CHAPTER 16

Genesis's POV

               Jace left an hour ago. He didn't stay longer. He couldn't stay longer. I wish he could have. I could really use a family member around here. He had an unfinished painting he needed to get back to and had to suspend it on the last minute to come see me but I was most excited when he told me he had gotten a place for his works. He could paint some more and showcase it. Hopefully, people would troop in to come purchase. The only obstacle now was Dad. I just wished he could understand that this was Jace's dream. This was who he has ever dreamt of being.

I was rigid with tension. Nervous. Extremely nervous and God knows I never functioned well when I was nervous. In an hour's time, Keegan would be here and I still haven't had my mind made up. I was still clueless in all ramifications. Clueless as to where we were going. Clueless as to what to put on. Clueless as to if he would still like me just as much after the date. Most of all, clueless as to what would come out of all of this.

I sucked on the insides of my cheek, roaming around the room. My clothes and other unrelated materials were littered across the room. I could barely see the floor beneath my feet. I didn't know where he would be taking me an so a dress matching the location as well as the occassion was so difficult to decide on. I picked up a black short-sleeved buttoned up gown and twirled it to the side and back, contemplating on it. It should do. Yes, it should. I was almost deciding on it. It didn't look bad. I wore it last year for the thanksgiving mass and two years ago during the Christmas celebration in church. It was still out-going. I just needed to work on the seams quickly and...

                 "What the hell in fuck's name is that?" I fidgeted and immediately turned around, stunned to see Lana sprawling on my bed. At the same, cringing at the dress sagging from the metal hanger clutched loosely in my hands. I didn't hear her come in. Her brows shot up. Her eyes bulged out as if she had suddenly remembered something. She gasped. "Please, don't tell me, Genesis. Don't dare tell me right now you are actually planning on wearing that for your date because I'd shit a brick."

I frowned and glanced at the dress, "Why? Isn't it appropriate enough?"

                "For your date with Keegan? I'll give you an honest answer dear but NO. Gosh Genesis, this looks like a wack costume from the 1900s. This is no outfit for a hot and sexy girl like you. C'mon, you need to show them what you got."

                "I don't know what else to wear."

She glanced around the room. "Yeah, I can see that. But babes c'mon, you really need to show them those curves. I know you've got them because I have seen them and those sorry but nasty clothes you're always putting on. How would all the hot guys know?"

I frowned, pursing my lips, "I only want Keegan to know."

My eyes and mouth froze wide open in the dawning realization of my confession. It mirrored Lana's expressions. I grasped the dress tightly and twirled around just in time to hear her screech uproariously. It shook my eardrums vigourously. I grimaced.

She squashed me, "You little liar. I thought you said you didn't like him."

                "I never said that."

                "Liar. You did."

                "I said I liked him as just a friend."

                "Yeah right. And do just friends who are both male and female want the former to know the latter has curves in all the right places?"

                "I didn't mean it like...."

                "Puh-lease Genesis, are you really trying to fool me? It doesn't mean a thing. Boy like girl. Girl like boy. It's normal shit. I like that you're into my brother and I know for sure he is so damn crazy about you. He told me so."

What? "Really?"

                "Yes. Really."

An instant warmth coursed through my veins, penetrating my bloodstream, filling me up completely. It made me smile. It made me giggle. I felt giddy inside.

                "You really like him that much. Don't you?"

I looked away, unable to stop my mouth from stretching. "Yes I do. A lot. He's just...just too much."

She cringed. "My brother is an ass you know. Can you believe he snores? So loudly may I add. And he fats all around the house and runs away like a hippo and mother doesn't even see anything bad in it."

                 "You do that too. You snore and fat."

She looked at me incredulously, "What? I don't."

I laughed so hard, "You do fat and snore. Last night, you...."

She clapped, "Okay, okay. I know now. You don't need to tell me. What a great friend you are for ruining my extremely high may I add self-esteem. Wow. Just great. Thank you very much." She concluded, glaring at me."

I threw my head back, laughing at her expressions.

                "And I got this really cute outfit for you. Who would have thought you wouldn't even get to wear it."

                "Really? Let me see."

I stretched to take a closer look at what was inside the rectangular box but she pulled it away, swinging her arms to her side. "No so fast, honey. I thought you were shading me just now."

I chuckled, "I was only saying the truth."

She slitted her eyes, "Maybe I'll just take it instead. The shoes would for sure match it up. They would have looked really good on you. It's a pity you just had to ruin your only chance and like they say sweetheart, those fuckers come once." She taunted. "Too bad."

She set the box on the bed and unclasped the lid, taking the dress out. I outwardly gasped at the gold coloured glittery flair gown in her hands. The lace overlay, long sleeves and neckline made it so elegant and unique and overly expensive. It looked like the kind of dress a girl would dream to wear and be optimistic that her Prince charming was also dressed to finish as well in a lovely tuxedo and ready to come whisk her away into forever after. I couldn't wear it. I can't put it on. It was just too much.

                "Did - did you actually get this for me?" I asked, stunned and unable to take my eyes off the expensive piece.

                "No. Why would I? I mean I snore and fat all the time, right? You're actually gonna choose my brother over me? Nah, I didn't get this for you. It's actually for..."

I shook my head, "No Lana, I'm serious. Did you - really get this - for me?"

She stared at me. Really stared at me and noticed the apprehension etched on my face and in turn, I witnessed the confusion come with full force in her expression.

              "You don't like it?" She swayed the gown around, scrutinizing it, as if to say if she surveyed it properly, she'd perhaps find the fault she thought I saw in them but that was the problem. There wasn't a single flaw on it. It was flawless, elegant, classic. It was unbelievably gorgeous.

I stated, "I can't wear this."

               "Why?"

                "It's too much."

                "What do you mean it's to much?"

                "It's so extravagant. You obviously spent a fortune on it. I just can't...I don't know how to pay you back for it."

She trotted closer, "You don't have to pay me back for anything, Genesis. I got it for you."

               "It's so pretty and gorgeous and so beautiful for me. I don't know to pay you back. I probably have to work all the days of my life and surely my next and yet, I won't be able to raise the money. I just don't know how to...."

She reached up and steadied her palms on my shoulders, "Genesis look, I've told you. You don't have to pay me back for anything. I got it for you because I know you would obviously...." She gesticulated with her hands at my scattered things taking occupancy on the floor and partly the bed. "....Need something for your big date and as you can see, I wasn't wrong. I knew what you would like. Revealing, skimpy dresses are not your style so I made sure to search for a classy, gorgeous, princess-like dress for you yet, hot and sexy and this...was just the perfect one. I got matching shoes as well and don't ask me how I know your size at all. I made some researches before embarking on my mission. I just want you to have a good time with my brother, Genesis." She smiled. I smiled back.

I couldn't help it. I hugged her. I hugged her so tight. She was so nice to me. So so nice to me. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

                "You're going to get me all soft and cheesy right now." She glanced at the watch on her wrist, "Keegan would soon be here. Let's get you stunning. You still have to doll up."

                "I don't think that would be necessary."

She jerked back like I had just slapped her in the face. "What? No way girl, I mean you're already gorgeous and all but you've got to get my brother's jaw drop and not just drop. It's gotta hit the fucking floor. You hear me?"

I laughed, "Okay but just make it light."

                "Done." 

When she was through, I positioned myself in front of the bureau mirror and took inventory. Makeup was minimal, reserved to a sweep of mascara and black eyeliner. Beeswax and red dye were mixed together and rubbed on my lips.

My dark brown hair fell down my shoulders, trailing the small of my back. It contrasted with the shimmering golden colour of the amethyst beautifully. The kohl she used accentuated the brown colour of my eyes. Pearl earrings were fastened to my ears and a pearl head band completed my preparation. I could barely recognize myself. I looked different. I felt different. But a beautiful kind of different. This wasn't the girl I had seen everyday when I passed by the corners of the store windows. She was temporarily gone, given way for this new breed to take over.

              "You look so pretty. Oh my God." She gasped and began to flap her hands over her face.

               "You're sure?" I was nervous. Anxious. Will he like this? Was it too much? I nibbled on the insides of my cheek, rethinking my decision. Maybe I should have probably gone for the black buttoned up gown instead.

I sank into the sheets and began to fiddle with my fingers. The back of her knees bent in front of me and my chin lifted to meet her face.

A worried look was evident in her expression, "You look beautiful, dear. You are beautiful."

                "I know. I just...I don't know if this is too much. I don't even know where he's taking me. Maybe this isn't appropriate for the day. I just...."

                "Hey. Wherever he's gonna take you, just enjoy yourself and have loads and loads of fun. There are so many goddamn problems in the world. You got to live a little. It doesn't matter what you're putting on. You're gorgeous either way. Look, Keegan has never - as in never ever dated a girl ever before. He has barely taken a girl out. He's used to the hit and quit.

His heart has always - always been on his sleeves. It's all right there. Matter of fact, I didn't even need no one telling me he was into you. I could see it in the way he stared at you, in the way he looked at you especially when you are not looking. It was like you were the most beautiful girl in the world so when he tells you he loves you, believe it because he fucking means it."

I laughed, "I think love is quite early between the two of us."

                "Never say never, girl. C'mon, get up. He would soon be here." Just on cue, a light knock came through.

I could feel my pulse pounding in my temples and my heart racing. I didn't realize I was nibbling on my cheek so I released it. Another knock came in and I fidgeted. Lana winked at me with a knowing smile on her face and skipped to the door. His deep baritone voice engulfed the entire room instantly. It melted my sides, goosebumps coated the surface of my skin, weakening my senses.

I heard Lana say,  "You're five minutes late."

                  "Are we really doing some punctuality shit now?"

                  "To pick your girl? C'mon, you gotta be punctual. That's like the number rule in section B 146 of the 1999 how to date a girl constitution."

                  "It's a good thing you never went in for law. No shit. You'd never get  a soul out of jail. You'd throw them in there instead." I sniffled a laugh.

She smacked him on the arm, "HEY. How dare you?"

                "You know I ain't shitting. You said I was late and you're standing in my way. C'mon, where's Genny? I really need to see her."

               "Ooohh, lover boy."

               "Fuck off."

Breathing deeply, I picked up a pace, working my legs in their direction. My heart beat accelerated and my hands were unable to quit moving. Head downcast, I took the spot beside Lana, fumbling with my fingers.

At an instant, deep silence hung in the air. No one said a word for the first few minutes. The silence was like a gaping void, needing to be filled with sounds, words, anything. I needed him to say something, to open his mouth and speak to me. Maybe I didn't look so good. Perhaps, this was just a bad mistake. I was worried he wasn't pleased with my outlook. God, I knew this wasn't appropriate enough.

My lips parted. My eyes began trailing the whole of him from the tip of his shiny black polished shoes accentuated with glittery shades of silver by the sides. Up they creeped to the well fitted plain black pants that had straight vertical lines pressed at the centre and to the whole of him. He appeared before me, in all his grandeur. A tailored black suit with a charming silver tie. His eyes a sparkling blue and his soft, feather-like black hair brushed away from his brow.

He eyes ran through the length of me, scanning, surveying, scrutinizing. I felt naked under his gaze. It was intense. It was overwhelming.

The instant his lips parted, the silence broke, "Fuck."

I blinked, involuntarily rounding my eyes. His feet moved. Each click of foot emanating a small sound beneath the soles of his feet. He came closer and closer, slowly eating away at the distance separating us. The cologne kissing his skin and tux was capable of creating addiction and fetishes. It had this alluring scent, powerful and made me want to snuggle into him and stay cuddled in his arms forever.

I searched for breathe, "Kee-Keegan. I don't..." Suddenly my words were smothered into silence as he pulled me into his ripped arms. His lips descended to mine in a kiss so warm and sensual. I couldn't help but respond. His lips were so warm and soft and my thoughts littered all over my mind. I swayed against him, groping his hard chest in a bid to find stability. His tongue searched my mouth. It was sweet, lascivious. My knees weakened. I gripped onto his shoulders.

Through the thudding of my own heartbeat in my ears, I heard Lana's incredulous voice resound from across the room, "Really? You two are seriously gonna do this in front of me?"

He released my mouth, leaving them swollen. Our faces remained close as we just stared into each other's eyes. It felt like I was drowning in the ocean pool of his eyes.

                "You. Are. So. Fucking. Heavenly." I didn't know what to say. I was lost for words. I stared blankly at him. His lips curled upwards.

                "Go get a room, you two. Seriously."

                "We already got one." He didn't turn. He didn't look back at her. His focus and attention were on me. His hand came to rest on the side of my face as his long fingers grazed my cheek. They brushed the corners of my mouth. It tingled.

Lana groaned, "Really, guys. Just fuck already."

I felt my cheek turn crimson.

               "No, I'd make love to her instead."

Oh God, "Keegan." I could barely form whisper. He grinned, showcasing a set of perfect white teeth.

               "You two should get going. You're gonna make me question my singleness."

               "Hey, I'm a single guy too, you know."

               "Yeah right. Go. Go celebrate your last hours as a single dude brother."

I watched the huge knot on his throat bop up and down as he laughed. His arm snaked around my waist, leading me towards the door.

               "Buh-bye Genesis. Have fun. And you Keegan, make sure you wrap it up. Don't want no mini you and Genesis giving me a headache nine months later."

               "That wouldn't a bad idea."

I screamed-whispered, "Keegan." He cackled and at that moment, two hollow indentions took positions on his cheeks.

His car was parked in front of the dorm building. I noticed it was different from the one he used in giving me a ride. Black and sleek, it gleamed under the sun. It resembled those ones a movie star or a successful person would possess.

I turned when a slight ding oozed out from the car. He pulled the door to the passenger seat. On instinct, I backtracked, accidentally colliding with his chest.

                "Hey. Are you okay?" The slight buzz of his breath on my neck had me craning to look at him.

My eyes fluttered, "Y-yeah." I slid in to escape the feeling I always got from being too close to him. The interior was absolutely beautiful. I was surrounded by so much leather, soft and warm.

I watched him from the windscreen as his tall frame crossed the front and tugged the door open, taking the wheel. He threw me a wink before sneering the car into drive.

I was unable to keep my eyes off him for a complete five minutes. I just couldn't do it. The anticipation, the curiosity were slicing at me. The smile tearing his face apart told me he was aware of my constant glance and side peeks. Yet, he never returned any. It made me think he had it altogether while I was a mess. I nibbled on the insides of my cheek to calm my nerves. I did that a lot when I struggled with tension.

My head jerked up when he pulled up in what seemed to be a park. An extremely spacious one to be precise but the more I looked, the more I realized it wasn't really a park. At least, not in that sense.

I didn't realize Keegan had gotten out and was now standing by my side with the door pulled back. I took his extended hand and he led me out. Exotic cars of different brands and models neatly occupied the huge space. The ground was vigourously marbled, giving off this sophisticated vibe.

I let my eyes wander around the property. It was just picturesque. Beautiful, lavishing in money and power. I didn't miss the monstrous building that galloped high into the clouds. The building was large, smoked glass and steel, each one joined to the next by a covered walkway. This was obviously a place for the elites and high class.

Why did he bring me here?

               "You done taking it all in?"

I craned my neck. He was grinning down at me. My eyes were wide and my jaw slack. I was unable to formulate any logical thought. I was thoroughly speechless. At a loss for words.

He snuggled me closer, placing a chaste kiss on my cheek. "Let's get in."

The floor was tiled in fine marble, which made every step echo. A chandelier made rainbow colors dance across the luxurious lobby. Embroidered silk sofas surrounded a large, flat-screen television. The twin doors that led into the lobby were a pristine white with golden handles. The desk was made of amber-colored wood and a green granite top. Exquisite paintings hung from the rich, red walls. Even the door hinges were engraved with swirls and elegant designs. The domed ceiling rose at least 100 feet high. I gaped at the splendid sight.

A woman dressed in black coperate wear and blonde straight hair cascading down her back I hadn't noticed clicked her heels against the marbled floors like an elegant. Beautiful and confident, she seemed to be in her late thirties or early forties. She was dripping with professionalism and experience. One I couldn't just help but admire.

She extended her hand and Keegan took it in the same manner, "Good day, Mr Scott...."

               "I'm sorry. It's Keegan. I'd prefer that."

She inclined her head in concord, "It's so good to see you again. Please, come with me."

Immediately, he stopped her, "No, don't bother. I can find my way. Thank you." He nodded curtly before taking my hand and leading me through a long flight of stairs. I couldn't help it. The interior called to me. I let my eyes wonder far and beyond, taking in all of it. An empire this was.

I turn to whisper to Keegan, "Where is this place? What are we doing here?"

He laughed, "Don't tell me you ain't hungry because I know I am. The food here is the best. C'mon."

He walked through the space like he owned the place. Nodding and talking to almost all the staffs and business men in expensive designer suits as if to say he knew who they were. I felt out of place. I was out of this huge league and even I knew it. Keegan was way above me. I began to think this was a bad idea altogether from the start. The eye of other patrons followed me as I advanced further, hand in hand with Keegan. I felt like an underage who was trying to buy liquor, like I had no business being here. 

We walked into a large hall that seemed to be arguably 7,800 square feet with a dramatic 18 inches ceiling. Beautifully appointed with crystal chandeliers and a creamy colour pallete, I froze at its astonishing beauty. A waiter walked towards us and led us to a quiet table situated at the far end of the hall.

Book two months in advance because this place wasn't the kind of place you get a table on impulse. Keegan just asked me to this date last night and now...this was happening?

Large mullioned windows, long embroidered curtains, dark walnut tables, flowers on each table, delicate live piano music, flagstone tile floor, lounge area with embroidered couches, oval coffee tables with splendidly proportioned cabriole legs, tea served from silver trays in white teapots.

The chair gently scraped along the tiles. He snuggled me in, guiding me into the chair. I immediately slid in, mumbling out a thank you. Then, he crossed over and sat across.

                "What's your bottle of preference, sir?" I hadn't realised the waiter was still nearby.

He turned to me instead with an eyebrow arched and lips twitching. I was lost. Did he want me to choose something? I didn't know a thing about any of this.

I was highly relieved when he replied the waiter himself and soon, he was gone.

My stomach shifted uneasily and the insides of my cheek got stuck between my teeth. I knew he was staring at me and I was afraid that if I looked up, I wouldn't be able to take it anymore. I kept my eyes glued to my fingers underneath the table and there it stayed till I heard him speak.

              "What are you thinking about?"

I risked it. I slowly lifted my chin and met his blue eyes and that was it. I became hypnotized. I became transfixed. Lost even. Before I could blink, the waiter returned with a bottle of wine frozen inside a metal bucket, underneath a wide saucer. He cocked it open and filled our glasses with the red liquid. Then, he left.

All this time, our eyes were still locked to each other's. The Atlantic blue color swirled into a silvery hue as he gazed at me. I stared back. I could feel myself becoming hypnotized by the changing colors. He smiled and spots of blue danced in his irises and grew to swallow the silver.

                 "Genny, please talk to me. I want to know what you're thinking."

I was frozen for maybe three whole seconds before the corners of my mouth resumed their usual softness and my eyes quit staring.

I shrugged, "I don't know. I just..." I turned, taking in the swarm of elites and social high class individuals shrouded in impeccable tuxedos and expensive designer gowns. I didn't fit in here.

I turned back, meeting his worried eyes, "I feel like..."

              "Fuck." He leaned back, sweeping his hand through his hair. "I've messed this up already, haven't I?"

~

What's up?

So I just want to quickly say that I made some minor changes in some chapters from CHAPTER 1 to CHAPTER 15. It's actually nothing and doesn't affect the story at all. The story is still very much the same though and if you've been envisioning this story as interracial, it isn't anymore due to some neccessities and that's why the cover was changed.

Quick one, Dario's POV and Genesis's, which do you prefer?😁😁

Please, tap the vote button and please comment.

Next update on Tuesday.