IS MY REPUTATION PRECEDING ME HERE?

MONDAY NOVEMBER 24TH 2020. 7:30 P.M

Phantasy watched as the clock moved second after second. She stood and paced around the room, for some reason she felt more than anxious. And her heart started to feel very uncomfortable. She placed her hand on her chest and took deep breath. What could it be that is making her so anxious? Surly a man as great as him wouldnt remember an incident that happened back then. Would he?

As she was busy with her thoughts, Sarah opened the door and peeped in.

"Are you good wifey? Our guests are here. Mom told me to remind you that you are part of the family and shouldnt have to hide away. Come on." she urged her friend who hesitantly walked forward.

He would not remeber. Never would he. It was a small encounter. He is too busy to recollect.

After assuring herself, she walked down with Sarah. Her blue dress flowing with her motion, the silk edges caressing her knee like soft fur.

Once they descended down the stairs, she could already hear Saraphines glorious voice and Mrs Gregors laughter to her daughters antics.

Although it was a for a brief moment, she heard a faint voice in her head. Sarah looked at her and smiled. "Dont be shy. I am sure the demon doesn't bite. Except if you were that bad."

Phantasy agreed and tried to confidently walk forward only for her leg to slip and miss a step, causing her to fall over on her face. If Sarah hadn't been holding her, Phantasy would have scratched her face and lost a few teeth.

"Goodness. Phantasy, are you doing okay? What have you been thinking?"

Phantasy helped herself up and gave an assuring smile to sarah. "I am good. Thank you."

When she looked up, everyone was staring at her with a concerned look.

Mrs Gregor walked forward and patted her hand. Mr Gregor did the introduction. "You have met my daughter Sarah and this is her best friend, Phantasy Winter."

"A unique name. Nice to meet you Phantasy." Mrs Fretrakis answered first while Mr Fretakis simply shook his head in greeting. "Are you okay?" she swept her eyes over the young lady.

Phantasy answered with a smile although her ankle was badly hurting. "I am good. Thank you Mrs Fretakis."

Saraphine interfered this time. "And this is where I step in and direct you to our dining hall where I have different delicacies prepared for you." she bowed and adjusted her pink dress gesturing to the dining hall.

Mrs Gregor was the first to follow Saraphine leaving Sarah and Phantasy alone.

"Do you need help?"

"No thank you. I have to use the ladies real quick. I will see you at the table."

Sarah hesitated for a while before leaving her. When she was gone, Phantasy walked towards the guest toilets since she could not walk up with her ankle hurting. She walked a few steps forward and had no choice but to hold the wall as support when the pain intensified. Phantasy took a bit of time in the ladies and walked out after adjusting her dress. She was about to use the wall as support when a voice spoke to her.

"Do you need support?"

She glanced backwards and saw a man clad in black overall. A black shirt. Black suit, black hair and golden eyes that stared deeply at her. His outfit was perfectly fitting and it outlined his tigh and long legs. He adjusted his watch and slid his phone in the pocket of his suit.

"No. Thank you sir."

His eyed moved to her ankles and twinkled. "Sir.. I guess I am quite old then."

Phantasy faced the other direction and calmed her expression before limping and turning to him. "I did not mean it that way sir. I dont want to be a bother. Besides I would dare to speak down on you."

He seemed to think about it for a while before slowly walking towards her. The large strides he took made her heart thump louder and something heavy seem to fall on her. He halted, leaving a foot between them. With their close proximity, she could inhale his cologne and it was the same as then. Sandalwood and something she couldnt quite place her hands on. Phantasy stopped to breath hoping her heart would calm.

"I offered. You aren't a bother." he sniffed and bent to her eye level. His facial features clearer to her. His nose looked like it was mocking the heavens as it pointed towards it and his lips were full with a pomegranate color. It made her wonder if he was wearing lipstick and with that she chuckled. "Something amusing you, Little girl?"

She took a step backwards from him and spoke softly. "You are quite good looking. No. Very good looking. I would not be able to think well if you are that close."

He chukled and the sound amused her. This man....he wouldnt know.

"Do you wnat to hear a fun story?"

As though she knew what he wanted to say, she immediately declined and limped forward. "I wouldn't dare to take your time, Mr Fretakis."

He walked alongside with her taking slow steps. "Is my reputation preceding me here?"

She smiled and limped. "Everyone knows who you are Mr Nicholas Fretakis."

He suddenly grabbed her hand and she gasped staring into his eyes. Time seem to have froze as they both stared into each others eyes, dwelling in each others hearts. "My reputation is not that bad. I will help you to the dining hall." he glanced at herwith cold eyes. "Since you have refused to listen to my story."

When Saraphine saw them approaching, she cleared her throat and muttered under her breath. "Knew something was gonna happen."

Mrs Gregor looked in their direction and frowned. "Is everything fine Mr Fretakis? Phantasy?" she called seeking an explanation.

Every eye at the table was directed at them. But Mr Fretakis cleared their doubt.

"The young lady seem to have sprained her ankle." he gave a brief look at the girl but could only see the top of her head as she was not up to his height. "Phantasy? Is that a name?" he questioned and Phantasy glanced up at him to see his gold eyes sending cold daggers into her eyes.

"Apparently my parents think it is, so yes it is a name. Fretakis? Is that a last name?" she returned the same look he gave her.

Saraphine slowly sipped her water and sighed. "I can see the sparks."