Chapter 5: Surprises!
An announcement was made the next morning that James' friends were flying in. They were going to be talking with all of us individually to see if we were compatible with James. His three friends were to arrive around noon. They would pick three people to go on a one-on-one date with him.
Every single girl was running around frantically trying to look their very best and make a good first impression. My nerves started to get the best of me. I hoped that his friends would like me. My mood lightened when Jocelyn and I danced about the room with some rock music.
Around 11:45, Chris arrived at the house. He ushered us all into the living room. Then he introduced us to the people as they walked into the room.
"First is James' sister, Julie," announced Chris. Julie turned the corner. She was a petite woman. Her hair was light red, but had James' unmistakable hazel eyes. She looked sweet yet serious.
Then Chris announced, "And James' best lady friend, Katy Lowe."
Katy was average height and had beach blonde hair. She looked like a slut/model crossover. Maybe she wasn't all that bad.
"And last, but not least, his best friend Sirius Black," said Chris. Sirius came around the corner and instantly caught my eye. He winked at me and I looked at him with a confused look. How come I hadn't known this James before? He was best friends with Sirius, and Sirius is apparently going out with Ari. So I see him all the time. I'm really confused.
"I'm having the three of the sit out back and you will be called out randomly," explained Chris.
After awhile many girls had already been out to talk to them. My name was called and I nervously made my way back to the pool yard.
I sat down hesitantly.
Sirius spoke first. "I feel like I'm on that American Idol show, or whatever it is called. We sit here and talk to boring amounts of people. At least they don't sing to us."
Now if I didn't know Sirius, I would probably feel offended. But this was just regular Sirius humor. I snorted, that was such a Sirius comment.
"Yeah and I dub you Simon," said Katy sarcastically, "you don't agree on one thing!"
"Your Paula cause you disagree with everything I say," retorted Sirius. I smiled in amusement and I met Julie's eyes. She looked sorrowful for having to deal with them.
"Will you two can it!" exclaimed Julie. "Now, Lily is it? Why do you think you should be the one to be with James at the end? What do you have that no other girls have?"
"I don't find myself all that special," I started off, "but James is everything I have been looking for over the course of three years. He's nice, sweet, and funny. We have the same interests, or we somewhat do. I can relate to him because I used to live in London and I've been thinking of moving back there someday."
"Interesting," muttered Katy, "do you want to have kids?"
"Yes, I do. I want to have a lot of kids. I grew up with a sister that hated me. I would love to have kids and have all of them be able to respect one another."
"Oh I'm sorry bout your sister," said Julie sympathetically. "How are your mum and dad?"
"They are fantastic!" I breathed. "They've always supported me in everything I do."
"Excellent," said Sirius. "Tell us about yourself."
"Okay," I said trying to think of the right words to say. "When I was eleven I went to this boarding school. For seven years, I made friends and was student body president. When I turned eighteen I moved to the States to begin my singing career. I move around constantly with my record deal. After this, I will go from how I end up on here."
Katy seemed to have cooled down a little bit. "Thank you Lily. You may go back now."
I stood up and said my good-byes. Sirius gave me another wink which I smiled back at.
I walked back into the house where the girls were having a karaoke bar. Sasha was currently singing "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls. She looked hilarious. I joined them in singing and dancing.
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Sirius, Katy, & Julie
"Well now we have to make a decision," sighed Julie.
"Uh-huh," said Sirius playing with a blade of grass.
Katy rolled her eyes. "Personally, I liked Gabby, Molly, and Sasha the best."
"I think that Lily, Jocelyn, and Sasha are most compatible for him," said Julie.
"It's up to you lover-boy," said Katy twirling her pencil around.
Sirius looked thoughtful, "Jocelyn, Fawn, and Lily."
"Okay that sounds good," said Julie.
"Of course throw down all my ideas!" exclaimed Katy.
"Whatever, let's go tell Chris," said Julie.
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Chatsworth White House
The first date box arrived at 1:30 the next day. It was addressed to Jocelyn. When Jocelyn came back from her date she was all giddy and happy. She told Emily and me all the details. I was happy for her, but I felt somewhat jealous.
The next day Fawn went on the one-on-one date with James. I was beginning to loose all hope at a one-on-one with him.
While Fawn was gone the last date box arrived. Emily took the liberty in receiving the box. Once she opened the lid she smiled.
"Lily."
My eyes opened widely. They had chosen me compatible for James! I listened to Emily describe my date.
Emily read the letter. "Dear Lily, We have found you compatible with James. Warm up your voice. You will be singing and dancing the night away. See you later."
Emily handed me the letter while I looked through the box. There was a microphone, a red boa, and some music sheets. I looked curiously at the contents. My mind was racing, singing in front of him. Usually I never became this nervous before a performance. I am a singer for Merlin's sake! The envelope said that James was going to pick me up at 7:00 tomorrow night. I was already beginning to get butterflies in my stomach.
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I flopped down onto my bed once I got home from my date with Fawn. It was a pretty good date. We went to a little Chinese restaurant. The night before, I went out with Jocelyn. We had an amazing time. My friends did a great job picking out who was compatible with me. I wondered who I would be taking out tomorrow night. I was really nervous for some reason. Sirius told me that I would love their last pick.
My TV was playing some boring, sappy, romance story. I decided to take a shower and get ready for tomorrow. I turned on the faucet, letting the water run through my fingers to make sure the water was warm. The pleasantly warm water drizzled over my tired body. My shampoo smelled of apple. I lathered it into my hair. I relaxed once I was out of the shower.
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The next day
The next day I woke up refreshed. Around one I went out into the pool and did many laps around the sides. By 5:30, I began to get nervous about my date. Usually I wasn't one to get nervous about something like this. We were going to go to an Italian restaurant. There was also going to be a little karaoke from her since I was a horrible singer.
Nearing seven I dressed in khaki pants and a green button down shirt. The restaurant was a casual place, so we didn't need to get all fancied up. The limo arrived at 7:10 and drove me to the Chatsworth White House.
I knocked on the door and was greeted with two emerald orbs. Lily. I smiled.
"Well don't you look gorgeous tonight," I said.
Lily was dressed in a ruffled black skirt and an emerald blouse.
"Are you my date tonight?" I asked hoping that the answer would be a yes.
She grinned. "Indeed I am. You're stuck with me."
I smiled and held out my hand. There was that familiar shock once our hands connected. I didn't bother with it and led her to the limo. Our conversation to the restaurant was light and flirty.
Once we were there we made our way to the table right in front of the stage. I wrapped my arm around her waist and helped her sit down in the chair.
"So James, what are we going to do tonight?" she asked tugging on my arm like a four year-old.
I chuckled. "You'll see."
A small orchestra appeared on the stage and they began to play a number of songs. We ate out dinner while enjoying the nice classical and jazz tunes. Once they stopped for a break. We talked for along time.
Then I asked, "Could you sing something for me?"
She looked baffled.
"You want me to sing?" she snorted.
"Aren't you a singer?" I teased.
"Well yes," said Lily, "oh, fine."
She walked up onto the stage and sat on the stool excitedly. One of the orchestra members handed her a guitar. Lily strummed her hand over the strings emitting a soft chord. I couldn't tell what kind of chord since I'm musically challenged.
Lily began to sing softly and it was the sweetest sound I have ever heard. Her voice was amazing. She played the guitar along while she sang a slow love ballad. Lily sang about three songs then gave the guitar back to the orchestra member. The orchestra immediately began playing again. She walked off the stage with a spring in her step.
I engulfed her in a hug and whispered in her ear, "You are brilliant."
She blushed and mumbled a thank you.
The orchestra began to play a swing song and I twirled Lily around. She laughed as we jived to the music. The song ended and I dipped her. I gave her a chaste kiss on the lips. Her eyes fluttered back open once I pulled her back up. She smiled, and I grabbed her hands and laced them with mine. I pulled her close and began to kiss her again. We felt something the first time we kissed. It was a feeling I have never felt before.
We didn't notice, but the orchestra began to play again. A water droplet landed on my cheek. I broke away and glanced up. Water began pouring down by the gallons. But we still stayed there. I looked at Lily and cupped her face in my hands. We smiled at each other and found that we were kissing once again. There was something about kissing Lily that made me never want to stop.
Yeah! I finally finished this Chappy! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in like forever! I've been so busy. I'm planning my trip to Arizona as we speak and I'm so excited! I'll try to update sooner next time! I'm almost done writing the next chap. And also thanx for all my wonderful reviewers! I hope you liked this chapter!
Luv you all and please review!