"You look gorgeous," Mariel mentioned from the doorway of my room.
"Aw, don't cry. You must've looked as ravishing in this dress too," I went and hugged her.
"Oh, don't bother with lil' old me. Put your shoes on and head downstairs. Sebastian's waiting in the living room," she wiped a single tear and headed downstairs to serve our guest.
I skipped in excitement and grabbed my pair of velvet heels. It completed my fancy evening look perfectly. Though, my hands looked a bit bear with the lack of jewelry. I hadn't worn any since I came here. I told myself that I would get one for myself as a form of self-love once I completed a personal goal. But now I just didn't have the time to go shopping.
"Mariel, you do make the best cuppa in the whole neighborhood," Sebastian's voice echoed upstairs.
"Oh, you funny boy! Save the compliments for her. You're about to be awe-struck," she patted his head.
The carpeted floor masked the sound of my heels clacking on the wooden board underneath. I snuck downstairs silently to surprise him with a grand reveal. He was facing away from the stairs and I was able to cover his eyes from behind. The smell of his cologne crept up my nose. His black suit paired well with my fiery ensemble. He was holding a bouquet of red roses in one hand and touched my hand with the other.
"Oh, you're done. Hmm… you smell nice," his smile made his cheeks rise.
"Thank you, kind sir. So do you," I kissed the top of his head.
"Are you gonna let me see you now? C'mon, let me see my princess," he begged.
I let go of him as he turned to examine my get up. I gave him a twirl and his jaw dropped before he covered his mouth with his hand.
"Do you like it?" I asked.
"Do I like it? I'm sorry Miss. Have you seen my girlfriend Isabelle? You're really pretty, but I'm taken," he teased.
"C'mon now. I don't look that different! I'm still yours,' I blushed shyly.
"You're my girl? Oh God bless me. I'm so lucky to have you," he gave the biggest grin that it made his nose scrunch and pulled me unto his lap.
"Get a room," Mariel yelled.
"I think we should get going," I suggested.
"Why are you sitting on me then?"
I fake-pouted and made my way to the front door.
"Love! You forgot your flowers!" he ran after me.
"Curfew's at 11," Mariel warned.
"Actually?" Seb and I asked in unison.
"Do I look like your mother? Have some fun!" she shooed us.
"Okay, take care," I blew her a kiss and waved goodbye as she watched us drive away from her window.
We got into his polished and shiny car and I placed the bouquet at the backseat. The journey to the restaurant was filled with an impromptu sing-along to the radio. Seb did a really good cover of Take on Me by A-ha. I laughed so hard at his impersonation of Elvis Presley that I almost smudged my lipstick. He was the only person that had made me feel so comfortable to just be myself without the fear of judgement or abandonment.