Gift Giving (tag: Danae) on Labyrinth Gardens

Josh Santoro

December 02, 2007 12:19 AM

Gift Giving (tag: Danae) by Josh Santoro

Josh had immediately left his twin the moment they had stepped off the wagons. Matt had done nothing but make fun of him since he found out that Josh had gotten Danae a gift. But Danae was his friend and that was what friends did for one another, right? Besides, Matt went and bought Elly and Mere something too. Josh knew, of course, that it was just Matt picking on him, but still. It was annoying.

After he had brought his things to his dorm, Josh immediately left again in search of Danae. He wanted to give her the gift quickly because, otherwise, that would be all he ever thought about. He wanted to give her the gift and then just leave it at that.

So, after wandering the school for an hour or so and not locating her in any of their usual spots, Josh headed outside. He knew she liked to cloud watch and, even though it was still chilly, perhaps she liked the snow as well. Josh never thought to ask. He wasn't a fan of snow. It was too cold and too wet. He liked the sun and the heat.

Josh pulled his cloak tighter around his lanky frame and wandered into the gardens. He walked around for a long while, the purple package under one arm, protected from the weather, until he found a bench and sat on it. He thought he was near the center of the gardens, but he wasn't sure. He had yet to really sketch out the gardens yet. Matt and him had wandered through the maze many times, each discovering something new every time they came through. But it was certainly not enough times to know it well enough yet.

He didn't know how long he was sitting there before he finally heard approaching footsteps. He tightened the grip on the present but he didn't move from his spot. If it wasn't Danae, the person would probably keep walking and not bother Josh. However, if it was Danae, Josh would have to figure out how to present the gift without looking like a fool.

0 Josh Santoro Gift Giving (tag: Danae) 0 Josh Santoro 1 5

Danae

December 02, 2007 1:35 AM

Oooh, excitement abounds! by Danae

After a short visit with Elly and Meredith, which she was pleased at having gone well, Danae had excused herself. Since it was the first day back, most people would be gathering in the Hall in order to visit with friends and exchange gifts. She had three gifts to give to people in other Houses. Two of which she carried with her. She would give Paul his later when she spotted him in the Gardens. She suspected that he was more of a private type of person that would prefer to be away from any potential crowds when given a gift. The other two were for Josh and Eavan. Each were covered in the same snowflake paper that Elly's had been in, but were rather different in size. Eavan's fit into her coat pocket while she had to carry Josh's. Hopefully, both would be there.

One of the downsides to being a Pecari was having to enter into the Gardens. It was a problem when it was warm, but the cold weather was awful. She hated how it bit at her cheeks. It was worse too with the lack of hair, because it had served as a blanket to keep her warm. She gave an involuntary shiver, as she continued along the paths.

As she hurried along, she was surprised to see someone sitting on a bench. What in the world was someone doing out here? It was freezing! He seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite make him out. Squinting her eyes, she saw that it was Matt or maybe it was Josh? A smile played at her lips. If it were Josh, then she would be able to give him his present sooner. Her shoes crunching on the snow, she made her way over. The closer she got, the more she was that it was Josh. It wasn't in their looks, but it was in their expressions and movements. She hadn't noticed it until she had started hanging around Josh. They were very subtle differences and she wasn't always a one-hundred percent, but she was becoming more certain over time.

Once she was in front of him, she gave a shy grin since he hadn't seen her with short hair yet. Tucked in the crook of her arm was a rectangular package. “Hi, Josh. What are you doing out here? Aren't you cold?” She made a face. “This is defiantly not my type of weather. I'd rather be by a fire personally.”

0 Danae Oooh, excitement abounds! 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 02, 2007 2:04 AM

Well, let's hope you stay happy. by Josh

Josh relaxed a little when he realized it was Danae. But not by much. Now he really had to actually give her the gift. He shifted uncomfortably as she neared him, but made sure there was enough room for her on the bench incase she decided to sit down. "Hola, Danae." Josh greeted in his usual language. He didn't even bother correcting himself as he always seemed to slip into his first language whenever he was around Danae.

"I'm freezing." Josh admitted. He now learned that she didn't like the cold just as he didn't. Made things easier. It meant that he only need to find her indoors during the winter months. Something he was more than happy to do. "You cut your hair." Josh commented even though he was well aware that she knew that already. "You look different with it short. It's nice." He complimented. She did look different, but not in a bad way. Though, he liked her hair long more. He wouldn't tell her that though.

"Um...I was actually waiting for you. I didn't know where you'd be." Josh felt his face burn despite the cold. Hopefully, Danae wouldn't be able to tell. "I-er-have a gift for you. My sister helped me pick it out." He handed her the gift wrapped in purple paper with a white bow tied around it. "Bella wrapped it too." He admitted, handing her the gift.

Inside the box was a vanity set. They were antique in style. A beautiful gold with delicate designs wrapping around the handles of the brush and mirror. Along with the designs were small purple flowers that wrapped up the handles and around the bases of the items. All were hand carved and painted with care by the owner of the shop.

Josh anticipating her opening it, but he wasn't sure if he really wanted to see her reaction. It had taken a long time to pick out the gift, but now he was second guessing his decision.

0 Josh Well, let's hope you stay happy. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 02, 2007 2:40 AM

Nothing to worry about. Let's hope you feel the same. by Danae

At the mention of her hair, Danae reached up to touch the ends of it. She wished she could tell him that it wasn't really a choice, but she thought it might seem odd after he complimented her. Not to mention bring down the good cheer of the holidays.

“Thanks,” she replied with a slight blush. She was extremely relieved that he didn't hate it. She knew it was silly, but she had been worried that her friends would treat her differently because of it. She supposed, as long as they accepted it, she would get used to it, but would be happier when it grew back. Maybe one day, she might even get the courage to tell Josh the real reason it had been cut.

When he told her that he had been waiting for her, Danae couldn't help, but grin. She probably looked silly, standing there in the cold with a wide smile on her face, but it made her feel fuzzy inside in a good way. Taking the gift, she took a seat on the free part of the bench, tucking a leg up under her. She placed the other gift she had been holding in her lap and slowly opened his gift. She didn't want to tear the paper. It didn't have any specific decoration on it, but she wanted to put it into her memory box. She was always saving little things like that.

Finished opening the gift, she was stunned at what she found. It was perfect. She didn't think he could have picked a better gift if she had told him. The style was suited to her and there were flowers in her favorite color. “I-I don't know what to say,” she began. She didn't think she could find a way to describe exactly how she felt. She reached for the closest word she could think of. “This is amazing. It's absolutely beautiful.” Her fingers traced the carvings tenderly. “Thank you, Josh.”

Continuing to look at the set, she felt a little ashamed of her gift. She had thought it was perfect at the time, but maybe she should have gotten him something more. Biting her lip, she picked up the gift and handed it to him. “I got this for you,” she told him. Inside was a leather bound book on concealment charms. She thought it might help him with his plans.

0 Danae Nothing to worry about. Let's hope you feel the same. 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 02, 2007 3:38 PM

We nothing but worry worts. by Josh

Josh waited impatiently for Danae to open her gift. She seemed to have been taking extra special care of the wrapping paper. He didn't know why, it wasn't anything great. There wasn't even pictures on it. Bella had wrapped it for him because when he had tried...it came out looking like it was attacked by a bear. His sister had taken pity on him and easily wrapped the gift as though she were a professional. Maybe it was a girl thing, who knew?

Her reaction though, was more than what Josh was expecting. She really seemed pleased with it all, which was good because otherwise, he would have had to go have words with Bella. It seemed though, his sister had been right. Danae really liked the vanity set, even the details of it from the way she was examining it.

"You're welcome. I'm just glad you liked it." Josh admitted, looking somewhat sheepishly at her. He took the gift from her and opened it. He felt that he had to take his time with the wrapping paper like she had, lest he look like an ape going wild on it. So, after carefully removing the wrapper, Josh discovered a book on concealment charms. He grinned at the sight of it and already began flipping to the index to see what sorts of spells were in it. "Awesome, thanks." Josh said and meaning it. He needed a book like this to help aid him in his project.

He paused after a moment of reading and turned back to Danae. "Did you hear about the Ball?" He asked her. His siblings were all about it, but Josh was wary. They all could easily find someone to go with (or were in relationships and therefore didn't have to worry about looking), but Josh didn't know many people and none well enough to feel confident enough to ask. Well, aside from Danae.

0 Josh We nothing but worry worts. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 02, 2007 4:38 PM

Very true by Danae

“It's great,” she assured him a little more with a smile. Even though she really did love the gift, she would have liked anything he got her, because knowing his attention to details, she could venture a guess that he would have taken care in selecting anything. It really was wonderful, though, and she couldn't wait to see how nice it looked set out.

Danae watched Josh's face, as he opened his gift while chewing on her lower lip. The gift she got him wasn't nearly anything so fancy, but she had tried to pick something he might like. She had spent quite a bit of time viewing each of the books written on concealment charms. Some were only theory based, others were much more complicated. Still, others were completely useless or had looked ragged. Once the gift was finally open and he had smiled, Danae let out a small breath of air that she didn't know that she had been holding and grinned. “You're welcome.” She was pleased that he liked the book and that she had been right in picking it for him.

Giving him a little time to look over the book, she examined the detail on the set a little further while occasionally sneaking glances at him. Every time she did, she couldn't help the small smile that settled on her face. When he turned back to her, she pretended like she had been looking at the set the entire time, but was now paying attention to him.

She nodded. They had gotten an owl about it. “My mom's already been planning the dresses that Lucie and I should wear.” Her mom was always telling her that she needed to socialize more and with this ball, it was the perfect opportunity to do so. Besides, if she tried to skip it, her mom was sure to find out, since Devian or Lucie would tell her so, though Lucie wouldn't be purposeful in doing so.

0 Danae Very true 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 02, 2007 6:27 PM

Maybe it'll get better? by Josh

Of course she already knew. Josh was pretty sure that everyone received the same owl his family had. The difference between Danae talking about it and Bella was astounding. Bella was all for it (though, she had declared that diet thing, which was odd) and excited about the dance. Danae seemed almost the complete opposite of Bella. Not that Josh was complaining. If she suddenly jumped up squealing about it, he would have had to make an excuse and leave.

"Bella already has her dress. We went shopping when we were in Mexico. Mom was all happy that we're having a ball. She had me, Matt, and Jake fitted for dressrobes. They're hanging in my wardrobe in my dorm now." Josh rolled his eyes. He hated wearing those things. He felt stiff. Like he couldn't be who he really was. His family didn't do stiff things, their parties were always so lively and dressrobe free.

"Anyway, I was wondering if maybe you'd want to go with me?" Josh asked before hurrying to continue, "You can say no, it's still early and I'm sure someone else will ask you, but I thought I'd do it now just in case, you know, before it was too late...or whatever." Josh wanted to bury himself in the snow after that disgusting speech.

0 Josh Maybe it'll get better? 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 02, 2007 7:12 PM

Maybe when we're older by Danae

Danae giggled a little bit when Josh rolled his eyes. She couldn't blame him in the slightest. She disliked the formality of the parties her family threw. This summer would be worse, because she would also be required to attend the business parties as well since she would be considered to be entering adulthood. Her duties would include having to play hostess to those closest to her age. Luckily, Devian had been already doing so for a year and with a little luck, she might not have to do much. He was always bragging about how great it was anyhow.

She was about to ask about Mexico when he asked, wait, what? He was asking her to the ball? “No,” spilled from her lips. Her blue eyes widened. “Yes. No.” Her brain wasn't quite function right. She had never been asked to anything before, but she didn't want someone else to ask her. She took a deep breath attempting to answer again, “Yes. Yes, I'd like to go.” Wait, that wasn't quite right. He might think she wanted to go with someone else. Quickly, she added, “With you.”

Her face had to be red. That was utterly mortifying. Why couldn't she just say yes? No, it turned into this long complicated thing, because she couldn't manage one simple word. Now, he probably wouldn't want to go with her.

0 Danae Maybe when we're older 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 02, 2007 8:34 PM

Yeah...maybe. Let's hope. by Josh

When Danae first said no, Josh felt his heart sink. He had totally just been rejected by his friend. He was about to make an excuse to leave, but Danae kept talking, so Josh remained where he was. Was it a yes or was it a no?

Danae seemed to be having a hard time making up her mind. Josh was going to tell her to just leave it alone. That she didn't have to go with him if she didn't want to. That it had been stupid of him to presume that she would even want to go with him at all. But, then she said that she did want to go with him.

She was blushing. And Josh was just happy with relief that he chuckled. Okay, so that hadn't been the most smoothest of things to have ever occurred between the two of them, but the outcome was at least pleasant. Josh cleared his throat after a moment as silence fell between them. "Okay. Good. Then it's a date...in like six months." He joked. "If you decide to change your mind or prefer to go with someone else, I'll understand."

0 Josh Yeah...maybe. Let's hope. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 02, 2007 9:01 PM

Okay, here's hoping by Danae

Danae grinned in relief, glad that everything had worked itself out, but frowned slightly when he mentioned her going with someone else. Not meaning to, she blurted out, “I don't want to go with someone else.” It was a really good thing that she wasn't the same fairness as her siblings. Otherwise, her face would have looked like a fire engine. As it was, the blush that had just gone came back, but a little more so.

Where was her hair when she needed it? Nervously, she twisted her fingers. She had practically told him that she liked him, but what if he didn't like her? He was probably just asking her to go, because they were friends. Continuing in a slower, hesitant voice, “I'll understand too if you want to go with someone else.”

She hoped he wouldn't, but she knew it would be better to be turned down than force to be around someone you didn't want to be around or one that didn't want to be around you. It just meant neither person would be having as much fun as they could have had. She had been in situations like that before, none a date, but certainly they hadn't been fun.

0 Danae Okay, here's hoping 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 02, 2007 10:01 PM

...I think it might take longer. by Josh

Josh almost flinched away from Danae when she blurted out the fact that she didn't want to go with anyone else. For a moment, Josh thought maybe he had said something wrong to her that would make her say it, but when he looked at her, she looked just as nervous as she had when she gave him the gift.

"Okay, okay." Josh said quickly to keep the peace between them. "I just meant, in case you're asked out by someone you like, you won't feel completely obligated to go with me." Josh was sure that there was probably a boy that Danae liked. She was a cute girl from a respectable family. Josh couldn't see why someone wouldn't like her. And Danae was a girl and girls had a tendency to get crushes. It was only logical that she was to like someone.

"No, I don't really want to go with anyone else." Josh said. If Danae decided to go with someone else, Josh would just go alone. He didn't know any other girls and wasn't really in any hurry to be rejected by any of them. "Thanks for saying yes, by the way. I figure, I'd have the best time with you rather than with someone I hardly know."

0 Josh ...I think it might take longer. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 10, 2007 6:59 PM

That's okay. There's time. by Danae

At Josh’s mention of the possibility of her liking someone else, Danae felt a little easier. She wasn’t really ready to admit that she might like him as a little more than a friend and if she ever was, she wasn’t sure she would be willing to tell him. She doubted he would think of her in the same way and most likely she would just end up ruining the friendship, which to her was more important to keep.

“You’re welcome. It’ll be fun,” Danae replied with a smile. The reverse was true, as well. Since Josh was her friend, she would probably have a better time with him than with someone she barely knew. Her thoughts drifted on the subject. While she was looking forward to the dance at the end of the year, she was also a little anxious about what would be coming after. This summer, she would be meeting the boy that she was supposedly to marry. If the possibility of a going to a dance with an acquaintance was worrisome, she couldn’t imagine what it was going to be like meeting a stranger that she was to spend her life with.

Not wanting to think about it at the moment, especially given present company, she changed the subject back to one she was about to start earlier, “How was Mexico? You’re really lucky. It must have been a lot warmer there than in France.”

0 Danae That's okay. There's time. 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

December 12, 2007 8:05 PM

I've got nothing but time. by Josh

Whatever it was that Josh had said that had momentarily upset Danae seemed to have worn off because she was acting like herself again. Which was good, Josh didn't think he'd be able to handle an upset Danae.

But what he had said was true. Josh honestly believed that if he went with Danae, he was bound to have a good time. They got along perfectly and Danae was willing to keep his and his brother's secrets about the pranks. She was even willing to put up with him and his project (even when he constantly had to start a page over because he didn't like how it looked). She would sit in dark hallways with him for hours, most time in silence. Or work out ideas with him whenever he needed an opinion that wasn't his brother's.

Plus, she put up with Matt.

And, if he went with Danae, he wouldn't feel like he had to be stiff or perfect because she was his friend and she knew him well enough already. So, yes, he really believed he'd have a good time with her.

"Hot." Josh said. "And fun. Mi Abuelo edstaba enfermo, so we went to visit him. It was just us and mis abuelos. It was was fun. Jorge's real big now. He's a year! And Adelita will be here in a couple of years, which will be weird, but Bella was helpful and Jules was there. So it was fun." He knew he was probably babbling, but Josh really did have a good midterm. "How was...France?" Josh had to think about where Danae goes on her holidays.

0 Josh I've got nothing but time. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

December 31, 2007 9:57 PM

That's a really good thing by Danae

Slight concern washed over her face at the mention of his grandfather being sick, but figured all was well since he said it had been fun. It also appeared that she was picking up on his Spanish, which made sense considering how often he slipped into it around her. She smiled in interest at hearing about his various family members. He had so many! Not that hers was that small, but she supposed the formality of their gatherings helped to make it seem that way.

When he finished, she asked him how France had been. Her brow furrowed into a frown, not because he had asked, but because she felt less need to pretend everything had been fine. She wasn't comfortable enough to tell him what Marie had done to her hair, but she had no issue mention that awful girl. “We had the normal Christmas and New Year's parties. I had to wear a stuffy dress and it was really boring. The worst of it though came from Devian and Marie.”

She thought for a moment, not recalling if she had mentioned her before or not and slipped in the piece of information just in case. “Marie is my cousin Chris' fiancée. Anyhow,” she gave a wave of her hand, “they thought they could boss everyone around.” She touched her hair without thinking about it. “It's really good to be back.” She finished with a grin.

0 Danae That's a really good thing 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

January 01, 2008 6:11 PM

I agree, it is. by Josh

Josh looked on curiously while waiting for Danae to tell him about her Holiday. From the look on her face, Josh could only gather that it hadn't been all that fun. What a shame that would be. Every holiday should be fun, exciting, and full of good memories.

The way she described her parties, Josh didn't think he'd ever want to go to one. The parties that Josh had always been to were lively and full of energy. Of course, that was how his family was and it was unavoidable. But Josh had always been under the assumption that all parties were like the ones he attended. He knew better, of course, but knowing it and actually seeing it for himself were two separate things.

Devian he knew to be a year older than him and in Aladren, but he hadn't a clue who Marie was. Though, Danae explained immediately after. Chris...he was Bella best friend, wasn't he? And wasn't he dating the Prefect in Teppenpaw? What was her name...she was Ben's sister. Josh couldn't remember now, but it didn't really matter. Josh was surprised though, to find that he had a fiance. Who had them at their age? And then, if Chris had a fiance, did that mean that Danae would have one too?

A feeling of disquiet settled around him at that idea, but he focused his mind on what she was currently saying. Devian and Marie did not seem all that nice of people. "Yeah, being bossed around doesn't seem all that fun. I don't blame you for having a lousy time. Are you not excited about the ball then? Cos you'll have to wear another stuffy dress and dance?" Josh asked her.

0 Josh I agree, it is. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

January 05, 2008 1:56 PM

I'm glad we agree by Danae

Danae blinked in surprise at Josh’s questions. She thought for a moment, not quite sure how to answer. She didn’t want him to think that he had backed her into a corner and that was the only reason she had said yes. She really did want to go with him, but the idea of the ball itself was less than thrilling. Of course, it was based on her experiences and other people seemed excited. Maybe she was just missing something.

After another moment of thought, she replied honestly, “Even though my mom wants me to go, I hadn’t been planning on going at all. I didn’t think it would be much fun and would just be like going to one of my family’s gatherings. But I think with you, it might not be so bad, even if I have to wear a dress.”

She hoped that what she said had made sense. She had fun with Josh working on his project, so she didn’t see why this should be any different aside from where they would be. And part of the reason that family parties were so uncomfortable was due to not having anyone that she could talk to like she talked to him. Though, come summer, she would probably be forced into conversation when she met her betrothed. She just hope that he wasn't anything like Marie. She would probably have to throw herself off a cliff if that were the case.

0 Danae I'm glad we agree 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

January 05, 2008 3:51 PM

Agreeing is a good thing. by Josh

"You weren't going to go?" Josh asked, genuinely surprised by the news. He thought balls were a girls thing. That they loved to get dressed up and dance. Or, at least, that's how every female in his family were like. Sofia was the worst, but Bella wasn't that far behind.

During the holidays, they had draggd out Jake, Matt, and Josh to get their dress robes for the ball while the girls helped Bella pick out the 'perfect' dress. Josh had assumed that all females were like that. Apparently he had been wrong about Danae, she didn't even seem to like to wear dresses. Though, Josh thought she'd look good in a dress.

Josh felt his ears burn when she finished explaining herself. "No pressure." Josh joked. He wasn't exactly sure that her spending her time with him at the ball was necessarily going to be fun if she wasn't into dancing. And the idea that this could either make her like dancing or have her hate it forever didn't sit well with Josh either. He didn't want to be that deciding factor.

But he really did want her to have fun and since he knew that he'd spend the evening with her and his brother (and whomever he so chose to ask), he couldn't see why Danae wouldn't have a good time.

"So, if you don't mind me asking Danae, if Chris has a fiance, does that mean that you have one too?"

0 Josh Agreeing is a good thing. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

January 06, 2008 1:08 PM

Very much so. by Danae

Danae shook her head. “Like, I said, I thought it would be like one of my family’s gatherings. I usually end up just end up standing there while other people talk about things that are…” She wasn’t quite sure how to phrase what they talked about. It was all less than savory. “Let’s just say that they aren’t things that should be said.”

Of course, the school ball wouldn’t have the same sort of talking, but she had figured that the standing around would be the same and that she would pretty much be on her own. She only had a couple of friends and she assumed that they would both have dates, so she would have been the additional wheel. She hadn’t expected anyone to ask her, least of all Josh, but she was glad that he had.

“I’m sorry,” she replied, while her finger idly traced meaninglessly in the snow. “I just meant that we’re friends, so…” She finished with a shrug of her shoulders. The location of where they were didn’t really matter. It was the people that made the difference.

Her face flushed when he brought up the subject of fiancés and whether she had one. Her stomach clenched at the thought of it all. “Yes, but I haven’t even met him yet.” She didn’t want to meet him. She was afraid that they would hate each other. She was afraid that he would be a male version of Marie, or worse. Though, something worse was hard to imagine.

0 Danae Very much so. 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

January 09, 2008 8:22 PM

I'm running out of subjects. by Josh

There was a large barrier with how Danae was raised and how Josh was raised. Sure they were both Purebloods from prominent families, but Josh was raised with freedom and a since of absolute security from his relatives. To Josh, Danae's family seemed reserved, almost stifled. How she could have survived for thirteen years, he didn't know. Of course, it might explain why Danae seemed really reserved before the two of them became friends.

"I was only joking." Josh commented, gentley nudging her in the shoulder with his own. "It'll be fun. I'll make sure that you crack a smile at least once while we're there. I promise." Josh informed her, smiling as he did it.

It was so foreign for Josh to understand how someone their age could possibly have a fiance, least of all, a fiance whom she has never met. Where did love come into the equation? What if the person they were married to was the exact opposite of what made them happy? Then they would be stuck forever in a marriage they didn't want to be in? And what about if they ended up having kids and they were raised in such a lonely environment, what happens then?

"So... you're forever in this relationship with a guy you've never met?" Josh asked, still trying to understand that. "If you met someone else and liked them better, you can't be with them? That...er...that doesn't seem very fair on you. Or all that inviting."

0 Josh I'm running out of subjects. 0 Josh 0 5

Danae

January 14, 2008 5:36 PM

Me too by Danae

“No. Maybe. Kinda. It depends,” Danae started. It was a little complicated to explain. She took a deep breath to calm herself, before trying. “Yes, I could end up being with the guy forever, but there are two ways out of it too. If I meet someone who is of the same or better status, as the one that was chosen for me, then I can break the engagement. The other option is to be disowned.”

None of it was very pleasant when it came down to it. The first way was difficult, because honestly, how would she ever meet anyone else when she had to be like ‘oh, by the way, I have a fiancé.’ The chances are most guys would run in the other direction from something like that or would have betrothals of their own.

The second way was an interesting concept by itself. She could be like her cousin and thereby, be completely isolated from her family, which sometimes didn’t seem like a bad idea, but then, the question became would she really be happy? Was there anyone worth doing that for? Right now, the answer was no. Maybe someday, but there was still the hurdle of being able to get to know the person.

The final way was just to go along with what was planned. It was an incredibly scary concept that turned her stomach. She didn’t want to be with someone that wasn’t nice. Or, as shallow as it was, what if they were hideous? If she was lucky, maybe she would end up with someone that was all right looking with a matching personality. Either way, she would find out this coming summer.

0 Danae Me too 0 Danae 0 5

Josh

January 21, 2008 6:36 PM

Then we shall simply say farewell by Josh

Her life was far to complicated for Josh to really understand it. He was still trying to grasp the idea that she had a fiance that she had never met. Who did that? What sort of barbaric tradion was that? He couldn't fathom that there were parents out there who were willing to allow their children complete unhappiness simply to have a better status within society.

Unfortunately, he knew that Danae didn't have a choice. To have to choose between a possible lifetime of misery or a lifetime without a family, Josh didn't hink he could make such a decision like that.

And what was the chance of her meeting someone who would give her the time of day for anything romantic when she had a fiance linked to her? He didn't think growing up in this school with people pairing off so quickly that it would be easy on Danae to have to deal with all that.

He didn't know how to respond to it and a cool breeze reminded him that they were still outside in the snow. "Well, I'll let you get back inside. We'll talk more about the ball and stuff when it gets closer to it. I'll let you know when I want to start back up with the map." Josh stood up and gave Danae his hand to help her up from the bench. "Thanks for the book, Danae, it'll definitely be useful."

0 Josh Then we shall simply say farewell 0 Josh 0 5