When Perfect Meets Crazy




They reactions we got were almost comical. I got the feeling they had placed bets on how my hair would look when we returned.

"You put your hair up." Rachel gaped.

I nodded, taking my seat. "I said I was going to."

"I told you it was better down." Mr Carrington's tone was the farthest thing from friendly.

"I heard." I smiled back politely. "I don't agree and it's too hot."

Rachel choked back laughter, shooting me a look that implied awe and respect along with a covert thumbs up.

lan leaned over and whispered, "He does that for new people all the time. His way of asserting dominance. I bet one grand that you wouldn't budge."

I grinned discreetly.

"Time to unwrap my presents," Ellie announced, picking up the nearest one.

It was from her mother. A beige cashmere pashmina and matching jewelry that I didn't need to be told held actual precious stones. Her mom got a hug in return. Ian apparently did better, getting her a snow globe of what looked like an ancient ruin to

me.

"Is it?" Ellie squealed, wide hopeful eyes trained on lan.

"Yeah. You loved it there so I had it custom made." He shrugged, smiling widely at her.

He was such a softie. I couldn't not roll my eyes. Mr Carrington was the only one at the table who didn't copy the action.

"I have to go, Princess. Enjoy the rest of your day." He excused himself.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He showed up for five minutes, tried to strong-arm me and then left before she could even open five presents. Father of the year. No one seemed particularly sad to see him go.

"I guess worst gift goes to me this year." Rachel pouted, barely flickering a glance at his retreating figure.

Mike smiled down adoringly at her, forcing me to look away.

Her present turned out to be a custom made perfume oil that she made herself. Mike got Ellie a new charm for a charm bracelet. Mike and lan apparently coordinated because the charm was a tiny gladiator.

"I can't believe you." Rachel gasped theatrically, awarding her husband a punch. "You told me you didn't have any bright ideas. That you were going to get her your latest product."

"I lied." Mike grinned unrepentantly.

"I helped him,” lan chipped in, sporting a smirk.

It was finally my turn and after seeing their gifts, I felt slightly less secure about mine.

"Here." I handed it over.

Ellie mirrored my tentative smile as she unwrapped the gift. I barely noticed lan's hand slipping between my tightly clenched ones. I didn't even realize I had clenched them. He pried my hands apart and held one in his lap.

"Sweet baby Jesus, is that..." Her voice came out breathy and excited.

"A vintage tea set," I answered, smiling with ease now that I had seen her reaction. "It was gifted to me by a lady I met while volunteering at a home for the elderly. She loved having them. Apparently, she got them from her grandmother. It was a family heirloom but none of her kids had an appreciation for it so she gave it to me with express instructions to give it to someone who did," I explained, basking in the appreciative, almost jealous glances the rest of the family gave me.

"Sweet." She beamed, reverently caressing the teapot.

"Like I said before," I shrugged, "never too old to do anything you really want."

"They loved you," lan gushed. "Even more than I thought they would."

"Not your dad. He hates me." I smiled the content smile of a girl who had just conquered, and burrowed into the cushy car seat.

"Maybe but he respects you. He'd never admit it though." He said.

"He doesn't but nice try."

He chuckled, shoulders shaking.

"I was almost sure he was going to march me back to the restroom and lock me in till I put my hair down."

"Hate to say it but, he could." lan laughed heartily.

I laughed along.

A comfortable silence descended as our laughter died down.

"You're coming to Harvard next year, right?" he said, catching me off guard.

I nodded.

"Hit me up when you do, so I know when to slide into your dm."

I was quite aware of the fact that I was gaping like a fish but in my defense, this was the last road I expected our conversation to take.

"What?" I managed after a long period silence during which his hopeful expression tightened and then began to crumple.

"You're mean," he began. "And rude. And bratty. And brilliant. And beautiful. And I think I like you so give me a heads up when you get there."

"You 'think'?" I couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

"I like you," he amended, meeting my gaze straight on. "I didn't want to l didn't even think I could fall for you given our circumstances and your attitude but I did. You're magnificent. Fierce, strong, bold and brave." Content belongs to Novelxo.org

I blinked.

"Now that I think about it, I probably never stood a chance."

"Why not just ask me out now then?" I asked the obvious, confusion coloring my

tone.

"You're not just under-aged, you're still in high schoo--"

"And you're only in your second year of college," I countered.

"I can wait. Enjoy what's left of your high school life and know you have someone

who plans on making college even better for you."

My eyes narrowed, an unimpressed expression taking hold of my features.

"Cut the crap," I said flatly. "What's really going on? We both know you're not that

altruistic."

A reluctant smile tugged at his lips. He glanced out the window, then back at me, a

fond look on his features.

"Well?" I prompted impatiently.

"You're right. I'm not that altruistic. In fact, it's selfish."

"So what is the selfish reason? A side chick at Harvard?" I interrupted.

"No." He shook his head, smiling despite my accusation. "It's just that I know you."

I frowned. He wasn't making sense. What did knowing me have to do with wanting

to wait a few months before dating me?

"I'm sure you know this, but you're not making sense."

"If we start dating now, what guarantee do I have that when I leave in two weeks,

you'll stay interested?"

"What?"

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up to

"Oh, come on, You know what you're like. You're pro at being comfortable in any situation. At finding a way through regardless. At living up. expectations and fulfilling your obligations. The second I leave, you're going to put me in that category. An obligation. A boyfriend you have to occasionally text or call.

It's not going to be exciting or fun anymore. It's going to be another

thing you have to do. And soon enough, you're going to decide I'm not worth it." Content belongs to Novelxo.org

I scowled. I could see his point now and in a way, it was cute but I didn't like it.

Something about it made me feel less covered.

"So your solution is making me wait?"

"Yes." He shrugged nonchalantly. "Till we're geographically closer. So I can make

you like me as much as I like you."

A slow smile blossomed across my face, reluctant but deliberate. I still felt naked but

I didn't feel judged. Rather, I felt understood and warm.

et

"I'm not asking you to wait for me. Do everything you want in the meantime. I'll wait. You know me well enough but more than that, know you. I know you don't like the

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feeling of hair on the back of your neck. I know you think the color yellow is the screamer of colors. I

know you think you're always the smartest in the room and I know you're going to take over the world

someday. Even if it's just a chapter in your biography, I want to be part

of it." Content belongs to

Novelxo.org

Thanks to my experience with Rigo, I knew how creative and unbelievably romantic

boys could get and despite this being grossly understated compared to my other experiences, it still topped my list.

I tilted my head, mentally thanking Olly for sort of preparing me for this moment. I

knew what I had to say.

"No secrets. No more hidden agendas and when you're not into me anymore, tell

me first."

He nodded.

"Alright then." I drew in a deep breath, steeling myself for the commitment. For what

I was about to do next.

I leaned over, my fingers sliding into his hair, pulling his face closer.

Our lips met midway.

... THE END...☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐