I looked in the mirror at curls cascading down my shoulders, it had grown a lot over the few months. Winter break gives me a perfect excuse to wear the sweater that Grandma knitted for me.
My phone chimes, I look at the messages.
"When are you coming… I'm waiting?"
I roll my eyes, "I'm almost there."
"I bet you didn't leave the house yet?"
I raise my eyebrows at how well he knows me now. "Coffee on me." I promise as I grab my back and keys.
I make my way downstairs.
"Where are you off to, pretty lady?" My Grandmother, with her thin brow raised in mild curiosity, attention piqued.
I shrugged, "I'm going to the Coffeehouse to meet up with Dorian." I explain.
"Is he your boyfriend?" She asks casually, I let out a hoarse laugh.
"Grandma." I say in exasperation. "No, Dorian is just a friend."
Emily enters the kitchen, "I sure hope so." She gives me a silent look, the look as to say your therapist recommends no relationship.
I heave a sigh, "He is just a good friend." I reassuring her.
"Are you coming to the Christmas party?" My dad asks.
I smile meekly at him, "Do I have to?"
He shakes his head, "No but I would love it if the whole family was there."
My stomach sinks at the thought of Max now living with my mother..
I heave a sigh, "okay, fine." I reluctantly agreed knowing perfectly well that Jace would attend this event as well since it ties to his grandfather. My dad boasted how only selective families would attend and that he is really favourite of Mr Harrison.
I clear my throat, "Well, I'll get going." I say kissing grandma on the cheek.
"Drive safely," my dad pokes me on the shoulder.
"Of course, I learnt from the best." I say as I head out.
There's my beauty, a Toyota Prius that I got as a belated but very much needed birthday present.
I drive to the Coffeehouse, I know I should be in a rush but I don't trust myself to step on the gas even just a little. It's a fifteen minute drive and Dorian should be upset by my tardiness but instead I'm greeted by a warm smile and a hug.
"It's been too long." He says under his breath.
I break away, "it's been only two months." I gave him a concerned look.
"Two months too many." he beams, pulling my chair.
"What's new, how's the band?" he asks, eager for details.
"I told you over the phone already." I mutter.
"Forgive me if I want to hear everything in person." He gives me a stern look.
"Well." I smile, "Andrew and I started a band. I can't really play instruments but he is teaching me to play the guitar and we've become really good friends–"
"And you placed in the CA battle of the bands!" He says gleamingly.
"Yes, well I was working on that, we came third." I say, looking down at the iced latte.
"Third is an accomplishment since you all are starting out. Oh and I took the liberty to get you an iced beverage instead of a hot one as someone needs a clock strapped to their head." He mutters.
"Then how would I ever see it if it's on my head. That's what watches are for." I argue.
He gives me a witty look. "Well I'm glad you mentioned it." He says then laying something down on the table.
"Open it." He tells me as it is evident that this expensive box is a present.
"Dorian." I gave him a look.
"Lucia." He smirks.
I hesitantly open the present revealing a gold watch with diamond crescented around the frame.
"It's too much." I push the box back to him.
"Not for me." He squints, "just take it. I can't return it anyway. I purchased it in Paris." He elaborates.
"When you go back to school." I try to reason.
"Just take it." He frowns at me, "I picked it out for you and you'll offend me greatly if you don't." He says charmingly.
I heave a small sigh. "Fine." Pulling something out from my bag. "Then it's a good thing I got you this."
It was wrapped in brown paper. Dorian quickly opened it, reminding me of a child on Christmas morning as he gleefully unwrapped it. He was speechless for a moment or two.
"The Picture Of Dorian Grey." I smile.
"It's beautiful, let's only hope I don't lead a life to self destruction after receiving this." He jokes, astonished.
"Do you like it?" I questioned.
He shakes his head, "Why, I simply love it." He stares at me for a while, "you are very talented. This piece belongs in a gallery, it would be selfish of me to keep it, but Lucy– what possibly possessed you to paint me?" he questions.
"Besides Oscar Wilde? I think it would be your features, they are somewhat interesting." I admit, downplaying his features.
"Well I somewhat thank you– banter aside I am grateful, and I shall cherish this portrait." He set it down on the table.
I reach over to the watch and put it on. I struggle at first then Dorian reaches over to help me, he unclasps it and slides it on my wrist. "I'll cherish this too." I smile.
I sip on my latte, Dorian pleasures me with conversation on his endeavours, explaining how he'd quickly made friends and how he is enjoying his classes.
He tells me how they took the boat out on the weekends and urged me to study in Paris, explaining how there are fantastic art schools to further my talents. He boasts on and I can't help but how infatuating I find his stories and the way he tells them. I am sure he has no trouble meeting people and keeping them in his circle as he is an absolute pleasure.
Dorian then abruptly excuses himself with his short attention span and walks over to greet someone I almost didn't recognise, he changed homes and schools just to get away from me.
It's Jace…