Chapter 10: The date

In the cozy Italian restaurant with dimly lit candles and soft music playing in the background. They all had smiles on their faces as they sat across each other, the candlelights casting shadows on their faces .Their conversations flowing effortlessly. Lean couldn't help but notice how Trinity's eyes lingered on her peach pendant.

"Your pendant". Trinity said her voice hushed "it's beautiful ,what's the story behind it?". Lean hesitated. " it's a gift from my grandmother ,she gave it to me when I graduated. I miss her ". Lean said faking a little smile.

Trinity got closer . "I'm sorry she had to leave before you started working. I'm sure you would have wanted her to see the success you have now. I guess she had been holding on for you".Well Trinity knew part of the story ,her grandma is no more as well.

"You think so?". Lean asked looking pitiful.

"I know so, anyway let's not talk about sad stuff." why did you choose software engineering ?,it's more of a male dominated industry.

"Well I had the brains and I just loved tech. And come to think of it ,I don't even know your occupation . Lean said pouting a little.

Trinity chuckled while sipping on her cocktail . "Well have you ever heard of Cozy Corner and Desserts ".

" Yup , actually that's my favorite place , oh my goodness. I love the cheesecakes not to mention the chocolate creamy buns. I love that place". Lean said with so much excitement . It was a well-known large bakery it made millions.

"Glad your like the desserts".

" Well so what do you do there ?,Are you a pastry chef ?".Trinity looked at Lean and couldn't help it as she let out her laughter "you kidding right?".

" what?". Lean asked looking confused while focusing on her food ".....

"Ever heard of the surname Rutherford?".

"Well who doesn't know about the Rutherford family. They recently held a press conference confirming the rumors about their lesbian daughter I wonder why people made it such a big deal .I mean she never hid it . Her dress code said it all even though she never showed her face in public". Lean said as if she knew everything.

"Is it ?".Trinity said with a sly smile.

"Hell no !wait . You are Trinity Rutherford?".

"Took you long enough to realize huh. At first I thought you knew but you were just playing dumb, but then I later on realized that you really didn't care about someone's family status." Trinity said looking at Lean with a lovely smile.

"Oh please I didn't know. Can barely recognize you with your blue hair".

"Thought of changing my look a bit". Trinity said winking at Lean.

"And now you look quite fierce". Lean said as they both laughed .

This was going better than they thought.

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Debra had to tell her father to inform Clarissa that they should meet at the studio, there wasn't much privacy at home.

The art studio hammed with anticipation .Debra felt nervous as she adjusted the canvas for the tenth time. It had been years since they last spoke . Now their parents decided to orchestrate this awkward reunion ,hoping that painting will make them close again. Indeed a set up.

Clarissa entered the studio widening her eyes at the sight of Debra. "You are still breath taking as ever". Clarissa said while smiling. Debra chuckled . "Well you still look hot ".Debra had to admitte .Clarissa was a classy and fancy woman.

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Trinity guided Clarissa's hand teaching her the delicate dance of brush strokes ,as the canvas absorbed their shared tension and unspoken history . "Why did we stop talking?". Clarissa asked breaking the silence,with their strokes hesitating.

Debra's voice was plain . "I had to cut off communication with you ,you were always occupied.The talking stage was now draining and you loved playing hard to get". Debra said keeping a straight face.

"Debra I was young by then ,it's been two years already you didn't bother to look for me .Didn't know you are that nonchalant".

The bright light in the studio made their masterpiece take shape making the painting look real .Clarissa's fingers brushed against Debra's fingers .Debra immediately moved her hand.

The painting was complete looking like a kaleidoscope of memories .Clarissa looked closely at the painting her eyes tracing the canvas . "What does it mean ?". Debrra took a step back smiling . "it means we are more than our past . We are brush strokes of fate, creating a new friendship ". Debra said looking at Clarissa.

"Friendship?". Clarissa looked hurt more than confused.

" I have someone I love now ,you couldn't treasure me even after pursuing me for years. When you finally got me you suddenly became occupied and followed everyone who showed interest in you ".

"Debra I ....". Debra took a step back as Clarissa had taken a step forward . "I didn't mean to act that way my modeling career had started having progress, you know how my mom is she was now monitoring me".

"So you didn't think of communicating ".Deborah asked .

"Umm.. ".Clarissa stammered.

"Right no need to say anything .I think we are done here. Are you hungry ?". Debra asked looking for her studio keys . Clarissa looked shocked. Debra hasn't changed she still acts as the bigger person and quickly dismisses any conversation that leads to a fight ."I will have tea and donuts". Clarissa said .

"let's go, get you your favorite iced tea ".

"You haven't forgotten ".Clarissa said smiling. Atleast there was still hope.

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"Thanks for driving me home. I didn't want to spend another night in the Harrison's mansion. I'll look for someone who's going to go and take my car".Debra said leaning on the car seat.

" that's why I moved out ". Clarissa said.

Debra turned and faced Lisa . "You did ?". she asked ,looking surprised.

" yeah I had to. I wanted to live my life my own way ".

"never thought you would . You were a dadd's girl ". Debra said getting ready to get out of the car .

"can I use your bathroom".. Lisa asked .

"sure". Clarissa helped Debra carry her bags as they reminded each other about the funny things that happened in the past .

Their laughter was soon heard by Debra's housemates .Debra smile froze when she's saw lean with.....