CHAPTER 2
The school day dragged on, but my mind was elsewhere. Samuel, the lead singer of The Wild Ones, occupied my thoughts and, inevitably, my romantic daydreams. Even the Calculus test, which would normally be my priority, became an insignificant blur in the face of the anticipation of the upcoming meeting.
At the end of the school day, I was eager to get back home and prepare for the long-awaited moment. My legs felt like they were floating as I walked through the school hallway. Each step brought me closer to the dreamt-of encounter, and excitement pulsed through my veins.
Upon reaching home, I found my father, Doug Thompson, in the living room, waiting for my arrival. His normally serious eyes lit up when he saw me.
“I need to talk to you, Lily.”
I looked at my father, somewhat curious and apprehensive at the same time.
“What's up, Dad?”
Doug sighed, as if gathering courage for what would come next.
“Tonight, I need to go out. I have a dinner date with my girlfriend, and you don't have to wait for me for dinner.”
The news caught me by surprise, and involuntarily, a smile escaped my lips. After all, I wouldn't have to make up excuses or lie about my whereabouts. I tried to mask my joy.
“Okay, Dad. Have a great time at dinner.”
Doug then added one more piece of information to his announcement.
“Oh, and on Saturday, I'm bringing Samantha to have lunch with us.”
I looked at my father, trying to disguise my curiosity.
“Who is Samantha?”
Doug looked at me seriously.
“Samantha is my girlfriend.”
I was surprised, but decided to accept the situation with positivity.
“Oh, I see. I'm glad things are getting serious between you two.”
Doug stared at me, and I could sense that there was something more behind his serious gaze.
“You have no idea.”
I forced a smile.
“I'm really happy for you, Dad.”
Then, in a spontaneous gesture, I hugged my father before heading to my room. Closing the door, I could finally let the mixture of emotions I was feeling show. The meeting with Samuel, the news about Samantha—everything felt like an emotional rollercoaster.
As I prepared for the meeting, the reality of the situation began to settle. I was about to go out with the lead singer of my favorite band, and my father, despite his seriousness, was moving on with his love life. The smile playing on my lips was the expression of the expectation that filled the air.
I couldn't wait to see what destiny had in store for that night and the days to come. The dinner with Samuel and Samantha's presence were different chapters in the story of my life, and I was ready to live each moment.
My wardrobe had turned into a battlefield, with clothes flying in all directions as I tried to find the perfect outfit for the date with Samuel. Every dress, skirt, and blouse carried the weight of my expectations. I wanted to make a good impression, after all, it was the lead singer of The Wild Ones that I was about to meet.
As I sifted through the options, my mind wandered to my father, Doug Thompson. He had always been the anchor in my life, raising me alone since my mother left shortly after my birth. My father never spoke much about her, and honestly, I never pressed too hard. It had always been just him and me against the world. Now, with the entrance of Samantha, his girlfriend, everything seemed to be changing.
The relationship with my father had always been amazing, but there were moments when I longed for a maternal figure. Not that he hadn't been amazing, quite the contrary, but having someone to talk to about more “girly” things always seemed like a privilege I didn't have. Now, with Samantha entering his life, there was the promise of a feminine presence, someone with whom I could share certain things.
The idea of having someone to talk to, who understood the feminine nuances of life, excited me. I really wanted things to work out between my father and Samantha, not just for him but for me as well.
Finally, my gaze settled on a black dress that had been forgotten at the back of the closet. It was slightly loose at the knees, perfect for a casual date but still with a touch of elegance. I paired it with a denim jacket to give it a more laid-back feel, and on my feet, I opted for comfortable sneakers to ensure I could walk around the city without difficulty.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, anxiety, and excitement mixed. The black dress accentuated my eyes, and the denim jacket added a casual touch. I adjusted my hair, tossing it to the side with a smile on my lips. Maybe the laid-back look was the right choice for the date with Samuel, an encounter I envisioned as a unique opportunity.
I descended the stairs, my sneakers making a soft sound on the carpet. I found my father in the living room, wearing a brand-new black suit, and he opened a smile when he saw me.
“Wow, Lily, you look amazing!” he exclaimed.
I thanked him with a shy smile.
“Thanks, Dad. I just picked an old outfit to stay at home. I hope your dinner is wonderful.”
Doug gave me a quick hug and wished me good luck before leaving. As I prepared to leave, I felt a mix of emotions. Happiness for my father finally finding someone, anticipation for the date with Samuel, and the feeling that my life was about to take an exciting turn.
I left home, ready to face the night and the surprises it might bring. The black dress, denim jacket, and sneakers were more than a clothing choice; they were an expression of who I was at that moment, a Lily eager to discover what fate had in store for her.
The night was calm and cool as I anxiously waited in front of the chosen café for our date. It was a quiet, secluded place, perfect for an intimate conversation, away from prying eyes, and most importantly, far from the possibility of my father finding out about this meeting.
Nervousness took over me, and with every passing minute without a sign of Samuel, my anxiety grew. I frequently glanced at the clock, wondering if something had happened or if he had simply changed his mind. The anticipation that was once a burning fire now turned into an uncomfortable cold.
Just as I was about to give up and head home, a black SUV pulled up in front of me. The rear window lowered, revealing Samuel's eagerly awaited face. I stared at him with a mix of relief and nervousness.
“Sorry if I took too long,” he said, with a concerned expression.
I tried to disguise my frustration, responding with a forced smile. “A little, but it's okay. At least the café closes late.”
Samuel looked at me with regret. “I'm sorry, Lily, but I can't stay for long. There's been a change in the show's schedule, and we have to perform earlier than expected.”
A pang of sadness settled in my chest, but I didn't want to show it. “Don't worry, I understand. I'll head back home. Good luck with the show.”
He got out of the vehicle and approached, gently holding my arm. “Hold on, I didn't come all the way here to dismiss you. In fact, I came to invite you to the festival with me.”
Surprised, I looked at Samuel, trying to process the sudden invitation. “Are you serious?”
He smiled, sincere. “Yes, I am. I hope you don't mind watching the show from the stage.”
Excitement sparkled in my eyes. “Of course not! I'd love to watch your show from the stage.”
Samuel seemed relieved by my response. “Great! Hop in, let's go together.”