Hidden Ville High

A fresh start

I hummed melodiously to the Instrumental- Cornetta e chitarra by Kevin Pabst while getting my make-up done, which was simply amazing. I couldn't believe I was going down this route again. I paired my minimal makeup with matte lip gloss to make it stand out and complement my fair face and caramel brown eyes. The song impacted me so strongly in my soul, transporting me to dimensions I'd never experienced before as I allowed my soul to melt into the song's melody. I slowly moved to the music, put on my jewelry, and appreciated the beauty in front of the mirror.

At least I'd get to enjoy this weekend in a very long while I thought to myself. This period my heart has been at ease and I don't really want anything spoiling this lovely mood I found myself.

At the very least, I'd be able to enjoy this weekend after a long time, I thought to myself. My heart has been at ease at this time, and I don't want anything to disturb my good mood.

I picked up my bag after carefully inspecting my dress in my standing mirror, then went to the key hanging in my mother's room to retrieve the Porche key. I'd already picked up the key and was about to leave when she caught me red-handed.

"And where do you think you're going with the car key, young lady?" she asked as she emerged from her bathroom, wrapped in her white towel still damp from the bath.

"I'm going on a date, Mrs. Kiely," I said respectfully, as if I were a trapped bird asking to be free. Standing stationary right in front of the entrance.

"Oh really?" She expressed her curiosity as she towel-dried her body and began her night lotion skin care ritual.

"And you want to take my Porsche of all cards, young lady?" she replied, clearly unable to let go of her baby.

"I already have my driver's license, mom," I added, making a pet look to elicit her pity; perhaps she'll consider giving it to me.

"You can't take my Porsche at night, young lady," she added with a black American accent that made me laugh.

"I don't know who's teaching you all these but why on earth did you sound like that?" I requested her as I approached the door to press my thumb on the biometrics, on my way to leave with my Porche key.

"You go no where, young lady," she simply stated with her I'm-not-joking tone.

"Mom," I begged, practically in tears.

"You either ruin your make-up or book a ride," she said as her final words.

"And yes, when you return, you will explain in detail how your fingerprints can open my room lock," she replied as she massaged her face with her face massager.

I unwillingly exited the room. My mood already ruined.

*******

The restaurant’s entrance was elegant yet understated—a pair of glass doors framed in dark wood, opening to a warm glow that spilled out into the evening air. Soft lighting, golden and inviting, illuminated the doorway, while delicate vines trailed down from the awning above, giving it a touch of romance. As they stepped inside, the subtle scent of vanilla and fresh herbs filled the air, mingling with soft jazz playing in the background. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcased a cityscape bathed in twilight, casting a serene ambiance perfect for an intimate dinner date.

I adore the surroundings and wish I could spend the entire day here. I headed to the table allocated for me, following the waiter, who had already cross-checked my name as soon as I stepped in. I met him sitting quietly on the table, his eyes savoring my look from head to toe as I approached the dinner table. All I could do was blush meekly as I approached the table, prompting him to stand up and open the chair for me to take my place like a special queen. I could detect the same lafta aroma permeating the environment of the location where we were. After sitting, he made his way to his seat without saying anything.

"Can you stop looking at me like that?" I finally broke the silence since he wasn’t going to make the first move.

"I’ve always told you I love your smile. Can you really blame me?"

"Oh, come on," I muttered, pushing the thought away. Is he seriously doing this right now? I felt my cheeks warm as memories from the past flashed through my mind.

He looked at me with a playful grin. "You know, there’s just something about you—you light up a room," he said, his gaze lingering just a little too long.

"It’s hard not to notice," he remarked, just as the waiter approached us after we’d been laughing and trading a few jokes. The waiter took our orders, though I’d spent what felt like forever deciding what to eat. No way was I risking anything heavy—or anything that might spill on this dress.

I raised an eyebrow at his comment, torn between laughing it off or reading into it, as the atmosphere seemed to subtly shift. Leaning forward, he rested his arms on the table, his gaze steady and warm. "You clean up pretty well," he teased, a spark of admiration in his eyes. "Though honestly, I didn’t think you could look even more stunning."

I chuckled, waving off the compliment. "Oh, please. I’m just trying to keep up with your smooth charm," I replied, rolling my eyes while hiding a slight blush. This tough girl isn’t falling that easily again!

He tilted his head, still watching me closely. Mr. Detective!

"I mean it," he said. "Tonight might be the first time I’m really seeing all of you, you know?" He let the words linger, his gaze holding mine, a hint of something deeper flickering there.

My heart skipped a beat, unsure if I should dig further or let it slide. "Well," I finally said, trying to keep it light, "you’re not so bad yourself."

We both laughed, but the silence that followed was charged, leaving me wondering if tonight was a turning point—or just a slip of words under soft lights and fine wine.

The waiter came in just in time to save me from this toxic atmosphere. The meal smelled so yummy it was as though I already had a taste of it in my mouth.

"Ugh, I’m so hungry," I sighed, already imagining the taste of the meal.

"I thought the food would never get here," he said, eagerly preparing to dig in.

I carefully unfolded the soft linen napkin, glancing around to make sure I was keeping up with the unspoken rules of restaurant etiquette. Instead of placing it on my lap as most would, I tucked one corner just under my collar, letting it fall over my chest to protect my dress. With a small, knowing smile, I adjusted it on my lap too—double protection. No way I’m messing up this dress, not today! I lifted my fork delicately, making sure each movement was careful, and took small sips from my water glass, holding it by the stem to avoid any smudges. My gestures were graceful, but there was a practical touch to each, showing I’d mastered a style that was all my own.

We shared a quiet meal, and then decided to head out—I didn’t want to be home too late.

"Apart from the fact that your eyes were practically glued to me, I really did enjoy today," I said honestly.

"I’m really sorry if I made you feel insecure, Del."

"Adele," I corrected him gently.

"Let's not go there, please," I added, politely steering him away from it.

"Adele," he repeated slowly, like he was trying to handle the moment with care. With his hand on his chest and an unmistakable sincerity in his eyes, he said, "Like I mentioned, I’m truly sorry, and I…"

"I never said it was a bad thing," I laughed, reaching for the car door as we left the parking lot.

The drive home was smooth and quiet; we mostly listened to music during the ride. His hand rested on my lap, and he traced gentle patterns on it, making me chuckle as it tickled—something he enjoyed doing.

We pulled up to my house right on time, and he hugged me goodbye, leaving a light peck on my cheek. This time, we’d agreed to start things off as platonic friends.

"Call me when you get home," I reminded him with a soft smile.

With that, I made my way inside, bracing myself. Time to face Mrs. Kiely, I sighed.