An Arranged Marriage to a Jerk

Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Life Decisions

At nine a.m., my phone rings. I sigh and roll over. It's a Saturday! Who the heck is calling me at nine freaking a.m.! When I pick up my phone off the pillow from where I left it. I squint at the screen. Trevor.

"Hello?" I mutter. 

"Hey, it's Trevor. Trevor McCaw?"

I smile. "yeah, I do have caller ID. I'm not completely lame."

He laughs, "Yeah, well. So, I wanted to know if you were free tonight." 

I pause. "Umm, I don't really know. I'm supposed to have a date with Connor? But we're not really speaking right now. he wasn't happy when I said... some things about our engagement. He's not calling it off, unfortunately, but I'm not excited for our date."

"Oh."

I wait, but he doesn't say anything else. After a minute of silence, he finally replies: "So are you going to the movies with me tonight or what?" Hmm, short temper. Not something I like.

"I'll call you back if I can, and if I don't, then meet me tomorrow for the eight o'clock showing of... The Love Treaty. It's a romantic comedy."

"Alright, see you then."

I hang up without saying anything. Why did the cute guys who are willing to marry me have to have an anger issue?

My phone buzzes and I glance at the photo ID. Connor. Of course.

-R we on 4 2nite?

I respond: -IDK do u want 2?

It's a while before my phone buzzes again. -We shud get 2 no each othr, i guess

-yeah.

-so, I'll pick u up @ 7:20?

-sounds good. c u then

-k

I put my phone down and sigh. Before 10 on a Saturday and I've already got two dates for the weekend. I sit back and think. All I have is school, dates, and nights with friends. No time for family. Not that I want it, but... still, I would really like some time to myself. I grab my phone and text Trevor.

Can't go 2nite, date w/ connor... 2morro is no good eithr. Sry, mon. nite date?

It's ten minutes before I get a response of "Sounds great!"

What I can't shake from my chest is the fact that I'm really getting engaged. To Connor. No matter what, I have to give him a chance. I may not like him now but... I doubt things will work out with Trevor. And Simon still hasn't called or texted or emailed. 

I decide i need to look good for tonight. No help from friends- I turn my phone off. My laptop is hidden beneath my bed. I'm doing this right.

I blast my iPod speakers with "Lessons" by OneRepublic. I throw open my small closet doors and begin my search. I chose a red velvet dress with black see-through tights. I grab my only pair of three inch heels in cherry red with big silver spikes on the toes. A thin black belt would match perfectly so I take that out too. I lay it on my bed and pull out my straightener and curler. A red ribbon is lying on my bathroom floor so I lay it next to the curler. When I step back and look at my ensemble, I'm satisfied. It's perfect. 

*  *  *

For the rest of the day, I focus on relaxing myself. More like calling myself. I take a hot bath with Lavender bubble bath. It's relaxing with classical music playing in the background. I read Dear John-the whole thing- and get out of the then freezing bathwater.

Next, I make a fruit smoothie for a late breakfast with a bagel. I write my report for Chemistry. I read a second book: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. After reading both of my favorite books in one afternoon, I decide to eat some lunch. I cook some scrambled eggs and search the large house for my parents. They've left a note on the back porch; 

At work for the day, dinner at a client's Spanish restaurant, "El Lobo Hambriento." Heard of it? Be back by 11. See you soon! 

Love, 

Mom and Dad

I roll my eyes and throw the note in the trash. Like I care where they're going.

Finally, at six o'clock, I decide it's time to get ready. I slowly walk to my room, buying some time. When I get there, I play my iPod again on "We Live" by Superchick. I plug the straightener in and pull on my dress. It fits me tightly, but it makes me look... sexy. And no matter how much my mind says I convince myself that's good.

Next, I put the belt on above my stomach. The tights fit nicely but I save the shoes for later. No need to hurt my feet now. The straightener is finally ready and I quickly straighten my hair. After it's cooled down, I plug in my curler. Once it's curled perfectly, I smile. It's seven. Perfect timing. I try to resist the temptation of the donuts lying on the kitchen counter, but I'm weak. After a quick bite I brush my teeth and put on some white strips. Make up is next.

With some "Big Apple" red lipstick, black mascara and silver hoop earrings, I'm ready. Then I add some blush to top it off.

When I step back and look in the mirror, one word comes to mind when I see my reflection:

Perfect.