DECEPTION IN DISGUISE

Chapter 2

“So, how’s my fav person in this shitty world” Naxy shouted behind Mabel.

Mabel knew, despite all the yapping that Naxy did, she still enjoyed her company.

“Let’s be honest, where were you off to yesterday? “Mabel asked, knowing clearly Naxy wouldn’t give her an exact answer, but it was worth a shot.

“Let’s not talk about my yesterday, let’s talk more about your yesterday. Tell me about it and don’t miss even a single detail,” Naxy said as we headed to the lecture hall.

“Nothing really happened. We barely talked for even a second. He isn’t that bad for company,” Mabel said as her face reddened with blush. For once, she felt comfortable with someone outside of her class, as her mom would clearly term it. Mabel knew if her mom found out she wouldn’t even let her breathe the same air as him.

As days passed, she concentrated more on Kayden than she did with her lectures. Who could believe that a girl of her class would easily be swept off her feet by a guy who probably couldn’t afford to take her on an ice-cream date. The more she tried to stay away, the closer they got.

“Hey girls. So, what’s up? You guys decided to have lunch without me. Has my company become so boring nowadays so you are ignoring me, huh?” Kayden spoke mischievously as he sat his bag next to Mabel.

For some reason, Kayden wasn’t sure if to tell Mabel about his feelings for her. What if she just wanted to be just friends? He definitely didn’t want to lose his blossoming friendship with the girls, especially Mabel.

“Hey Mabel, I was wondering if you are free this weekend. I would really like you to join me for a movie if you don’t mind,” Kayden said, avoiding eye contact with her. His face clearly showed he really wanted her to say yes, maybe this was the moment he would get a chance to express his feelings towards her.

“Of course, she would love to join you. Romcoms are her kind of thing. “Naxy spoke as if she could read his mind and was Mabel’s spokesperson. Mabel wasn’t sure whether to say yes or no, but for a fact, she really wanted to go, but she didn’t want to speak for her mom. God knows why she was just a pain in the ass.

“Naxy you could join us. It's okay, you know, “Kayden said, hoping for a no. He really didn’t want Naxy to feel left out or if he was stealing her best friend from her.

“Hell no, you lovebirds can go ahead and have fun. I’ll just stay home and have a slumber party on my own because I definitely need a break from you, b***h, “Naxy retorted jokingly.

“I guess I’ll take that as a yes because I have your permission, Naxy. So, I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday. Be ready by then, “with that, Kayden winked at Mabel before picking up his bag and leaving. After turning his back on them, he smiled at himself as if he had won some kind of lottery that could change his f*****g life.

“Wait,” Mabel called from behind. Kayden could feel the tensing of his body as he turned to face Mabel. Had she changed her mind about the movie night? He couldn’t tell.

“Is something wrong? Are you busy on Saturday? We can go to the movies next weekend, I don’t mind, “Kayden blurted out, and one could clearly tell some kind of disappointment in his voice.

“No, everything is fine, and I really want to join you on Saturday, but there might be some kind of problem, “Mabel said, avoiding his eyes.

“You could always talk to me about it. What is it? “Kayden asked curiously.

“The problem is … … actually, I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a total asshole” Mabel hesitated.

“Out with it Mabel, “Kayden said urgingly.

“ My mom is the problem. She doesn’t like me hanging out with guys who aren’t rich. She wants me around as a guy who can invest in the family business and, no offense, you are not that. I really want to go out with you, so I thought that maybe this money would help impress my mom. Please take it,” she said, handing him a bundle of cash. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but this was the only way her mom would let her out.

“Okay, “Kayden replied coldly because his ego was hurt, but he had to let his guard down if he really wanted her. He accepted the cash, promising himself he would pay her back.

“It’s a date then. See you on Saturday at six, “Mabel exclaimed all smiles as she walked away.

They both looked forward to finally spending time alone, each hoping to tell the other about their feelings. Days dragged as nights became too long.

“Mom, hope you remember today I won’t join you for dinner, “Mabel said with a smile. She joined her mom for a cup of coffee.

“Of course I remember. Can’t wait to see the young man who stole your attention because you don’t even want to have dinner with your mom,” Mrs. Farris said sarcastically.

“You don’t have to say it like that. I promise tomorrow it’s you and me. As for now, let me get ready for my date, “Mabel spoke as she went up to her room.

At six, Kayden was already ringing the doorbell. His heart raced, not really knowing what to expect. All he wished for was the best, nothing less. To him, the first impression mattered the most, and today he wanted to make this their night.

The door creaked open, and he was met by a middle-aged lady whom he presumed to be Mabel’s' mom.

“Hello, you must be Mrs. Farris. It’s finally nice to meet you. Have heard a lot about you from your daughter, whom I’m here to pick up for a movie, “Kayden said nervously as he gave his best smile.

“Oh, you must be Kayden. Mabel does talk about you. I just didn’t expect this, “Mrs. Farris said, leaving Kayden wondering if she was impressed or not.