“Nothing, I had dropped by just to check on you all before I left for my afternoon lesson.” She stood up from the couch. Nan followed suit. “This was a surprise indeed. I hope to see you again. Greetings to your parents” she said as she accompanied Elsie to her car. Nan whispered something to Elsie that had her roll her eyes. Their easy banter used to make Randy jealous but now he had decided to take it as that. After she had driven off Nan remarked. “Are you sure you are not ready to settle down.”
“Where would I get the time and energy to invest in such a relationship?”
Nan rolled her eyes, “Elsie is available.”
“Elsie has a boyfriend, she is young and did you see that hair.” Nan laughed. She had said the same to Elsie when she was accompanying her to the car. If she wanted Randy to take her seriously she had to tone down.
***
ON THURSDAY night, two weeks after meeting nana after a long time Elsie called Sean and asked him to be her date for the annual fashion show at school. As usual he had other commitments. She was rather furious with him for not making time for their relationship and bluntly asked him if he wanted to be in this at all before she hung up. For how long would he drag her on like that? Since they were no lessons on Friday as everyone was getting ready, she decided to go to the salon and prepare also for the show. She wasn’t going to stay mopping around in bed while the world moved on happily without her. If Sean wasn’t interested then she would go with someone else. She made a call to Randy that went to his voice mail. He called later on when he was free and took her up on the offer, chuckling at the same time warning her that he didn’t know a snitch about fashion.
“Make sure you dress in what you feel comfortable in. You know fashion is not about the brand, yes we have that, but if you can pull off a look, in no time you will be having people imitating that,” she said cheerfully over the phone before she hung up. It was agreed, Randy would meet her at the campus and since she wasn’t in the mood to drive, she would hire a taxi to take her there. She leaned back on the chair as her hairdresser giggled. “It seems you finally secured a date.” Rolling her eyes she remarked, “Imagine. It’s as if I have to kneel before one of the men can take me out.”
“For such a beautiful girl like you, thought men would be lining up to date you.”
“Ha, ha, not even. Maybe it’s the hair.” She turned to face her hairdresser before she said, “Change of plans. Today I am going el naturel,” she giggled at the horrified expression of her hairdresser. “Serious.”
“Yes, serious” she said and laid back on the chair and let her hair dresser do magic with her hair.
***
RANDY WHISTLED and heard Elsie giggle in return. She had toned down and it was rather taking him by surprise. Like his nana had mentioned, she surely had grown up. He berated himself for not having noticed before. Gone was the colorful hair to be replaced by shoulder length black hair. The glorious strands were beckoning for him to slide his fingers into then while her long simple pink dress clung to her body. It had a lacy bodice with nude laced sleeves and pooled at her feet. The fish tail skirt had a side slit reaching her thighs while the top part clung to her body accentuating her hips.
"You like" she asked and turned her foot clad in light pink high heeled shoes sideways, swaying her hips at the same time.
He coughed, he didn't like, he loved the look.
He cleared his throat and asked, "Shall we?" before offering her his arm and they walked to where the hall was situated on the campus.
Elsie had almost drooled when she saw Randy walking up to the cab. Then he said he didn’t know a snitch of fashion. He was dressed in a white t-shirt and blue suede blazer with a dark blue shade on the lapels and patched arms along with blue ripped jeans. He was clean shaven and his hair cropped into a fashionable hairstyle. She hoped nana hadn’t been the one who suggested the look. The old woman was relentless. She chuckled at the thought and allowed Randy to lead her on as they walked to the huge hall.
"Whoa" Randy remarked when they got in and he took in the fashionable clothes worn by the students, their friends, dates and families.
A guy in a printed shirt and shorts nodded at them and Randy smothered a laugh.
"You know he reminds me of the colorful and daring dresser Elsie" he commented still looking at the retreating back of the young man.
She giggled, "That short is pretty tight. His junk must be suffocating."
"You are a naughty young lady" he retorted, surprised that she would make such statements.
"I notice things also" she winked and led him on through the crowded masses. They received a program from one of the students standing at the beginning of the aisle before they moved in between the seats on the side and chose the ones that were closer to the aisle so they could view everything.
"This feels like those actual fashion shows on t.v." he commented after they had settled down. She almost rolled her eyes at that statement.
"I had forgotten you are a virgin in this kind of setting."
Randy laughed and reached out to her hand, leaning in so she could hear him above the people talking, "I am not interested in such things my princess." He smelt good and with the way he was looking at her she blushed. Nan had been right after all. Wait until she told Rita that Randy now noticed that she had boobs and wasn’t a boy.
"Nan was indeed right. You do need a woman to start living and very fast” she goaded in jest.
"Ha ha smarty pants; I will not let you drag me down that path. Nan tried and now she sends you to do her dirty work."
"It was worth a try," she giggled and settled back on the chair after noticing that everyone around them was settling down and the show was about to begin. The lights dimmed and the show began.
By the time the show ended Elsie was in awe. People were really talented. Just a simple fabric could be turned into so much more that it would leave people gaping. She had taken some photos of some of the designs that she knew she could also tweak here and there, changing the clothing to something different as she felt some of the designs would have looked grander if made in that manner, their loss and her gain. Though she didn't like sewing clothes especially for adults since she felt they had too many specifics, she didn't mind sewing for herself.
The rich pink satin material she was wearing, had called out to her and she couldn't resist dressing up like the rest for the show. It had taken her four hours to complete the attire and she loved the effect including Randy’s reaction when he first saw her.
Her mom had mentioned that she could attend this year’s fashion gala with her dad Ethan Ross and she couldn't wait. The last time she wanted to, it was postponed due to the lockdown? Now since they were in full swing, it was a must that she went there.
Nita had mentioned the glamour and splendor to be experienced while her eyes had rolled. It’s not like she had intended to be a designer before after all.
When she tried out with the lingerie collection it was for fun and Ethan used some of what she made for a fashion show. They loved it and before she knew it, she had changed what she wanted to do. While Nita was fashion crazy and was already representing some brands as a model, why wouldn't she by the way, after inheriting a tall figure from her father and his side of the family. Nita and Wendy were the tall ones in the family, taking after their father while Elsie was short like her mom.
Elsie had imagined being an English teacher as she would be calmer and not at all wild like her former self. Rita had been shocked by her choice and her fear of doing something that required her to be out there. When she finally told her, her secret, she like everyone else who knew told her to forget. She then insisted she take up a course in fashion after she caught her more than once sketching designs. What she took as her past time hobby became her career choice.
Elsie breathed in the cool fresh air and walked clutching on Randy’s arm while they came out of the hall after the show.
Everyone was excited and it could be detected from their
faces and voices. A voice was heard calling her name ahead of them. The lights on the campus were brightly lit and she was able to identify Sean leaning against his black Jaguar f-pace with his hands in the pocket. Sean was like her uncle and friends, who had no problem at all in showing that they were loaded.
While she on the other hand had become self-conscious after she was sent to the public school. She didn’t want to stand out, apart from her hair color of course. Right now he fitted in easily with all the fancy cars around them and the finery dressing. He was dressed in a slim fit wide pane navy blue suit. As usual he managed to make others in suits look sloppy. He sure could wear a suit as it would snuggly fit his body like a second skin. This time he had added white sneakers. That’s as casual as he could be, she thought as she rushed into his arms, glad to see that he had come after all, even though late.
Randy had draped his jacket over her shoulders at seeing that she was shivering a bit when they came out of the hall. He grimaced wondering why he could feel disconcerted at seeing her in her boyfriend’s arms. He nodded at Sean.
"Sorry love couldn't be there for the fashion show, I can still take you out for a treat right?" he asked her and she giggled.
"Sure, provided we go with Randy since he was a good sport and agreed to all this."
Sean corked his brow inquiringly and Randy looked at Elsie who shook her head when he was about to protest. "Ok."
"Great" Elsie said and got into Sean's car while Randy went to his and tailed them till they got to the club.
Since it was a Friday, the club was already crowded with youths. They settled on one of the tables before Sean and Randy excused themselves for the bar to get their drinks.
"Hi Elsie" Marcia walked over to her table and greeted her before she sat next to her without being offered a seat. Their families were well acquainted and Marcia happened to be Sean’s friend and former classmate. Marcia was tall and beautiful, with long legs and at the moment was dressed in white shorts, light pink chiffon top and red jacket. Elsie rather envied her height; she could do with that tall frame.
"Hey Mash, how is it" she asked.
"Great love, coming from the fashion show and mighty thirsty" she answered back before making herself more comfortable on the chair. She squealed in delight when the drinks were placed on the table and grabbed one before she gulped in down. Elsie shrugged her shoulders while Sean frowned.
"Great Mash, now I will have to wait again in the long queue.”
Marcia rolled her eyes before she retorted back, "that's what gentlemen do, they keep on pouring drinks for the ladies."
Sean walked off and Elsie was forced to introduce Marcia to Randy since she appeared to have a glimmer of interest.
"This is Randy" Elsie introduced. She watched them smile at each other before they shook each other’s hands.
"Be a darling Randy and add a few drinks, am in the mood to paaaarty" Marcia said with a wink and gulped down the cider without a pause for effect before she reached out to a glass of margarita that had been brought for Elsie.
"The show left me parched," she explained after she had finished with the drink. Elsie rolled her eyes, Marcia could drink like a fish and they both knew it.
"I did see some of the designs made by your young sister Mel, they were creative" Elsie said making conversation. Marcia leaned onto the table and scratched her chin before pointing to the men at the bar.
"Enough about my young sis designs; let’s talk about you and those two hunks over there."
"Mashy baby you do not change," Elsie giggled before she looked to where Marcia had pointed. Slowly taking a sip from her drink she decided to leave it at that. As it was she was confused.
She glanced again at both men standing at the bar and gulped; she was definitely in more trouble than she thought.
Both men at the moment appealed to her and were a deep contract to each other, that’s what she had thought before. Now they looked like twins with their strong physiques out there.
Sean had removed his jacket in the car and rolled up his sleeve while Randy’s jacket was still draped over her shoulders.
She took a sip from her drink. "You like what you are seeing right" Marcia commented after taking note of Elsie ogling both of them.
"It doesn't hurt to look and even sample the goods if you feel like it."
"Marcia!" Elsie gasped in shock. "What Elsie, don't pretend to be an innocent. You do know you can enjoy perfectly with both of them and with me, a four some" she winked and had Elsie choking on a drink and fanning her face since it had suddenly become hot.
She loved the club and it was where she preferred to be on a Friday. Right now it was swarming with youths and was lively. She coughed and took a sip of her drink. This was one of the things she loathed pertaining to her past. The crowd she had once moved in. She frowned after the shock had faded and replied, "I am not that type of girl."
Marcia snorted. "Don't forget I have known you since we were kids. Ok since you are not that type, is Randy single?"
The way Marcia was glancing at him, like a tasty morsel almost made Elsie throw up in her mouth. The hussy was just too forward, she thought. First she had been speaking about a four some and now she wanted to be with Randy, alone.
"He has a girlfriend" she lied through her teeth as Nanas voice drifted through that Randy needed a woman in his life. Marcia would definitely not do, she was too out there. Though the young lady was pretty and had a beautiful body like a model, she didn't know the difference between right and wrong especially in relationships. She would date four guys at the same time and think it was normal behavior. Randy didn't deserve to have such a partner.
"Even if he has one, I rather love the challenge, I think I have a shot" Marcia suggested with a wink, undeterred by Elsie’s statement. Elsie almost clawed her eyes out in her mind. She longed more than ever to be out there other than listening to Marcia.
The men got back to the table and settled down as they had their drinks and talked amidst the loud music.
"I want to dance" Marcia announced and stood up before she asked Randy who accepted with a smirk on his face that made Elsie’s tummy tie itself into knots.
The hussy giggled as they left for the dance floor and kept on rubbing her attractive body on Randy.
'I can't handle this anymore,' Elsie thought as the giant green monster called envy clawed on her chest.
She cleared her throat after chucking down the margarita before she motioned for Sean to dance with her.
"Darling, I don't dance remember" he said while she rolled her eyes. "No one will notice that you have two left feet, it’s crowded."
Sean heaved a sigh and gave in not wanting to argue over that. Elsie could be a pushover; he had feared she would still be angry with him after he told her he was busy.
She had yelled and cut him off after that without waiting for him to explain. She was rather tired of not being a priority in his life and had threatened to hook up with someone else if he wasn't interested. Women could be so dramatic and Elsie was at the top of the pyramid in that regard. The next time he tried calling her, her phone was off.
His cousin brother had been laughing at his expense as he appeared to be the first Compton to care on what women thought about him. He on the other hand believed in buying trinkets for them to make them forget his ways. Bernhard on the other hand felt that it was good to be a one woman person.
Sean had waved off both his cousin's and left work early, expecting Elsie would be back at her parents place, in bed, weeping over their argument as she tended to do, except this time she wasn’t deterred at all since when he went to her house, her mother informed him that she had gone to the show with Randy.
He didn't like it one bit. All of a sudden Randy had become this fall back guy who appeared every time he wasn’t there for her. Who could fault the dude, Elsie was attractive after all. He hoped that what he was thinking was way off the mark and Randy was just a friend to her.
Tilting her f
ace up when they got to the dance floor and her arms were wrapped around his neck, he tenderly, slowly and thoroughly kissed her, marking his territory. She was his woman.
Randy grimaced at the lovers display and wondered why. Up until today he had always considered Elsie to be like his young sister. Was it the fact that she had toned down and taken him by surprise that had his heart constricting at the sight of her making out with her boyfriend.
Come on Randy, get a grip of yourself, he mentally shook his head and turned to Marcia who was closer to him than appropriate.
She had whispered in his ear a while ago the size of her bra and innocently asked if he wanted to see. Oh, brother, women surprised him. What had the world come to?
She turned and moved her butt seductively dancing closely on his groin. That had him coughing and letting her go. Already he had been sweating at the way she was shimmying and moving around him. He wasn't a eunuch after all to be subjected to all this. Marcia was a beautiful lady.
Even though he might not feel anything for her in terms of love, that didn't mean his body wouldn't respond to her movements and suggestions. Around him, none of the dances seemed appropriate at all and he suddenly felt ancient. This wasn’t his kind of scene. He didn’t party and attend fancy dress shows. That just wasn’t in his nature. Nan had been wrong, he definitely wasn’t enjoying this.
"Excuse me, need the gents" he whispered to Marcia before leaving her right there on the dance floor.
Sean was slowly dancing with Elsie when he heard someone clearing her throat next to them only to turn and see his friend standing with arms over her breasts and looking disapprovingly at them. Not again, he thought and instantly knew that his night was going to be just like any other night whenever he would bump into Marcia, a disrupted one. Elsie usually termed Marcia as Sean's stalker. He always thought their meetings are just a coincidence but right now at the moment when she was glaring at them, he really believed Elsie.
"Am at a loose end here guys" she spoke while Elsie giggled. To his chagrin, Marcia caught his arm and sulked, "Sean dance with me, you don’t mind right Elsie." She looked imploringly at the younger woman who shrugged in return before asking, "Where is Randy."
Sweet Crazy Love Page 4