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Franca's alarm rang out loudly, startling her from her drowsy slumber. She lightly hit it on the floor to stop the obnoxious noise, it stopped abruptly. She let out a sigh, feeling exasperated, because she wasn't a morning person. Waking up from bed to face a new day was always a chore to her. Stretching her aching tired muscles, she got off the bed. She smiled slyly recalling last night's events. Franca couldn't help but be livid. She had been submissive to him at the start, but she wouldn't take his nonchalant attitude anymore, she decided.
Franca thought that if they were going to spend the rest of their lives together, he needed to act maturely and at least be civil towards her. She was giving up her home to live with him and not to mention, her pride. If Franca had her way, she wouldn't agree with the marriage. Unfortunately, not everything in life goes the way one would wish it to.
Considering Tyler's reaction last night, Franca was glad to say; he realized that she was no plaything. His countenance looked down casted. The memory flashed in her mind vividly.
His eyes looked sad, looking almost mournful like a person that had just lost a loved one. His shoulders bent forward, losing all hope. His hair disheveled from him frustratingly pulling it backwards. His face flushed and a somber appearance surrounding him.
Franca didn't think he took her rejection well. Looks like he always got what he wanted. Well certainly not me, he would have to work to get me. Do I even want him? Well, I have no answer to that, Franca thought inwardly. Feeling guilty, Franca walked towards her closet, thinking of how the day was going to pan out.
She stripped out of her clothing, and proceeded into the shower. Franca felt content as the water washed through her body. She got off the shower and wrapped a towel on her body, adding another, for her hair. She pressed some toothpaste into her toothbrush and brushed my teeth, rinsing her mouth.
Smiling to herself, she entered her room. She dried her body off and applied lotion to moisturize her soft skin. She removed the towel from my hair and blow-dried it. Her hair cascaded down her back in waves, just how she liked it.
Franca opened her wardrobe to find something to wear. She took out a green skinny jean that hugged her delectable bum. That sounded conceited even to her, but it was what her friends told her, excluding Zack of course! She wore a black tank top to go with it and sandals. She put on an extending mascara, to accentuate her long eyelashes and almond shaped dark brown eyes. She applied cherry flavored lip gloss and powder to finish.
Peeping through her curtains, she saw children running around the neighborhood playing, having no care in the world. Franca would trade places with them in a heartbeat. The scenery was picturesque, the sun illuminating its rays on them likening them to angels. The leaves swayed in the cool warm breeze. Her moodiness dramatically changed, the atmosphere lifted up her spirit.
Franca's stomach rumbled alerting her of her hunger. She skipped through the stairs to find something to eat. Tyler was already in the kitchen setting up the dining table. By the enticing aroma she perceived coming from the kitchen, she knew it was going to be delicious.
Tyler's biceps flexed as he flipped the pancakes. His eyes bore into the pancakes, void of any emotion. Franca couldn't read the expression on his face, and it made her exasperated.
Noticing a presence in the Kitchen, Tyler's lips formed a pout. Franca couldn't help but smile. She couldn't believe that they were now cordial towards each other, she internally scolded herself.
Tyler's head snapped towards Franca. There was only one emotion going through his eyes infatuation. His eyes bore intently on Franca. Tyler had been consumed with frustration. He did not know how he was going to behave when he saw Franca. She had blatantly refused him and it hurt him. Cursing himself inaudibly, he put some pancakes in a plate for her. He had woken up thinking of a way to appease her, so he decided to make her pancakes.
If Franca was attractive yesterday, she was absolutely gorgeous today. Tyler looked into her eyes and felt uneasy. By the accusing look he got from her, he knew she saw him looking at her. Her eyes showed shock, sadness, anger, disapproval and a tinge of infatuation if that was possible. The emotion that stood out the most was sadness. What could have made her this sad? He thought. Deciding on not dwelling on it, he spoke.
"I made pancakes for you, here" He handed her the pancakes. He knew he was attractive, but it unnerved him how Franca thought nothing of it. How can she resist me? He hollowly thought angry with himself for his attraction towards her and how callously she had dismissed him.
"Thank you, Tyler" Franca replied adding syrup and blueberries on her pancakes. She dug in her pancakes, not once giving him a glimpse.
"Tyler, it tastes really good" Franca said, wanting to create a friendly atmosphere between them.
"I am glad you like it, my mum thought me how to cook" Tyler answered waiting for her response. His mother, being Italian was a good cook. She thought him how to cook because she wanted her son to save money on food when he left for College.
"Remind me to thank her when next I see her" Franca retorted finally looking at him. She was delighted that he made her breakfast.
Tyler felt at ease. He had thought, she could still hold grudges against him but he had been wrong. She was a better person than I, Tyler thought, sighing.
"Ethan, my best friend will be holding his birthday today. It's perfect you are already dressed, knowing it takes ages for you women to dress" He said in a sarcastic tone.
"The clothes I am wearing aren't for partying Tyler, I would have to change before we go, and I do not take ages to dress, sexist" She snorted rolling her eyes.
"Whatever" Tyler replied in a 'valley girl' tone. Franca couldn't help the laughter that came out of her mouth. She decided to be cordial towards him; he had broken the metaphorical wall she had built, to keep him out.
Tyler grinned, happy to have stopped the awkwardness that was between them. Couldn't she see that I am starting to harbour feeling towards her, not to the extent of love but still feelings somewhat Tyler thought. Tyler picked up the phone to dial Ethan.
Ethan picked up. "Hey dude, what's up?" Are you coming to my party tonight?" Ethan asked, anxiously waiting to hear Tyler's reply.
"Yes of course. What are best friends for" Tyler answered wondering what prompted his question.
They had been best friends, for many years, he cared to remember. They were practically brothers; they told everything to each other. Ethan was random and he loved him for it. Ethan although popular at school, was an oddball. He asked and said the most unexpected of things. His six pack, greyish blue eyes and athletic frame coupled with his dark raven like brooding eyes made up for his weirdness. He had a dangerous charming way about him which made girls fall for him; Tyler's other friends would say, gaining a slap on their head from Ethan. Tyler chuckled at the memory.
"What are you laughing at, Tyler?" You better not change my mind, it's my birthday dude" Ethan said worriedly.
Choosing to ignore Ethan's question he replied. "I will come Ethan, I shall be bringing a girl with me" Tyler said, a feeling of foreboding surrounding him.
What if Jessica caused a nuisance at Ethan's party he thought? Brushing it off, he waited for Ethan's reply.
"When are you not with a girl?" Ethan said rolling his eyes.
"Pot calling kettle black" Tyler said, laughing.
Tyler couldn't believe that Ethan was reprimanding him when they were both the same. Birds of the same feathers flock together and all that.
"Right, see you soon, with the chick" Ethan said hanging up.
Ethan and his eccentricities Tyler thought. Tyler had mixed feelings for the party. Turning back to Franca, he told her to watch TV when she was bored, and that they would go to Ethan's party later in the evening.
Tyler went upstairs to get changed. He wore a black V neck T shirt that emphasized his toned muscular frame. To complete the bad boy look he was going for, he wore a blue jean and trainers. He checked the time and realized that he had spent 2 hours getting ready. Who said men didn't take ages in grooming themselves? He said laughing. He decided to go downstairs to meet Franca.
When he got downstairs Sarah, Zack and Annie were already there. He guessed they were all going to Ethan's birthday party as well.
Sarah was looking beautiful as always. She smugly smiled at Tyler acknowledging his presence. She wore a lacy white dress with 6inch heels, her hair straightened with a parting in the middle.
Zack and Annie snarled at him. What's their problem? Tyler thought. They disliked Tyler the day he stopped speaking to Franca.
Zack wore a green T shirt that highlighted his sporty frame and a black jean to go with it. They would have been best of friends had he not hurt Franca, Tyler thought sadly. Oh well, that was in the past, where it should remain, Tyler concluded.
Annie wore a figure hugging black dress and platform 4inch heels to go with it. Her hair was curled to perfection. Looking at Zack and Annie, he figured Zack had feelings for her, but was a coward to say anything. Zack sneaked glances at her whenever he thought no one was looking.
"Hi everyone, I hope you feel comfortable in my home" Tyler said wanting to make conversation. The room had gone awfully quiet when he stepped inside. He could feel the tension and glares.
"Of course we are, we have our friend here with us" Sarah replied smartly, emphasizing on friend. From her stance, Tyler guessed she wanted to infuriate him, but he wouldn't fall for it he said thoughtfully. He wondered if Franca had told her friends about their engagement. Wanting to know the truth, he called Franca to him.
"Franca, could you come here, for a second please, there is something I need to ask you" Tyler said pleadingly.
Franca noticed his pleading eyes and wondered what it was that needed her attention. Thinking nothing of it, she nodded her head and reached out to him.
"What do you want Tyler?" She asked hating his closeness.
"Have you told your friends about our engagement?" He asked.
He did not want the knowledge of their engagement to spread to the school. If she told her friends, he would trust their judgment of not spreading the news to the whole school.
"Yes, I did Tyler, I can't hide things from them" Franca replied, her hands akimbo on her chest. Her body language showed that she wasn't ready to have a dialogue with him.
"Ok" Tyler replied in monotone. He smiled at her friends who were straining their eyes to listen to their conversation, and went inside to meet them.
They all sat in the living room watching TV. The room seemed eerily quiet.
Franca decided to change her clothing. She got up from the comforter and told everyone that she was going to change.
Franca got upstairs to her room opened her closet and looked for what to wear. She decided on a body hugging brown dress with embellishments of small white beads all over it. I look like a showgirl, Franca said out loud feeling giddy about the party. Her hair was curled, and it framed her face. Eyeliner, powder and lip gloss applied, and she was set to go. Grabbing her black clutch, she strutted into the living room.
"I am ready" Franca replied surprising everyone with her mode of dressing because she was conservative in the way she dressed.
"You are so beautiful" Sarah said, fluttering her eyelashes.
Rolling her eyes, Franca thanked her, and sat down on a nearby chair.
"It is already late; I guess it is time to leave for Ethan's" Tyler said admiring Franca.
She did look beautiful Tyler thought. Even more beautiful that she was, if that was even possible he said inwardly.
They left the house. Tyler got in the car with Annie, Zack and Sarah at the back of the car and Franca at the front. They all put their seat belts on and were off to the party. Tyler got out of the car to welcome his friends and waved goodbye to Franca.
She brushed it off and grabbed Annie and Sarah's hands, going inside with Zack trailing behind them to meet his male friends. When they got inside, Franca could not help, but to look around the surroundings.
Music was in a blast. On one side of the party, some girls were vomiting their stomach contents. Girls were dancing on boys, wearing provocative clothing, dancing without a care in the world.
"Franca, Come dance with us" Sarah shouted over the loud music, dragging her into the middle of the dance floor. Annie, Sarah and Franca danced together laughing. "Superbass" by Nicki Minaj came on and they all sang out the whole rap verse giggling at their randomness.
"I feel like dancing with Zack" Anne pouted. Unbeknownst to her, Zack was beside her. He smiled feeling confident and joyful that she wanted a dance with him.
"Come on then" Zack said sliding his hands on her waist, pulling her to himself. He decided that he was going to tell her how he felt.
"I like you Anne" Zack said, staring deeply into her eyes. He had had a crush on her for four years and couldn't wait admit his feelings.
"I like you too" Annie replied shyly, blushing.
Zack couldn't stop himself anymore; he had waited for this day. He kissed her cheeks pulling her towards him. Shock overcame Anne and Franca and Sarah stood agape to realise that Zack finally acted out on his feelings towards Annie. They looked towards each other and giggled. Getting over the display of affection, they continued dancing.
A boy walked up behind Franca.
"Whoa, baby got back shake it like a Polaroid picture" He said licking his lips, whilst staring intently at her.
"What?" Franca shouted turning to see who it was. She couldn't believe the nerve of the guy.
Deciding to change his tactics, He tried again. "I said if you were a burger at McDonalds you'd be a Mcbeautiful"
Franca and Sarah couldn't help the laugh that came out of their mouths. This boy was so funny, Franca thought. The boy left, feeling angry that they were laughing at him.
"I would love to dance with you" Another boy said directing his comment to Franca. Oh no, not again she thought. He wore a fitted light blue t shirt with a leather jacket. His hair was a brunette colour; it was tousled giving him a dark handsome appearance. His eyes were an unfathomable blue colour. It reminded Franca of the sea. She was caught up in his eyes. This boy was strikingly handsome.
"My name is Sam" He replied gesturing to his hands. He kissed her hand looking into her eyes. Franca was dazed, how romantic, she thought.
"Mine is Franca" She answered looking at Sarah to ask of her permission to dance with him.
"Go" Sarah said smirking.
Franca rolled her eyes accepting his invitation to dance. She felt someone looking at her. Wanting to know who it was, she turned and saw Tyler glaring at Sam's hand on her......