Chapter 8: I Want To Be Your Last Dance
"You're acting like a princess again. I'm sure Joshua is tired of knocking on your door." Mommy said to me as I entered the dining room.
I sat in the chair next to Angel and in front of Joshua.
"I still remember when Chloe was still in 3rd grade, she used to lock herself up in her room and would always refuse to eat whenever mom and dad could not give her what she wanted," Angel said.
Laughing, mommy added what Angel said, "Right. She was a brat. Her dad spoiled her too much."
I covered my face because of embarrassment and whispered but I made they would hear it,"Shut up, you two." I can no longer look at Joshua and his mommy now.
The maids started serving our food.
"Wow. What do we have here?" Angel asked pur personal chef.
"Our lunch for today is Multigrain Waffle-Sandwich With Veggie Cream Cheese with green and red grapes, carrots and tuna on the side." Chef answered.
"We're eating healthy today, huh?" Joshua said then started digging in the food.
"Your 18th birthday is near, Chloe. You need to go to the tailor to measure the gown for your party and invite friends especially the 18 roses so that you can practice for the dance as soon as possible." Mom said.
She really always takes the lead in reminding me about my birthday and she makes sure my party is grand.
"Just make sure that Joshua is Chloe's 18th dance because otherwise I will sulk. "Joshua's mom said jokingly while wiping the edge of her lip.
"Of course, Veronica. They can't help but dance on my daughter's special day." Mommy said. "Right, Josh?"
I secretly glared at mom because I was ashamed of what she was saying. They might think I like Joshua. And why do they seem to be pushing us against each other? They're just getting my hopes high.
"Of course, Mrs. Ramirez." Joshua answered politely with a small smile on his lips.
I can see in his expression that he is just being forced so he obviously does not want to do that.
"Mom, you don't get to choose who I dance with. What if I don't like your suggestion? Or Joshua? You can't force us, can you?" I said calmly.
I don't want to rely on how I feel for Joshua so I will avoid it as much as possible. I do not want to get hurt.
Joshua and I looked at each other and I could see in his eyes the agreement with what I said. I also immediately averted my eyes because I seemed to be electrified by his gaze.
After eating, I started picking the theme of my party online, Angel helped me.
"What do you think of this one? Parisian theme," she pointed on the picture that is being showed on the monitor,"You have a flair for the romantic, then you can never go wrong with a Parisian theme. We can add French accents to your party decors and combine two of your favorite colors to make the overall aesthetic of your debut party pop out. Oh, and you should never forget to dedicate a place of honor for the Eiffel tower. Ideally, this should be someplace where you and your guests can take photos. You love paris, don't you?"
I held my chin as I was thinking,"I like your idea but I think I like this classic theme more. Check this out," I showed her a photo of an elegant gown,"My gown will look like this but more elegant ang grand. It will suit my chosen theme really well."
Angel was nodding while listening to me and answered, "That is a great idea. Let's go for it and tell the organizer."
In the evening, I decided to wander around the villa and passed Joshua and his mom on the patio talking. His mom seems to be scolding him and Joshua is just leaning on the pole and bowing his head. I could not hear what they were talking about so I just kept walking.
I sat on the edge of the pond and put my fingers in the water so the koi fishes immediately approached. I really like to hang out here because apart from the fresh air, I enjoy the colorful fish. I also come here once in the morning and present to feed the fish.
I heard footsteps not far away so I immediately looked at who it was. Joshua sat on the wooden bench by the fountain and just stared nowhere. I had no plans to approach him so I just stared at him from a distance and he did not seem to notice my presence. He seemed to be covered by heaven and earth because of the darkness of his expression. It was as if he was carrying the whole world. I have never seen him so sluggish. What did he and his mom argue about?
A few minutes later he got up and walked into the house. And when I felt drowsy I went in as well and did my night routine before going to bed.
The next day, I prepared to go to the tailoring shop of my family's personal gown designer. When I went down to eat breakfast I was surprised when Joshua presented to drive and accompany me. When we were in his car he turned to me and calmly said, "It's okay for me to be your 18th dance at your birthday party if that's what our mothers want." He seemed to be very careful of his words because he must be thinking that I would be offended.
I immediately shook my head and replied, "No, Joshua. They can't do anything if we don't want to. We can't dance in front of a lot of people even against our will." I made sure he felt I understood he didn't want to.
He started the car and started driving. "I want to do this. I want to be your last dance."
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