Simone's New Start ~Chapter 11 ~Playing the Dating Game~
by Mademoiselle Butterfly

Chapter Eleven

We now return back to a beautiful Saturday morning in the town of Harmony. It’s a bright October day as we travel back at the Keri Hall dorms, Kay Bennett had just finished a lazy morning of watching Saturday morning cartoons and now she sat staring out of the windows daydreaming. She envisioned herself laying nestled in Miguel’s arms as he whispered sweet words in her ear and caressed her hair. He laid tender kisses on her forehead, chatting away about their future together; it made Kay blush with delight.

“I should have never been with Charity for so long.” “Now I see, how much time I wasted not being with you, the real woman I love.” he told her.
“Well, now we have a lifetime to make for that.” Kay sweetly replied rubbing his forearm.
“I know, but could you ever forgive me for being so blind?” he asked.
“Of course.” Kay replied. “I knew that you would come around and see how much I really loved you, not her.”
“Will you do me a favor?” Miguel asked.
“Of course Miguel.” “Anything.” Kay said with a smile.
“Marry me.” He said softly staring into her enchanting blue eyes.
“Oh, Miguel. .” Kay cried. Just as he pulls out a small ring and puts it on her finger.

Soon the tears begin to fall and Kay was swept with emotion she had prayed for this day to come.

“I wanted to do this for a very long time.” “Katherine Elyse Bennett, will you take my hand and become my wife?” Miguel asked on bended knee.
“Of course, I will.” “I love you, Miguel I always have.” “Of course . . .” Kay replied softy as Miguel then leans in for a deep kiss when she hears, “SLAM!”

The door to her dorm room slamming hard, awaking her up from her heavenly daydream. She opened her eyes looking up, only to see Simone appearing very upset, throwing her clean clothes down by her bed as she marched in the tiny room.
“Hey, what’s got you so upset?” Kay asked.
“Nothing!” Simone replied, flopping down on her bed getting into her yoga stance. She quickly closed her eyes and began her breathing exercises; heavily exhaling in and out she tried to calm herself down.
“Come on, Simone.” “I can see you’re upset.” “Now, what is it?” “What, did you run into Whitney again?” Kay asked.

“No,” Simone said her with voice breaking.
“What?” Kay questioned standing in front of her. “Because it must be something for you to run in here slam the door all hard and interrupt my great dream about Miguel.”
Simone looked up at her friend with wonderment. She takes a deep breath; “It’s not Whitney, for once.” “It my parents.” She says softly.
“Yeah.” Kay said jesting her to go on.
“They’re trying to ruin my life.” “Kay, they actually set me up on a blind date!” she announces.
“What?!” Kay said surprised with a smile.
“Yeah, can you believe that?” “Me, on a blind date?”
“Um, no I can’t.” Kay mumbled trying her best not to laugh.
“Yeah, and I know that they mean well, but. .” Simone whined.
“You just don’t want them trying to control your life.” Kay said finishing her sentence.
“Yes, like they did at home.” Simone confesses. “Oh, this is a mess.” She cried taking off her jacket.
“I’ll say.” Kay replied.

“I need chocolate.” Simone says overwhelmed falling back on her bed. After taking a couple more deep breaths she got up frantically looking around for cookies.
“Kay, where are the last of the Chips Ahoy?” she asked.
“I ate them.” Kay replied.
“What?” “Oh, man.” “Wait, I still have my private stash!” Simone says. She goes into the bathroom bringing out her make up bag.
“Now, what are you doing?” Kay asked folding up her arms.
“Nothing.” Simone replies digging into a plastic bag full of cookies.
“Wait, I don’t believe this Simone you keep a bag of cookies in her make up bag!” Kay said with a laugh.
“Yeah, so. .” Simone mumbled munching on chocolate chips.
“Okay, you’re loony today.”
“Well, Kay wouldn’t you be, if you were me?” Simone questioned.

“I don’t know, Simone but I think that instead of you sitting here gaining five pounds.” “You need to just go tell your parents no.” Kay told grabbing the bag away from her friend’s hands.
“Kay, I can’t do that!” Simone replied chomping down the last cookie.
“Why not?” “I say no to my parents all the time.” “Hey, it works!” Kay replied eating one of the cookies.

“Well, that’s you Kay.” “It’s different with my parents, they’re just trying to look after me that’s all.” Simone told her.
“Uh, Simone you’ve got some cookie crumbles, right there.” Kay said pointing to her chin.
“Oh, uh look like today, for example me and my Mom had a nice talk you know.” Simone responds after wiping off her chin.
“About what?” Kay asked.
“Well, about how she thinks I should consider forgiving Whitney of all things.”
“Yeah, like that will be happening.” Kay replied with a laugh.
“We also talked about finding real love and my starting to date again.” “But then she just landed this date on me.” Simone continued.
“Well, now I can see why you’re upset.” Kay said.
“And, on top of that I totally forgot about asking her to help me buy a new car, which was why I went home in the first place.” Simone whined.
“Oh, sorry Simone.” “Well, when’s the blind date?” Kay asked.

“Next Friday.” “At the house, so they can meet him.” She said in a bothered tone.
“Well, I guess you have to go.” Kay said.
“Yeah, I just hope that they won’t ask anymore favors like this.” “It’s so embarrassing having my parents get me a date.” Simone replied staring up at the ceiling in a trace addled.
“Yup,” Kay replied. “But I know you, as much as this is bothering you Simone.” “You’re going to go through with it.”
“And how, do you know that?” Simone asked sitting up.
“Because I know you, that’s why.” “You’re always going to be the good little girl, and that means doing whatever your parents say.” Kay told her.
“I am not.” “Kay, I’m my own person.” “My parents don’t control my life,
I do.” Simone remarks.
“Uh, huh.” “Sure you do.” “Watch first, it starts with the date and next they’ll be asking you to move back home.” Kay warned.
“No, they won’t.” Simone replied in a wary tone. “They know I want to be here, and that’s the way it’s going to be.” She assured.
“Yeah, right.” Kay replies.

“But I still can’t believe this, you going on a blind date!” “It’s hilarious.” Kay remarks laughing.
“Well, not to me.” Simone said.
“So, where did all of this come from?” “The date, I mean.” Kay asks sitting on the bed beside her.
“I don’t know, Kay.” “My Mom just said she wanted me to meet someone responsible for his actions.” “Whatever that means.” Simone said looking upward.
“Hmm, sounds like someone not like Chad Harris.” Kay replies with a smirk.
“I guess.” Simone said with a shrug.
“Well, you’ve got a whole week to get prepared.”
“Yeah, it won’t be that bad right?” Simone questioned sitting back up looking towards her friend.
Kay looked away, “I don’t know.” she replied shaking her head.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tuesday morning, we now focused on the adamant and prestigious Edward Carrington as he sat in his chambers at the local Harmony courthouse. There he was known as his Honor Judge Edward Carrington. He was legendary for his rulings and iron fist ways. When he spoke everyone stopped and paid attention much like his legendary father. The Carrington’s were known in the town for they’re influential authority. Yet, Edward had succeeded past his own father a governor and he had expected his children would do the same in succeeding him. Just then he thought of his children and all his hopes and dreams for them especially Lane, his oldest son. Thinking about how his eldest son's life turned out it made him grow bitter inside, his blood running cold at the thought as he stood in front of a mirror getting dressed for his next trial.

Soon there’s a knock on his office door. “Come in, Carol.” He said. The person enters and Edward turns around. “Lane.” He announces.
“Hello, Father.” Lane replied standing before him. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” “Wh-what are you doing here?" Edward questioned.
“Actually I came to see you.” Lane says approaching his desk.
“Oh.” “Well, I have a trial coming up so. .” “Damn it!” Edward spouted trying to make a knot in his silk tie at the moment in front of the mirror.
“Here, let me help you.” Lane said going over to fix his creases.
“Um, thank you.” “I never could get these damn things straight.” Edward replied in an aggravated tone of voice.

“Hmm, me either.” Lane said. “Julia usually helps me with mine.”
Edward takes a deep breathe. “Well, how can I help you?” he asks turning.
“Well, I wanted to talk about something important.” Lane said taking a seat in one of the club chairs.
“Yes, and that is?” Edward asked eyeing him lighting a cigar.
“It’s dealing with Mother.” Lane responds.
“What about her.”
“Well, it’s about when she died Father.” “Her tombstone.” Lane replied with an edge to his voice.
“What are you talking about Lane?” Edward asked mystified.
“What happen to her tombstone?” he questioned.
“Nothing, its fine.”
“Hmm, well the other day I just so happen to have a look at it.” “And you know what I found Father.” Lane leads on.

“What?”
“Me, my name missing from the heading.” “Isn’t it strange how, my name could have just disappeared right off the stone?” Lane questioned.
“Hmm.” Edward laughed. “Are you sure it was your Mother’s maybe you where looking at the wrong plot.”
“No, I wasn’t.” “It was hers.” Lane assured him.
“Well, I’m sure it must have been a mistake.” Edward says.
“Yeah, a big mistake excluding her oldest son don’t you think?”
“What are you saying Lane?” “You think that I had something to do with that?”
“Father, it’s a simple question.” Lane pauses. “I just wanted some answers and I thought that you would have an explanation for me.”
“Well, I don’t.” “Actually, I find it strange your sudden interest in your Mother.” “If only you could have had the same kind of interest in her when she was alive.” “Maybe things could have been different.” Edward replies.
“I guess.” “Well, now I’m just trying to reconnect to what I lost.” Lane admits.

“Yes, you did lose an awful lot marrying Julia.” “Didn’t you?” “But that was your decision my boy and only yours.”
“Dad!” “Look, don’t start.” “On Julia or any other red button issue because you know how we get.” Lane warns in a stern tone.
“Fine, I won’t.” “You’ve made your own choices.” “So, Lane is there anything else.” “I can help you with?” Edward asks.
“Actually, Father there is something else I needed.” Lane says annoyed.
“What’s that?” Edward asks smoking his cigar.
“Nothing really, just the recent numbers to Leigh and Logan.” Lane replied.
“Hmm.” “Well, I think that ship has sailed.” “Don’t you?”
Lane took a deep breath. “Father, it’s just. .” he starts.

Beep. Beep. The phone rings.
“Just a minute.” Edward says reaching over to answer his phone. “Yes.”
“Judge Carrington, they’re ready for you.” His assistant beeps in.
“I’ll be right there Carol.” He continued.
“Well, Lane it looks like I’ll be seeing you because right now, I have a trial to oversee.” He says standing.
”Alright.” “But, I thought. .” Lane starts.
“I’ll give you the numbers you need soon.” “Perhaps at Sunday dinner okay.” “But I’m warning you again your siblings might not be receipted to you as I am.” “Know that.” Edward told him walking him to the door.
Lane nodded leaving the room.

In the hallway, Edward heads off to his trial with his assistant Carol following behind him in tote updating him on some of the cases. While, Lane was seen headed in the other direction, pulls out his cell phone and dials up Julia at her office.
“Hi, honey.” “Its me.” He says. “Well, I just finished seeing Edward.”
“Uh, huh.” “So, what happened?” Julia asks.
“Nothing.” “He wouldn’t give me a clear answer except for Mother’s headstone being a mistake.”
“A mistake?” “What, to exclude you out.” “Lane, that doesn’t make any sense.” “Either your name was on that stone or not.” “Edward is hiding something.” Julia says.
“Jules, I know.” “But what am I suppose to do, Edward’s not giving up any details.”
“Hmm.” “Well, then you need another source.” Julia says.
“Like who?” Lane asks walking through the hallway.
“What about your sister or brother?” “They should know.” Julia states.
“I thought of that, but I don’t have a number to reach them.” Lane says.
“Well, baby its time to do some improvising then.” “Go and get the information you need.” “Demand it!” “Steal it, if you have to because you need some answers.”

“Julia, what do you expect me to do?” “Go rumbling through Father’s office like some thief in the night?” “Now, how would that look he's a Judge, and I’m the man’s son for god’s sake.” Lane asks.
“You have to do something, Lane.” “Because if you don’t, honey I can see now that this is going to eat at you.” “It already is.” Julia replies in a soft tone.
“Well, I guess being direct with Edward gets me nowhere.” Lane admits.
“True, and if you want answers.” “Then there’s only one way to get to the bottom of this.” Julia told him.
“You’re right.” “I’m going back to his office.” “I’ll call you later.” Lane replies turning around.
“Sure, see you at home.” Julia says.
“Bye.”
Click!

Lane hung up with Julia and soon was found peering out from a corner. Quickly dashing into his father’s office before his secretary returned. Like a mad man he began searching scanning Edward’s desk in search of his address book. With papers and notebooks scattered everywhere and his tripping over chairs and tables. Lane made his way towards the desk lamp flipping on the light he finally found an address book.
He scanned through the pages till he found his sister Leigh’s number she lived in Connecticut he remembered. Next, on his mind was of course his younger brother Logan, but his search was cut short when he overheard his father’s assistant coming back. So Lane quickly dashed out of the room and back towards the hall trying to look as cool as a cucumber. As he walked down the hallway . . .

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Soon, the week flys by in a flash and poor Simone had been nervous the whole week thinking that the blind date would be a disaster. It’s now a Thursday night as she appeared, at the Book Café this evening. She sat at the moment looking out at the window staring at the fall leaves cascading down upon the autumn ground. She tried not to doubt herself she knew that her parents loved her, no matter how the date went. But somehow, in the back of her mind she still felt like this was only the beginning of her parents’ meddling into her life. Trying to cut her newfound freedom short, that’s one thing that she wanted now more than anything. Her freedom, from her overbearing parents, her sister and the past couples months. With all that she had been going through she was just finally starting to break free from all that pain and heartache.

Just then, Gabe Carrington appeared out of the blue. With two cups of hot chocolate in hands, he quietly sat down across from her. Simone didn’t notice, she continued to stare out the window. Gabe looked at her and then out the window trying to see what had her so distracted.
“Simone.” he said softly.
She didn’t move, “Hey there!” Gabe replied waving his hand in her direction.
“Huh?” Simone said turning.
“You okay?” he asked. “You were in daydream mode.”
“Oh, yeah.” “I’m fine.” Simone replied.
“Really, um I bought you some hot cocoa.”
Simone smiled, “Thanks.” She took a sip and then went back to window staring.

“So, what’s going on?” Gabe asked looking at her showing off his warm rich chocolate colored eyes.
“Nothing,” Simone replied with a heavy sigh.
“Really, because it’s kind of hard to have a conversation with someone when they don’t talk back.” he said.
“Oh, am I really that bad?” Simone asked awkwardly.
“No, you just look like you’ve got something heavy on your mind.”
“So, what’s up?” “Your eyes, they got this deep wonderment to them.” he states.

“Um, I’m just thinking too much, well over thinking things.” Simone said.
“School?” Gabe questions.
“No, just my parents’ expectations.” Simone admitted. “It’s crazy what I’m thinking, really.”
“How?” “I bet your parents’ are proud of you.” Gabe said drinking his hot chocolate.
“No, it’s not that.” “I just feel like right now, they want me to be someone I’m not.” “And do things that I really find embarrassing to do.” She told him, glancing in his direction.
“Well, I understand that.” “It’s like in their job requirements as parents to make us do things that we don’t want to do.” Gabe replied.
Simone nodded in agreement.

“Like take my Dad this past weekend.” “I went home and I’m hanging out when he tells me how he’s planned for us to go out to the docks.” “So, we could restore his old boat.” “When I had other plans for the day, yet somehow I got roped into cleaning some old boat all day.” Gabe said.
Simone laughs, “Parents, they always get us don’t they.” she says.
“Yeah, and I’ll drink to. .trying to find as many excuses not to clean a dirty old boat all day!” Gabe said raising his mug in a toast.
Simone smiled, “And I’ll drink to trying to not overanalyze things to death!” “And staying true to myself and who I want to be.”
“Alright.” Gabe said as they clanged mugs and sat talking the rest of the night.

“So, did you see the Real World the other night?” he asked.

****************************************
Friday evening, we arrived at the Russell Household. Where we meet Simone’s blind date Andrew Beckham as he appears in the Russell family living room chatting with TC and Eve. As he tells them about his plans for the future and his personal background like where he grew up and who his parents were etc. He charmed them handsomely with talk of his future in the medical field. He was a sight to behold; very handsome he had bright hazel eyes, a dazzling white smile and charming wit. But would Simone be as impressed as her parents were with this handsome character. Well that was way too soon to tell at the moment.

Soon, Whitney appeared out of the blue coming down the steps she heard her father and mother laughing heavily at one of Andrew’s many jokes of the night. As she walked into the entrance of the living room they all quieted down as TC introduced her to Andrew. She smiled sweetly at them as Eve asked her to go and see if Simone was finally ready. “Okay, sure Mom.” Whitney replied as she headed back up the stairs. She appeared dressed in a soft blue cashmere sweater and jeans, soon she made her way towards Simone’s old bedroom. It seemed like ages since she’d entered in her sister’s room.

Taking a deep breath, she lightly knocked on the door, asking if she could come in. She then heard whispers behind the door. Soon the door opened and standing before her was Kay. “Hey, Kay.” Whitney said with a whisper. “Is Simone ready?” “Andrew’s waiting for her downstairs.”
“Almost.” Kay replied as Whitney tried her best to catch a glance at her sister.
“Well, can I come in?” Whitney finally asked.
“Simone, doesn’t want to see you.” “Sorry.” Kay plainly replied.
“But,. .” Whitney starts to say with a whimper. “Okay, fine.” “Just tell her to hurry because everyone’s waiting for her.” she announces giving up the fight and walking away.

Whitney’s feelings were deeply hurt. She just wanted to be apart of her sister’s joy and maybe even help her get ready for her big date. She wished to herself that things could be different like before. But the events with Chad that came full circle and there was now no way to turn back the hands of time. When she shared her sister’s world and was able to celebrate and be involved in events like tonight. She desperately wanted to be there for Simone, to help with little things like picking out the perfect outfit for her date or fixing her make up. She just tried to hold out hope that soon things would change for the better with her sister.

Kay watched Whitney walk away and firmly shut the door behind her.
She then turned to Simone, “She’s gone.”
“Good.” Simone said with a sigh of relieve. “Thanks, Kay.”
“No, problem.” “Now, let’s finish your make up.” Kay said.
She then got out some blush and began putting it on Simone’s cheeks.
“So, are you nervous?” she asked.
“A little not as much as before.” Simone replied applying another coat of lipstick.
“Well, just let him talk most of the night.” “I heard that guys love to hear the sound of their own voices.” Kay states.
“Yeah.” Simone said smiling weakly.

After taking one last final look at herself in the long length mirror Simone stood up, and sprung around in a circle showing off her beautiful indian inspired light gray colored dress with the matching multicolored burnt reddish and gold details at the end. She spread out her matching wrap across her shoulders, fixing the edges of her hair. Checking her make up and putting on her bravest smile, she turned to her best friend and asked, “Well, how do I look?”
“Great, Simone.” “Really, great.” Kay replied.
“Thanks, Kay.” Simone said softly. “Well, let’s go.”
“Okay, don’t forget your purse and remember I want details.” “As soon as you get in.” “Even if I’m sleep.” Kay told her.
“Okay, you told me already.” Simone said with a laugh.

The two then went downstairs and met up with everyone. Andrew’s eyes lit up, seeing Simone. He personally felt that the Russell daughters were beautiful creatures. Seeing her he handed her the beautiful arrangement of wildflowers he’d bought.
“Thank you, Andrew.” Simone said putting on a smile.
“You’re welcome.” “And call me, Drew.” “Everyone does.” He replies.
“Okay.” Simone says with a nod.

The two were almost out of the door when TC announced that he wanted to take a picture of them. After getting into a pose, Kay went over to Simone a whispered in her ear. “Man, you look like you were posing pictures for prom!” “Next Dr. Russell and the Coach will be pulling out china patterns for you two!” she said with a laugh. Simone rolled her eyes at Kay’s comments . . .

********************************
“So, have you been to this restaurant before?” Drew asked.
“No, I haven’t.”
“Well, I hope you like Italian food because you’re in for a real treat here.” He glances at the menu when they were sitted at a table.
“Great.” Simone said with a weak smile.
At dinner, the two appear very quiet. “So, Simone you’re going to Harmony University?”
“Yes, I am.” Simone says sipping on her soda.

“So, what are you studying?” Drew asks.
“Well, right now pretty much everything.” Simone replied. “I haven’t decided on my major yet.”
“Oh, okay.” “So, what year is this for you in school?” he asks.
“My sophomore year.” Simone told him.
“So, how long have you lived here in Harmony?” he asked.
“All my life.” she replies.
“Really.” he inquires.
“Yup.” Simone says beginning to glance around.
“So, you know your parents are really nice especially Dr. Russell.” Drew said suddenly.
“Yeah, they’re great.” Simone said nodding in agreement.

“You know, I recently started the medical program at the hospital.” Drew says.
“I know.” “So, how do you like it?” Simone asked.
“It’s you know, tough but I’m getting through it.”
“Well, that’s good.” “I know, that you’ll probably make a great doctor one day.” Simone states.
“Well, thank you.” Drew said with a bright smile.

Simone then begins to glance around once more. As Drew asks the waitress for some more bread sticks, turning around he notices the disinterested look on her face.
“Simone,” Drew starts to say softly. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“You kind of seem a little distracted, or is it just me?” he says.
“Oh, I’m sorry Drew.” Simone says sheepishly as she stared down at her plate of food.
“No, it’s me.” Drew states. “I’m bothering you with all my questions right.”
“No, no you’re not.” Simone said. “You’re fine, I’m sorry if I’m coming off rude I don’t mean too.” “I just really don’t know what to say.” she said nervously.

“Oh, well it is a blind date.” “It’s supposed to seem awkward.” Drew said with another smile.
Simone laughed. “He’s sweet,” she thought to herself.
“So, what’s making you so quiet?” he asked.
“I don’t know, really.” “It’s just you’re the first guy that I’ve been out with since I broke up with this guy that I thought cared about me.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” “You know, I completely understand how you feel.”
“Break ups are tough.” Drew said taking a sip of his drink.
“You’re telling me.” Simone muttered.
“So, if you don’t mind, how did it end you and this guy?”
“Well let’s just say, too many people got involved and there were a lot of hearts broken afterwards.” Simone replied with a heavy sigh.
“Really.” “So there was more than one person involved huh.”
“Yeah.” Simone said looking down.

They got quiet again, until Simone spoke suddenly. “Sorry, I don’t mean to bring you down.” “You really, don’t want to hear all my problems.”
“It’s okay.” Drew said.
“No, it’s not I really don’t know what’s going on with me lately.” “A lot of things have changed in the past months and I guess. .”
“You just need time to heal.” He replied.
“Yes.” she says. “And I kind of am a little weary of getting into another relationship again.”
“Well, I understand.” “You’re trying to protect your heart right now.”
“I guess.” Simone says.

“Well, I’m just glad to spend some time with you now.” Drew replied reaching out his hand to hers.
“Thanks.” “I guess, right now my life it’s like a world wind of changes.” “Maybe reality’s just is waking me up to things.” Simone says.
“I understand, okay.” Drew says sincerely.
“Hey, that’s what the college years are all about just working on you, that’s all.” he states.
“Yeah, you know I never thought about it that way.” Simone replies feeling more open and at ease.
“Now, how about some dessert?” “We can share a plate of cheesecake.”
“That sounds good.” Simone said with a smile.

After dessert the pair opened up more discussing all things about life and the future. Afterwards, Drew politely walked her back to her dorm. As they talked about possibly having another date, when she was ready of course. He then said his good byes and gently gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. Saying until the next time they meet, he’d discuss more about how the power of suggestion can ultimately change one’s current destiny. Simone felt happier for being open to new things and new experiences changing her own future and rewriting the past. She was officially playing the dating date game. . .

Chapter 12

Chapter 10

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