"It's Monday" I sighed as I walked into the kitchen

"Good morning to you too Alex," Mom said drinking a mug of coffee

"You know it really was Mom until I remembered that this is the day my mother forced me to go out with a horrible girl"

"A very attractive girl. You're welcome" she said

"You know most mother's don't want their fifteen-year-old child to even go on dates," I said

"Well I'm not most mother's now am I" she smiled resting down the now empty mug before I sighed

"I get you might not like Elizabeth but a man should always keep their word. You told that young lady you'll go on a date with her so you will" Mom scolded

"See a man keeps his word but what does a boy do?" I asked

"A boy shuts up and does what his mother tells him. So sit down and eat your breakfast" Mom said 

"Fine but remember you're the one responsible for my impending torture," I said sitting beside Amanda

"I honestly don't know what you're bitching about. At least she's not ugly" Amanda said finishing her breakfast burrito

"Language young lady" Mom said as I started eating

"Sorry" she apologized before the doorbell rung

"Someone's at the door. Alex go see who it is. I'll go get your bags" Mom said 

"Sure Mom," I said  finishing my burrito before getting up with my sister trailing me to the door The minute I opened the door 

"Morgan residence what do you want?" My sister said rudely

"Hey you're the guy from Friday," I said already forgetting his name

"Glad to see you remember me," he said

"Are you here to see my mom?" I asked

"Indeed," he said before he began staring at Amanda

"You got a problem?" she asked

"No"

"So what up with the staring?" she spat

"I'm sorry but you're just as beautiful as I imagined" he smiled tenderly

"Because that's not creepy at all," she said sarcastically as she stepped away from him

"Oh please don't misunderstand. I just think you're a really beautiful child" he said failing to word it properly

"Okay creep I should warn you I can scream as loud as a car alarm and bite like a bear trap. As useless as my brother is, he can still call the police. So don't think about anything weird" she said

"No I'm not a pervert," he said

"Because a pervert would totally admit to being a pervert"

"Okay, we got off on the wrong foot. You're here to talk to my mom right" I intervened

"Yes" 

"Why?" Amanda asked

"It's private. Grown-up stuff" 

"So you won't tell me," Amanda said

"I just want to talk to your mother" he sighed

"Okay. Alex, we're going in" she said

"Sure," I said before we went back inside and she immediately bolted the door

"Who was it?" Mom asked coming down with our bag with a smile on her face

"No one," Amanda said

"The guy I was telling you about Friday," I said before her smile faltered

"He says he wants to talk to you," I told her as she sulked

"Mommy, you okay?" Amanda said 

"I'm fine," she said 

"You sure?" I asked

"Everything's fine. Alex, take your sister to school. I have to have a chat with the gentleman outside"

"Okay. Let's go Amanda" I said noticing her tone before we took the bags and walked back outside

"She'll be with you in a minute," I said 

"I see thank you. Are you two going to school?" he asked

"Yeah," I said

"Would you like a lift?" he asked 

"That won't be necessary," Mom said walking out

"Thanks anyway," I said before we left

"What was that about?" Amanda asked

"I don't know," I said before we went to the bus stop

"Don't you normally ride with your loser friend? Where is he?" Amanda asked

"He must have gone to school early," I said as the bus came

"Him? Go to school early?" she laughed not buying it for a minute

"Just shut up and get on the bus," I said before we drove to her school.

"Later brat," I said as she ran into her class. I smiled as she chatted with her friends. I turned to walk away when I noticed Wendy heading for the gate

"Hey Wendy" I called out to her but she only ignored me and continued walking to the bus stop

"I know we're not friends but you can at least say hi," I said as I stood beside her

"Hi," she said 

"I didn't know your brother attended the Midnight Elementary School? My sister goes there" I asked but she didn't say anything

"What do you think of it?" I asked as the bus came 

"Waste of money" she responded as she walked into the bus leaving me daze

"At least she's saying a word to me" I sighed entering the bus.

We got to school and she went straight to the bathroom while I went to class.

"Where am I even going to take that mental patient?" I asked myself before I spotted Ben talking with one of our classmates

"Yo I heard there's a new teacher that likes to give pop quizzes in class today," the guy who was dressed in a sweet Naruto jacket said

"Didn't we just finish exams? I swear they're tryna kill us" Ben groaned

"Who's tryna kill ya?" I asked wanting to join in 

"Sup Alex. We were just talking about" the guy said

"Hey, we should head inside. Class is about to start" he said

"Oh yeah sure" the guy agreed before they walked in. I sighed before following them inside and walking behind Ben

"So you're still not talking to me," I asked

"Hey Emily" he yelled out 

"Hey guys sup," she said walking up to us

"Would you mind changing seats with us?" I asked

"What?" she asked confused

"Dude you can't be seriously going this far," I said

"I want to change seats for a while. That okay?" 

"I mean I have no problem but why?" she asked

"No special reason. It's just you sit at the back" Ben shrugged

"Yeah so?" she asked

"That's the perfect sleeping spot" she smiled cheekily 

"Oh okay" she agreed

"Thanks a lot," he said walking away

"Yeah thanks, Emily," I said sarcastically

"No problem," she said sitting down

"Alex. Aren't you gonna sit down; class is about to start

"Sure whatever," I said sitting down before the French teacher walked in

"Bonne classe orning" she said. That was Madam Francis, but back then she was called Mademoiselle Smith. An overeager new teacher that everyone hated. Her attitude was kind and friendly but she gave way too many pop quiz and homework

"Bonjour" everyone responded. And that was pretty much all the French I knew, in fact, that is all I know now

"My name is Mademoiselle Smith. I will be your new french teacher. I'm sure many of you have heard about me from your peers. So do you have any questions?" she asked

"Is it true that you only answer questions asked in French?" a student asked

"Indeed. I will allow English questions for the first couple of classes. Do not worry I will teach you how to ask basic questions like how to use the bathroom and can you repeat. Next question" she said 

"Is it true that you always give new a class a pop quiz?" another student asked

"Indeed. I need to see to what extent you've been exposed to French. Next" she said

"Have you ever been to France?" Samantha asked

"Indeed. I spent two years after my graduation from teacher's college in Paris" she answered

"Okay, important question. On a scale of one to ten how attractive are the men in Paris?" she asked

"I don't think that's appropriate for a minor to ask" she responded so Samantha rolled her eyes

"Any more questions?" she asked before the door opened and Wendy walked in with Elizabeth

"Are you in this class?" Mademoiselle Smith

"Yes," Wendy said while Elizabeth stayed silent

"Then you're late" 

"I'm sorry," Wendy said not bothering to give a meaningless excuse

"Since it's your first class I'll let it slide just this once. Please introduce yourselves?" Mademoiselle Smith asked

"I'm Wendy Williams I'm in the class" 

"Listen well. My name is Elizabeth Monroe" she said

"Well, I'm Mademoiselle Smith. I'll be your French Teacher for the year" she said

"Je vois. Voyons si vous êtes qualifié pour enseigner le vôtre vraiment" Elizabeth said

"Of course she speaks French," I said not even a little surprised

"Ton français est assez bon" Mademoiselle Smith smiled

"And yours is passable" Elizabeth shrugged 

"May I ask where you learned to speak French?" 

"My mother owns a villa in Paris. 7th arrondissement. We go once a year" she said 

"I see. Please have a seat. I am about to begin the class" she said.

After class, everyone was rushing to their class and I spotted Ben in the hall and trailed behind him still trying to get him to talk to me

"So how did you think you did on the test?" I asked

"I did horrible. I think I might even get an F" I said

"I couldn't focus because my best friend is avoiding me"

"Come on man. Say something. Anything" I said

"No, goodbye," he said walking away

"I did say anything" I sighed

"Alexander"

"And then there's this chick" I groaned before turning to her

"What do you want Elizabeth?" I asked

"I came to get an ATA on our date. Do you have anything planned?" she asked

"No, I don't. I'm still thinking about it" I said

"If you need some tips"

"I'm fine. I have to get to class" I said walking away.

That class ended quickly and it was time for lunch so I went to the canteen but once I got my food I noticed the seats were filled

"Where am I gonna sit?" I asked myself before I noticed Samantha, Wendy, and Anthony at a table

"Hey guys," I said walking over to them

"What do you want Freeman?" Samantha asked

"Nothing. I just noticed there was an empty seat here" I said

"Sorry it's taken," Wendy said

"Really by who?" I asked

"Me" Ben said 

"Ben?" I asked but he didn't say anything he just sat beside Wendy

"Thanks for saving a seat for me," he said 

"Wendy can't you drop this one too," Samantha said before I sighed and made my way out of the kitchen but as I stepped into the hall I noticed Elizabeth walking to the hall with her clique

"Halt chiennes" she said snapping her fingers getting her tails to stop before she spotted me and sent a dazzling smile my way

"Oh no" I sighed before she came over to me

"Elizabeth, can you not say anything. Right now I just want to get something to eat and head back to class"

"Calm Alexander I just wanted to know why you aren't eating in that putrid cafeteria-like usual," she asked

"The canteen's full."

"That's quite unfortunate but don't your merry band of friends normally save a seat for you?" she asked

"Well thanks to the certain blonde I'm not on the best terms with them," I said

"So you don't have anywhere to sit?" she asked with a smile

"Try not to cry," I said sarcastically

"I am truly glad you are now free. Now we can both sit and discuss our date" she said 

"No that's fine. I think I'm just going to eat this outside or something" I said

"Nonsense. You will dine with me. Chiennes make sure he doesn't run off" she said walking away.

I turned to walk away but noticed that her clique had blocked my path. One look at their glaring faces made it clear that they weren't going to let me pass so I sighed and followed Elizabeth out to the flower garden hut where no students were allowed but rules were a nonentity to Elizabeth at that time

"You can't seriously be thinking of having lunch there" I sighed already knowing the answer

"Why not? This is the only aesthetically pleasing place in this horrid building" she said making her way up the steps

"It's off-limits to students," I said as she sat around a table

"I seriously don't see the problem. If yours truly wishes to eat here the school should be honored that I am even willing to sit here" she said before I sighed knowing I'd never get through to her. Wanting to finish this faster I went to sit across from her

"So what about them?" I asked noticing that her clique hadn't tried climbing the stairs

"What are you standing around here for? Don't you have anything important to do?" she asked staring at them with a scornful look in her eyes

"Oh yeah. I hope you have a wonder me Elizabeth" the main clique member said before leaving. As she left I noticed she was carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag

"Why are you so rude to your friends?" I asked her picking up my slice of pizza

"Rude?"

"That scornful look and harsh tone in your voice," I said biting a slice of the pizza

"Oh that's what you mean," she said taking out a lunch box from her expensive bag

"Yeah. Didn't you bring them here to have lunch? Why would you run them away?" I asked noticing that they seemed accustomed to her behavior

"What makes you think they're my friends?" she said opening her lunch box to a sight of fresh sushi and breaking a chopstick

"What?" I asked

"They don't like me," she said eating one

"Huh?"

"Those girls do not like me at all"

"So why are they hanging around you and following your orders?" I scoffed not believing it as she finishing eating one sushi

"Did you see the bag Alicia was wearing?" she asked reaching for another sushi

"Yeah. It was a Louis Vuitton bag right?" I asked

"Considering her family's income where do you think she got the money to afford that bag?" she asked before it hit me

"You gave it to her?" I said piecing it together

"Indeed. That was a bag I got bored off and wanted to discard since she was nearby I just gave it to her," she said 

"She's hanging around you for her things?" I said

"She wouldn't be the first," she said looking out longing at the flowers. This was one of many moments that I saw just how beautiful she was. Especially with the background enhancing her already beautiful look

"While I understand it is you're first time seeing such a beauty in real life I recommend you not stare.  It can come across as creepy" she teased

"I wasn't staring. I was wondering if you know they're only using you why do you allow them around you?" I asked but she only smiled at me

"Would you like one of my sushi?" she offered successfully changing the topic

"Sure," I said reaching for one but as my hands were going to touch it she slapped my hand with the chopstick

"Owe what the hell?" I asked rubbing my hand

"Alexander, have you no manners? You mustn't eat with your hands. There are proper utensils for eating such as a delicacy. It would disrespectful to the people who made it otherwise" she said

"I doubt the guy who made this would care," I said but she only glared at me before handing me her chopsticks which I was hesitant to take

"Is there a problem?" she asked

"Don't you have another pair?" I asked 

"Alexander please don't tell me you are worried about an indirect kiss," she said but I just remained silent

"Haha, you are quite hilarious. We have shared very intimate kisses more than once but you're worried about an indirect kiss" she giggled

"That's different," I said blushing

"How?" she asked a mocking smirk on her face

"You're the one that kissed me both times," I said 

"So you view this as giving consent" she chuckled

"Screw it fine. Give me the damn chopsticks" I said embarrassed as I took the chopstick. I tried holding it like her but I kept failing

"Alexander don't tell me you don't know how to use chopsticks" she laughed

"I can use it fine," I said finally getting the chopsticks to stay in my hand but it was incredibly uncomfortable as I moved slowly and cautiously towards the sushi on the other side of the table. As soon as I gripped one and tried to take it out of the box it slipped and fell right back in causing me to almost curse

"Haha, do you need assistance?" She laughed

"I'm fine," I said trying and failing many times before I get irritated and impaled it before taking it up

"That is quite a unique way of using chopsticks" she teased

"If it works it works" I shrugged before I ate the sushi. It was amazing. Nothing I had tasted at the time could compare to how amazing it was 

"This is delicious," I said savoring the taste.

"Is this your first time eating sushi?" she asked noticing the state of bliss on my face

"No but the ready-made one my mother bought wasn't nearly as good as this," I said

"Leave it to you to compare cheap store-bought goods to high-class delicacies," she said

"Whatever can I get another one?" I asked before she took the chopstick

"Sure but try it with this," she said adding wasabi to it

"What is it?" I asked not knowing what it was at the time

"Wasabi. It is a topping" she said moving the chopsticks to my mouth

"Say Ah," she said before I blushed

"I can feed myself," I said embarrassed

"You can't even hold the chopsticks properly so no you can't," she said before I conceded and opened my mouth and she fed me

"Delicious isn't it?" she asked

"Mm" I nodded

"Can I have another?" I asked with the sushi still in my mouth 

"Sure but don't speak with your mouth open," she said as I swallowed

"Can you put some more wasabi on it?" I asked 

"You should careful with wasabi. It's really hot in excess" she said

"I can handle a little heat" I bragged 

"Pride comes before the fall," she said putting more wasabi on it and feeding it to me. By the time it was in my mouth it was too late to regret it. The burning sensation filled my mouth and I screamed out in pain

"AHH! It burns! My mouths on fire!" 

"Haha. I had tried to warn you" she laughed

"Water! I need water" I said tears filling my eyes

"Here," she said handing me a pink thermos

"Thank you," I said ripping off the tap and gulping all the milk down 

"Thank you," I said again slamming down her thermos

"You're most welcome. Now it is time for my payment" she said

"Payment?" I said

"Indeed I just gave you three of my sushi. They were very expensive. I wish for compensation" she said as she got up and walked over to me

"What kind of payment?" I said nervously as she leaned towards me and stopped only inches from my face

"Kiss me," she said 

"What?"

"I want you to initiate a kiss like yours truly as done before," she said puckering her lips

"Um..." I said looking at her alluring puckered cherry lips

"I'm waiting," she said before I grit my teeth before closing my eyes and giving her one quick peck on her lips

"There," I said

"Haha you call that a kiss," she said before she captured my lips again in another tongue wrestling match before breaking apart

"Now that is a kiss," she said staring at my blushing face

"Why are you so bold?" I asked

"Because I am. The real question is why are you so timid?" she asked

"Because I don't like you," I said

"That's quite unfortunate" she sighed before the bell rang

"We should head to class," I said 

"Before that where are we suppose to meet for a date?" she asked

"Just come by the house, around four. And please wear something casual" I said

After that, we went back to class. School ended rather quickly and while I was on my way out I saw Anthony talking with Wendy. 

"Hey Anthony," I said walking over to them

"Yo Alex what's up?" he asked in a friendly manner while Wendy just looked away

"I got a question to ask Wendy," I said before Anthony smile became awkward as he looked at Wendy

"I don't think she wants to talk to you bro," Anthony said 

"I know but I have a question about Elizabeth," I said 

"What happened to Lizzie?" he asked 

"Nothing I'm just curious about her friends and since I'm wondering if Wendy knows anything," I said 

"Do you?" he asked. She looked at me before looking at Anthony worried gaze then sighed

"I don't know much about them but I overheard them today in the bathroom. They say things about her in the bathroom" she said Anthony and by extension me

"What kind of things?" Anthony asked through his gritted teeth, his anger was very evident

"Bad things. They don't like her at all. They hang around her so they can hang out at her hotel" Wendy said 

"I'mma kill em," Anthony said

"Hey I think that's a little too far," I said

"Nah, bro. No one uses my sister like that. I won't let that happen again" he said pissed

"Again?" I asked confused

"I'll see you guys later. I need to go cool off" he said leaving Wendy and I both standing there as he stormed off

"Um" I opened my mouth but she just walked away

"Expected" I sighed before going home and crashed on my bed 

After a quick rest, I heard a knocking on my door 

"Who is it" I groaned just barely opening my eyes

"Wake the hell up loser! Your date is here!" Amanda yelled

"Date? Elizabeth" I said jumping up and grabbing my phone

"Shit four twenty-five," I said before I got up and walked over to the door and opened it

"Thanks, brat" I yawned before heading to the bathroom. After a quick shower and brushing my teeth I got dressed in a simple red jacket, plain jeans, and all-star converse shoes before heading downstairs to see Elizabeth speaking with my sister and mom who was rather well dressed

"I must say Elizabeth you look amazing. Those clothes you are wearing looks amazing" Mom said 

"Thank you, Bethany. They are Gucci products that my mother bought for me last week" she said.

"Didn't I say casually" I sighed 

"This is casual," she said. She was wearing a white Gucci T-shirt, leather skin-tight jeans, a Gucci handbag, stiletto boots along with heart rimmed sunglasses

"Gucci isn't casual," I said before I looked at my mother

"It is for me. You and I have very different definitions of casual" she said looking disdainfully at my clothes

"Why are you looking at my jacket like that?" I asked

"It's hideous," she said

"It's my favorite," I said 

"It seems I will have to take care of your wardrobe," she said

"You will do no such thing," I said before the doorbell went off

"The doorbell's ringing," I said

"We have ears too," Amanda said rolling her eyes

"It's probably for me" Mom sighed 

"It seems your mother as a date," Elizabeth said 

"Is that the reason you're so well dressed?" 

"Do you have a date mommy?" Amanda asked 

"It's not really a date. It's more like a business meeting" she said 

"So who's gonna stay another look after Amanda?" I asked

"I've got that covered," she said before the doorbell rung again

"I think you should go answer that," I said but just as she was about to walk off she stopped and turned to Amanda

"Amanda dear" she suddenly said

"Yes Mommy?" she asked

"You remember me telling you were adopted right?" Mom said

"Huh-uh," Amanda said

"Have you ever thought about your real parents?" 

"Real parents?" Amanda said not liking that terminology

"Birth parents" Mom corrected

"I don't know. I've never thought about it" she shrugged

"Okay, but what if they wanted to see you. Would you be happy about that?" 

"Happy? I haven't really thought about that much. Why are you asking this Mommy? You're the only parent I need" she said giving a very cute smile

"Thank you," Mom said kissing her cheek which made me smile

"I could do without the useless brother though," she said before I stopped smiling

"What did you just say brat" I growled but she only stuck her tongue out at me

"Be nice you two" Mom chuckled before getting up and went to the door. When she came back Marcus, along with his assistant, was with her

"You're the creep from this morning," Amanda said

"What kind of business meeting are you going on?" I asked cocking an eyebrow but mom only sighed

"Hello everyone. We haven't been formally introduced. I am Marcus Thomson and this is my secretary. Say hi Angelina" he said 

"Greetings," she said looking up from her tablet for that slight second before looking back at her screen. Angelina really loves her job as she was always working. Her work ethic didn't calm down even now

"Hello, I'm Bethany Morgan. This is my son, Alexander Freeman and this is my daughter, Amanda Morgan" she introduces and I noticed Marcus flinch a bit

"And this is-" mom said before Elizabeth interrupted

"My glorious name is Elizabeth Monroe," he said before Angelina looked up from her tablet

"I knew you looked familiar. You are Mary-ann Monroe's daughter" she said

"Indeed"

"We recently did business with your mother how is she?"  asked

"We did?" Marcus asked. Marcus was never the business type so he always leaves the business side of his company to Angelina who was his best friend since college

"Yes and you would know if you ever show to a business meeting and leave that damn lab," she said

"Come on Angelina is that any way to talk to your boss" he joked

"Work hours ended a long time ago," she said rolling her eyes to which Marcus laughed

"Anyway, what is the daughter of Mary-ann doing here?" Angelina asked

"As of now I am going on a date with this simpleton right here," Elizabeth said before Angelina looked at me from head to toe disbelievingly

"What's that look for. I'll have you know she's the one that asked me out" she said

"Really?" she asked skeptically

"As unlikely as it sounds it is true," she said

"Good for you. So where are you going?" Marcus asked

"I am quite curious as to what you have on the agenda as well Alexander," Elizabeth said

"It's a surprise," I said nervously hiding the fact that I had no idea where I was going to bring her

"Mystery nice" Marcus said nodding approvingly as he reached into his pocket and took out his wallet

"Here you two can go anywhere you want," He said taking some cash

"That won't be necessary," Mom said

"Marcus what did I tell you about wantonly giving out cash" Angelina glared at him

"It's cool. I still have the five hundred you gave me on Friday" I said before he shrugged and put away his wallet

"Anyway I think it is time we take our leave," Elizabeth said obviously getting impatient

"We should go as well," Marcus said, "Do you two need a ride?" 

"No, we'll be fine. Thanks away" I said before Elizabeth and I walked out

"So that is Elizabeth's father. His social standing seems quite acceptable" Elizabeth said as we walked down the street

"I don't you weren't into uninformed guesses," I said

"Oh please. Bethany virtually admitted it in there" Elizabeth said

"Yeah he seems nice," I said as we stopped at the bus stop

"So where are we going?" she asked

"I told you it's a surprise," I said

"Fine but when is the taxi getting here?" she asked

"Taxi?" I asked

"Indeed. How are we going to get to our destination?" she asked which made me smile knowing she'd freak

"Don't stress our ride should be here shortly" I said

"In fact here it comes," I said as the bus came and stopped in front of us

"You can't be serious?" she asked 

"Oh yes I am" I smirked

"Couldn't you have at least called an uber," she said looking at the bus scornfully

"And what would be the fun in that?" I smirked as I got on the bus. She looked squeamishly before she got on. Elizabeth looked at all the people in the bus and I could she was horrified at the amount of bus bouncing packed together

"Scary isn't it," I told her as we walked down the aisle 

"The sheer amount of people who ride this bus every day is unknown. You can't be sure if the last person that touched that rail picked his nose or washed his hands after using the bathroom before they touched the rail" I said enjoying the horrified look on her face

"Isn't this bus sanitized?" she asked

"Yeah but not really," I said 

"Hold on tight," I said as the bus moved off. I watched Elizabeth plant her feet on the ground reluctant to put even the tip of her finger on the rail

"You're going to fall," I said but she hadn't even bludged

"I'd rather fall than touch that germ-infested thing," she said

"Hate to break it to you but the floor isn't much better. Do you have any idea how many food crumbs, liquid spills, and whatever is on the bottom of people's shoes are on the ground" I said

"Isn't there a no eating or drinking scene? How could people drink on here?" she said horrified 

"Says the person who breaks the rule every lunchtime," I said

"That's not the same," she said before the bus came to a sudden stop and she lost her balance

"Ah"

"Elizabeth," I said before I instinctually caught her 

"I told you, you were going to fall" I sighed letting her go

"Thank you for that," She said as the lady in behind of us got off the bus

 "There is an empty seat. You can sit there" I said 

"Is it clean?" she asked

"Have you ever heard ignorance is bliss?" I said sarcastically

"Alexander" she glared at me

"It's fine. Sit before you fall again" I said 

"You sit," she said 

"What?"

"Sit down," she said before I shrugged and sat in the seat

"Thank you," she said

"For what?" I asked before she sat in my lap

"What the...Why?" I asked blushing

"I have deemed you cleaner than this seat so I'd rather be seated in your lap than these untrustworthy seats," she said smiling

"Aren't you even the least bit embarrassed?" I asked very embarrassedly

"I thought we already established that I have very thick skin." she smiled

"Too thick" I grumbled before she chuckled.

The bus soon came to stop and I had to quickly decide where the hell I was going to bring her. I decided to go with the safe choice and just bringing her to the nearest place we were from where we got off 

"This must some sort of joke. I must say it's not funny" she said as we stood in front of the Burger Shack. This was Ben and my favorite hangout during middle school and was my favorite place in town

"Good because I'm not joking. Let's go Alexander" I said walking off

"Nope! Hello no! I'm not going in there" she said shaking her head in refusal 

"You told me to choose the venue. This is my venue" I said smirking at her

"I also told her that I don't eat fast food" she glared at me

"Have you ever tried it?" I asked

"There is no need. It is greasy and filled with fatty oil is it not?"

"Yes but you can't have the American experience with biting into a nice burger, nice salty fries, and a large coke soda on the side," I said

"American experience? Oh please it is just a muscle and fat sandwich made by a sweaty fourteen-year-old in under a minute" she said rolling her eyes

"Yes but it tastes really good" I defended

"And I'm not going to accept your opinion until you've at least tried it once," I said grabbing her arm and pulling her into the Burger Shack. After that, we joined the line and waited. Elizabeth stayed close to me watching the many people waiting in line for their food

"You okay?" I asked 

"You're enjoying this aren't you" she growled at me

"Yes. Yes I am" I said before she pinched me and I laughed before walking up to order

"Welcome to the Burger Shack what can we get for you?" 

"Can I get a large fries, a double chicken burger, and a large soda please?" I ordered

"I'll just take a salad or something," she said

"Nope," I said, "She'll have the same" 

"Alexander," she said glaring at me

"So that's two double chicken burgers, two large fries, and two large soda?" he asked

"Huh," I said 

"Alright you can move to the next line," he said handing me my receipt 

"Thank you," I said as I grabbed Elizabeth's hand again and pulled her to the next line

"You know ordering for a girl is really sexist," she said 

"And you kissing without my consent isn't sexual assault?" I teased

"That' different" she scoffed turning her head away

"How?" I chuckled 

"Oh shut up," she said. After that, we got our order and went to a booth

"Is this place sanitary?" she asked 

"It's fine," I said taking a seat

"Are you sure?" she asked

"Well you just sit down," I said before she sighed and sat down.

"Aren't you going to eat?" I asked smugly as she forced herself to take off the wrapper of the burger

"I will. I'm just-"

"Just staling?"

"I'm not"

"Then why don't you start eating?" I smirked before she scoffed

"Fine," she said reaching into her bag and took out a knife and a fork

"And what are you doing to do with those?" I laughed

"I'm going to eat," she said about to stab the burger

"No, you are not," I said slapping her hand

"How dare you put your hand on the untainted flesh of yours truly?" she glared

"There are proper utensils for eating such as a delicacy.  And that princess id to use your hands like this" I said before taking up my burger and biting into it

"You can't be seriously telling me to use my jade-like hands to touch this stuff," she said 

"That's definitely what I'm saying. It would disrespectful to the people who made it otherwise" I said

"I doubt the pleb who made this would care," she said but I only returned hr glare from this afternoon

"Fine," she said taking up her burger and moved it ever so cautiously to her lips before biting into it

"How is it?" I asked as she chewed. she raised her finger asking for a minute for her to swallow before she spoke

"My opinion before might have been a bit misguided"

"Thank you" I smiled

"But while I agree it is quite palatable. It is not something to feed on every day as your family does" she said

"We don't feed on a burger every day," I said

"I doubt pizza and fried chicken would be any different," she said

"We also buy ready-made meals you know," I said

"Is that suppose to be better?" she asked

"Fine so what guess do you suggest we do?" I asked but she didn't answer choosing to look at the door where her clique suddenly walked into the building with a girl walking slowly behind them

"Aren't those your friends?" I asked

"Indeed. So this is where they came after the buffoon chased them away" she said nonchalantly

"He ran them away? At least he didn't hurt them" I sighed 

"I see so you were the one who informed the buffoon of those Chiennes' transgression," she said taking another bite of her burger

"Yeah. He mentioned something about not letting that happen again. Did something like that happened before?" I asked but he wasn't paying me anything

"Elizabeth? Did you hear me?" I asked before she returned her attention to me

"Follow me," she said standing up and walking out when her soda in her hand

"Um..sure?" I said confused as I got up and followed her out. 

"What are you doing?" I asked as we walked out and saw her clique standing in a circle

"You little bitch do you know how much this bag costs? How dare you make me spill mustard on it." the ring leader said looking down at the girl they were encircling

"You said you wanted mustard"

"Don't you lie to me bitch. I told you no mustard. How are you pay me for my bag" she said

"I-I-I-I can't afford that" the girl stuttered

"Those bitch" I cursed looking at the poor girl they were persecuting

"That's too bad. You're gonna have to find me my money." she sneered

"We have to do something," I said not noticing that Elizabeth had already started walking over to them. She didn't say anything she just walked over to them and without saying anything she threw her drink over the girl's head

"What the f**K?! Who the f**k did that?!" the girl said furiously as she turned towards Elizabeth. 

As soon as she saw her face all the anger and fire in her eyes vanished and turned into slight fear and timidness

"No please continue. I wonder who gave you to courage to curse at yours truly"

"E-Elizabeth.I didn't know it was you" she said

"I see. Chiennes" she said before the girl chuckled

"What the f**k are laughing at?" one of the other girls said getting a glare from Elizabeth

"You speak french?" Elizabeth asked 

"I thought myself a little," she said before Elizabeth looked at her with a smile before looking sternly at the other girl

"Alicia, would you explain to me what is happening here?" Elizabeth asked

"This girl spilled mustard on my...your bag," she said

"And you wish for her to repay. For such a simple transgression" Elizabeth said

"I know it sounds petty but I valve the bag the most. You were the one that gave it to me" she said with a fake smile

"I see," Elizabeth said rolling her eyes as she reached into her bag and pulled out three grand

"Here. This should cover it" she said as if she was talking to a child before walked past her and holding her hand out towards the girl who was on the ground

"What's your name?" she asked

"Gwen," she said

"I meant your full name," she said

"Gwendaline Andrews," she said 

"I like your name Gwendaline," she said 

"Thank you" 

"Now are you going to take my hand or do you wish for it to fall off?" she asked

"Oh god I'm so sorry," she said frantically as she took Elizabeth's hand which made me chuckle

"It's no problem. Currently, I am out on a prior engagement but I find you in interesting and which to hold a conversation with you. Here you can have the pleasure of being the first person in this town with my number" Elizabeth said as she took out a card and gave it to her leaving the other girls bewildered and shocked

"Is there a problem?" Elizabeth asked them

"No, no problem at all," they said

"So what are you still doing here?" she asked before they scurried away

"Um thank you," she said 

"There is no need for thanks. Just remember to call me" she said before walking away

"You gave her your number" I smiled

"There's no need to be jealous. I can give it to as well" she said

"I'm not jealous. I'm just surprised you'd go out of your way like that" I said before we walked away heading back to the bus stop

"Out of my way?"

"Yeah I just thought it was nice of you to help her like that," I said

"But of course. Yours truly is the most generous person in the world"

"And we're back to arrogance" I sighed

"Hmph it's not arrogant if it's true" she scoffed 

"Whatever. Our date is finally over" I said

"Over? You must be kidding? You expect me to be satisfied with just an incomplete meal"

"Fine. I know somewhere else we can go" I said

"Do we have to take the bus again?" she asked

"No I think we can walk this time," I said before she smiled and grabbed my hand again 

"What are you doing?" 

"We're on a date, Alexander. This is the least we can do" she said before I sighed and we walked away. We moved towards our next destination. 

It was getting dark but that was what I wanted as I carried her to the park

"I must give to you Alexander. This place is rather beautiful" she said as she walked on the soft lush grass over to sparking pond that had a beautiful image of the full moon in it watching as the little fishes swam around

"Yeah, it is the second most beautiful place in town. Especially at night" I said sitting on the grass

"And what would be the first?" she asked sitting beside me

"A cliff near the beach where you can stand and look out at the sunset," I said my mind flashing back to the day I got rejected 

"I see. If my memory serves me correctly, and it does, that was the place you got rejected" she said

"Huh-uh"I nodded looking at my reflection in the sparkling water 

"That's a shame." she sighed

"What is it?" I asked

"The fact that we can't go there. I would like to see that visual myself. It's a real shame" she said

"What makes you think we can't go there?" I asked

"Didn't you get rejected there? I assume that memory would still cause you grief" she said

"I-I... I guess that's true" I said

"You guess?" she questioned

"Maybe because I was constantly worried about what you were going to force me to do next I hadn't been thinking about that day much. Honestly I think that moment was the first I thought about her in awhile" I said 

"Of course. Why would you think of her when you have yours truly clouding your mind. You should consider yourself lucky" she said smugly causing me to roll my eyes

"I must admit Elizabeth you are quite talented a praising yourself" I chuckled

"It is one of many skills" she said before we suddenly got quiet

"It was five years back" she suddenly said with a somber look on her face

"What?" I asked

"Weren't you curious as to what my brother was referring to" she said. I truly wanted to know but the sad look on her face felt weird to me and caused me to feel an unfamiliar pain in my heart

"No" I said

"Why not?" she asked

"I don't know what it is but it's obvious talking about it makes you sad. It's strange seeing you like that. I don't like it" I said looking away from her shyly

"I think you look better when you smile" I said before she chuckled

"Why are you laughing?" I said turning to see her cute face as she giggled at me

"Thank you for the compliment. But I for one think I'm beautiful no matter if I'm crying or laughing" she said

"I never denied that. I just think you look better when you smile" I said

"Alright then I'll only smile when I'm around you" she said

"What?"

"You said you liked seeing me smile. So I'll give you the honor of seeing it everyday" she said before I chuckled

"Alright thanks" I said 

"Two years ago. I had transferred to a school to be with my idiotic brother. Before that I hadn't left my mansion and didn't have any friends. So the first friend I ever had outside of the mansion was a young boy named Fredrick Weatherburn. He came from a middle class family much like yourself. We would spend a lot of time at the mall doing what I thought was hanging out. I would buy him many treats, games, toys and even clothing. I could safely say he was my very first crush." she said

"So what happened?" I asked

"One day in class he was talking to a girl unaware of my presence. He flirted with the girl and she had a questioned about his feelingss for me" she said 

"What did he say?" I asked clenching my fist before she gave a sad smile

"He said and I quote 'There's nothing going on with me and that bitch. Have your ever heard her talk. The bitch is so annoying' after that she asked so why he hung out with then and his response was and again I quote 'She buys me stuff. What can I say the bitch is a f**king mint. In fact I bet I can get her to buy that handbag you like'." 

"That guy's a freaking prick" I cursed very angry

"Indeed. Anyway I ran home and criedd the whole night. The next day I heard my brother had gotten expelled for beating up said boy and so he moved out here with our father and I returned to my mother" she said looking at her sad reflection in the water before it vanished as the water rippled at a fish jumping out the water

"I don't get it" I said

"Get what?"

"You must hate people like me. Why are you so tolerant with those girls around you?" I asked

"I guess I'm lonely" she said looking up to the sky

"Lonely? How could someone like you be lonely" 

"Alexander what did you think of me earlier. Be honest" she said

"Honestly I thought you selfcentered, arrogant, delusional, bossy and expects everything to go her way." I said 

"Everyone else does too. Because of my behaviour I have a very hard time making friends. If I do meet people I easily scare them off. Alexander the few people that willing hang around me are those that wish to take something for me. And I don't know I just...I like having people around me. And they won't leave no matter how bad I treat them as long as I can continue to buy and gave them things beyond their means. I know it's sad" she said

"It's not sad. It's human nature to desire companionship." I smiled at that

"Is it?" she smiled

"That sounded rather smart"

"Thanks I heard from a youtube video" I said before she sighed

"Of course you did" she said disappointed

"Anyway it's not bad for you to want company but you don't require those people to be your friends. True friendship doesn't come with a price tag"

"That's quite easy for you to say. You've had quite a few friends" she said 

"And you have me. You don't need to hang out with gold diggers like them" I said 

"I have you?" she asked before I realised my slip of the tongue and blushed

"I didn't mean it like that" I said embarrased

"Why not? You are my boyfriend after all" she said 

"Since when?"

"Aren't we on a date right now?" she asked smugly 

"Um...Look a butterfly" I said shifting her attention the butterfly flying around us

"Oh my. It's so beautiful" she said standing up and chasing the butterfly

I chuckled watching her run around and jumping trying to catch it

"Don't just sit there. Come help me" she huffed 

"Alright alright" I said as I got up and started jumping and running alongside her until suddenly I slipped. Not wanting to fall I grabbed unto the nearest thing I could which unfortunately was Elizabeth so I still fell with her landing on top of me

"Owe" she said 

"Are you okay?" I asked

"I'm fine but don't just grab unto someone like that. Yours truly could have sprained an ankle" she said

"Alright I'm sorry" I apologized before looking into her beautiful blue eyes

"You think a simle apology will get you out of this" she said continuing her rant but I hadn't heard any part of it as I was already lost in her eyes. Not sure what came over me I grabbed unto the back of her hand and I gave her a surprise kiss. After three minutes of sharing a passionate kiss I let her go and she looked her shocked

"What...What was that?" she asked with a mad look on her face

"I-I." I said worried she was upset

"I think I should call the cops and tell them you sexually assaulted me" she joked 

"Go ahead. I'll tell them I was just getting even" I joked before she suddenly kissed me. After that kissed we got up and I couldn't look at her face as I was still blushing

"I think we should head back home now" I said finally looking at her

"Acceptable." she said before grabbing my hand and we started walking towards the exit

"Please tell me we aren't taking that horrid bus again" she said 

"I'll call an uber" I chuckled before taking out my phone. 

The driver came shortly after and we sat in the back sitting quietly as the driver drove and suddenly came to a stop at a gas station

"Sorry about this but I need to fill up on gas" the driver said

"It's cool man. Actually I was just saying how thristy I was" I said before the three of us got out. The driver went to fill the tank while Elizabeth and I went inside the store 

"Do you want anything?" I asked

"Alexander we both know I've never bought anything from a gas station before-"

"Elizabeth it's a yes or no question" I said 

"Fine I'll try something" she said before I walked away grabbing two bags of peanuts and a large soda ane going up the cashier

"That will be ten dollars" the cashier said

"Thank you" I said giving her one of the hundred. As she put the money in the cash register I could help but think how familiar she looked. I was positive I had seen her somewhere

"Is something on my face?" she asked but I noticed I was staring

"Um...no. It's just I swear I've seen you somewhere before. I just can't put my finger on it" I said but she just shrugged as she continued taking out ten dollar bills and that' when it hit me

"You're Wendy's mom" I said before I noticed her shake a little as she stopped

"No. You're got the wrong person." she said nervously

"Are you sure?" I asked

"Yes. Anyway here's your change. Please leave I'm really busy" she said rushing me

"The store's empty" I said but she just glared me

"O...kay" I said finding it weird but leaving nonetheless

"What took you so long?" Elizabeth asked

"I thought I saw Wendy's mom" I said

"Wendy's mom?"

"Yeah I remember seeing her when she came to pick up Wendy that one time in middle school"

"Her mother works here?" 

"No she didn't work before" I said still looking at her through the window

"Whatever. Look what I brought" she said showing me a flyer

"What's this?" I asked

"A cooking class in town. You can use this to find out if your mother likes cooking. If she does she'll say yes" she offered

"Really?"

"Yes and now you don't have to force yourself to ask." she said before I smiled

"Let's get back in the car I think the driver is getting impaitent" I said.

After that thr driver dropped me off and I told him to care Elizabeth home safely and keep the change. After I walked inside and stretched as I walked into the kitchen where I noticed my mom was drinking some coffee

"Hey Mom. Did you just get home?" I asked noticing she was still in her dress

"Yes" she said

"So how was your date?" I asked

"It wasn't a date" she said

"Huh uh" I said disbelieving

"It was fine. We talked and Marcus is a really nice man" she said

"So is he Amanda's dad?" I asked

"What?" she asked

"That Marcus guy. He is Amanda's dad right?" I asked

"How did you know?" she asked not even bothering to hide it

"You aren't exactly the best liar Mom. You made it pretty obvious" I said 

"Yes. He came to me because he wanted to talk about getting back into Amanda's life" she said

"And? Are you going to let him?" I asked

"I don't know. I mean he deserves to me with his daughter but I really don't want to lose her" Mom said

"You won't Mom. No matter who our birth parents are, you will forever be our mother. No one can change that" I said

"Thank you Alex. So how about you. How was your torture?" she asked

"It wasn't that bad. She's actually kinda cool" I said smiling 

"Does that mean you're gonna go out with her again?" she asked with a smile

"Maybe?" I said 

"Good enough for me" she said getting up

"Mom wait" I said

"What is it?" she asked

"I saw this flyer outside" I said giving it to her

"A cooking class?" she asked

"Yeah I thought we could go together" I said

"I thought you didn't want me to cook anymore. Since I almost burnt the kitchen down" she said

"Yeah but I've been thinking that it isn't healthy for Amanda to just eat junk food and frozen dinners. Maybe a normal home cook meal would be more healthy" I said

"I see your point" I said

"So what do you say?"

"I'd love to. I'll sign us up tomorrow" she said before walking away

"Good night Alexander"

"Good night" I said