The Nerd In Disguise

Chapter 12

There were so many things that happened these past few years. We moved from place to place and i went to different schools because of the demand of my parents' job. And if you think meeting new people is difficult because you have the need to fit in and blend with the colors but the truth is, it was more complicated to say goodbye and leave all your friends behind.

I honestly came to the point that I had lost an interest to make friends because I did not want to be hurt again but there were situations are hard to resist especially if people around me were really persistent to get my attention. So I thought, why not give a try again? Beside my new friends here in California were really nice aside Aerin.

"Woah Lily, your house is really..." Grey was mesmerized as we walked towards my house. "Huge."

"Do you have a sister or brother Lily?" It was Leslie who asked next to me.

A wind blew hard making my hair covered onto my face. "No. I'm the only child." But how i really wish to have one, that would be fun.

"Lucky." Grey muttered his breath as he gaze up and stared into a cloudy sky. "Because i rather be alone than have a unicorn twin."

Cameron shoot him a menancing glare. "Who says i want you to be my twin idiot."

"Stop it guys." I weaned, stroking my fingers throught my silk hair and tucked it behind my ear. "I honestly don't care if i have a boy, girl or unicorn sibling. I would still love them the same." We fully stopped in front of the main door and slowly opened it. I felt myself flew up in the air when i smell a delicious food from the kitchen. "Mom! Dad!"

"Hey sweety." My father peeked his head out from the kitchen. He was sweaty and wearing his favorite spongebob apron. "Nice to see you again Cameron."

A huge smile crept at the corner of Cameron's lips while Grey and Leslie were staring hard at her confused. "Me too Mr. Andersen."

They must be wondering how my father knows her. "Dad, this is Leslie " I motioned my hand towards Leslie and Grey. "And this is Grey." My father stared long and hard at Grey then to Cameron, maybe he noticed something between them. "They are twins."

Father swept his sweat using the back of his hand. "Oh yeah looks like a faternal twins, they have different hair colors." That is true, Cameron has strawberry hair while Grey has dark brown but both have green eyes. "Anyway, the food is almost ready."

"Where is Mom?" I asked him as i occupanied my friends in the living room and gently put my bag over the table. "Please have a seat and feel at home."

"She is upstair." Father answered.

"I thought the outside was big but gosh.." Leslie said in awe, roaming her eyes around the house then stopped when she saw a potrait hanging against the wall. "Wait..."

"It's Elena Andersen." Cameron stated with a stoic face.

"Of course i know her!" Leslie said with an eye rolled. She still did not get everything while Grey looks like already realized what is happening. "She is my fashion icon!" I should have told Leslie about my family to avoid confusion. But it would be fun to see what would be her reaction when she finally learned that Elena was my mother? "You are a fan of her Lily?"

I smiled at the question. "If she is your fashion icon Leslie." There was a lopsided smirk in my lips. "Then im her ultimate fan."

"Oh wow--"

We are interrupted by the clicking sounds of something hitting against the floor. I adjusted my glasses on my face while watching my mother gracefully striding down the stairs and when she finally noticed us, a lovely smile spread across her beautiful face earning a loud gasp from buffle Leslie.

"Oh hi, I'm happy you guys came." Mother greeted my friends warmly as she stood in front of us like a Goddess that she is.

"Jesus!" Leslie's voice trembled in shock. I thought she is going to pass out. "Are you for real!?"

My mother chuckled. "I am,"

Leslie covered her mouth and her eyes started to pool in tears. Yes, I have seen priceless reaction from my Mother's fan whenever they see her in person. They look really satisfy and happy to meet their idol. "Can i please touch you?"

And instead of providing any answer, Mother stepped closer towards Leslie and gave her a tight hug. "Welcome to our house."

It took awhile for Leslie to recover but the hunger did not stop us to dig into delicious food that my father cooked. There was no silence and awkwardness the whole time but laughing and joking.

"This is so good." Cameron commended while savoring the food. "Precise flavoring and the texture is just so right."

Father smiled widely, he likes it when he receives compliments about his cooking. "Thanks, Cameron. You have a passion in cooking too so i advise you to learn and enhance your knowledge."

Cameron blushed hard. "I will definitely keep that in mind."

"How about you Leslie? Can you cook?" Father asked the brunette.

"Not really sir. I'm more an eater." Leslie replied shyly.

"Oh." Father echoed. "You are like Lily." He turned to me and smirked. "She only likes eating."

I do not know if I am just giving a malice or other meaning of what said. "Dad..." My face is burning and turned into red like a tomato. "I can cook too but not as good as you."

"I know Lily," Father chuckled. "I was only pointing that one out,"

"What is your favorite food to eat Lily?" Asked Grey, he saved me from shame. I smiled when i saw the stain in the corner of his lips. So adorable. "Because my twin here," He gave Cameron a short sideway glance. "Likes torturing women and eating their brain."

My parents stopped chewing their food and looked at Grey bewildered while Leslie's mouth is totally ajar, she might caught flies later and there is me, accidentally dropped the fork and knife astounded.

"Mm, Grey...." Cameron cleared her throat in embarassment. "That is not what..." She lowered her gazed shyly. "I eat.."

I bit my lower lip hard to prevent myself from smiling. We all know what she was referring to and that was funny as hell. Still, Cameron handled the humilation of her twin very well.

After we ate my parents invited my friends to watch a movie but we always interrupted of Grey, he was a movie spoiler but we learned to ignored him though. Out of nowhere, my eyes drifted to Leslie who is sitting next to me, her arms were securely and tightly wrapped around her turso.

All eyes focused on me when i silently stood up. "Excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Mother asked while eating a popcorn.

"I will just get a sweater." I replied and looked at Leslie'a direction. The lights coming from the tv illuminates her lovely face, her eyelashes swept up and down while focusing on the movie while her pink lips moves gracefully. "For Leslie."

It made her looked at my by mentioning her name. "Can i come with you?"

I saw Cameron was about to protest when Mother asks her about something. "Yeah sure."

We silently walked toward the stairs going to the second floor but still no one has spoken between us. This is what i like about Leslie, she won't force you to talk not until you are ready to start any conversation. I'm always comfortable with her in silence and i appreciates it.

The wind blew hard against my face once i opened my bedroom's door. I turned on the lights before coming inside with Leslie trailing behind me.

"Oh gosh, it's super cold in your room." Leslie said between her clenched teeth.

"That ia true," I chuckled we walked straight to my cabinet. "You don't really have to use an aircon here."

"I guess," Leslie whispered. She carefully sat down to my bed and caressed the soft comforter. "The wind is so cold and refreshing."

"Indeed," I agreed as pulled a sweater

out. "But i can't sleep naked anym--" My cheeks grew hot when i realized what i just said. "Er.." Slowly, i turned around and sigh in relief that Leslie was busy looking at my study table where plenty of snowglobes were.

"Woah. Are those your collection?" Leslie asked in amazement.

I stood next to her and smiled. A feeling of nostalgia washed over me. "Every time we moved to different places or went out of the country i always buy snowglobes as a remembrance." I took one of snowglobe in my hand and stared at it reminiscing. "To add, I'm really fan of Christmas." My eyes went to Leslie's face and I noticed that she silently watching me. I felt my heart pounded against my chest. "Wh..why are you looking at me?"

Leslie's eyes glittered in magic as her face broke into delightful smile. "I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you Lily. Your beauty is incomparable and watching you is like listening to angels sing."

•••

My first class has ended early and i still have plenty time to spare so i decided to go to the library since I'm not comfortable staying in the hallway. Creighton's Library is well maintained and modern, it has as many as fifteen thousand books. It has both national and international magazines. It gets all the national dailies. It works from nine in the morning till five in the evening. It has the open shelf system. They can issues 4 books at a time and allow to keep them for a week. The librarian and the staff are very co operative. There is a huge reading room. Where at least 70 students can sit comfortably. All the magazines and newspapers are kept here.

"Yes!" I told myself cheerfully when i see the book i was looking for, Where The Past Begins By Amy Tan. "I'm glad they-" My mouth dropped when suddenly someone grabbed the book behind the bookshelf. "Hey!"

With a frown set on my face, i walked around to see who it was. I felt out of words when i finally come face to face of the person standing there with her radiant smile and oozing beauty.

"Lovely to see you again Lily." Her spellbinding voice rang against my ears.

"Eris?" As if i wasn't even sure if it was really her. Well, first, she does not study here. Can't blame me though. "What are you doing here?"

Instead of answering me, Eris strode in grace setting me in alchemy and incantation. "Just searching.."

I just stood there frozen. "Of what?"

Eris stopped just few inches from me still wearing her toothpaste commercial smile. "Of something you can't see but could feel." I was about to opened my mouth when she showed me the book she was holding. "And i have this strange feeling that you are looking for this?"

"Ah yes." I answered without blinking an eye.

Eris handed me the book which i gladly took before she changed her mind. "You can have it."

"Thank you." I said in small voice like a three years old kid. We started walking towards the empty table next to the window. There is complete silence in the library, all the student enjoy sitting and reading different books in the spare time. "Anyway, why are you really here? I mean, this is not your school."

Eris sat down across me. "Creighton University's libraby is under renovation and the president of your school give us permission to use the library's facility." She put her bag over the table. "So, how are you?"

"I'm great. My first class finished early so i came here to kill some time." We looked at each other. "How bout yah?"

"I'm magnificent." Eris replied shortly. I saw the corner of mouth moved, she looks like going to say something. "Hey, i have something to ask you," I felt conscious under her gazed. What would she ask me? "Lily, i wonder if we coul-"

The both of us stopped talking when someone put a coffee in front of me. Eris beautiful's smile turned into a deep frown while looking at Cameron. How does she know I'm here? Is she stalking me? Because this can't be a coincidence or something? Cameron hasn't said anything and turned away, I was too hypnotized to utter any words. That red head girl become more even beautiful every day.

"Ah, what just happened?" Eris asked in puzzled.

I stared at the coffee and noticed a pink note attached on a lid. Slowly, i opened it and read. Meet me at the garden after your class. Why does Cameron wants me to meet her there? What is she planning this time?

After my conversation with Eris, i went to my second class and found Leslie sitting really pretty on her seat. Our classmates were already inside the room and only waiting for our teacher to arrive.

Leslie's face lit up when she noticed me. "Hey,"

The memories from yesterday washed over me and my face coated by crimson red. "Hey." I carefully sat down next to her. How badly i wanted to ask Leslie about what was the meaning of what she told me but i was scared of her answer. "Good morning."

Leslie smiled. "A cold morning to you too." Her eyes sparkled like a diamond dust in the skylight. "Anyway," She reached something from the floor and put a paper bag on my tablet. "Thank you for letting me borrow your sweater last night."

"It's nothing." I assured her.

"Lily, I really had fun yesterday." Leslie whispered but her eyes were looking down her phone. "Your parents are very kind and humble."

Why i felt that there is an uneasiness in her voice? Now, i started to wonder what kind of life or family Leslie has but i couldn't bring myself asking her about it because for me it was too personal. Maybe i should wait for her to open up whenever she is ready. So for now, i will be here for her.

"We can do that again Leslie," I told her sincerely. Actually my parents won't stop talking about my friends and it seems like they liked them. "You are welcome in my house anytime."

"So, can i visit you again? Like, if i have a chance?" Asked Leslie.

I tapped her hand gently, sending my support to whatever she was going through. "Of course, just tell me when okay."

We stopped talking when the bell rang and our teacher came with her terror aura. I looked at the empty chair beside me, as usual Cameron didn't attend her class because she is busy in training as the Team Captain of Creighton's cheerdance group.

Is she really that good to be the Captain? Well, for me to see is to believe.

My mind was busy thinking about the letter Cameron gave me in the library. Although i have a second thought of going but the curiosity gets into me. I just want to know why Cameron ask me to meet her there.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" Leslie asked confused when she saw me hurriedly stuffing my things inside my bag a few minutes after the bell rang. "Where are you going?"

"Ohh.." My eyes narrowed down. I can't tell her where im going. It's not that i don't trust her but it's only me and Cameron. "I have to go somewhere." After shoving my last book. "I will be right back immediately, eat and see you later."

"But Lily-"

I stormed out of the room and walked as fast as i could. Students were hissing and cursing me every time i bumped into them but i don't have time to apologize or so. My feet were started to hurt for nonstop walking when i arrived at the garden. There were no other people around but butterflies, colorful flowers scattered everywhere.

I gently caressed the petal of a flower before entering the door going inside the main garden but stopped when i heard a music started to play. Out of nowhere Camera came into my view, she is wearing a black leggings, oversized white shirt, sneakers and her strawberry hair was perfectly comb around her beautiful face. So simple but really gorgeous.

I found a love for me

Darling just dive right in

And follow my lead

Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet

I never knew you were the someone waiting for me.

Cameron is moving in the rhythm while i was standing there dumbfounded. She is doing a lyrical dance, showing me what does the song really mean.

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was

I will not give you up this time

But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own

And in your eyes you're holding mine.

There is no emotion in her face as her body moved in perfection and grace. Her strawberry hair fluttered through the wind, it tooks like a cotton candy splutter in the air.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song

When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath

But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight.

My heart froze the moment our eyes met, it sent me shivers down my spine and butterflies exploded in my stomach. She stopped dancing and walked towards me but before i could step back she already held my hand.

Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know

She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home

I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets

To carry love, to carry children of our own.

Cameron swayed with all of her sexiness but didn't let go of my hand. She is so glamorous and splendidly beautiful.

We are still kids, but we're so in love

Fighting against all odds

I know we'll be alright this time

Darling, just hold my hand

Be my girl, I'll be your man

I see my future in your eyes.

She stood just few inches away from me and i could hear her heavy breathing because of dancing. "Do you like it?"

My eyes blinked, trying to break whatever magic she gave me. "Ye-yeah." I mentally slapped my face for stuttering. "It was great, excellent ..." Cameron just smiled and teasingly brushed her lips against my lower lip. "Wh-what are you doing?"

"Nothing." I heard her chuckled. "You are just cute when blushing."

My eyebrows furrowed. "Excuse me." I cleared my throat. "I'm not blushin-" I felt myself flies in heaven when Cameron gingerly pressed her lips against mine to stop me talking.

Maybe this is her way of shutting people down.

And then that is it, my last dignity flew somewhere when she roughly bit my lower lips before slithered her tongue inside my mouth.

"Li..Lily.." A shakily voice lingered inside the garden.

"Leslie, did you see them-"