Dear Fang

Chapter I

 First chapter!  UNEDITED.  Enjoy!

 

Chapter I

Seattle, Washington December 28, 2012

 

“You know what I don’t get?” I asked Annabelle, spearing a piece of broccoli with my fork. “I don’t get how a guy gets all angry that I don’t feel the same way,” I banged my palm on the restaurant table in frustration, “When I clearly told him that I was not looking for a relationship.” I was almost yelling now and I could feel irritated stares from other customers boring into my back.

 

My best friend looked like she was desperately trying to suppress her amusement. “So it’s over?” She coughed, undoubtedly trying hide the laugh that had escaped her traitorous mouth.

 

I snorted. “Do you even have to ask?” It had always been like this. Through high school. Through college. Whenever I wanted to get involved with a guy, I always told him exactly what I was looking for. Fun and sex. But then the bloody guy has to go and ruin it all because of something as ludicrous as his feelings. Red light! I mean, what more did I have to do? Did I have to write out an official contract or something? 'Thou shalt not develop romantic feelings for me.'

 

I always thought girls were the whiny little bitches.

 

“Josh, was it?” I was snapped out of my little internal tirade.

 

“No.” I frowned. “I think this one was Dan.” I squinted. “Yeah. Dan.” I nodded confidently, proud at having not forgotten his name. I was terrible with names. Annabelle shook her head at me, pressing her lips together.

 

“The usual reason?” She stated, rather than asking.

 

I picked my fork up and twirled it, gathering the last few strings of pasta on my plate. “Yeah.” I answered her rhetorical question nontheless.

It would always be the same. Somewhere along the road, the bloke would develop feelings for me and declare that he wanted to get into a ‘real’ relationship with me. I would then proceed to say that I didn’t reciprocate said feelings. Bah!

 

“You know, your intense misandry and clinical commitment problems are rooted from your childhood experiences. It’s probable that you lost your trust in all men because of your father’s promiscuity and willingness to engage in extramarital affairs. Of course, the death of your mother and your father’s lack of concern don’t help either.” Anna stroked her proverbial beard wisely.

 

“Thank you, Doctor Phil for that formidable revelation,” I returned drily. I then turned my head to the side condescendingly, “You sure you haven’t chosen the wrong profession? I’m sure it’s not too late to go into psychology.” This elicited a snort from my friend.

 

“Thanks for your concern, Naima” She spoke to me, deliberately dragging out each syllable, as if talking to a mere child, “But I have no interest in delving into the reknowned art of bullshitting.”

 

We grinned at each other. It was no secret that we both despised psychologists.

 

“Hey,” Annabelle said suddenly. “Come over to Hale Manor for New Year.”

 

I was surprised at Anna’s open invitation. I had only met the Hales once previously, and that wasn’t exactly by invitation. I didn’t know how they would take to my imposition.

 

With any other family, I wouldn’t have had these niggling doubts, but with the Hales, I was unsure. Fitzpatrick, Julianna, and even Annabelle at times had this strange air about them. It was like they carried some kind of bitterness and contempt, a feeling much too profound for me to understand. It was not only that, though. They were not very open people. Despite their popularity with the press, only a handful of people had been given the privilege of seeing the interior of their home. I also knew of the Hale temperament from firsthand experience. When I first met Anna, it took quite some time and effort on my part for her to warm up to me, and the elder Hales weren’t any different, if not tougher.

 

Let’s just say that my first impression of Annabelle’s parents had been a bit shaky.

 

Deep inside, I knew that the Hales were good people. I constantly saw them donating millions to various charities around the world, and they were known for their honor, but I could never shake my air of unease in their vicinity. What’s more, I was sure they noticed it with their razor sharp senses.

 

“I don’t know, Anna.” I mumbled, unsure. Needless to say, I was more than unwilling to take my friend up on her offer.

 

“Don’t make me beg,” Anna met my eyes. Her devastatingly beautiful face was set in such a heartbreaking expression that I almost agreed. Almost.

 

“Stop that, Anna,” I groaned. Even her pout was inhumanly beautiful.

 

It took a lot, but I finally agreed, albeit reluctantly. I didn’t know why I even bothered arguing with Annabelle. She always won.

 

After squealing and giving me a hug, she ran away before I could begin to voice my doubts.

 

I internally groaned. Cheers to a happy new year, I thought sarcastically.

I needed a drink.

So I wasn't gonna start on this story so early, but I couldn't resist.

The song on the right is Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard! Fitting for Naima's player ways :3

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