Free Falling

19 | blue

a/n: translations at the end of the chapter :)

When I woke up the next morning, Finn was gone. It was like he never snuck in through my window at all, then proceed to get beaten up.

Reluctantly, I got out of bed to get to my first class. Getting up early was the bane of my existence and sometimes I just wished for the smaller things like a chance to oversleep awaiting a class at noon. Shaking the thoughts away, I went through my morning routine.

Luna pounced on me the moment we crossed paths. She bombarded me with questions about the date, most of which I lied about. I earnestly narrated the dinner and the ice skating, making sure to tweak the events of the end to a much more pleasant one. The truth was too complicated to explain, seeing I barely understood it myself. Ingrid was someone I trusted a lot more and was comfortable divulging those details to.

She looked genuinely bummed out after I added that he mentioned not having any siblings. I'd never told so many lies all at once.

The day was pretty mundane, and when I returned to my apartment and dropped my bag on the couch, a knock came from the front door.

When I opened it, I wasn't expecting to see Natalie sporting a gigawatt smile.

"Hi!" She chirped, energy practically bursting through her. She looked gorgeous in leather pants and a turtle neck sweater that ended above her belly button. I wouldn't be able achieve that look no matter how hard I tried.

"Hey," I said wide-eyed, because how the hell did she get here? "How did you find me?" I asked, stepping aside so she could come in.

"Finn gave me your address. I'm here on his behalf."

"His behalf?"

"Yeah, he's got a business meeting in Madrid and won't be back in New York until tomorrow night and well," she clapped her hands, "we're going shopping, honey."

I'd probably dreamt up this scenario countless times; somebody showing up at my door and taking me on a whirlwind shopping spree, but me being me, skepticism came into play. "Why?"

She was busy taking in my house, making me self aware of my house. Her lips curled upward a little when her eyes took in that one family photo on the marble table closest to the door. Then finally, she turned to me, hazel eyes capturing mine.

"The fundraising ball, duh. I would like to say it's a no-pressure thing, but this is my third year going and baby, it's huge."

"So you're helping me?"

"I just needed an excuse to see you without Finn. He asked me to help you get ready. I assume you aren't?" One eyebrow shot up in question.

Ready? I almost forgot all about it. I shook my head.

"Good for you, because having me on your side is an asset. Finn was very particular, he wants you to be the belle of the ball. And that you will be."

"He can't just call the shots around," I said, crossing my hands over my chest.

"Are we talking about the same Finn here?" Natalie laughed. "I hope you don't have anything else planned for today because it's going to be a long night."

Thirty minutes later I was in the passenger seat of her car.

"Jacques, have I ever asked for a favor this big?" She said to no one in particular with earbuds plugged in. I snuck a peek at her phone that was being held upright on her dashboard with the name Jacques engaged in a call. She groaned. "Fine, I'll get it done. Just get your sorry ass there ASAP. I don't care if you look half-baked."