Chapter 4 that is how we made the deal

The next day, I woke up feeling happier than I had been since the past few days, and the reason to it made me even happier. I mean, what happened the day before does not happen everyday to a person like me. It's like I've finally found what I had been seeking all this while.

I know what I want to write. I have a story and I like it.

I hope you weren't thinking something else. Stay on track, y'all.

I guess I should give up on that southern accent.

I get ready and go down to The Sandwich Bar. Today, I decide to order a sandwich I usually eat when good things happen to me. You know, you get a good thing when a good thing gets you.

Okay, that phrase did not make much sense, but I'll allow it as I devour this cheese chicken salami grilled sandwich.

Kelly enters and sits opposite me. "Hey, I saw you working late yesterday. How is it you are cheerful this morning?" She asks surprised.

"Well, I have finally overcome my writer's block. Thanks to your advice." I say as she looks pleased.

Her and Darien's advice actually, but she need not know that.

"I am so glad I was able to help. You should know this though, if you want anymore advice-"

"I'll just talk to you, I know, thanks. Let me enjoy my sandwich now."

"Fine. Have you heard from Sam? He left your apartment late last night, and I haven't seen him this morning." Kelly asks, as she scrolls through her phone.

"No, I haven't."

"Ughh, we were supposed to meet early today so that we could get to the sale on time. You know how time-taking finding out the perfect couple-outfit can be."

I have a slight suspicion regarding why Sam hasn't been heard from since morning.

"You know what, maybe you guys could shop for the dance seperately. I mean, you guys are so in sync sometimes, I'm sure you guys would look like a couple in whatever you choose for yourself." I say.

"I guess you are right. So why don't you come with me? We can both shop for our dresses then!"

They say if you do good for someone, something good happens to you. Never had I ever seen it backfire though.

"Yay!" I fake-squeel.

It's not like I hate shopping. I like shopping when I am shopping for me, or even shopping for gifts and things like that, because I am able to get everything required in not more than 20 minutes, leaving me with plenty of time to spend at the book store and later, the food court.

The problem in shopping with another person, is you are expected to shop like a team. You need to listen to the opinion of the other person when its not even needed, and moreover, expected to give an opinion on their stuff, when you don't even have any to offer. And don't even get me started on how much time the entire process of 'shopping' takes. To put it simply, if 1 baby is born in every seven seconds, then the world population increases by a good 60% when the shopping is done.

Don't verify the statistic. Just thinking about shopping brings my mind into a slump.

"Okay let's go!!" And with that, Kelly pulls me out of my seat and drags me out of our hangout to go to the mall.

Oh Sam, you owe me big time.

Now, I won't be going into detail about how the shopping spree went, because you may not like to read me ranting about it for a whole 10 minutes. I know, because Sam didn't like reading it either.

"I thought you were good when it came to writing. This text rant made me feel like jumping into my screen to shut you up."

"I don't believe you. First, I cover up for you, and then, you have the audacity to accuse me for your anger and insult my writing!" I yell at him as I speak to him on call, whilst doing a little cleaning in my room.

"I NEVER ASKED YOU TO COVER UP FOR ME!"

"So what was your plan exactly? Tell me, what were you thinking when you got yourself into the shopping plan?"

"Look, I had prepared myself to shop with Kelly this time, but something super urgent came up last minute." Sam tells me.

"So why didn't you inform Kelly?"

"Various reasons. To name a few, she would've gotten upset had I told her I can't come, also, what I was working on is supposed to be kind of a surprise for her, and maybe for you too." He says in excitement. "Now don't ask me more, because I won't say no more."

"Okay, Sammy, chill."

"Yeah, so anyway, spoken to Darien lately?"

"Yesterday. You were there when I told Kelly everything."

"Oh I was, wasn't I? Well, I've got to go now. Bye, Melly!"

"Wait!" I say, but he hangs up anyway.

He'll pay for this later.

----------------------------------------------------

The days pass by and the weekend is finally here, and this evening is what everybody claims would be one of the best nights of all nights. I know it's going to be great, obviously, but stating it as the best might be a little far-fetched, if you ask me. Nonetheless, I am dressed up better than I am dressed usually, and it has also taken more effort than it does usually, so I would like to receive more compliments than I do usually.

So just one compliment then.

Kelly decided to get ready at my place, which meant 2 things: First, my room is now a horrible mess, and second, we are crazily dancing to Disney songs.

"OMG Austin and Ally!! Their music was my jam back in the day!" Kelly screams.

"Mine too! I remember how I used to wish someone would sing to me the way Austin sings to Ally!" I exclaim, reminiscing the good old days.

"Okay, can I say something crazy?" Kelly asks.

"I love crazy." I say.

What happened after that, shouldn't be a mystery to most of you.

By the next half hour, we were done with the entire playlist of Frozen, and were completely ready to leave for the dance.

I was about to ask Kelly about Sam when the devil appears in front of my apartment door.

"Well well well, Sammy looks like a gentleman." I say as I open the door for him.

"And Melly finally looks like a lady." He says, which earns him a light punch on the shoulder.

Kelly comes out of my room as we continue bickering.

"Okay guys, let it go." She says.

I laugh while I notice Sam who is staring at Kelly like he has seen her for the first time in forever.

That's all the Frozen references, I swear, I'll shut up about it now.

Sam walks up to her and says, "Kelly Krupnik, you look gorgeous.". They share a sweet kiss and hug.

"This moment could've been perfect had you not said my last name." Kelly says in an annoyed tone, but looks pleased anyway.

Now, I'm usually not appreciative of their PDA, but damn, aren't those two cute!

"Aww you guys. Okay, let's go." I say.

"Without me?" says a voice from behind me.

"Oh yes, I had totally forgotten about you." I say as I turn around.

Liar.

"Woah, how is it every woman is looking like they dropped from heaven today?" He says as he looks at my appearance. Or you know, checks me out.

I'll allow it, because I am doing the same thing to him right now. I like what I see.

"Haha, okay guys, go to the lift and wait while I lock the door." I say as I grab my purse and keys.

As I check if it is locked securely, I sense Darien is standing behind me.

"You know, friends can compliment each other." I say.

"Yet, you haven't said a word about my shirt." He says and I laugh.

"Hey, I'm kidding, I'm sorry I didn't say it before, but you look, beautiful." He says, and utters the last word in a whisper.

"To be honest, you look pretty everyday, so I really don't think you needed to put much effort. Besides, my compliment shouldn't serve as a validation. Girls like you should know they are pretty anyway."

"Wow, Darien, you truly are a lady's man!"

"I know, I'm a nice guy, and you, are a lucky girl, because you get to be my first dance of the day." He says with a smirk.

"Wow, I must have done some noble deeds in my past life to be able to get this golden opportunity." I say and we walk to the lift, where Sam and Kelly were waiting for us.

"Okay, that was something." Kelly whispers to me as we enter the lift.

"Not the time." I whisper back, and all of us continue talking about general things.

We walk together to the hall of our college, which is huge enough to give room to the entire student body and a bunch of tables and chairs, and still leave enough space for a small stage and a dance floor.

"Hey, how lovely, lillies on all the tables!" Kelly says, as we look around and appreciate the decoration.

"Wow, that's some budget, am I right!" I say as we give each other a high five.

"Well, it's all because of Sam here." says Darien as he pushes Sam towards the stage.

"Huh?" Kelly says, in surprise.

"Details to follow." Sam says, as he goes up to the stage.

"What?" Kelly and I exclaim in unison.

"Okay, I guess I am the one who has to do the explaining." Darien says looking at the astonished faces of Kelly and I.

"So, you know Anderson, who was initially supposed to be managing this whole thing? Well, he backed out last minute, and Sam took up the entire responsibility. Oh, and he is hosting tonight." Darien finishes his news and all of us look at Sam who is standing on the stage.

"Welcome, fellow batch mates and seniors! I'm Sam, and I am your host for tonight. Now first of all, I'd like to introduce all of you to my date for the evening. Kelly, would you like to join me?"

The spotlight immediately goes to Kelly, who looks radiant as she walks to the stage.

"Oh my God I had no idea about this, well hey everyone! I'm Kelly, his girlfriend." she says, and everybody cheers for them.

"Okay guys I won't bore you much now, so here is the deal for today, it's karaoke night! We'll ask you to come to the stage, dedicate a song to somebody special to you, and sing while we dance! But all of this, after the first song of the evening, and here it goes!" He says, and a slow song starts playing immediately, meant for couples.

"So let's do this then." Darien says as he brushes a hand on his hair.

"This song, really?" I ask in surprise.

"Well, yeah, it's not bad." He says.

"Okay." I say and we both go to the dance floor where couples are swaying together, Sam and Kelly doing the same near the stage.

"I never really like such slow songs. They are nice to listen to, but when I think of dancing, I think of dancing my heart out instead of just, you know, moving." I say as he laughs, while we dance like everyone else on the floor.

"Wow, you are the first girl I have ever heard saying that. Usually it's all, "Slow songs are soo sweeet!!" that I get to hear from girls." He says, and I nearly trip listening to his tone.

"That was a horrible imitation. Well, you've just been hanging out with different kind of people." I say, and let him lead the dance.

"Yeah, so anyway, what kind of music do you like?"

"Well, I like the kind of songs that are slow yet peppy, you know what I mean, and Disney songs are my all time favorite!"

"Disney is the best, isn't it? The Lion King is the only movie that has ever made me cry." Darien tells me, slightly embarrased.

"Is it just the mood here, or am I feeling so attracted to you right now?" I say in awe.

"Oh please girl, you know it's just my Greek God image." He replies as he smirks at me.

"Arrogant much?"

"You know it." He says with a naughty smile.

"You should be glad there is no water around here." I say and both of us burst out laughing in the middle of the dance floor. Like anyone cares.

"Well, thanks for making me your friend. You've already made this a great night for me." I say with a smile.

"I should be thanking you. I wouldn't have come to know of your existence had you not acted on impulse. Why did you want to go to the dance with me in the first place?"

"Well, it's silly."

"What, you were crushing hard on me or something?"

"Hell no."

"You hurt me, Melody." He fakes a stab in his heart.

"Get over it. I asked you out by chance, actually." I say and tell him about my conversation with my sister.

"Wow, you're really close with your sister, huh?"

"I am."

"Lucky you. I don't have any sibling. I do have cousins though, who once framed me in their scam of stealing the Thanksgiving turkey."

"What, really?"

"Yeah, but that's a story for another day."

"I'll wait for that day."

"Speaking of stories though, how's yours turning out?" Darien asks me, as I move in sync with him.

"Pretty great actually. I have a storyline, I've thought up character sketches, and I am so happy about how it has been turning out." I say excitedly.

"So my advice did turn out to be of useful then." He says and I smile.

"I am not fond of admitting this, but you are right, it did. Thanks." I say a little awkwardly.

"No problem. So, what's it called? Thought of a title yet?"

"Nope. Now that you mention it, I have absolutely no idea what it should be called." I say in shock. Damn it, this is going to be a problem.

"I'm sure it will come to you naturally. You seem to really know your stuff." Darien says reassuringly.

"Titles have always been a trouble for me. Even when I used to enter into short story contests, I was never able to come up with a good name for my story. Somehow, I am never able to relate a title to my story."

"Well, what's the story about? What's the theme?"

"Oh, well, it's actually, um-"

"Oh come on, tell me, I won't judge you. What are you writing, erotica?"

"Shut up."

"I'm kidding!"

"It's about love."

"Love! Wow. I would have expected you to write about something more practical." He says in shock.

"You think love is not practical?"

"Not at all. Everyone who has ever been in love has done stupid things. Crazy even. Remember my ex I told you about?"

"Yeah, but still, don't you think being in love must feel so great, or even magical, that it makes you do things you wouldn't have imagined of doing otherwise?"

"I don't know. Have you ever been in love? And I am not asking about the family kind."

"No. I have been in presence of love though."

"That's different. Only someone who has been in love, someone who has been head over heels for someone else, would be able to tell how love really is." Darien says in thought.

"Have you ever been in love?" I ask him.

"Nah, I am not that stupid."

"You're right. You are just an idiot who thinks he has an answer to everything."

"No, now I never said that."

"You implied it."

"No, you just interpreted me that way."

"Whatever, the point is, now that you have mentioned the title, that's all I'll be thinking about, because otherwise it will remain untitled, which means it will be incomplete-"

"Hey hey slow down, how about I help you?"

"What?"

"I think I can offer a lot of valuable help for your story." He says.

I think about it. Oh hell no.

"Thanks, but I'm sorry, my story has to be completely mine."

"And it will remain yours. All I was offering was help with the title." He says in a 'duh' tone.

Oh.

"Yeah, I guess I could use some help." I say, thinking it all over.

"That's great then. How will you pay me?"

"I thought your words were 'free for me'?" I ask in surprise.

"Relax, I'm not asking for your kidney. All I want is to try one different sandwich, everyday, from The Sandwich Bar, and you can pay for them." He says like it's no big deal.

Actually, it's not a big deal.

"That works for me. So it's settled then, one title, for one sandwich!" I say as we give each other a high-five.

Our palms meet, and the song ends. Perfect timing, am I right?

"Now, we start this karaoke night! The first singer today, had actually volunteered to sing yesterday itself, so without further ado, Mr. Darien Adams, come on to the stage and take over!" Sam yells into the microphone, and gets off.

"You sing? I did not know that." I say as he straightens up to go to the stage.

"Well, what do you really know anyway?" He says with a wink, and walks upto the stage.

"Wassup people! So I won't bore you much, but I will say this. I dedicate this song to a very special friend I have here today. Enjoy." He says, and the karaoke machine flashes the lyrics of the song, as he begins to sing.

I don't believe him.

I knew he was a Disney fan.

I just didn't imagine him to be just as huge a fan as I am.

"You're welcome." Sam says as he stands beside me, while everybody claps to the beats of 'Not a love song' from Austin and Ally, being sung by our very own Darien.

"Excuse me?"

"He got Darien to sing a romantic song for you. Thank him." Kelly says as she looks awestruck towards the stage.

"It's 'Not a love song', remember?" I say with a laugh.

"Girl, come on. Stop being in denial." Kelly says.

"I'm not in denial."

"Oh yeah, we saw you and him talking while dancing. Admit it, you guys didn't take off your eyes off of each other for even a second, am I right or am I right?" Sam says as if trying to make me see sense.

"Ok you guys, this was literally the second time we have had any sort of conversation. Get your minds out of your fantasies." I say in a final tone.

"Oh this is just the beginning. Wait and watch." Kelly and Sam say together.

For all I know, they could be right. Maybe this could lead to somewhere. Time can tell. I definitely can't, because, what do I really know? One thing I do know, is this.

This is just the beginning.