#Chapter 21: Problem & Date
Narrator's POV
Night had already done sweeping the blues from the sky as Beth was still occupied in her desk, preparing for an exam the next day. She had already memorized every page of her books, but Beth was an overachiever and now currently searching for questions she could answer on the internet
Then again, if it weren't for what happened earlier, she would've done other things by now. Jack's words kept playing in her head over and over like a radio. Beth thought it would go away if she just study it out. She was wrong. She removed her hands from her desk and slumped in her seat. "This won't do. I have to talk to someone."
Sighing, she took her phone and scrolled down her contacts, finding Rapunzel's name. Her thumb about to press down and call the blonde, but stopped.
'If I call her, she's going to be reminded of that date thing and hate me again.'
She dropped her phone onto her pile of books and massaged her temples. A ping sound was heard from it, meaning a message came. Beth grabbed her device again to read it.
From: Jack
Sup Beth! How u doin? Remember our date 2day? Get fixed up girl. Gonna pick u up in 1 hr
Beth groaned as she threw her head back against her chair.
'I can't do this. I gotta study for the exams.'
'Yeah, and the more stressed you'll be, the more tough it'll be for you to study,' her mind argued.
Beth finally decided, 'I guess it wouldn't hurt then. It could help me loosen up and finally end my relationship with him. Better yet, he'll choose Rapunzel instead of me.'
A sting felt at the edge of her heart, but it was nothing she could do about. She closed her book, and walked to her closer to choose an outfit
"Maybe..a dress? Jeans? Shorts? Nonono, I need to look nice and relaxed." She pulled out a shirt the color of a soft white, and denim pants. After she managed it out, a white box was dunked to her head
"Ouch." Rubbing her head, she slowly picked up the bod. Curious, she opened it and her eyes met a pile of light brown color. She picked it up by the edges to let the rest of it hang down, revealing a cream-colored, V-neck sweater. Soft at the touch, and felt like heaven against her fingers
It was gorgeous
It was the gift her father gave her on her sixteenth birthday. That time, it was two sizes too big for her so she saved it for a couple more years to wear. Beth glanced at the clock. There was still forty five minutes left. She took a shower and changed into her arranged outfit. The sweater fitted nicely
She fished out a small black bag within her closet and sat on her bed.
'Well, it wouldn't hurt to wear a bit of makeup, right?' she thought to herself, thinly patting down a two way cake powder, then drew her eyes with an eyeliner. A swipe of lip balm, and lastly her black rimmed glasses. Putting her things away, Beth picked up a comb and began combing her hair into a single, loose braid. She added a brown fedora hat as a final touch
She's ready now.
Getting her dark brown vans and small bag, she headed downstairs and waited in the guest room, having a solid thirty minutes left
The rest of her family were out grocery shopping so that saved her from a ton of teasing for being so dressed
Same timeline, different place
"What are you two doing?"
Jack was just rubbing a towel against his wet hair in his black T-shirt and grey sweatpants, when he found his sisters poking around in his cabinets (they respectfully didn't touch the underwear section). Pants sprawled over the floors like a variety of crooked peace signs. Jackets hung from their wrists. Shirts unskillfully hiding beneath the gap under the wardrobe.
"Oh, come on~ No need to act dumb bro! We all know about your date with Beth today. So as your sisters it's our duty to make sure you look flawless!" Anna chirped as she grabbed a jacket, then threw it when she was unhappy with it.
Jack mentally slapped his forehead.
'Where did she know that?!'
"Oh, don't think about too much. C'mon, I think these pair of jeans will look great!"
Jack stepped from the door frame. "You girls really don't need to do this. I already picked out an outfit!" Anna froze, then slowly rose with a blank face. "Show us."
"Promise that you'll clean up this mess?"
"Yeah yeah yeah sure, just show us what you're gonna wear!" Anna kept pushing him in front of his dresser before going outside pulling Emma along, then closed the door. Jack could only chuckle as he locked the entrance. He then opened the bottom section of his cabinet to reveal his arranged clothing. It consisted of a blue mist shirt that went with a dusty brown sweater, denim jeans, and a pair of red converse. He unfolded his glasses and wore them as one would a headband around his unruly silver hair
Now, he's ready.
Taking his car keys and wallet, he ran downstairs to his sisters.
"You look amazing!" Anna cheered. Emma elbowed her gently. "So much for mix and matching sis."
"Alright girls, it's time for me to go! And Anna don't forget your promise," Jack said, giving her the 'I'll watch you' sign.
Anna rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah I will. Now shoo! And when you go back we want to know every little detail." The door was closed behind him. Jack started up his blue car and drove away
...
After the long ride through the small distance between his and Beth's house, he reached his destination and pulled over. Going out of his car, Jack's legs followed the light that was Beth's porch. The ceiling lights highlighted a dark figure, then the shadows cleared as he got closer. It was the blonde girl herself, dressed differently than how she was, and very pretty. She was dressed in a light brown sweater than flattered her hair color, denim jeans, and a fedora hat.
"Evenin' Beth! Can't believe that our outfits almost match." At his statement, Beth widened her eyes and scanned down his clothes before hers
She curved a smile. "Uhh, didn't see that coming."
"Now, shall we?" he said, offering a hand.
Beth let her hand be enveloped by the silver-haired male's palm. "Let's get this over with." They silently went in the car, and more quietness followed.
Beth decided to break the ice. "Can I know where we are going?"
Jack grinned. "Let me ask ya something. Ever been to a place full of colors?"
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Just answer mine first."
The girl thought for a moment. She looked out the window and studied the passing trees, thinking of any nearby location that could fit Jack's description. "There are tons of colorful places I know. Which one are you talking about?"
"I'll give you some hints. Loud noises. Lots of fun."
They passed the park, gallery, local flower garden, and Beth gave up. "Oh, come on! Just tell me already!"
"No~pe. It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you."
"Fine, do what you want. I'm gonna find out sooner or later anyways." After half an hour, Beth awoke from a small nap to the car slowing to a stop. She looked out the car, and she went breathless.
A galore of colors
People from all walks of life coming together
Music that bursting into her ears...
She read the entry sign when they passed by
WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL AND CARNIVAL
"This festival is celebrated by people all around the world. And luckily, they decide to hold it here this time. I thought you might like things like these," he said in a casual manner.
"Back in Japan, I used to hang out with my friends to all sorts of season festivals, but I never went to a music festival before," Beth commented, eyes wide in awe even as she went out of the car.
The two walked side by side. Although they were on a date, no one could tell that since the two wouldn't dare hold hands. Jack's fingers itched and pained at that thought. He wanted to do it so bad, but he didn't want to scare her and have her avoid him for the rest of the night. Or the worst case scenario, a heart attack. More booths approached and passed, and the male got more anxious, yet sweetly excited at the thought of spending his time with the blonde beside him.
After finding a good booth for them to check out, Jack turned to pat a hand on the girl's shoulder. But all he touched was air. He panicked
She's gone.
Jack's POV
"Where is she?"
My veins rushed so quick, my lungs couldn't keep up with the adrenaline. I was at a loss at how to find her in this 3.6x5.4 kilometers of ground full of people. There was a crowd of various sizes, heights that reached from your knees to over your head, clothes of all styles. How was I supposed to spot her in this crowd?
I frantically dialed her phone, and was a little more relieved to see her answer.
"Jack?"
"Beth! Oh my God, where are you?!"
"I-I don't know. There are so many people here, I can't tell where I am. Oh! I am near this ferris wheel though. If you can, could you-" The phone suddenly hung up. I raised a brow before attempting to call her again, but I was out of credit. My last hope now was to go to the said ferris wheel, and that's what I did
Squeezing my shoulder through the swarm, tripping over an old woman's cane, collapsed to my butt after being pushed back by running munchkins, in five minutes I arrived to the ferris wheel. And Beth was still nowhere to be seen.
I ran my fingers through my hair, as if that might comb out the wildly spiraling thoughts underneath.
Cursing, I looked around, and found a small line of shops close by. Counting my luck, I decided to see if she was there. Taking my first step, someone else crashed into my side and fell onto their knees.
The brown fedora that fell from the blond's head sent me a wave of relief. It's Beth!
"Oh God, Beth! Sorry there!"
I stretched out a hand, which she shyly took. I got her up her feet, and before I could think twice of what I was about to do, I swiftly pulled her towards me. Her soft body hit me hard into my chest, but I didn't care. I had her in my arms. She's not gone. Overjoyed, I hugged her figure and rested my chin on her shoulder. I drew circles on her back when I felt her body slightly tense
I released my grip and held her shoulders. "Girl, where have you been?!"
"I'm sorry. Got swept up by the crowd, and before I knew it, I lost you. Sorry to make you worry. I ran out of battery too so I couldn't call you," she said
I sighed. "At this rate, I got no way of contacting you if you disappear again. This time, we're holding hands. None of us are gonna get lost that way." Hastily, I entangled my fingers within hers and started walking. I could feel Beth trying to wriggle out her hand, but I tightened my hold. Seeing that it was no use, she rolled her eyes and closed her loose fingers
And it was that moment, that I realized that I got what I wanted. My stomach felt like it was swirling. A smile shaped my lips no matter how hard I try to suppress it
There was an instrumental booth where you have to guess the musician based on the classical music you hear, and I am amazed to see that Beth guessed everything right. Then there was a booth where you must do a cover dance to a random song. We took a break by sharing corn dogs and soda.
Beth had coca cola come out of her nostrils as she laughed when I redid a frivolous move back in the cover dance booth. We both guffawed when I gave her a tissue to clean it off. I was glad that she was enjoying herself. At first, she only gave a smile each time I got clumsy or went silly. But after every joke, her smiles turned to giggles to full out laughs. She was enjoying every bit of her time. It was good that she wasn't thinking about work and just let herself indulge in the good side of life
Right then, I just wanted a way to make the moment last forever.
I watched as Beth happily looked for more stands to try out, then an idea came to me.I pulled out my phone out of my jeans' pocket, opened the camera and set it to selfie mode.
Stepping to her, I looped an arm to the girl's right shoulder before she could register it. Stretching my left arm as far as I could to get a good angle of the camera, I held Beth's small chin with my right positioning it to show a smooth flat of skin on her cheek. I then pressed my lips to her cheek, kissing it slowly as I successfully took three snapshots before acting like nothing happened.
Beth could only stand silent as her cheek reddened like an apple
Cute ^^
"What was that?" she asked, slightly touching her cheek.
"Can't I get our picture together?"
"All you need to do is ask." she said nonchalantly
"By the way, since you took the pictures, can you send them to me?" she asked, her cheeks still a soft pink
"Sure. Later okay?"
Third person's POV
The two headed to a stage area. Lights spun and showered. People were dancing to an old song called 'Dancing Queen' by Abba.
"Hey Jack." The silver-haired lecturer felt Beth tugging his sleeve. "Can you dance?"
The said male chuckled. "Didn't you see me back in the dance cover booth? No way jose."
She slowly nodded. "Then, if you don't mind, I want to dance there. Or do you want me to teach you how so we can dance together?" The girl pointed to the crowd, huddled together yet able to bust moves that demanded a little more space. Jack wouldn't fit in without tripping others and himself altogether.
"Nah. I'd rather stay here. You go ahead," he said. Beth smiled, before asking him to hold her bag for a moment as she blended into the crowd
(LOL I love old retro songs XD don't blame me It like give me some nostalgic moment every time I listened)
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen
Beth danced in absolute sync and accuracy, but when there came a seductive sway of the leg or twirl of the hip, she skipped them and translated the choreo to less racy moves. Sexy and provocative wasn't her style and Jack didn't like that either
Friday night and the lights are low
Looking out for the place to go
Where they play the right music, getting in the swing
You come in to look for a king
Suddenly, behind her an old man seemingly in his fourties appeared. His leery smile had his jaw hung, drool threatened to drip down his chin. Jack's instincts got triggered. A burning feel sickened him, and he did his best to hold back from pouncing at the man.
After three minutes passed...
'Alright, that's enough.'
Quickly, Jack grabbed Beth's arm, making her face plant to his chest, right before the old man could get a hold of her butt
"Huh? What's wrong?" she asked, caught off guard of his sudden action. Jack returned her bag, and gave her a grave look.
"Teach me how to dance. Please." The blond smiled in fond exasperation. "Okay. Follow my lead."
She placed a hand on his shoulder and moved his left hand to her waist. Then, she held his free hand, and they began the dance, following the quick rhythm
And when you get the chance...
You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing Queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen
At first, Jack had a difficult time as to not let his feet step on Beth's toes. But as the song went, his mistakes shortened to none. He even managed to spin Beth around a couple of times
You're a teaser, you turn 'em on
Leave them burning and then you're gone
Looking out for another, anyone will do
You're in the mood for a dance
And when you get the chance...
The two enjoyed their time greatly. Seeing the two smiling and looking at each other as though there was no one else in the world, the sketchy man crossed his brows and walked away, bitterly accepting that he lost his chance to get a lady
You are the Dancing Queen, young and sweet, only seventeen
Dancing Queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the Dancing Queen
The dance keep going, and they both seems enjoying a lot
Kai's POV
Gerda and I arrived home to see only two people on our doorstep instead of three. When I asked, Tadashi told me that Beth was hanging out a friend. That was good, because things would have turned ugly if she was dating a boy instead.
Going straight to the study, I locked the room and pulled out a brown box from a rack before placing it down my desk. It's been days since I wanted to start my search, but that had always been delayed due to work
Inside were stacks of papers, biographies, samples from the police department, DNA's, and photos. I whisked my eyes through everything. Paper by paper, page by page, until one got my attention. A short identity of a girl
According to the description, she had light strawberry blond hair, fair skin, turquoise eyes, and a freckled face. Last time she was seen, she wore a one set, pink pajamas with little teddy bear prints around it. What truly caught my interest is the older girl
Her hair was a pale blond and her skin was pale. Sky blue colored her eyes and her lips were rosy
Could it be?
That Beth is the actual daughter?
Psh, what nonsense. But to be sure, I reexamined all the photos, and checked back to hers.
She still looked exactly like her.
I tip-toed my way to Beth's room. Silently, I took a hairbrush and pulled a thread of hair. Taking it, I went back to the study to pick up a sample of the Arendelle couple, slipped on a jacket, and got my car keys.
I drove out to a good friend of mine now currently occupating in a hospital. Dr. Abigail Callaghan
After a few knocks on her doorstep, she opened her door. "My, Mr. Winters! Goodness, you should have told me you were coming! Come right in!"
"Sorry Abigail, but I'm here for business and I need a hand."
"Oh? Sure. What do you need?"
I handed her the samples. "I want you to identify these samples. Figure out whether these samples match or mix. It's to figure out whether these parents and the child are actually related. Can you do that?"
"Consider it done!"
"And don't tell anyone about this."
Her eyes that glowed with cheer dimmed for a serious gaze. "You have my word, Mr. Winters."
We bid our byes and I hurrily went back home before my wife could realize I wasn't at home.
'My thoughts must be wrong...hopefully.'
 Third person's POV
The song ended with everyone throwing their hands up in cheer. A person suddenly stood on the stage and tested the mic
"Good evening dudes and dudettes! It's time for a slow dance~ Wooh! Go on ahead and grab a partner y'all! Ya guys are gonna dance to 'I Swear' by All4One! Have fun!"
"Hey Jack, wanna try this one out? I can teach you some more," Beth offered.
Jack smiled. "My pleasure."
"Not tired?" Beth used a worried tone as she asked
She heard a chuckle. "Nah, don't mind me. I am tired, but your smile is literally my source of energy." He knew it's sounded cheesy, but it was true, it was a fact.
The blond went soundless, unsure how to respond. "Well, um, uh…o..kay. C'mon then. I'll show you."
('I swear' is actually made by all4one, old song XD)
I see the questions in your eyes
I know what's weighing on your mind
You can be sure I know my part
"In this dance, you gotta be more, um, touchy-feely. You gotta be more closer like this."
Jack held his breath when she took a step forward, closing the space between them.
'cause I stand beside you through the years
You'll only cry those happy tears
And though I make mistakes
I'll never break your heart
She placed both of his hands on her hips before wrapping her arms around his neck. The two shyly danced to the melody
And I swear
by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there
I swear
like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there
For better or worse
till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear?
The blue-eyed male had his eyes trained on her head, since her eyes were trained onto his feet, making sure they were moving at the correct directions. "Sorry that this is so awkward, but slow dances are pretty much like this."
Beth was looking at everywhere except Jack's face, not daring even a glance at him.
I'll give you every thing I can
I'll build your dreams with these two hands
We'll hang some memories on the walls
Beth nearly flinched when a set of fingers were at her chin, turning it so she was facing the silver-haired young man
"Keep your eyes on me, why don't you?" He said in soft serious tone.
And when (and when) just the two of us are there
You won't have to ask if I still care
'cause as the time turns the page
My love won't age at all?
Beth had her lips part, not making a word, before finally saying.
"Alright then. I'll do what you want."
And I swear (I swear)
by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there (I'll be there)
I swear (and I swear)
like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there (I'll be there)
For better or worse
till death do us part
I'll love you with every beat of my heart
And I swear?
The two danced according to song, letting the notes take them wherever it went. Slowly, the two met foreheads as thr instrumentals went even more lovely.
And I swear (I swear)
by the moon and the stars in the sky
I'll be there (I'll be there)
I swear (and I swear)
like the shadow that's by your side
I'll be there (I'll be there)
For better or worse (better or worse)
till death do us part
I'll love you with every single beat of my heart
I swear
I swear
I swear
The song reached it's end and the crowd clapped. Jack and Beth had already left the crowd hand in hand when the next song played.
Now they were in his car, windows wide and doors opened. The two were just enjoying the view of the festival that glowed like a diamond.
"Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"Thank you..for bringing me here."
He smiled
"Back at ya Beth. 'Cause of you, I can dance now."
The girl playfully punched his shoulder. "No big deal. We should have dance practices again sometime."
Jack rubbed his shoulder. "Ouch. You pack a punch gurl."
"What can I say? I learned martial arts since I was ten."
He gulped. "Since ten?"
"Yup"
"Gee, remind me to never get on your bad side. Oh! I almost forgot one thing." Jack began searching in his pocket, and pulled something out. "Here ya go!" Beth looked from his beamy smile, before going down to his hand which showed a silver chain bracelet with a purple butterfly gem over a baby blue snowflake gem. The piece of jewelry glowed from the moonlight, and could become one with the festival lights.
"We got the same set. Look."
Jack rolled up his sleeve, unveiling a seemingly similar bracelet, except it came with an emerald green leaf and dark blue snowflake gems
For some reason, that made Beth all the more happy to wear her accessory. "Thanks Jack."
"No prob. Now, it's time to head back home, don't you think?"
"Yeah," she replied, still happily admiring her bracelet.
The two drove from the festival, and Beth was dropped off in front of her home. When Jack opened his doors, he was greeted with two desperate girls with a thirst for news.
"Sorry girls, I'm beat. Gonna get some rest. I'll tell the story tomorrow," he said, yawning before entering his room
"You better be!" Pippa yelled. Jack chuckled and began changing his clothes. He was confident that he was going to have a very good dream that night.
Beth laid on her bed, her braid a distressed mess as she watched the ceiling with blank eyes. But what she was feeling inside was anything but blank. Beth felt happy, hurt, angry, sad, and confused. She slowly raised her hand up, then let it drop to her chest hard. Tears then formed a pond over her eye sockets
'Please, get out of my heart! Before you'll get hurt...'
But then, she stopped hitting herself when a certain glow blinded her when she lifted her hand again. Beth saw that it was her bracelet. Her lips quivered, before letting out a sob which she muffled with a pillow, cradling her bejewelled wrist