~∞ ROSES ∞~
Chapter Seventeen: More Roses
From: Fang
Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?
Max stared at her phone, wondering what she should answer. It seemed like everyone was asking people out today; Sydney asked Iggy, Iggy asked Lupo, and Fang asked her. But what should I respond? Max asked herself.
Nudge walked over to her, taking the phone from Max's fingers, and reading the messages the two had been consistently sending each other. "What should I say?" Max asked when Nudge finally put the phone down.
Staring at Max incredously, Nudge replied gaping, "Are you kidding me? This is the perfect opportunity to secure Plan W.T.F.B.I.T.C.H.E.R. in place! It's like, the first time Fang's ever taken one of his girlfriend's - if thats what you can even call them - on one! It's a first! And it's going to be you!" Her arms waved around wildly as she yelled this.
"But -" Max began. Nudge broke in, grabbing the phone up again.
"No 'but's', Max. You're going on this date with Fang Walker, whether you like it or not," she said sternly, her thumbs busy texting a reply to Fang. But what if I fall for him, rather than the other way around? she thought miserably.
To: Fang
I'd like that.
There was an immediate reply from Fang, and Max was quick to snatch it out of Nudge's mocha hand and manicured finger-nails.
From: Fang
Okay then. Honestly, I was worried for a second.
To: Fang
That I'd be the first to turn you down?
From: Fang
No, that you don't like me enough to say yes. I have to go; I'll pick you up at eight.
Max's heart leaped in her chest, and she ignored it, smiling and typing in an okay. Nudge peered over her shoulder, chewing her nails in excitement. Seconds later, it dinged again, and Nudge whipped it away from Max again, reading it out loud. '"Okay, Maxie Dear, see you then'," she squealed, and then added, like a little kid, "Winky face."
Rolling her eyes, Max took her phone back, biting her lip to conceal her smile and act nonchalant.
...
Fang smiled at his phone, putting it on his bedside table, and lying back on his pillow. Max agreed to go out with me. Then, suddenly, the door of the room in the dorm swung open, and in stepped the one and only Iggy. The pyro looked around, excited, before pouncing on Fang, making him wince.
"FANGLES," he yelled, jumping on the bed. "People were saying that you're going on a date with Maxie! And I'm like, 'What? No way! He's mah bro-man, he would tell me.' And then Sam, who told me, got Lissa to come over, and she said, that Marla said, that Gucci said, that Lucy said, that Carson sai,d that Josh said, that Tess said, that J.J. said, that Maddie said, that Nudge texted he,r that Max and you just texted each other the arrangement! And so, in conclusion; WTF, bro?" He sighed exasperatedly. "Do you know how long it took me to memorize all those names?"
Fang shoved Iggy onto the floor, rolling his eyes. "My thoughts exactly," he replied coolly, and his strawberry blonde roommate huffed, pushing himself up to a sitting position with his forearms. "How did word get around so fast, anyway?"
Iggy looked at him accusingly. "Aha! So it's true!" he replied, and Fang rolled his eyes, sitting up. Then, the pyro rolled his eyes in response to his friend's question. "Dude, it's Nudge, the gossip queen. Any word can be spread in a second thanks to her."
Fang thought this over for a moment before shrugging and slumping against the wall. "Anyways, speaking of dates," he started, glancing at his friend and smirking. "When's that date with Lupo Greyback?"
He shrugged, but there was a hint of a smile on his face at the mention of his newest love interest. "Soon," he replied, and Fang raised an eyebrow at him. The blonde stuck his tongue out back. "I heard from Sam, of all people. I deserve to give you a little mystery." Fang rolled his eyes and shook his head at his insane friend.
"Why do I hang out with you, again?" he asked, sighing, and Iggy grinned at him, winking and standing up.
Jumping on Fang once again, he yelled, "Because I am awesome!"
...
Max stepped backwards, cursing inwardly as her back pressed against the wall. "Nudge," she said calmly. "Fang asked out a girl in jeans and a t-shirt. Why would he go out with a girl wearing," she glanced disgustedly at the clothes in her friend's hand, "that? I don't even care much for clothes, and I'm thinking this!"
Nudge sighed and shook her head at Max. "Max, Max, Max, you want this to work, don't you?" she asked. "This plan is super important for Fang's ego size! He needs to be knocked down a peg!" Max shook her head. Nudge laughed. "Oh, Maxie," she drawled. "You think you have a choice, how cute!"
She shrugged, her smooth, tan face indifferent. That's the reason. Right, Max told herself. "Can you do anything to this?" she asked, gesturing to the pile of clothes.
The mocha skinned girl smiled wickedly. "I thought you'd never ask."
Gulping subconsciously, Max stepped back, before sighing. "Fine."
Three hours later-
Max stared at herself in the full body-length mirror. Is that really me? she asked herself. No, it can't be... She looks too... Gorgeous. Raising a hand up, Max saw the girl in the mirror do the same, to her amazement and surprise. She turned to Nudge. "Thank you," Max said sincerely.
Grinning, Nudge replied, "Oh, it wasn't much. I just curled your hair and then waterfall braided it. I put only a teensy bit of eyeliner on, to make those big eyes of yours pop, and then picked out a smile outfit. Technically, it's a shirt and jeans, but it's a tank-top and skinny jeans, so it's much more stylish, but to your liking, of course. Since the top of your shirt is decorated with dark feather patterns, in contrast to the rest of the white shirt, I got your black converse. Then, to top it all off, the owl charm necklace!" she finished.
She blinked, shaking her head. "Wha?"
Nudge opened her mouth to talk, but there was a knock on the door of their dorm. Her mouth closed and then opened again with a smile. "Fang's here." She opened the door to reveal a casually dressed Fang. "And he's got a rose!"