A/N. I only have two reviews I feel the need to reply to so...
killerbunies: Food fights are awesome. I was at a Girl Scouts camp in 2nd grade or so and we had this flash mob in the cafeteria. Someone through a tomato and said, "Booo!" as a joke, but then they found ketchup in their hair. As they say, the rest is history. ;D Lol –older Basil's so much fun to write. Yep –you know, -and this is unfortunate- at my school, people in my sister's grade (She's in second) are...*chokes*...d...day...dating. Thank goodness she's not because my mom might've flipped out on her. It seems every time I bring a NERF gun in this story, Puck comes with it. ;D Did you notice that? ^^ I so want to do that, but I have no opportunities. D: NERF guns weren't allowed at my aunt's wedding –grr. Thanks! ^^
Andrea: ...Andrea? From school? I'm just thinking because the one from school said she had checked out my Things Happen for a Reason story on Wattpad...? Um, anyways, if you're not, ignore that first part. :3 'Sides that, thank you! Your comment made me really happy! :D
Ummm...oh! The cake question, right? Bum ba da bum ba da bum...
I have two winners again –I couldn't decide...
" My favorite cake is probably rainbow cake. It was actually vanilla, but it had been dyed into different colors. It was so much fun then regular vanilla though!" –That is an amazing cake, Mai. That's awesome –I WANT THAT CAKE!
"Oh and my favorite cake is chocolate because... Well... I'm not sure, it's just amazing to eat. I remember once on my birthday, there was this huge chocolate princess cake(I was like...8) and my cousin tripped me and I fell right on it. I cried then, buts it's kind of funny now." –A worthy lol moment, right, Rockstargurl444? XD Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Hm. Do I have to add anything? *lightbulb* OHH! I guess I should tell you this epical tale...
After the chapter. ^^ '
Also, Mr. Firay ONLY doesn't like sushi. He doesn't have a problem with any other things like...onigiri, is it, Epiphant on Toast? Something like that...And I think the other is miso...If it makes you REALLY happy, I'll choose one for him to order. ;D
Before you read on, I want to say I'm sorry there isn't any fluff in this chapter...yet. This is really split into two parts, but I'm just naming this chapter. 47 and the next 48. Sound okay? ^^
Chapter 47: Runs in the Family
"Happy birthday, Daphne!" Ariana cried, throwing her arms around me.
"How many times are you going to say that to me today?" I responded with a laugh, pulling her arms around me. This was the fourth time today.
"Every time I see you!" Ariana notified me. "You're officially a legal adult!"
"Well actually, she won't be an adult-adult until she's twenty-one," Colin corrected, grinning at me. "But it's close enough."
"Hey! I can be thrown in jail for crimes now!" I said enthusiastically. "No more Juvie!"
"And you can't date anyone older than eighteen without any legal problems," Ariana told me with a wink.
My faces grew hot and I looked away from her. "I guess so…"
"So we're all going to the fair tomorrow?" Colin asked, pulling my lunch towards him. "Are you going to eat your brownie?"
"Taking the roll of Lance, I see," Willow commented, rolling her eyes. "It's Daphne's birthday. Let her have her brownie."
Colin frowned at Willow. "You spoil all my fun."
"I'm your girlfriend, I'm supposed to."
I laughed as Colin grinned. "Colin, you can have my brownie. I don't want them –my brother got a lot of it stuck in my hair last night. And I have cookies from Tina, anyway." I shook the bag of chocolate chip cookies Tina had baked me for my birthday. "I'm set."
"Awesome," Colin responded, taking my brownie of my tray. "You can have the tray."
"Whoa! Highlight of my day!" I responded with mock excitement.
"Hey, Daph..." Ariana looked at me with a sad face. "When did Rojo leave?"
"This morning. But don't worry, she said she'll visit again," I assured her, as sad as her. "Though, I think Tom is the saddest." We glanced at the boy, who was swirling his melted cup of ice cream around with a spoon, symbolically swirling into his misery.
Ariana frowned. "Poor Tom. It is better to have lost, than never to have loved at all, though. Right?"
"I guess so," I replied, smiling a little. I wonder what Puck would've done if he'd known that Ariana quoted Shakespeare.
"What are you doing tonight for your birthday?" Willow asked, changing the gloomy subject. "Going somewhere with your mom?"
"Yeah. My mom is taking me, Sage and Mr… Mr. Ross, Sage's dad, out to eat," I corrected myself, blushing. That was too close.
Willow wagged her eyebrows. "Who's Sage?"
"Daphne's handsome elder companion," Ariana responded for me. "Daphne likes older guys."
"Ariana!"
Willow laughed. "Don't be embarrassed about that!"
"I'm not!" I responded, my face still burning. "I don't have a relationship with Sage, he's just a friend."
"Or is he?"
"Just a friend," I assured Willow.
She shrugged. "That's too bad. You could use a boyfriend, Daphne."
Before I could respond someone tapped on my shoulder, making me jump. I twisted around in my seat to see an underclassman I didn't recognize holding out a small, yellow piece of paper.
"Daphne Grimm?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah…?"
"This is for you, from Mr. Firay. He wants to see you for a moment."
The younger student thrust the piece of paper closer to my face and I quickly grabbed it from him before he could stab my eye out. As soon as the paper left his hand, he turned and made his way away from my table. My eyes went from the boy to the note and I almost smiled at the sight of Mr. Firay's sloppy handwriting.
"Mr. Firay is here today?" Willow asked excitedly. "Yay! He's been out sick for like, forever."
"What's it say?" Ariana prodded, looking at it over my shoulder at the note.
"Nothing much, he just wants to see me before lunch ends," I told her, scanning over the note again. "I guess I can leave early…"
Ariana smirked at me, coming closer, and lowering her voice. "You two alone, huh? And it's your birthday…"
"Ariana! Shh!"
"What? I'm just saying. You're a legal adult now, Daphne."
Ariana's words sent a shock through my body. I was a legal adult now. I was eighteen. Mr. Firay wanted me to go to his classroom, where we would be together alone… The perfect chance to confess?
"You're blushing," Ariana chirped, a grin spreading across her face. "What are you thinking?"
"Nothing," I snapped, turning my face down.
"Sure, Daphne, sure. What are you thinking?"
"Nothing!"
"You can't lie to me."
I blanked at Ariana, who returned my look with an eyebrow raised. "Why does everyone say that?"
"Say what?"
"That I can't lie to them!"
Ariana laughed. "It's because you're so easy to see through, and you're just not a good liar."
I scowled, crossing my arms. "Gee, thanks."
"No problem!"
"I'm going to go to Mr. Firay's room now," I said, pushing myself off my seat. "I might be back, I might not…"
Ariana raised her eyebrows suggestively, but I just rolled my eyes. I bid my adieus to my friends again and made my way out of the cafeteria. The halls were dead and quiet as I walked down them and I could hear my own footsteps reverberating against the walls. Anxiety suddenly filled me as I entered the science wing, and continued to grow as I headed for Mr. Firay's room. I stopped in front of it and took a deep breath before pushing it open.
Mr. Firay didn't enter my vision. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I stared at his empty desk. I glanced around the room only to find it equally as empty. The supply room door called me and I made my way towards it, opening the door, and poking my head in. Still no Mr. Firay.
"Where…?" I muttered, taking a step further into the supply room.
"Boo."
My heart leapt into my throat as someone grabbed my shoulders and whispered into my ear. I twirled around, coming face-to-face with Mr. Firay. He grinned at me, his shoulders shaking in silent laughter. I scowled at him.
"What do you want?" I asked moodily.
"You jumped so hard," he commented, grinning wider.
I blushed and quickly turned my head away from Mr. Firay. "Haha, so funny."
"Oh, don't be a killjoy."
"What do you want?" I repeated, my face still hot.
I heard Mr. Firay sigh. "I need you to tell your mom that I'll meet you guys at the restaurant because I have something to do first. I won't be late, but it'll just be easier to meet there."
"Okay," I responded, turning to face Mr. Firay again. He stared at me intently for a moment and I raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "What?"
"You have a little something…" He raised a hand up to my face and brushed his finger along my lower lip gently.
Immediately I turned red, slapping his hand away in surprise. He raised an eyebrow in amusement, a smirk appearing on his lips. Doing my best to ignore his expression, I quickly ran the back of my hand over my mouth to rid whatever he had seen on it.
"What are we celebrating tonight?" Mr. Firay asked in a confused tone.
I stared at him blankly. By now I could tell when he was kidding, so he didn't fool me this time. Mr. Firay smirked as I did my best to ignore his teasing. He obviously knew…
"Oh, that's right," Mr. Firay continued, nodding. "This is a thank-you for watching you last weekend. How nice of your mother to invite me. Osaka is my favorite restaurant."
"What a coincidence, mine too," I responded, smiling. "But I thought you didn't like sushi?"
"I don't. But the steak they have is my favorite. As are the onigiri and the miso soup."
"That's weird because I like their steak too."
"So, it's okay if I meet you guys there, right?"
"Of course," I said, smiling. "Though I wonder why my mom would invite you since it is my birthday and you're just my teacher…"
Mr. Firay frowned, obviously not expecting my response. I did my best to keep a straight face and hide the smirk that wanted to slip onto my face. He teased me all the time, so wasn't it fair that I could tease him back sometimes?
"It's not that weird," Mr. Firay told me with a shrug.
"Yes it is."
Mr. Firay frowned at me. "You don't want me to go?"
"That's not it!" I said quickly. Mr. Firay smirked in triumph and I realized my mistake. Another blush appeared on my face and I looked at the ground in defeat. Mr. Firay played dirty.
"I have a confession to make," Mr. Firay started. "It's not a big confession, but a confession nonetheless."
Immediately I understood what he was trying to do. He was trying to hint that I should re-confess to him! My eyes widened in shock and I stared at him for a minute, trying to form a coherent word. Mr. Firay returned my look with an innocent one, trying to act like he was oblivious to what he was trying to do.
"What is it?" I finally managed to ask, keeping my voice steady.
"I have to confess that I feel bad about forgetting that today was your birthday."
I narrowed my eyes. Sure he did. "Oh, don't worry about it."
"Do you have anything you want to say to me?"
"Nope."
Mr. Firay's expression became confused for a split-second until he quickly rearranged it into his normal smug one. "Is that so?"
I nodded. "Yep."
If Mr. Firay thought I was going to confess twice, he was dead wrong. I was going to take Sage's idea. It was only fair that he should be the one to confess after the disaster last time. My face heated up slightly from the memory, but not enough so that someone could tell I was blushing.
Suddenly the bell rang, signaling that lunch was over. Mr. Firay raised an eyebrow at me and I returned his look with a shrug.
"Time for class," I told him, moving around him so I could go back to the classroom. "We can talk again tonight…"
"Right," I heard Mr. Firay respond, and if I wasn't mistaken, he sounded a little annoyed.
This brought a small smirk to my face. Oh, this was going to be an interesting night…
^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^RAINING ON THE MOUNTAINS! ^%^%^%^%^%^%^%^%
"Daphne, are you almost ready?"
"In a moment!" I called down to my mom, quickly coating my eyelashes with a thin layer of mascara. Sabrina always told me to use very little make up (Puck loved it when she had none), so I did as told. When I was finished I tossed my mascara back into my make-up box and made sure nothing had smudged. Everything looked okay.
My mom had ordered me to wear something dressy to the restaurant, since it was a fancy place. Eventually I had chosen the crimson dress I had worn to my junior year prom. It wasn't too elegant, but it wasn't too plain either. It had transparent sleeves -but still looked somewhat strapless- and seemed to fit to my curve perfectly. There was a small dip in the neckline, showing off just enough skin to look attractive and appropriate. The hem of the dress came to about an inch longer than mid-thigh, and I ran my hands over it, trying to make it go a little further. Short dresses usually weren't my style, but tonight was a little different.
Since I was trying to get Mr. Firay to confess to me. Admittedly I knew it was going to be a long shot since my mom and Sage would be there, but it was still worth a shot. I would have to find a way to get Mr. Firay and myself alone… maybe Sage could help me with that.
A stray piece of hair fell into my face and I quickly brushed it back, glancing at myself in the mirror. My hair didn't look horrible. I did use both of Red's birthday gifts to me, wearing the raindrops earrings; my hair was tied up with a ponytail. Though, it looked like I had a rose stuck in my hair. The only real thing I had done with it was straighten it before putting in the hair tie, so it looked the same as it did every day Luckily my chocolate hair color matched well with my dress.
"Daphne!"
"I'm coming!"
With one last glance in the mirror I finally tore myself away from it, grabbing my small red purse off my bed. I hurried down the stairs to where my mom was waiting by the door. She appraised me with her eyes, a smile spreading onto her face.
"You look hot."
"Mom," I muttered, feeling my face heat up in embarrassment. "Don't say that…"
"But it's the truth."
"You look great too," I told her, looking at her modest black dress. It was a lot like mine, except not as tight.
"Well thank you," she responded. "Now let's go."
On the way to the Osaka I stayed quiet, my nerves getting the best of me. I drummed my fingers on the window mindlessly, chewing on my bottom lip. Why had I dressed up so much? I should have gone for a more casual look. Were Sage and Mr. Firay dressing up? Knowing my mom, she had probably told them to. Maybe they would show up in tuxedos…
We arrived at the restaurant far too quickly. My mom smiled at me as she shut of the car. I tried to smile back, but it probably looked more like a grimace. My heart was pounding so hard I thought my chest was going to burst. I didn't have anything to be so nervous about! My mom was taking Mr. Firay to dinner, not me. This wasn't a date. This was a birthday and thank-you dinner. Sure I was dressed up; but I didn't have to be so nervous about that!
"C'mon honey," my mom urged, opening her door. "Matt and Sam are probably here already."
"Sage," I told my mom, letting out a rush of air I didn't realize I was holding. "Try to remember it."
"Sage," my mom repeated under her breath. "Sage, Sage."
Together we made our way towards the entrance of the Osaka. It felt like the butterflies in my stomach were having a raging college party. I swallowed nervously, clenching my fists. Why was I so nervous? It was so annoying! I was only going to dinner with my teacher…
"Mom?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you invite Mr. Firay?" I asked bluntly, getting the question that had been on my mind for the past few days finally off it.
My mom looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "I thought I told you. As a thank you…"
"But don't you think it's a little weird… since he's my teacher?"
My mom smiled at me. "You know, your father and I were seven years apart."
I stared at my mom dumbfounded. "W-what?"
"I was seventeen when I started dating him. He was twenty-four," my mom continued. "When I was in high school he was my American Literature teacher."
"What?" I reiterated. That was the only thing I could say. My mind racing with this new information: My dad was my mom teacher at one point?
My mom laughed, turning to face me fully. "Isn't it scary how much mother and daughter are alike?"
"Wait, wait," I said, shaking my head. "Mom, Mr. Firay and I aren't—"
"But you like him right?"
I blushed, giving myself away. My mom laughed again, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Daphne, you don't have to lie to me. I'd be a hypocrite if I said you couldn't be together. Besides, I'd have to be blind to not realize how you feel about each other."
"Wait. How do you know?"
My mom suddenly looked embarrassed. "Don't get angry, but remember that time I quote, unquote ran into Matt at the supermarket?"
"Yes…"
"I listened in on your conversation after that for a little bit," my mom admitted, looking sheepish. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have… but I was curious."
My eyes flew wide open and I stared at her in shock. She had listened to our conversation? But we had talked about the gangsters! "Mom, did you hear everything?"
My mom shook her head. "No, I actually was making some phone calls… But I sort of also sneaked a peek into the room, and that was all I needed to know. Then when I said I was going home, I also listened in again…"
"So wait… is this dinner… Are you trying to set us up?"
Once again, my mom blushed and nodded. "In a way, yes."
"So that's why you're so calm about the 'he's my teacher' situation," I commented, still a bit surprised.
"Daphne, it shouldn't matter whether or not he's your teacher," my mom told me. "Trust me, when I was in high school I did and it only put a riff between your father and myself for a time."
"How come you've never told me dad used to be your teacher?"
My mom laughed, scratching the back of my head. "I didn't want you to be creeped out…"
"Well, I'd be a hypocrite if I was," I told my mom, smiling slightly. "But I have another question. Why are you so willing to get Mr. Firay and I together?"
My mom smiled. "Because I got the feeling that you two were meant for each other, as cheesy as that sounds. You two reminded me of your father and myself when we were younger. And I know what situation you're in now, and I just wanted to help you two out."
"What would you say if I told you that you were wrong and I didn't like him?"
"Well, I'd be pretty embarrassed." We both laughed at that and my mom put an arm over my shoulder. "Come on, let's go in now."
The warmth of the Osaka was a welcoming feeling compared to the chilly air outside. Delicious scents of Japanese food and other cooking filled my nose, making my stomach rumble. We made our way up to the waiting area and my mom went to get our reservation.
I wondered around the waiting area, looking at the paintings on the wall. Half of them looked like a small child had drawn them. A small grin made its' way onto my face as I distracted myself by finding funny images in each canvas. Art was really entertaining sometimes.
Suddenly something hard hit my side, sending me staggering in the high heels that I was very unused to wearing. Luckily I managed to stop myself from falling by grasping the edge of a very convenient bench.
I heard a familiar laugh. "Dude, Matt. Be careful. You almost just knocked this fine, young lady over."
"I'm so sorry," an even more familiar voice apologized and I felt a strong grasp on my upper arm, pulling me into an erect position.
I didn't turn around right away, suddenly too embarrassed to face Mr. Firay. However, his hand didn't leave my arm and I felt him tugging me around to face him. My eyes were on the ground at first, but I slowly raised them to his face.
Mr. Firay was staring at me in complete shock. I wouldn't have been surprised to see his jaw on the ground. I quickly glanced at Sage. He was looking back at me just as surprised, except his jaw was practically on the floor. I almost laughed at his reaction.
"Daphne," Mr. Firay finally breathed, letting my arm go.
"Mr… Matt," I corrected myself boldly.
Now Mr. Firay's jaw did drop, but he quickly closed it again and turned his face away from me. Which was good, because a blush appeared at my face from my bold use of his name. While his head was turned I used the opportunity to check him out.
To my pleasant surprise, he was wearing a tuxedo. It was black and he was wearing a white shirt underneath the jacket and a red tie that was the same shade as my dress. I smiled at the coincidence. When Mr. Firay turned back to me I realized just how handsome he looked in the tux. I almost forgot how to breathe.
"You look… You look…"
"Gorgeous!" Sage cried, gathering me up in a bear hug. "Damn Daphne, I could have mistaken you for Miss America."
I blushed as Sage crushed me to death. "Don't over exaggerate," I managed to choke out.
"Ow!" Sage cried, suddenly pulling away from me. "What was that for, Matt?"
"Couldn't you tell you were killing her?" Mr. Firay responded, frowning at him.
Sage smirked smugly. "You're just jealous that I thought of the best compliment."
I blushed, looking away from the pair of men. "Just forget it…"
"Let's go find your mom now," Sage suggested. "I want to meet my future mother-in-law."
"Don't get your hopes too high," I heard Mr. Firay mutter to Sage.
I started walking back towards the reservation area and I could hear Sage and Mr. Firay follow me. My face was still hot from Sage's comment and my palms were sweaty. As much as Sage's opinion mattered to me, Mr. Firay's was more important.
"So Daphne, do you think I look good?"
I glanced at Sage. He too was dressed in a tuxedo like Mr. Firay's. Except Sage had a deep blue tie. I smiled at him, nodding my head. "I'm not going to lie, Sage. You look pretty sexy."
"Thank you," Sage responded with a grin. "I bet if we pretended we were a couple, we'd be the sexiest thing in the world."
I heard Mr. Firay snort behind us. I glanced at Sage, who winked at me. My eyes widened slightly as I understood what Sage was doing. Making Mr. Firay jealous. He inconspicuously nodded his head as he noticed I had figured out what he was attempting to do. I responded with his nod just as secretly.
"What about Matt?"
I glanced back at Mr. Firay, who was glaring at Sage. "He looks nice."
Mr. Firay's head turned towards me but I quickly faced the front again, not wanting to see his expression. I was torn between amusement and guilt. Part of me told me Mr. Firay should be the one being teased tonight, but I also felt bad for him. However, Sage's plans never failed to work…
My mom was waiting with a waiter by the front of the restaurant. When she noticed us a bright smile spread across her lips. Sage stepped forwards, holing out a hand.
"You must be Daphne's mom," Sage greeted her as she placed her hand into his. "Nice to meet you, I'm Sage."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Sage," my mom responded, sending me an impressed look. "You can call me Veronica."
"Sure thing!"
"Shall I take you to your table then?" the waiter asked my mom, his eyes glancing over our group. His eyes lingered on me and I felt self-conscious, quickly adverting my gaze.
"Sure!" my mom chirped, smiling at him.
We started following the waiter through the restaurant to the back. My mom struck up a conversation with Sage and I played with my fingers to distract myself. Mr. Firay was now walking besides me and it took all of my will power to not look at him. Suddenly my shoe caught on something and I fell forwards. Before I could hit the ground, I felt an arm around my waist.
"Careful," Mr. Firay breathed in my ear as he set me up straight. "That's twice tonight you've almost fallen."
"Thank you," I muttered, red-faced.
"You look beautiful tonight, Daphne," Mr. Firay suddenly commented in a quiet voice, his mouth still by my ear.
Immediately I blushed, swallowing nervously. Tonight was going to be a lot harder than expected.
A/N. ...I know Veronica and Hen were not seven years apart, and that they did not date as student/teacher. I was just thinking to myself, "Wait, why am I making Veronica so okay with Daphne liking MSeed?" I had to make something up. But let me tell you: That info is not accurate! I don't believe they ever met that way –maybe playing baseball or something. ^^
Story time, kiddies! XD
Okay, so like a week before I had to go back to school in August last year, my purse disappeared. I insisted to my parents in was in the house because they kept thinking I had left it in one of the seats at Germain Arena where we were watching Alegria (I loved it –you should watch it if it comes to your town), but I knew it was in the house...somewhere. The bad thing about losing it, though, was the fact that it had almost 100 dollars, had my first wallet (and some loose change. ;D), and my Nintendo. *sobs* MY NINTENDOOO! So yeah, it wasn't found until...two days ago? Three days ago? Well, Saturday. XD We were changing the beds in my house (the guest room bed would go to Kian, my sister and I would get the bed from Kian's room so we would have three beds (It's a bunk bed thing), and the guest room would be used as my mom's office.) and my mom moved away this chair (I'm not sure what their called...OH! BEAN BAGS!) and this stand away, and there –low and behold- was my wallet. I won't iie –I started crying. After over half a year (+6 months or so) if looking, it was just behind that stupid chair. -_- But yay! Happy ending! XD
Question of the Whatever: If you were in gym class, and there were stairs you had to climb (You know what a trapezoid looks like? Well those two slanted parts: /_\ are where you'd run) and someone was hiding at one end and tried to scare you, what would you do? I did that today –scared my friends. Gosh, it was so funny. XD They were screaming and like, "LARA! YOU STUPID GIRL! YOU ALMOST KILLED US!" And all I did was sit at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for them to come by –I didn't even say, "Boo!" or anything. It was so funny...
*points up* I guess that was my answer. Hahah. Well, if someone did that to me...I'll answer that when I pick a winner. :D
Sorry this was quite late. I had work again. Sorry I keep using work as an excuse –at least you get the chapters. ^^
Next Update (since some of you STILL frigging ask me. D:) Is Friday. I'm going back to two updates a week because well, I only get to spend two hours on the computer each day now. Lo siento.
~Lara