eve looking at me expectantly.
'Huh... we've known since... 1 month ago. Yes, I think that's more or less.' - I said a little nervous as I touched my pinky. I was still shocked to have assimilated the truth.
'Interesting... For sure I missed tons of things in these three years.' - said with a sigh and looked at me curiously. - 'By the way, I couldn't help noticing...'
'Oh...' - I said, realizing as she pointed my hand and I knew she meant my pinky. Well, here comes another little lie. - 'Well, I always had my pinky like this. I mean... what happened to it could have happened when I was a baby or maybe I was born with my finger like that. Then I decided to wear a thimble to hide it.'
'I never heard something like that. I think the idea of using a thimble is quite original.'
'Thank you.' - said with a smile. I'm starting to like this girl a lot. She went to say something but then Marc appeared and saw David.
'I'm here. "- Marc said leaving drinks and behind him I saw David. He sat next to me and Eve looked at him.
'What about food?' - she asked with a warning look.
'It's coming.' – responded David that had a tray and left it on the small table. - 'And I invite you for this.'
'Well, II like this. Next I invite you.' – said Eve with a big smile as she took one of the appetizers that looked like mini hot dogs and cesar salad portions placed in cocktail glasses. I took one of the hot dogs and looked it curiously.
'Have never seen a small hot dog?' - asked Marc funnily.
'Nop. It's... weird.'
'Don't worry, it isn't poisoned.'
'I know.'
'Well, if you don't eat it now, I will.' - said with an amused smile and after hearing that, I gave a bite as I looked at him. By the way, this tastes great. He chuckled and took one of the drinks to give it to me.
'I asked something soft for you. Have some alcohol but not too much.'
'Your efforts of trying to save me from my first hangover are very adorable.' - said with a smile.
'I try the best I can.' - said laughing. While we were joking, I noticed Eve looking at us as she smiled.
(Marc POV – after some time)
Elizabeth laughed as Eve was telling one of her many anecdotes from France and couldn't help but smile. Seeing her so happy and cheerful while knowing new people is what I wanted after bringing her here. I guess I can call the "Mission accomplished!". I took another sip of my cola. After my second drink, I decided that I had to stop with alcohol and went to drink something "light". About Elizabeth, I managed she did the same as me so she wouldn't get drunk so early. But about Eve... I can't say the same. She drunk a little too much.
'Eve, that's the last drink.'- I warned her with a smile.
'I know, I know. But let me finish it.' - said pouting and I laughed. When she was drunk, she was really funny but I couldn't help control her for a little. Then she put an arm around Elizabeth neck and looked me while grinning. - 'So Marki, this lovely girl told me that you were looking after her so you two could meet "casually".
'…What?'- I said confused and looked at Elizabeth. Her eyes told me to follow her but I wasn't sure what was happening.
'Don't deny it, Marc. That meeting in the library marked you. You wanted to meet her so badly.' - Insisted her but I still didn't understand what was happening. Then Elizabeth spoke.
'You know, when I helped you to find the book...' – from her look, I knew she was trying to give me clues. Meeting in the library, book, casual meetings...
'Oh! That... '- finally I realized that Elizabeth meant our "story" about how we met and I smiled. - 'Well, you know that fate always want to play with us. It could be easily casual.'
'Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say.' – laughed Eve. - 'You didn't want to miss the chance. Admit it.'
'I'll only admit I couldn't forget certain lovely and beautiful girl, and actually couldn't let her go.'- I said looking at Elizabeth and she smiled as she looked down blushing.
'Well, that's what I call a nice compliment.' – said Eve really impressed.
'You even have given me an idea for what to say in my next date.' - added David and couldn't help laughing.
'But I still insist that fate sometimes can be like game. Anything is possible.' - They laughed and then I looked at my watch. I my eyes widened to see it was the 2 am. And we were here since 11 pm. - 'Wow, time has passed really fast.'
'What time is it?' – asked Elizabeth as she approached to me to look at my watch and also her eyes widened. - 'Oops...'
'That's what happens when you spend a great time with friends.'- said Eve raising her drink and we smiled. Then I looked at Elizabeth and her eyes looked a little sleepy.
'Are you okay?' - I whispered so only her could hear me.
'Yes. Just a little tired.'
'We can leave if you want.' - said putting an arm around her waist. She nodded and I stood up. - 'We're leaving.'
'So soon?' - said Eve pouting.
'It's 1 am and this morning I had to get up early.' - said raising an eyebrow. Eve pouted again but her good humor returned quickly.
'Anyway we'll see soon again. I promised your mother I would make a visit.'
'Come anytime. By the way, you have someone to walk you at home?'
'Me. I promised to accompany her to home as she left.'
'Good.' - I got up and so did Eve to hug me. - 'Be careful until you get at home, okay?'
'You know I'll do.' - She said with a smile and a little flushed because of the alcohol. Then she went to Elizabeth and gave her a warm hug. - 'As for you, you and I are going to spend much time together. I know it.'
'I love that idea.' - She said laughing. Well, Elizabeth has won another great friend. After saying goodbye to David and take our coats, we headed to the entrance. As we went outside, I gave a sigh as I felt the cool night and the calm.
'What a big change.' - said Elizabeth as we walked and took my arm. Then she smiled. - ¡Eve is really nice.'
'She's always like that. Rarely is sad and if she sees someone bad, she does her best to change its mood.'
'That says a lot about her. By the way, she told me you were like a brother for her. Did something happen between you two?'
'Yeah, long time ago when we were kids. But she can explain better that story. And for sure soon you will meet again.' - I said with a smile. - 'And now that we are alone, can you tell me about what happened before?'
'She have been making questions about how we met. Of course I have told her about the story we planned together. Then she- AH!'- Elizabeth suddenly stumbled but didn't fall thanks that I catch her.
'Are you okay?'
'Yes, I've only stumb-OW!' - Then she complained and saw she was limping from her right leg.
'Well, this is ironic. When we were in danger, you've never been injured and now you're hurt after leaving a party.'
'I hate this.' - said grimacing.
'Now you understand how I felt. "- I said laughing. Karma can be a really bad bitch. Then took her in bridal style and she looked at me surprised.
'What are you doing?'
'You're foot is injured, there isn't people around and, admit it, you like being like this.'
'Arrogant…' – muttered her and I chuckled as I walked.
'Say whatever you want. You still love it.'
After this chapter, I want to say this fiction won't follow a storyline as the others did. With this I want to say that if you want me to write a chapter about (for example) Elizabeth getting really drunk or anything especial, just tell me. Share your thoughts and please post reviews!
PS: if you're interested I started a new story about the new Tomb Raider. You can go to my profile and you'll see it there.
