Teenage Dream

by Lucy Samb

You/ Darren Criss fanfic. The story is about your life with Darren in high school, college and professional life among friendship,love,fights,comings and goings and how you both go through serious stuff such as bullying,suicide,discrimination and life itself. It starts when you meet Darren, a guy of your school in St. Ignatius College Preparatory who never noticed you, a loser.

25. Love in the time of cholera

A/N: Hello guys! How are you all doing? I'm pretty well and excited and you know why? Because I recently found out that Joey Richter is gonna be on Glee! That's pretty exciting and I hope it's not just a false rumor. Sorry, needed to say it because I literally squealed when I read that! Now back to this story... I do not want to spoil you so many things; but what I can say is that soon, very soon, you'll finally find out who W is! It's really enjoyable to read of whom you suspect and what you think about W. Action will be still on this chapter! I'm glad you enjoyed reading a little more action, because I always wanted to write something like that, and I finally did! Maybe not in the best way because this is the first time I do it, but it is a start! First of all I want to thank y'all for all the reviews! And now, I'll start answering you!

alicegursk: 'Holy guacamole' that was the best expression ever! Loved it! Sorry, I didn't really realized that the last chapter could contain so many things that could make you feel so many things! It's like somehow I'm playing with your feelings; oh gosh, that sounds terrible as if I were a terrible, terrible person! Bad Lucy! I have a doubt... Who is Vic? I'll use my magic devilish powers and I'll make you feel less strained with this chapter! Maybe... well, maybe I'll hurt your feelings again, but it'll get better eventually! About the doll, ha! I was really cruel, I admit it! But well, I'm cruel and can't help it; and more when I wrote that thing of Darren being drugged. About Brian... Poor Brian! haha; well, maybe you're right if you don't still believe him, or maybe not! Soon you will find out, I promise! And god! haha I just loved when you wrote a part of my favorite song of Darren which is, obviously, Not Alone. And you're right, I love you because you're crazy! Being normal is s boring, so that's not cool, that's not what I'm waiting from a wife! Haha

Monique: I knew it! Ha! You don't have to thank me for the follow, I'm very glad that I did it, it's always nice to follow you; so then maybe, when I start using Twitter more as before, we'll be able to talk more! :) Are you also reading my other stories? Aww, thank you! And do you really think this one is the best? Because it's hard to believe, I always thought I could never write a story like Chain Letters, because after that story I felt as if I had no more ideas to keep writing! But well, this idea of writing about the young Darren came into my mind and it's cool to write about it! And Darren's quote! hahaha, oh my god, I'm so glad you liked it, because I also laughed when I wrote it! I remember myself thinking: 'Oh geez, this so silly and so stupid; it's amazing!' And like that I started laughing like an idiot of something I wrote, but the point is that I imagined Darren saying that with a silly face and well, it was funny to imagine! I love that, I love that you loved it and I love the fact you're a weirdo because so am I!

Kaylacriss332: The end of that chapter? Oh well, I thought it wasn't so bad, there have been worst endings! I think! The good thing is that this chapter ends in a different way, so I hope it can still be cool! And what about now? Are you also excited that this updated? I hope so, even though I haven't updated it earlier than normal.

MeMi83: You're welcome and you have to get used at it, because I like to answering my reviews! :) I'm glad you liked the last chapter and well, I like to write new things about each character and let you know more about them little by little; like discovering how someone is, not all of a sudden but gradually, as it happens also in real life! And thank you a lot for your nice words! I guess I can feel better now that I know you can't become bored of this story, I'll try to not let you down!

Vicky: First of all, thank you! I'm glad you liked the chapter and I'm glad you enjoyed that Darren and Freckles are together again! Those two, with their comings and goings, are so crazy! haha. Oh well, will W hurt Chuck? You'll have to find it out and if it scared you... Wait to read this new chapter! Am I cruel?

Guest: Another cliffhanger! And in this new chapter you're also gonna get another cliffhanger, but not as bad as the last one! Maybe you're gonna like it! And finally here it is! The chapter 25! Are you ready to know what's going to happen now? Be ready, because things are gonna happen!

Madison: Well hello! I think you're a new reader, so welcome! :) I'm not sure if you're gonna read this now, because as I can see, the review that I got from you is from chapter 3! I don't know if you already read the other chapters, but I hope so! Anyway, you'll read this eventually, I guess! I know, I tend to write very sad things, in a very dramatic way; I guess I'm a sort of drama queen and I can't help it. I don't know why I have this way to write, I guess I'm very emotional and I like to express feelings! And thank you very much! I'm glad you like this silly story!

caarolineboeira1: Hi! How are you? First of all, I'm very glad that you RTed one of my tweets the other day, because I haven't realized you were following me and I felt kind of a bitch when I noticed it and I noticed that I wasn't following back! So there you have my apologize! As you can see, I can't be on Twitter so often; and sometimes, when I have the time, I tweet as a madwoman! Maybe you'll end up unfollowing me because I can be really annoying and chatty! haha Have you really thought about architecture? haha I love the comparison you did, recalling a StarKid quote! I'll tell you a secret... I was a bit good when it was about drawing when I started studying this that was like 5 years ago. Now I'm exactly like Hermione! I can't draw! Bless the computer and digital programs to design! Back to the story, yeah! How could I kill that puppy called Darren? No way, I'd never forgive myself for that! Hey, it's kind of amazing that you thought exactly the same that the character said! Maybe you're Freckles indeed! What if? I needed to write flirting things there, and it was time for Freckles to flirt a little! hahaha you made me laugh with that you wrote about the plan! Yes, finally they have a plan! Finally, man! It was time! Now we have to wait to see if their plan it's gonna work or not! And well, about the questions you have... In this chapter you'll find all the answers!

SkittlesPanda: Hello new reader! I welcome you and I thank you for reading this story! I'm so very glad that you're doing it! I don't know if you're gonna read this now, because your review was from chapter 10, but I hope you kept reading my story and I hope you can read my answer! I'm sorry for making you cry! I won't say that it wasn't my intention, because I know I write things in a very dramatic way and sometimes is so sad that even I, the one who writes it, feel my heart broken and an anguish on my heart while writing sad stuff. But I like it at the same time, it's kind of ironic and all the things I do or say doesn't have sense, but well! It is your obsession a good thing or not? Well, you were deliberating if you should keep reading or stop reading this story; I hope you chose the first option! I promise, not everything is so sad and terrible; there are also cute and lovely things! I'm not so cruel and hideous, or yes?

Ginny Zoey: Yay! I love that you like this action! I always wanted to make of the return of W an intense thing! And what better than adding a little action to get it? I know, it was kind of terrible writing about Darren being drugged, I even hated W for doing that and you might be thinking that I'm crazy because I had the option to not write about it, but geez, I'm crazy and I wanted to write about something really serious. Yes, okay, I'm insane and my words almost don't have sense. And you're right! W identity will be out soon, really soon! I'm excited for that, I really want you to read that chapter and get to know what you think! For now, I won't spoil anything! And you... You are very perceptive and observant! I like that! Freckles won't stop researching about Karen's friend, it's just that so many things are happening now, and she needs to be cautious about everything; but eventually something weird is gonna happen... And I love what you realized when you read the chapter for second time; as I said, you're very observant! 'Somehow I think being W is even more tiring than being Freckles' Well, well, well! You're right about it, you're not crazy; you're just very perceptive! And I do agree, W must hate Freckles so much! It was so great to read your review!

Okay, that's all guys! I'll let you read this chapter and I really hope you can like it! Good and bad things are gonna happen! But I kinda like the way this chapter ends, you'll see! By the way... For all those that wonder how Jen looks like... Well, I'll tell you something: Jen Nedeau is real! Yes, and she was for real one of Darren's friends in St. Ignatius College Preparatory; but of course the Jen of this story is completely fictional. So, if you want to know how Jen looks like in real life, you can see it in my Tumblr (if the link doesn't work, go to my profile and search for my Tumblr): post/40318105718/darren-criss-and-jen-nedeau-a-darrens-friend

If you want to keep imagining her the way you've imagined her on your minds, that's okay too! Now, everything already said. Until next Saturday, guys! Have an amazing week!

---

Teenage Dream – Part 25 – Love in the Time of Cholera.

---

You ran fast because you really needed to go away. That was W, you were sure and W was going to hurt you now that nobody was there. You were very frightened. You ran, but you stumbled in the way. You heard how the steps came closer and you cornered against the lockers. W was now in front of you, you knew it. You looked up to see the face, you were scared but you needed to know who W was. This person was wearing a mask and a costume. You couldn't tell if it was a boy or a girl.

"See? I'm not a coward. You finally are meeting me, fat ass." W laughed evilly.

"You still are a fucking coward. Look at you, wearing a mask and a costume. How pathetic." You said harshly even though inside you were freaking out.

That was when W crouched in front of you and you tried to remain firm. W grabbed your cheek harshly with one hand and with the other one, W searched for something in the pocket. You were fixedly looking at the mask, trying to find some clue; but there was nothing. The only you could notice it was that the hands seemed to be a woman's hand. You attempted quickly to take off the mask, but W pulled out what was searching. A knife; a knife that placed on your neck. Now you were really scared.

"Oh no, no, no. It's not a good idea to try to uncover me, bitch." W said nastily, rubbing the knife on your neck. It was a real knife. "You know pimple face? I never thought you could go so far. I'm impressed of you. You're turning into me, answering in a very bad-mannered way, hitting people, hurting people, challenging people, and breaking hearts. You and I aren't so different."

"I'm not like you. You suck." You answered sternly.

"Oh, no, fat ass." W said archly, pressing the knife on your neck. That person was going to cut you that way. "Do not treat me like that. Remember who has the power here."

"You don't have a damn shit. You're only a lonely person for who I feel pity. You only feel powerful because you have a knife now, but the truth is that the knife only makes you a coward. Because you can't deal with words, so you need a weapon to defense yourself. How sad, to be dependent on an object. You have nothing." You said roughly and defiantly. W only pressed strongly the knife on your neck. It hurt.

"Do not mess with me, sucker. Remember that you're nobody; the geek and unnoticed girl, the girl who no one wants around. You're the misery of this school; you shouldn't be here because no one wants your presence." W said very archly, still pressing the knife and rubbing it on your neck.

"I'm not alone. You are alone. Sooner or later, your game is gonna end and when people get to know who you are and what you have done; you're gonna be left aside. And remember, you've done terrible things, crimes; and I have proofs, the justice will take care of you in the jail." You said coldly.

"We'll see who's gonna win the game. You have so little chances, bitch. I can't wait to see you destroyed. But good things take time, so I'm gonna take the time to destroy you in the best way possible. You still have a lot to suffer." W said archly, laughing in a malicious way.

"I'm not afraid of you." You said defiantly even though you were scared the hell out of you inside.

"Good, this only makes things more interesting." W laughed wickedly. "But for now, I'll leave you a mark; so you and your fool friends will remember with who you are messing."

That was the last thing that W said before this person cut you with the knife. It hurt a lot and you felt the blood falling down your neck. You wanted to scream because of the pain, you wanted to cry; but you did nothing, because you were trying to be strong. W laughed archly once more time and then that person ran away; leaving you there alone before you could stand up to try to catch that person and find out who it was. But everything was so dark that you couldn't see which way that person went away. Besides, the pain of your injury was too much to hold. You ripped the sleeve of your shirt and you placed it on the injury, pressing it not to lose more blood. You grabbed your phone and you started walking to the entrance again, you needed to get out of there, you needed to find Darren; you needed to be in his arms to calm down, he was the only one who could do that. You had troubles to walk because you were shaking because of the fear and because you barely could see, because tears wouldn't stop to stream down. But finally you reached the door and you opened it. The sun almost hurt your eyes, but you got out of there; still trembling but not crying anymore. Indeed, the whole school was there and when you got out of there, people stared you suspiciously. But you ignored them, you were in shock and you were still bleeding. You passed by hundreds of people who wouldn't stop looking at you. You crossed beside Brian. He looked at you perplexed, frowning and with eyes wide open; then he looked at Jim in disgust; Jim was grinning archly, he knew about this plan of W. Brian looked at you again, now frightened and afflicted. But you didn't stop, you kept walking in silence and in shock; you needed to find Darren. And there you saw him; he was looking at other side. But then he noticed that everybody was looking right to where you were, so he noticed something odd was happening. When he looked at your direction, his serious and annoyed face turned into a very worried and terrified face. You stood there and he ran to you very fast to hold you in his arms. That was when you felt weak and relieved because now you were safe; you just let your weight fall on his arms. And you cried again; you didn't care that people were looking at you.

"What happened?" He asked with trembling voice, still holding you. Then he looked at you again and he saw your injury. "Let's go, we need to heal that." You only nodded.

But then something stopped you. The same distorted voice started to ring over the loudspeakers. Everybody in school jumped and tried to figure out from where that voice was coming, everybody seemed to be scared and curious. Darren looked at you edgy and you looked down, feeling terrible.

"School has been taken by two people who decided to break all the rules of this school. Fortunately, the perpetrators of this hideous event recently witnessed in school have been discovered. A video will show you who are they, breaking another rule of school. With this video, I want to beg to the principal of this school the safety that all the students deserve. We cannot keep suffering hideous things like this. I demand justice in this school. W talking and out."

Darren looked at you very desperate and you looked at him very distressed. This was going to screw everything. You were going to be expelled from school and that couldn't happen. You weren't guilty, but how would you make the principal think the opposite? The video of you and Darren making out in the hallway of school started playing and everybody looked at your direction. Students, teachers and other employees were looking at you in anger and in disbelief. Jen and your sister were looking at you distressed and worried. You were completely screwed. When the video finished, everybody started to yell at you and Darren, some of them wanted to punch you and Darren protected you in his arms. You couldn't run away, because that way they would think that you were the guilty ones for sure. But you couldn't stay there because they were going to really punch you.

"We're gonna be fine, baby." Darren whispered in your ear with trembling but fondly voice in between all the screams.

"That video is bullshit! It's all a lie!" You sister yelled her lungs out. "Hey you, asshole! Leave them alone!" She yelled angrily to a boy who was about to hit Darren. This was being scandalous and you didn't know how to fix it.

"Shut up, idiot." Jen suddenly yelled at a girl who was cursing at you.

"You two. Come with me. Now." The principal's voice demanded severely in front of you and Darren.

You and him looked at the principal very scared and distressed. You noticed how Darren glanced at you covertly and then he held your hand. The principal looked at you both very irritated and severe, he looked upset at your hands holding, and then he turned around and started walking. Darren squeezed your hand and he led you with him, following the principal while the other people kept yelling at you horrible things. You've never been more humiliated than this time; and this time, you couldn't see anything good coming out of this. You couldn't get into the principal building of school, so you went to the gym.

"Wait here." The principal said and you and Darren nodded.

You sat on the benches in silence. Neither you nor Darren spoke; each one of you were thoughtful, just thinking how you were going to explain everything, how you were going to get out of this. While you were waiting, a nurse healed the injury of your neck in silence; and when she finished it, she looked at you and shook her head in disappointment and then she left. You looked down and a tear let out your eye. Darren noticed it and he finally got closer to you to hold your hand and kiss it. You looked at him and your eyes met. He was also scared, he was also nervous; but he was there with you, trying to reassure you. You rested your head on his shoulder and he wrapped an arm around you. And like that, you stayed in silence, still waiting. The principal was in a kind of separate room, so you couldn't see what he was doing. In the waiting, you saw people coming and leaving that separate room; one of those people was Mr. Rhodes, who looked at you both very upset and disappointed before he left the gym. Other one was Jim. Jim? What the hell was he doing there? When he left the room, he looked at you both with an evil grin on his face. This wasn't good. Brian also was one of them. When he left, he looked only at you with a sad face and when he noticed that Darren was looking at him, he looked away and left without saying anything. Darren glanced at you, but you weren't in mood to explain anything. Jen and your sister also were in the room and before they left, they looked at you distressed but smiling faintly. You still didn't know what was happening in there. After a long time of waiting, the principal finally got out of the room. You were more nervous than ever and so was Darren. He squeezed your hand as if he was telling you that everything was alright.

"I called your parents. They'll be here in a moment." The principal said very serious. "Please, follow me."

He turned around and walked to the separate room; but you couldn't move. If you were scared before, now you were more than scared and you knew that Darren was feeling the same. No, your father couldn't come, not him; not after all that happened between you and him. You looked at the floor feeling very bemused and preoccupied.

"Come on, baby. We only need to explain this and he will believe us." Darren tried to reassure you, but he wasn't sure of what he said.

"He won't." You said very distressed. "And our parents... they... they are gonna..." You babbled with teary voice and Darren hugged you.

"He will believe us because we're gonna tell the truth. And don't worry about our parents, just don't think about it. I won't let your father to treat you in a bad way, okay?" Darren said sweetly looking into your eyes and you only nodded.

You walked in silence and when you arrived to the room, the principal was already waiting for you, sitting on a desk. You and Darren sat on the seats which were in front of his desk. You both looked at him in silence and he also looked at you strictly in silence. This was very uncomfortable; you didn't know if you should start talking or if it was the principal the one who should start talking.

"Could you explain me what happened?" The principal asked and both you and Darren looked down in silence. Neither of you answered. It was hard to answer, he was intimidating. "No? Well then... Do I need to play the video again so you can remember?" Neither of us answered so he grabbed a remote control to play the video on a TV that was there.

"We're sorry, sir." Darren said quickly, before the principal could play the video. The principal only looked at him very serious.

"I have understood that Mr. Rhodes sent both of you to my office this morning because you've disrespected him in his class. But you never arrived because you got distracted in the hallway of the school to do what the entire school has watched recently. Is that right?" The principal asked severely and both Darren and you looked down.

"Yeah, it is." Darren answered honestly but still looking down.

"You're aware that this school prohibits strictly that kind of behavior, aren't you?" The principal asked.

"Yeah, we are, and we're sorry." Darren repeated apologetically. You just couldn't talk.

"You're aware that that kind of behavior implies a suspension from school, aren't you?" He asked.

"Yeah, but... Come on, a lot of guys do it in school and they never got a suspension. We're sorry, we know that we shouldn't have done it; but... It's not fair, this is the first time we've done it and there are a lot of people who do it every single day of school." Darren complained but keeping the calm, looking at the principal. You only bit your lower lip because you knew that he screwed up with it.

"Are you judging the system of this school, Mr. Criss?" The principal asked harshly and Darren huffed, looking down again.

"Am not, sir. I just... This is our first time we are here..." Darren complained again.

"You're wrong, Mr. Criss. The two of you have already been in my office before." He said curtly. He was right.

"Yeah, I know; but it wasn't because of a reason like this one..." Darren started to defend.

"But it was because of bad manners. Besides your bad manners and this outrageous situation of you two in the hallway; I've noticed that both of you have got terrible scores in exams. Teachers, in general, are complaining about you two and your lack of study; they've notified me that your school performance has worsened. Could you explain me why?" The principal asked looking fixedly at the two of you.

"Personal issues." Darren answered quietly.

"Such as?"

"It's private. We're not gonna tell you because school cannot interfere in private matters that take place off campus." Darren answered mannerly but firmly.

"School can when it affects your school performance." The principal said superbly. "But well, if you say it's something off campus; I'm gonna ask it to your parents."

"What? No." Darren said in disbelief. "You really cannot interfere in our private stuff; talking to you with the utmost respect."

"Sorry, Mr. Criss. But I'm the principal here and I'll decide what is best for the students and this school." He said very strictly and Darren just looked down annoyed but also nervous. "So now, we have another problem. You've been rioting in this school and it affected the entire organization and progress of the academic schedule. You've caused panic among students, teachers and other employees. You've caused damages to the building. And you've caused a chaotic atmosphere in today. Only because you wanted to make a joke. This joke has violated twenty five rules of the school rules." The principal said very severely. "We've talked to many students and a lot of them agreed that they've seen the two of you planting the smoke bombs and destroying the electrical installation of the building, among other riots."

"That's ridiculous." Darren exclaimed incredulous and moody.

"Why, Mr. Criss?"

"Because we haven't done it. We never did such a thing; we're not to blame for those riots." Darren answered moody.

"Still, with most of the people I've talked to, have said that they've witnessed it."

"They're lying because they don't like us." Darren answered annoyed.

"Well, if you're not to blame, then who's to blame, Mr. Criss?" The principal asked.

"I don't know." Darren answered looking down and biting his lower lip.

"I see. Then why would I think that you're not to blame?"

"Because we're saying the truth. Yeah, we made a mistake when we were in the hallway; but I'm not gonna allow you to treat us as if we were vandals and destructive people; because we're not." Darren said firmly and respectfully.

"It turns out that I have proof that you've been responsible for this vandalism." The principal said roughly and you and Darren looked at him terrified and stunned. That wasn't possible. "Mr. Criss, this is your backpack, isn't it?" The principal said showing him his backpack.

"Yeah, I lost it for a moment." Darren answered frowning.

"Good. And this is you backpack, isn't it?" The principal asked showing you the backpack that W has took when that person harassed you minutes ago.

"Yes." You answered frowning and kind of scared. "Someone took it from me earlier."

"Yes, I see. Well, I invite you to open your backpacks." The principal said, handing you your backpacks.

And so you did. You opened your backpacks and when you saw what was inside you freaked out and started feeling very edgy and frightened. You and Darren exchanged terrified looks and neither of you knew what to say. Inside your backpacks, there were a lot of smoke bombs, tweezers and scissors and wiring cables.

"This is an ambush." Darren said with trembling voice.

"The proofs are reliable and you've violated twenty five rules as I've said before." The principal said harshly. "You two are expelled from St. Ignatius College Preparatory."

"What?" Darren exclaimed with trembling and terrified voice.

You couldn't believe what you heard; this wasn't happening, this wasn't possible. You just couldn't be expelled because you weren't responsible of all of this. You've always been an outstanding student and Darren has always been an active student as well. That couldn't be happening. Darren, you thought. He was looking for the scholarship for the University of Michigan and now he wouldn't get it. This wasn't fair, this wasn't right. You had only one option that could change absolutely everything. You didn't know if it was for good or for bad; but it was the only option. Darren was going to kill you for this, but it was the best you could do for now.

"You cannot expel us because this all has been an ambush, sir; and I have the proof to prove this." You finally spoke with trembling voice and the principal just looked at you raising an eyebrow. Darren looked at you very confused and frowning. "This has been an ambush because there are people who have been bullying us since the first day of school. They've bullied us in several ways, both physically and emotionally; hence the reason why all of our scores worsened, those are the private reasons that Criss has talked about." You said firmly and Darren looked at you like 'what the hell are you saying'. The principal was now looking at you very intently. "They've bullied us in and off campus, in anonymity. We've been threatened with very serious things via text messages and with notes written in different places. They've been harassing us wherever we were, they've been spying us, and they've been sending us macabre objects. They've committed crimes, real crimes."

"Stop it." Darren interrupted you, looking away.

"Why should she stop, Mr. Criss?" The principal asked curiously.

"Because they've threatened us that if we ever tell this to someone, they were going to hurt us and our loved ones in the most outrageous ways. That's why we never spoke, because we were afraid!" You answered before Darren could; now crying desperately. The principal changed his face and now he seemed kind of worried. "We didn't know what to do! We still don't know what to do to stop with all of this and it's maddening!" You exclaimed exasperated and Darren looked down, biting his lower lip and apparently trying to hold back his tears.

"How would I believe you?" The principal asked and you handed him your phone.

"Take it. There you can read all the threatening and anonymous text messages that they've been sending us." You said and he grabbed it.

There was a long silence when the principal started reading the text messages. In the meantime, Darren glanced at you very serious and distressed. He seemed to be upset; no, he seemed to be worried. You knew that you shouldn't have said it, but it was the only way not to be expelled. You were feeling guilty because of this you've done and said before asking Darren if he agreed; but Darren held your hand and it made you feel a bit better. When the principal finished reading the text messages of your phone and Darren's phone, he seemed to be very puzzled and troubled.

"You should have spoken about this." He said serious, giving back your phones. "This is something very serious and intolerable. We have zero tolerance for bullying. And you're telling me that you don't know who the bully is."

"No, we don't know." You answered looking down.

"I'm gonna take care to find out who the bully is." The principal assured. "But what has this to do with the riots caused today?"

"That we haven't done it. This bully has done it. And... And I have recorded a conversation we had before I could get out from the building after the smoke bombs." You said nervously and Darren looked at you bewildered.

"I don't understand. You say that you don't know who the bully is, but you've talked to that bully." The principal said disconcerted.

"That's right. Today the bully cornered me in the dark and empty hallway. But the bully was wearing a mask and a costume, so I couldn't tell who it was. The same bully is the one who cut my neck with a knife." You answered with teary voice as Darren looked at you even more bewildered. He still didn't know about it.

"Why haven't you told me that?" Darren asked anguished.

"Sorry, I haven't had the chance. You know... we had to come here." You answered looking down and then you looked at the principal. "As I said, I recorded our conversation. It's in my phone."

"Play it." The principal demanded and you nodded.

---

"Please, come in." The principal said.

My dad and mom came into the room, but Freckles' father didn't come, at least not yet. They looked at me very angry and I looked away. I was still socked for that conversation that Freckles had with W. She was in danger minutes ago and I never imagined it when I noticed she wasn't coming. W could have really killed her and I was mad and scared; I could have lost Freckles because I wasn't there with her. I was feeling guilty. And that fear was more important now than my parents looking at me harshly.

"We'll wait until the parents of the girl arrive." The principal said quiet and my parents nodded.

After fifteen minutes, someone knocked the door; surely it was her father. The principal opened the door, but it wasn't her father. It was a really pretty woman, with the same eyes and lips than Freckles, she even had freckles. Freckles' mom, this was the first time I saw her. I looked at Freckles and she seemed to be surprised, as if this was something weird for her. I remembered what she told me about her mother, that she wasn't in her home so often. But what really caught my attention was how that woman and my mom looked at each other. They were surprised and their eyes were full of tears.

"Cerina?" Freckles' mom asked amazed. How did she know my mom's name?

"Natalie?" My mom asked just as amazed.

They didn't say anything else; they ran to hug each other. What the fuck was that? I looked at Freckles; she was just as stunned as I was. Were my mom and Freckles' mom crying? I couldn't get what was going on, but it was too odd. I looked at my dad; he was looking at them with a smile of joy. After a while my mom and Freckles' mom broke the hug and they looked at each other with tears of joy and wide and bright smile.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this moment, but I have to come back to solve some troubles." The principal said and they looked at the principal and nodded, now more serious, but still thrilled.

I looked at Freckles again and she looked at me. Both of us were very confused and she shrugged, frowning. I needed to know what that was.

"Sorry, Mr. Bradesca." Freckles' mom apologized, sitting next to her. Freckles looked at her stunned and her mom smiled faintly and sadly at her.

"So, why are we exactly here, Mr. Bradesca? As far as we know is that the kids..." My mom said looking severely at me and I just looked down to avoid her gaze. "Have been causing riots in school and it was a serious issue."

"Yes, that's what you've been called for; but there was a misunderstanding." The principal said apologetically and our parents looked at him in confusion. The principal seemed to be a bit nervous and I knew why it was. "We've been informed that your children have been responsible of a riot that happened in school in today; but after researches, we've concluded that they are not the responsible ones. I apologize because of my mistake and it won't happen again." He said roundly.

"Mr. Bradesca, are you saying that the children haven't done anything wrong as we thought?" My dad asked serious.

"Yes, Mr. Criss. That's what I'm saying, the children are innocent." The principal said mannerly.

"Good, I was really worried. My daughter is not that kind of person." Freckles' mom said apparently relieved and I noticed how Freckles looked down.

"We know. Neither of them are rebellious students and they've never been. I apologize for the misunderstanding." The principal apologized again. "Although you've been called for this problem, now I want to talk to you all about something else that is happening." The principal said frowning, very serious and concerned.

And like that, the principal started explaining our parents all about the bullying and the harassment. Freckles and I only looked down, feeling very nervous and worried because this morning we didn't want anybody to know about this, and now everybody will know it. W was really going to do something terrible now, everything went out of control. Our parents were looking at the principal terrified and incredulous, the principal was nervous and Freckles and I were just silent, already discouraged to do or say something. Then our parents looked at us astonished and very serious. Oh good, the scolding part.

"Darren, why haven't you told us about this?" My dad asked very worried and I just looked down in silence.

"What would I have said? You couldn't do anything... And we couldn't say anything." I answered after a while, avoiding my parents' gaze.

"Yes, we could have done something. Darren, this is not a joke, this is not an innocent game. You should stop taking things as if everything is a videogame game and start taking things in a serious way." My father said scolding me and I looked at him upset.

"You have no idea if I took it serious or not and you have no idea of all the things I have done to stop with this! So do not tell me that." I answered annoyed.

"Darren, what your father tried to say is that this is something very serious and we're worried. Something really bad could have happened to you and we didn't know this was happening, so we didn't know that this was what was worrying you all this time. We thought that you were worried for your grades in school, but not for this. We're your parents, Darren; we needed to know it." My mom said distressed and I looked down, feeling guilty.

"I'm sorry, but I couldn't do anything. They threatened us! We weren't allowed to say anything or they were going to hurt us and all of you." I said desperately with teary voice. And my mom hugged me, so thanks to that hug I started crying like a baby.

"Darren..." My mom said distressed and with a hint of guilt. "We're sorry because we couldn't find out that this was what was happening to you. We could have prevented so many things, you should have told us. This makes us feel like bad parents."

"No, mom." I said anguished, looking at her. "This is not your fault, you aren't bad parents. I know you're the best parents, so I knew that if I ever told you this, you were going to try to help us. And we didn't want it, because if you helped us, then the bully was going to hurt you and we didn't want it. I'm so sorry." I said sobbing and my mom hugged me again.

"And why you haven't told me?'' Freckles' mom asked looking at Freckles. I also looked at Freckles as everybody did. Freckles was looking down, feeling very sad.

"What would be the point of telling you? You're never home, you barely know what I do or not; you wouldn't have done anything about this." She answered gloomy.

I noticed how her mother looked at her downhearted and broken. She was about to cry, I knew that because she had exactly the same eyes than Freckles. That was an uncomfortable situation, no one was talking and everybody was looking at them.

"And I know it's because you're worried about your job all the time, and I do understand you. I didn't want to worry you with this thing; I didn't want to be a bothersome." Freckles said still looking down and gloomy. Man, that was really sad.

"You're not a bothersome. I worry about you, sweetheart, and I wish you could have told me, so I could have been here with you." Her mom said with teary voice and now shedding tears. Now everybody looked down.

"Mom... You have your job and you don't have time for us, you wouldn't have been able to be here. I do understand it." Freckles answered afflicted, avoiding her mom's gaze. "It's not time to talk about this now..."

She said that and everybody looked at her in silence. I just wanted to hug her, because I knew how she must be feeling; because she has told me about her mom. But I couldn't do that now because it'd have been inappropriate. There was an uncomfortable silence that the principal broke.

"Well, I think this is something that each parent should talk with their child in private. As the principal of this school, I'll take steps to end with the bullying issue. You can be sure that we're gonna establish a safety policy against the bullying, so your children will be safe." The principal said very serious. "That's all for today. And if you excuse me now, I have to go. Have a good afternoon."

And as soon as the principal left the room, Freckles stood up and ran away. I looked at her in confusion and, without seeing anyone in the room, I ran after her. I yelled her name several times, but she didn't stop. She even left the gym and now she was walking outside; no one was there now. I knew to where she was running: to the same square that I used to go whenever I was having a bad moment; to the same square I went when Freckles couldn't remember me and I needed to let out all I was feeling. She kept running and I kept running behind her, until she stopped near the swings and there, she dropped herself on the grass. I finally reached her and the first thing I did was to kneel behind her and to hug her tightly. She covered her face with her hands and stared crying while I kissed her head and I held her in my arms, trying to reassure her. Yeah, I knew what was going on with her: she still had the pressure of our suspension because of the video, the pressure for having told everybody what was happening to us about the bullying thing, the pressure of having talked to W in person while she was alone and helpless, the pressure of having met her mother only because the principal called her in a very bad situation, and the pressure of not knowing what was going to happen from now on. Yeah, that was too much to hold back and I could understand it.

"It'll get better, baby." I said softly and reassuringly, still holding her. She only turned around and kneeled, so now we were face to face. I saw her really sad and scared eyes before she hugged me tightly.

"I know, I know." She said still sobbing but trying to calm down. "But right now..."

"I know, right now you just need to let out all you feel." I said rubbing my cheek in her head while she was burying her face on my chest. "I got you. Just cry all you have to cry."

"I don't wanna cry anymore. I'm tired of crying all the time." She said softly moving away from me and wiping away her tears. "This is exactly what W wants and I won't allow it. We'll find W and we're gonna win. We will." She said determined and so self-confident that amazed me.

"Yes, we will." I assured looking deeply into her eyes and now holding both of her hands.

"Now this is gonna get worse, because I'm sure the principal is gonna talk about the bullying thing, so the entire school will know about it. Therefore, W is gonna get really mad and will start doing worse things. But we won't let W to beat us or bring us down. We need to start acting, to get in the game and play our own way." She said again very self-confident and determined. I was just listening to her very intently. "If W scares us, we're gonna scare this person as well, but not in an aggressive way. We need to show that we can stand for something we want without the need of being aggressive and bullying people. We need to distract W, we need to make that person think that we know who is, even if we have no idea. We need to stop being the weak people to start being strong; W must not see us as helpless people. And sneakily, we're gonna get more clues about W; we're not gonna try to solve and sort the obstacles and evil plans that W makes for us, we're gonna face them. Because we're not gonna play that game anymore, we're gonna play our game and that is to deal those obstacles and not to try to stop them; we're gonna focus on finally find out who W is without any kind of distraction caused by the macabre plans of W." She said very firmly and confidently.

"That sounds good... But..." I started saying very thoughtful. "How are we gonna get more clues about W?"

"That's the hard part. We'll need to infiltrate in between them." She answered resolutely. It seemed as if she'd been thinking about this since a long time ago.

"How?" I asked curiously and she looked at me very fixedly.

"We need to act and pretend to be different. I've been thinking about something, but I don't know if you'd agree..." She said looking away, nervous.

"Tell me." I said now even more intrigued.

"We need to pretend that we're not together, that the break up is real." She said firmly and I didn't like it at all. I just frowned and looked down, but I wanted to hear what the point of this was. "That way you can infiltrate between Susan, who is one of the suspects. You have to do it because Susan is friends with Karen and Karen is only your friend. Jen told me that she and Karen don't get along."

"Freckles... Do you really think that we have to get to that point? I mean, pretending the break up is not necessary." I said serious, still not liking the idea.

"It is. You need to pretend that you don't stand me anymore, so then Susan will trust you. You need to pretend that you want to revenge because... I don't know, tell them that I cheated on you." She said trying to convince me and I looked away, disgusted. I didn't want to do it and say it. "Listen, it's only pretending it. If you say you want to revenge and in case Susan is W; well, she'll tell you a plan to do to revenge and if it's similar to W plans, then we'll know that it's Susan."

"I don't think it's gonna work. You live in my house; they won't believe that I want to revenge or shit like that." I said still disgusted.

"Well, they'll believe it if you say that... That I cheated on you with Chuck." She said nervously and I looked at her very upset.

"No fucking way." I answered coldly.

"Darren, please!" She begged but she wasn't going to change my mind that this idea was terrible. "Darren, it's just to pretend it, until we figure out if Susan is or is not W."

"No! No, Freckles! I don't like this idea; I don't want to pretend that we broke up, that you cheated on me with my brother. No." I refused energetically.

"Please, we're gonna pretend it only in school. Just for a while. I know it's hard because it is for me too. But... Think about the goal. Please." She insisted supplicant.

"Well, in the supposedly case I do it... What will you do? I mean, you said that we all have to infiltrate between them; but you're only saying that I am the only one I have to do it." I said still disgusted and annoyed.

"No, you're not gonna be the only one. Mandy will help us, I know she will. I'll tell her to pretend she is the same person she was used to be with me. She'll be like a bitch again; I'll beg her to come back with Jim. Jim is for sure one of the team, so we'll get a lot of information." Freckles said.

"That's insane. You can't tell Mandy to come back with Jim after the way he treated her and all the things he forced her to do. What is wrong with you? I mean, since when do you think that a plan is more important than what people feel?" I asked very upset and she looked down anguished.

"It is not. I just want to find out who W is and we have to act and I can't have another idea better than this one. This is how W plays, so this is the only way." Freckles said feeling bad.

"Okay, let's just suppose that Mandy and I do what you say... What else?" I asked still in disagree.

"Jen. I told you that Dean was one of the team; I found it out while I couldn't remember anything. Well, I noticed how Dean looks at Jen. He likes her; I think he has a crush on her. And Jen and Dean are kind of friends... Jen could get closer to Dean, maybe she could flirt with him but without doing anything. She also has to pretend she isn't my friend anymore because I supposedly cheated on you. So maybe that way Dean will trust on her and tell her W plans." Freckles said now more nervous than before. She knew this was a terrible idea. I couldn't believe she was saying all that. "And I... I'll pretend to be the very shy and weak and very insecure girl. And... And they'll harass only me. And... It'll seem I'm alone again so it'll be easier to find out who W is."

"You can't tell people what to do, Freckles. More if they don't want to do it." I answered looking away, serious but not harsh. I noticed how she looked down and said nothing. "I know that your intentions aren't bad, but maybe this is not the way."

"Yes, maybe you're right..." She whispered and let out my hands. "I'll take a walk..." She said stricken, standing up.

"Baby, wait..." I said sighing, trying to hold her hand but she moved it away.

"I'm fine. I just want to take a walk alone." She said again and when I was about to answer her, she interrupted me with a forced smile.

"Please, don't do that." I begged looking deeply into her eyes and she finally looked at me. "Do not force a smile, do not pretend you're fine, and do not go alone because you're feeling bad. Goddammit, I know you, so I know you're pretending it."

"I just want to clear my mind and think about something else we can do." She answered looking away.

"Then don't go. Stay here and together we'll think what to do." I said now standing up and lifting her chin so she could look at me. "Freckles, that's something you still have to learn; you don't have to carry the world upon your shoulders alone; when you carry the world upon your shoulders with someone else, it's much more rewarding and pleasant. When I told you I wanted to be with you, it's not only because I want to spend time with you only to kiss and cuddle; I also want to share with you your good and bad moments, your fears and your dreams, and lots of things; and I also want to share mine with you." I said looking into her eyes and she looked down again. I sighed and looked down to stay silent for a while. Then I looked up at her again. "Alright. Is that what you really want to try to do? To figure out if pretending not being together is the way to find out who W is?" I asked and she didn't answer. "Okay, we'll do it and we'll see if it works or not."

"No... I don't want to force you. It was just an idea, I don't know. I don't know what to do and it was an idea that I thought maybe it could work. But no..." She said sighing and frowning.

"We'll do it." I said still in disagree but trying to support her. After all, I also didn't know what else we could do. "If it works, then good. And if it doesn't, well, we'll figure out another way. After all, we have to give it a try; we never know what can happen."

"No. You were right; I can't decide what people should do. It's not right." She answered quickly, feeling ashamed.

"You won't force me. If Mandy and Jen don't want to do it, well, then they won't do it and it'll be fine. But I'm telling you that I'll do it. We can do it; after all, we have nothing to lose." I said shrugging and then I smiled slightly at her.

"Are you..." She started asking insecure and I interrupted her.

"I'm sure. But... In reward for doing this and to pretend that I'm not your boyfriend, something that is gonna be a super hard thing to do..." I said looking mischievously at her and she frowned curiously. "As a reward of all the pain I'll suffer because I won't be able to kiss you in school like when we were in the hallway..." I said giggling and still looking at her mischievously as she started smiling amused now. "You have to go on a date with me tonight." I said now looking at her fondly.

"Like... Our first date?" She asked amused.

"Our first date but not the last one." I said looking at her with a widely smile and she smiled brightly. "You'll have to go on a date with me every Monday night from now on."

"Seriously? Ugh." She complained and I looked at her bewildered, raising my eyebrows. I wasn't expecting that kind of answer. "Okay then. But on Friday nights, you will be the one who will have to go on a date with me." She said looking at me amused and mischievously and I laughed, feeling more relieved. I really thought she was complaining because she didn't want to go on a date with me.

"Deal." I said smiling widely. "Can I kiss you or am not allowed to do it now?"

She didn't answer. She only wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my lips very passionately. Whoa, that was amazing.

---

"So, why exactly are we here?" Mandy asked looking at you.

After Darren and you spent time alone in that square, just thinking about your new plan and after talking about random things; you told him that you wanted to spend time with your sister and Jen, just a girl's time. He understood and he even joked about it.

"Yeah, I really don't wanna be there when you start talking about periods and stuff." He said.

Then he told you that he wanted to come back to his house because it had been a long since the last time he practiced with his guitar and he had to do a show for school in a few days. So after it you texted both of them to meet you in a coffee shop that was near the square. And so there were the three of you, after you talked about all that happened in school, what the principal told you and all you told to the principal. Fortunately, they weren't mad at you for telling to the principal about W; they understood it was the only option not to be expelled. But you actually called them for another reason.

"Well, I was hoping you could give me some advices..." You said nervously and blushing. This was ridiculous.

"What about?" Jen asked curiously.

"Uhm... well... Oh, this is so silly." You said feeling very ashamed and like an idiot.

Jen and Mandy just giggled softly. You'd never understand why people had the tendency to laugh when you were feeling embarrassed. You just looked down and blushed hard, so then Mandy looked at you suspiciously.

"Oh no, please do not tell me that you want to get laid with Criss and you want advices." Mandy said kind of disturbed and you looked at her with eyes wide open while Jen just giggled softly.

"What the fuck? Hell no!" You answered bewildered and more embarrassed than ever.

Why would she think something like that? She knew you were still virgin and Darren was your first boyfriend and you were dating only since days. That wouldn't be right, at least for you. Yes, you loved Darren a lot, but losing virginity wasn't an inconsequential thing; it was something really important and you first needed to learn a lot of things, first you needed to be sure that Darren was the right person for you, first you needed to make sure that you wanted to surrender to him with all your soul and that he wanted the same. Come on, you still didn't know how to be someone's girlfriend, so you couldn't do that yet.

"Thanks god. Because I'm not ready yet to have this kind of conversation with my little sister; I mean, for me you're still my little sister and sometimes I refuse to see that you're turning into a woman. So... I hope it doesn't happen any soon." Mandy said with all her honesty, apparently more relieved.

"It won't happen." You answered in a whisper, blushing hard and looking down still ashamed.

"So, what is it?" Mandy asked curiously and both she and Jen were looking at you intrigued.

"I... Well... Darren asked me to go on a date with him." You said very low and very shy.

"Did he?" Jen asked amazed, raising her eyebrows and then she laughed amused. "I can't believe it."

"Why?" You asked confused, frowning. Mandy looked at Jen just as the same way than you.

"Well, I remember Darren telling me all the time..." She said laughing and then she tried to get serious to start imitating Darren's voice. "It's completely absurd and stupid to ask a girl to go on a date. I mean, that thing of giving flowers and having dinner, actually going to have dinner but not eating a damn shit... And that entire thing about flirting almost forcedly and the chocolates and... Wearing a damn suit, man, that's fucking uncomfortable! And just the fact of asking someone to go on a date... It's so dull! Like, what am I? An outdated and corny old man? Fuck no, that's so uncool; and sappy, mushy and sugary. I'd never ask anyone, no matter who, to go on a date. Dates totally suck." Jen finished imitating Darren's voice and everybody laughed. "Look at him now, asking you on a date. I knew he was going to do it sometime and I knew it'd be with you. He's dumbfounded and so haunted with you."

"Such a revelation!" Mandy said laughing out loud. "Is this your first date?"

"Yes, it is." You answered shyly, but still amused for what Jen said. "That's why I wanted your advice... I've never had a date, so I don't know how it's like or what you have to wear or say... I don't know." You admitted ashamed.

"Oh my god, this is amazing!" Mandy exclaimed really excited. "You totally came with the best people that can advise you! I know exactly what you should wear!"

"We should go shopping!" Jen exclaimed just as excited, looking at Mandy. "We could buy her new clothes and shoes! New shoes!"

"And the make up! Oh, oh, oh! And we should go to the hairdresser." Mandy kept saying excited, looking at Jen. "You know what? A purse. We need to buy a purse, it's really important because you never know where to put all your personal stuff."

"Oh my god, yes! And we should also buy earrings and a necklace." Jen said still excited. You were just looking at them agape.

"I just... That's too much. It's only a date." You said frowning.

"Your first date." Jen emphasized.

"With the love of your life." Mandy emphasized just as Jen did. "Why are we wasting time? Right now you should be trying on a dress in a clothing store."

"I don't want... I... Why don't I wear something that I already have?" You said uncomfortably.

"No way. Your first date has to be unforgettable. The amazing thing of dates is to surprise the boy; you need to kill Darren." Mandy said winking and Jen nodded in agreement.

"I do agree. Just, let's go and do not complain, Freckles! It's a decision already taken; we're going shopping!" Jen jumped excited with a huge smile.

So you were now in a clothing store; Jen and Mandy very excited looking for some dresses and you just moody, looking at all the clothes in that store. There was no way you could wear any of those clothes; you didn't want to be there; you didn't want to buy something new like a stupid. Mandy and Jen suddenly walked to you very excited and showed you a red short casual gown of soft satin; sleeveless, strapless, with bubble hem and knee length; with a red bow. You looked at it stunned because it was a really precious dress, but also you looked at it terrified because there was no way you could wear it. You said nothing, you just turned around and started walking away, pretending to look something else, but Mandy and Jen grabbed you by your arms and took you to the fitting room.

"No, I don't want to try on that dress! I don't like dresses! I've never ever worn a dress." You refused energetically, trying to run away from there, but Mandy and Jen cornered you, showing you the dress.

"Exactly for that reason is why you have to wear a dress tonight." Mandy said smiling excited.

"I don't want." You said frowning and annoyed.

"Try it on, Freckles." Jen said almost bossy and pulled you inside the fitting room with the dress and closing the door. "I won't open the door until you try it on and show us how it fits on you!" Jen yelled behind the door.

"Fine." You huffed annoyed.

You took off your clothes to put on the dress. Once you were wearing the dress, you looked at yourself anguished in the mirror. It was very uncomfortable to wear; you've never worn a short dress or short clothing because you didn't like to show your legs. You also have never worn tight fitting clothing like this dress; you always worn loosely fitting clothes because you didn't like to have a flattering line to an outfit. The dress itself was wonderful, but it didn't look good on you. That kind of clothing never looked good on you, because those were clothes for thin people. You felt really depressed while looking how awful that dress looked on you; it was the real reason why you didn't want to go shopping, because you knew that nothing would look beautiful on you. It was ridiculous to think that you would find something nice to wear, that maybe you could look pretty for the first time in your life. Shyly and feeling very uncomfortable, you opened the door, crossing your arms, round-shouldered and trying to cover your legs; and looking around to be sure that no one was looking at you. When Jen and Mandy noticed that you finally opened the door, they looked at you very curious.

"Alright, uncross your arms." Jen demanded and you did it very slowly, looking away and uncomfortable.

"Okay, now stand up straight." Mandy said pulling your shoulders back softly. "And separate your legs slightly." She demanded and you did it, very uncomfortable and looking down.

"Lift your head and keep your eyes straight ahead." Jen said softly, lifting your chin. "Beautiful." Jen whispered looking at you from head to toe.

"You look splendid, sis." Mandy exclaimed cheerfully, also looking at you from head to toe. You frowned and looked down again.

"I look ridiculous. This dress looks ridiculous on me." You said distressed, still frowning.

"Are you insane?" Jen asked bewildered. "I've never seen you more beautiful than now. I can't understand why you don't wear clothes like this."

"Because I'm fat and ugly." You answered in a whisper, feeling really depressed.

"What?" Mandy asked disturbed and incredulous. "You're not fat and you aren't ugly at all! What are you saying?"

"I know I am. Do not lie at me because I know what I am." You answered sighing and trying to get into the fitting room again to take off the dress; but Mandy stopped you by grabbing your hand.

"Look at me, sister." Mandy said very roundly and firmly and you looked up at her very sadly. She was looking at you straight in the eye. "You are not fat. I don't know who told you that, but the person who said that is a real asshole and is jealous of you. In any case, if you're fat... What's the matter with it? Very skinny girls aren't attractive; the curves of a woman are sexy. You think you're fat because you're used to see models women in all the ads and commercials, always flawless, very skinny, without cellulite and without stretch marks, and with a perfect porcelain skin; but what almost no one knows is that mostly everything is a lie. They do have cellulite and stretch marks like us, they do have pimples like us, and they aren't so skinny; everything is photoshopped, so they can look very beautiful. But reality isn't like that and you feel brought down because you think you could never be like them; but you're depressed for something that isn't true. Bodies are exhausting, always screaming at us from billboards and televisions and magazines, always telling us that there is something more we could be whittling down and bulking up. Do not be cheated by what the commercials show, because you have to understand that this is a consumer society and a very material one; and you, more than anyone, know that those things aren't important in life." Mandy said very softly. "You're very beautiful, only that you're afraid to show your beauty. Why? You just should show the world how beautiful you are without feeling ashamed of it, because there's nothing to be ashamed of."

"But I can't feel beautiful." You said looking down.

"Because you have to believe it." Mandy said now turning you around to make you see in the mirror, while she and Jen stood behind you. "Look at you. Tell me what you don't like about you."

"My legs are fat." You said.

"They aren't fat; you look them fat because you've never worn short clothing." Mandy answered softly. "What else?"

"I don't like my body and this dress is very tight fitting." You said frowning.

"I think this dress enhances the curves of your body, making you look very sexy and appealing. I do agree with Jen that you should wear more tight fitting clothing, because it makes you look outstanding." Mandy answered with a slight smile. "What else?"

"I'm very tiny and short, I look like a dwarf." You said still frowning.

"Tiny and short people are more adorable and cute. But if you feel uncomfortable with it, you can fix it by wearing heels." Mandy answered shrugging. "What else?"

"My face looks haggard and my hair is long but formless and boring." You answered, feeling bad.

"The make-up makes magic; my face always looks haggard but I fix it with a little make up; and there's nothing bad of your face looking like that, it's natural and you're still beautiful without any make up on. And your hair... I told you, we're going to the salon." Mandy answered winking. "Is there something else?"

"I hate all the skin moles and freckles in my entire body and face. It seems that my skin is dirty." You answered looking at your body.

"Those freckles in your skin are the ones which make you unique and exceptional. You shouldn't hate them; you should love them; because it's a big part of you, one of the things that make you wonderful." Mandy said with a sweet smile on her face.

"And remember that those freckles are the ones that Darren loves. And damn, he completely loves them." Jen said giggling. "I remember the first time I met you, when Darren and I walked to you while you were lying against a tree; the first thing he noticed was your freckles; that's why we all call you freckles now. Do you remember what he told you that day?" Jen asked amused and you laughed softly. Of course you remembered.

"Yes... He said something like..." You started saying amused and then you started imitating Darren's voice. "It's just you have freckles and with the sun those freckles are more noticeable and I always make up nicknames for people...Not that I'm saying that having freckles is awful, I have freckles too, yours are cute...Uhm, doesn't matter." You said laughing and Jen and Mandy laughed along with you.

"He was freaking out that time! I've never seen him so nervous." Jen laughed really amused. "And when I asked him why he loved you so much, one of the many things he answered was that he loved your freckles. I don't know, I think he's kind of obsessed with them." She said smiling and you chuckled softly.

"See? You're beautiful. Now look at you in the mirror again. Now trace the rises and falls of the little ripples on your skin: the scars, the dimples, the cellulite; and think about how much you try to hide these things in your day-to-day. Wonder why you hate them so much, and if this hate stems from somewhere within yourself, or as a result of being told all your life that it's wrong to have physical flaws. Wonder what you would think of your body if you never looked at a magazine, if you never thought about celebrities and models, if you never had to wonder where someone would rate you on a scale of 10. Look at yourself until the initial recoil softens, and you can consider your features in a more forgiving frame of mind." Mandy said placing her hands on your shoulders. "Tell me what you see."

"I...I, well..." You started stammering very shyly.

"I see a pretty girl, wearing a beautiful dress because she's going on a first date with the guy who loves every single thing of her. I see a girl who is gorgeous inside and outside. I see a girl with shinning eyes and a girl who irradiates purity and graciousness. I only see an awesome person right there. That's you." Mandy said very kindly and warmly and Jen nodded behind her with a nice smile.

"Thank you." You said thrilled, looking at Mandy and Jen and then you all hugged. You didn't know what you would do without them.

So yes, they convinced you to buy the dress and after it you went to a shoe store, where Jen chose the heels for you. When you looked at those shoes, you didn't see how amazing they were; instead you got scared because damn, those were so high. When you tried them on, you, of course, almost fall down.

"How the hell am I supposed to wear these shoes? I'm gonna stumble!" You exclaimed terrified while you were trying to walk with those heels, losing balance sometimes. Jen and Mandy only laughed. "And my feet hurt already! It's like as if someone is stabbing my heel!"

"Well, it's only until you get used at it." Mandy said laughing. "That's why you're going to start using those shoes from now on. You need to practice."

"Are you crazy? I'm not going to walk with these shoes right now!" You exclaimed terrified.

And there you were, walking to the store to buy the make-up, the purse and the earrings and necklace with those heels. It was a torture, you couldn't understand how people could wear heels all the time; this was sick. More than once you felt very ashamed because you wouldn't stop stumbling. Jen and Mandy had to help you a lot to walk properly, while they were laughing at your terrified face. Once that you bought everything they forced you to take, you finally went to the salon. And they kept you there for more than two hours. You didn't want to look what they were doing, because you suffered when you saw them cutting your hair. When they finished and they forced you to look in the mirror (you really didn't want to do it because you were sure that you were going to cry), you parted your lips, agape. That wasn't you. Your hair was now very smooth and layered on the ends with just a few inches of layering from the bottom up and now you had bangs. Now your hair had a lively appearance and definition and it was still long. You never thought that a haircut could make such a change on you and, for the very first time, you liked it. Of course Jen and Mandy loved it, they seemed to be more excited than you and it was funny. This day was completely dedicated to a makeover and you were feeling pretty for the first time. After all of that, you all came back to Darren's house to get ready for the date. Of course Jen and Mandy checked if Darren wasn't near so you could go running to your bedroom to get ready. They insisted that Darren needed to see your change just when you were going out. Fortunately, Darren wasn't around and no one saw you. Feeling very happy, Jen and Mandy helped you to get ready for the date. They did everything for you and when you were finally ready, you couldn't believe that was you in the mirror. You looked different, you looked pretty. You only smiled happily, wishing that Darren could like it.

---

After Freckles and I were in that square and she went out with Jen and Mandy, I came back home with the idea of practicing with my guitar the song I had to play for school. Of course I couldn't because I spent the whole afternoon thinking about my date with Freckles. I was super happy for that because this was going to be our first date. Yeah, I always thought that dates were stupid and sappy, but I don't know, I really wanted to do this with Freckles; I wanted to do different things with her, things that I never imagined I could do ever. But there was a problem... I didn't know how these things of dates worked. Where should I take her? What should I say on the date? What should I wear? So many questions and I couldn't answer anyone. I tried to search in internet, yeah I fucking did it, about dates and shit; but nothing convinced me. All of those dates whether were so romantic and for old people or they were like intimate and sensual. I didn't want it, I wanted a natural date. Well, I was going to look like an idiot, but I really needed help now; so I did what I thought I'd never do.

"Bro? Can I ask you some advice?" I said very shyly entering into his bedroom. He was just reading a book about music and when I said it he looked at me intrigued.

"You? Asking me an advice? Who are you and what have you done with my little bro?" Chuck asked making fun of me and I threw him a shoe that was near me.

"Shut up. Dammit, I shouldn't have come here." I said feeling embarrassed and annoyed.

"I was just kidding, bro. No need to get mad, chill out!" Chuck laughed looking at me. "Come on, shoot. It seems something interesting."

"I... Well... I invited Freckles on a date." I said looking down, feeling very ashamed. Man, I couldn't believe I was talking to my brother about this. "And... I don't know how it's like to have a date with someone. And I was wondering if could advise me, you know, you've had lots of dates and all..."

"You invited someone on a date? You, the one who was used to say that dates were ridiculous and lame? The one who said that would never ask someone to go on a date? Whoa, Darren." Chuck asked amazed and amused.

"Yeah, shut up." I answered annoyed. "I don't know why I did it, it just... It didn't seem hard when I asked her it."

"You did it because that's normal, bro. It's normal that you want to spend time alone with your girlfriend. And dates aren't bad; you always have a date when you're alone with her. You think that having a date is going out to have dinner and pay for it and when you wear a suit and you bring flowers; but that's only a formal date imposed by romantic movies. That's only a kind of date but not the only one." Chuck said shrugging and I was just looking at him frowning. "I'm sure that's why you didn't like this thing of dates, am I wrong?"

"No, you're right... I just... That's not my thing." I answered uncomfortably.

"Then don't do it." Chuck answered shrugging. "If you do something while feeling uncomfortable, you're gonna screw it."

"But Chuck... She seemed to be pretty excited when I invited her to go on a date. I can't just tell her that I don't like that syrupy romanticism of movies and let her down." I said troubled. "I can't cancel a date, it'd be wrong."

"I'm not saying that you should cancel it. I'm just saying if taking her to a restaurant and bringing her flowers is uncomfortable for you, then find another way to have a date with her." Chuck answered tranquilly.

"Such as?" I asked curiously because I honestly had no idea.

"You like music, she enjoys hearing you singing; you both like being outside in the night, just lying down in grass and talking about random things... You both like movies... I don't know... I do think that a perfect date for you two would be if you take her to the movies and then you go for a walk in the park or somewhere where you feel comfortable. And it'd be a good idea if you bring your guitar to sing her a song." Chuck answered still tranquil.

"Yeah... That actually could work..." I said thoughtful. Actually it was a great idea.

"See? Then, having a date isn't so bad and sappy and ridiculous as you thought it was." Chuck said raising an eyebrow, amused. "But you'd like to wear something nice, bro. I don't think that wearing that tee of Captain America is gonna work."

"Hey, what's wrong with you? This tee is totally awesome." I answered amused.

"Boys." My mom suddenly said entering the room. "I've been calling you, but you didn't answer."

"Sorry, mom. We were busy." Chuck apologized.

"All right. I wanted to let you know that we have visitors for dinner, so I want you two to look presentable." Mom said serious and I looked at her in disbelief.

"I can't tonight, mom." I complained. Man, seriously? Right when I dared to ask Freckles to go on a date my mom had to invite someone for dinner? It wasn't fair.

"Darren, you're gonna be here tonight. So dress well and take a shower." My mom said bossy.

"Mom, really. Darren can't be here tonight." Chuck said and I looked at him very thankful. "He has a date tonight." He said then, amused and now I looked at him upset. Mom didn't know anything about Freckles and me.

"A date?" My mom asked curiously. Dammit, why did she have to be so curious all the time? Chuck knew it. Fuck you, Chuck.

"Yeah, with his girlfriend." Chuck answered and I really hated him.

"Darren, do you have a girlfriend?" My mom asked very intrigued, looking at me serious.

"Yeah..." I answered shyly looking down and cursing at Chuck inside.

"Why haven't you told me about this?" She asked insistent.

"I was going to. But... You know... Things happened and I never had the chance... Whatever, mom!" I exclaimed feeling very embarrassed.

"And who is this girl? Charles, do you know her?" She asked looking at Chuck now.

"Kind of, yeah." He answered shrugging, as if he was indifferent. I knew he was enjoying this situation of seeing me ashamed.

"Mom, please, stop!" I huffed in annoyance. "You will soon meet her; just... stop for now."

"All right." My mom answered nodding and I looked at her suspiciously. I couldn't believe she really stopped. "And I'm sorry, Darren... But you'll have to invite your girlfriend on a date in another opportunity. Tonight we have visitors and you must be here since the visitors are Natalie, your friend's mother, and her other daughter, Amanda."

"What?" I asked in disbelief, raising my eyebrows in amazement.

Man, that was a terrible idea. Did Freckles know that her mother was going to come over here? She didn't seem to be happy when she saw her mother in school. And what would her mother say about the fact she was living at our home now? What would her mother think of me? And why would my mother invite Freckles' mother to dinner?

"Does Freckles know about this, mom?" I asked suspiciously.

"I just told her, before I came here." My mom answered tranquil.

"And how did she take it? Mom, first you should've asked her if she wanted her mother to come here. Maybe she's not comfortable with it." I complained, feeling upset.

"Well, son, she's her mother. At first Freckles seemed to be sad, but then she smiled and said that it was alright." My mom answered.

"Ugh, mom. She pretended that smile because she's too nice to tell someone that she doesn't like something. Oh mom! You shouldn't have invited her mother here." I complained very upset now.

"Darren, is her mother and she's in all her rights to want to see her daughter. Maybe they'd want to talk too, so they can solve their problems and she can come back to live at her home." My mom said firmly, very serious.

"Is that what you want? Is Freckles a sort of burden for you? I can't believe this." I exclaimed annoyed.

"Darren... I think you didn't get what mom tried to say because you're upset. That's not what mom tried to say at all; she's telling you that maybe this is an opportunity for them to talk and that's good for Freckles." Chuck said tranquil.

"Thanks, Charles. That's what I tried to say. Freckles is not a burden neither for me nor your father. You know we like her and we're glad to have her in our home. But I do think that your friend has been feeling down lately and maybe what she needs is to talk to her mother." My mom said quietly.

"Yeah, maybe." I answered curtly, still feeling a bit upset.

"Good. Sorry Darren for ruining your plans with your girlfriend; but I think your friend will need you here and it'd be nice if her mother gets to know the boy who's living with her daughter." My mom said and I looked away.

"Fine, I'll stay. But... I'll invite my girlfriend to come over here tonight, then." I said without asking permission, it was more like 'I'm gonna do it, want it or not.' My mom only looked at me in surprise.

"I don't think it'd be proper tonight, son." She answered.

"Please, mom! You wanted to meet her? Well, this is your chance. Please?" I almost begged now and my mom sighed.

"Fine, you can invite her." She finally answered pretending to be resigned, but I noticed she had an amused smile on her face. She really wanted to know who my girlfriend was.

After all of that, my mom turned around to leave and I sat on a cushion that was on the floor. Well, maybe this could be my date now; maybe the best thing to do was to introduce Freckles to my parents as my girlfriend; maybe it was time to tell them. I knew that my parents liked her, come on, my mom just said that; but I didn't know if they would like the idea of her being my girlfriend, more now that we lived in the same house. But I was sure that I wanted Freckles as my girlfriend and I was happy and proud to be her boyfriend; so... Why shouldn't I introduce her to my parents? Maybe she still didn't want it; maybe she was still feeling uncomfortable whenever I called her my girlfriend. Damn, I never asked her that. I looked up and I found Chuck looking at me straight in the eye, very curious and amused.

"Are you sure that you want to tell mom and dad that Freckles is your girlfriend?" He asked with the same look.

"Why not?" I asked amused and shrugging.

"You know exactly why." Chuck answered amused and I giggled softly. Yeah, I knew why but I played fool; I was sure of my decision. "As soon as they figure out that she isn't your friend anymore, they'll kill you with questions that you must answer properly; they're gonna start controlling what you do or not; you'll have to say goodbye to all the times you want to sleep with her; they'll tell you 'the talk' and that's so awkward, man; they're gonna start asking you private things; they'll ask you always about her; whenever you feel upset, sad or happy, they'll relate it all with her and they're gonna ask if everything is fine and they'll force you to tell them what's going on and they'll be very overprotective. So tell me now... Are you sure you want to do it?" Chuck asked one more time, looking at me very intently, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I want to." I answered smiling really amused.

"Whoa, bro. You must be really in love with that girl to be willing to face this kind of torture." Chuck said raising his eyebrows and nodding.

"Yep, I am." I said still smiling, now widely.

"Good, because I heart her and she's cool for you." He said now smiling kindly. "You'd really want to wear something cool, bro and I'm totally helping you; that tee? Not cool for this very important event. Come on."

"Oh come on, Chuck! I'm fine with this..." I started complaining but he was already looking for something in his wardrobe. "Chuck... I'm shorter than you; your clothes won't work on me."

"Just shut up, I think I have kept in my closet clothes for short and tiny people like you; I think once I wore a very nice costume when I acted as a dwarf."

"You never acted as a dwarf..." I said very confused and then I got it. "Oh, I see what you did there... You idiot!" I laughed when I realized he was just making fun of me.

"Try this on." Chuck said giving me a white shirt and black dress pants.

"I'm not gonna wear that. It's too formal." I said looking displeased at those clothes.

"Too formal my ass. It's perfect. Not too elegant and not too ordinary; a perfect combination of stylishly and informality. Try it on now." He said bossy.

"Fine, fine!" I exclaimed annoyed but actually thankful because he was helping me, although I'd never admit it to him.

And I did it, I tried it on and when I looked in the mirror I was surprised. Yeah, I liked how those clothes looked on me and it was crazy, because I remembered that once I said that I was never going to wear clothes like that. And it was very comfortable... I looked like a business young man; a cool one, not a boring one.

"Whoa, Darren! You can actually look sexy; I'd have never figured it." Chuck made fun of me, looking at me once I was wearing those clothes.

"Shut up, asshole!" I said punching his arm and he laughed.

"Just do something with your hair, bro." Chuck said looking at my hair indeed.

"What? What's up with my hair?" I asked suspiciously, now touching my curls.

"I don't know, it looks weird... Like, so bushy and shaggy, man. I think soon you'll look like a sheep." Chuck said laughing really amused and I looked at him annoyed, touching my hair.

"That's not true." I said frowning, now looking in the mirror again and trying to comb my hair.

"Let me cut your hair." Chuck said mischievously.

"No fucking way. I'm fine with my hair." I answered and Chuck grabbed a scissor. "Get the fuck out of here!" I yelled terrified, stepping back.

"Just a little bit." He said very amused.

"No! No, step back! Get out, Charles!" I yelled.

I tried to get away from him, but when I was about to run away, he tackled me and pulled me into the bed. I tried my best to get out of there, but Chuck was stronger than me. After we struggled for a while, Chuck stood up, laughing out loud.

"I was just kidding, bro!" Chuck laughed and I looked at him upset. "Your hair is like... so you. I'd never cut it."

"I'll kill you, Charles. I didn't like that joke, it wasn't funny at all." I said still upset.

"Oh please! Since when are you so grumpy? Having dates maybe isn't a good idea for you." He said still laughing amused.

In the rest of the afternoon I just got ready for this kind of date I had with Freckles. I finally decided to wear the clothes that Chuck lent me and he also gave me a perfume. Perfume, that was ridiculous; but Chuck forced me, as everything. I didn't know why I was feeling very nervous after Chuck explained me how a real date was. I couldn't help it; I was all the time thinking how it was going to be, wondering if everything was going to work or not. But what was making me feel more nervous is that I was going to introduce Freckles as my girlfriend to my parents... and not only to them, also to her mother. That was scary. I didn't know how Freckles' mother was, not more than what she told me once. But Freckles never mentioned how her mother was when it was about these kinds of things. And her mother didn't know me, she didn't know how I was... Then... How would she accept me as her daughter's boyfriend? Man, what if she didn't like me? What if she didn't want us to be together just as Freckles' father? But hey, sooner or later I was going to have to tell everybody that she was my girlfriend; I really wanted everybody to know it, because I was happy to be with her. Then I started to think about Freckles. How would she be feeling? How would she look like now? How was she going to take this I wanted to do? Maybe I should talk to her about this first... Then I heard how someone knocked the door downstairs. Oh fuck, that was Freckles' mother talking to my parents. Now I was literally freaking out. I waited for a while until I was sure that Freckles' mother and my parents were in the backyard to go running to Freckles' bedroom to talk to her.

"Hey baby, it's me. Could you please open the door?" I asked while knocking the door.

"Sorry, Darren. You won't see her now." I heard a woman's voice answering.

"Jen is that you?" I asked intrigued.

"Yes, that's me. Go away, Darren!" Jen answered. What the hell was she doing here? Well, maybe my mom invited her too.

"Jen, open the door! Hey, I need to talk to Freckles." I said trying to open the door, but it was locked.

"Stop bugging, Criss!" I heard another voice.

"Mandy? Hey, what's going on there?" I asked even more intrigued and then I heard laughs.

"Nothing of your business. Come on, Criss, go away, and do not screw this." Mandy answered laughing.

"Hey, seriously. I really need to talk to Freckles, this is important." I said very serious.

"What do you want, Criss?" Mandy asked opening the door, but not letting me to get in and I couldn't see inside. She was already dressed for the occasion.

"I... Your mother is here already." I answered still trying to look inside.

"Is she? Oh my God! Jen, can you do it alone now? I really need to go." Mandy asked looking inside and I tried to do the same but I failed.

"Yes, everything is cool. Just go, I'll be there in a few minutes." Jen yelled from inside.

"Good." Mandy said smiling cheerfully and then she got out, closing the door. I looked at her and she looked at me amused. "You have to wait for good things, Criss. Be patient."

"I really need to talk to her." I said very serious.

"Please Criss, just chill out. Nothing could be so serious that cannot wait." Mandy said frowning and still amused.

"Well, this actually cannot wait. Really." I said insistent.

"Why not? What's so important?" She asked now intrigued.

"Something private... But really important. Please, Mandy, let me in." I begged this time.

"I think you can wait." She insisted, very stubborn; and then she turned around to leave with a very mischievous smile. Of course I ran to the door again to try to open it, but it was locked again. Dammit.

"Jenny? Please, open the door." I begged with my most innocent voice.

"You're annoying Darren, you have to wait!" Jen answered from the bedroom.

"This is very important, something that can change absolutely everything and... And if you don't open the door, I'm gonna break down the door." I exclaimed menacingly.

"You should win the prize for the most exaggerated and fastidious person in the whole world." Jen answered, opening the door. "I'll leave you alone, guys..." She answered with a very amused smile and then she turned around to leave.

"Thank you, Jenny!" I answered looking at Jen going away and then I looked to where the door was.

Freckles was now standing in front of the door, looking at me with a widely smile. I looked at her from head to toe, very stunned and agape. I couldn't even utter a word; I was just looking at her very mesmerized. Oh fuck, I didn't have a fucking idea what she did but she looked so beautiful, sexy and hot; she was completely and undoubtedly gorgeous. She never looked prettier and happier than this. Whoa, I couldn't do anything at all but mumbling like a fool; because I was a fool looking at her. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off her.

"So, what do you...?" She started asking and I interrupted her, still mesmerized.

"You are so fucking gorgeous." I exclaimed stunned with my lips parted. Man, she was so pretty; so pretty and I looked so ugly next to her; as if nobody could be with such a beautiful girl, but I was and that was crazy. "I feel so intimidated right now."

"What?" She asked frowning, amused but a bit confused.

"Yeah... You look like so wow, so graceful and handsome and... Well, how the fuck do you want to be with someone like me?" I rambled, still stammering and mesmerized by her beauty.

"What?" She asked again, this time really confused. "This wasn't exactly what I thought I was going to hear."

"I'm so sorry, I just can't talk! I feel so awkward next to you because you're so damn outstanding and perfect and I just... I feel like a fool, I can't talk because I can't stop seeing how beautiful you are and how lucky I am to have you. Goddamn, sometimes I think you're from a fairy tale or something, man. Where are you from really? This, all of this, it's just... Man, things like this only happen in Disney movies. Like, what are we? The Beauty and the Beast?" I spoke really fast and senseless. I was just feeling nervous and so stupid. Freckles was now looking at me with eyes wide open, frowning and as if I were crazy.

"Are you okay, Darren?" She asked gingerly.

"No, I'm not. I mean, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just so hooked." I answered still looking at her completely idiotically.

"Well... I'm still not sure what you think of how I look..." She said frowning but a bit amused, walking to me and now holding my hands.

Man, I never felt so nervous like this, my hands were literally sweating. Sweating! This was so unusual and weird and crazy. Her beauty, in all her aspects, was making me feel as if I wasn't enough for her because she was dreamy. She was like the girl I always dreamed of to have as a girlfriend and this wasn't a dream. Whoa, I was the luckiest guy. Then she smiled fondly, placed a hand on my shoulder and the other hand on my hair.

"But I do think you look sexy." She said flirting.

Man, she was flirting with me and I should be the one flirting her, seducing her, and complimenting her. When she ran a finger through my hair, I went crazy and I couldn't help it but placing my hands on her waist and pulling her closer, very softly. I nuzzled my nose on her neck and I could sense her smell. Her smell was just so addictive and pleasant. I slowly kissed her jaw and then I looked deeply into her eyes. Whoa! So bright, so intense. She was going to kill me.

"All this time, all I tried to say is that you look flawless and you're... You're so fucking perfect to me." I said smiling sweetly and resting my forehead against her. I noticed how this brightened her face and how she smiled widely. "Baby, you have no idea..."

"I love you, Dare." She interrupted me with a warm smile and shiny eyes. She said it first and my heart skipped a beat. Man, I was feeling so good.

"I love you too." I said caressing her cheek very softly and smiling lovingly. "I swear I'm dying to kiss you right now, but I don't want to screw your make up, you know, I guess..." I started saying but she interrupted me with a slight kiss. After she kissed me, I couldn't help it but licking my lips. Oh, she tasted so good. Then I looked intensely into her eyes. "I'd like to introduce you to my parents." I said surefire and she giggled softly while frowning.

"I thought they knew me already." She said still giggling and I realized how stupid what I said sounded. I should have finished it.

"Yeah, but I'd like to introduce you to my parents as my girlfriend." I answered without taking my eyes off her.

"Okay... Maybe sometime..." She answered with an amused smile. She seemed to be really happy.

"No, not sometime. Tonight, right now; in front of my family, in front of your family and in front of Jen. Just... I want them all to know that you're my girlfriend." I said nervously but very sure of what I was saying. We stared into each other's eyes for a long time; I knew I took her by surprise, so it was understandable that she was puzzled. "I know that I promised to wait until you're ready; I know that you still don't feel comfortable when I call you my girlfriend because I do understand this is something new and certainly crazy for you, so you want to take it slow. And I really don't want to push you and to make you feel uncomfortable... But... I... I really want you." I said nervously and looking deeply into her eyes. "I'm really sure that you're the only one with who I want to be because you are... You're like the world to me. Baby, I really..." I started babbling like a fool again and she placed a finger in my mouth to shut me up.

"The real reason of why I told you that I didn't want to be called your girlfriend yet is because I was scared. I wasn't sure if you and I was what you really wanted, what I really wanted. I'm not scared anymore." She answered with a sweet smile and I looked at her very excited as my heart started beating faster.

"Does that mean that...?"

"It means that I think that tonight is perfect. Everybody is there, waiting for us..." She said smiling widely and shrugging. I felt so happy when she said it that my face lit up and I kissed her automatically.

"Are you really sure that you're ready?" I asked in front of her lips, without being able to stop smiling like a fool.

"I'm sure, I'm ready." She answered smiling in front of my lips, chuckling softly. "Darren?" Then she asked looking deeply into my eyes.

"Yeah?" I asked curiously.

"Will you hold my hand while we tell them this?" She asked innocently and I thought it was so cute that I couldn't help smiling fondly at her.

"All the time, always." I answered pecking her lips and caressing her cheeks. "Let's go. As you said, they're waiting for us."

I smiled brightly at her and she smiled back at me; we both were happy. I led her to the dining room, holding hands. When we arrived there, everybody was already sitting on the table; when we arrived there, all of them looked at us. When we arrived there, I took a deep breathe.

"Mom. Dad. Ms. Natalie." I said with a bright smile looking at them and then I looked at the beautiful girl I had next to me.

I smiled at her very fondly and she smiled back at me. I squeezed her hand before looking at them again. My mom, my dad and Freckles' mom were looking at us confused and bewildered. Jen, Chuck and Mandy were looking at us stunned and agape. Freckles and I only smiled widely.

"This is my girlfriend." I finally said, feeling happier than ever.