Chapter 7 - Is this a date?

Bailey blushed at Cameron's expression of love for her. "Of course, I will go out to dinner with you."

Cameron put on a grin that covered his whole face. "Great. I will go make the arrangement. What about Sunday? If you aren't overwhelmed by homework already?"

Bailey nodded.

"Great. I will see you then!" Cameron jumped slightly, leaned closer to Bailey, grabbed her hand and kissed it briefly. He made a slight bow and then ran off in a matter of seconds.

Joanna had been standing beside Bailey observing the entire scene, and now that Cameron was gone, she burst out in laughter.

"Oh my… He sure is into you!" Joanna tried to stop her laughter. She wasn't used to being this amused by other people's interactions, but Cameron was something else.

Mr York, who had been watching the entire scene looked at Joanna and Bailey with a frown. "Would you please settle down children?" and then his face turned soft when Bailey send him a grand smile.

"Of course, Mr York, we were just leaving." Bailey grabbed Joanna, who was still laughing, by the arm and dragged her out of the library. As soon as the doors closed behind them Bailey turned towards Joanna with an agitated look. "Why did you have to do it like that?" She turned her head upwards and sighed.

"Well it worked, didn't it? You owe me one," Joanna said, trying to stop laughing and losing that battle.

"I suppose I do," Bailey looked at Joanna and grinned, "you can look forward to me repaying that favor."

"What do you mean by that?" Joanna immediately stopped laughing. "Why do you say it like that?"

"Oh, I didn't mean anything by it," Bailey winked. "Just that you and George will be alone on Sunday - since I'm going out with Cameron."

Joanna's smile faded as she realized the mistake she had made. Bailey was supposed to be her support and security so that nothing could happen between her and George. She was supposed to be there, so she didn't make a fool of herself. And far more importantly so that she could focus on her studies. Joanna would have to go home and practice some self-control, she thought. Take cold showers, avoid procrastination, delete all distracting apps off her phone. Hopefully, this could teach her self-control good enough to keep her focus away from George for an entire study session. Away from his amazing blue eyes, his stunning smile, his charming way of speaking.

"Hello, anyone home in there?" Bailey waved her hand in front of Joanna, whose eyes were wide open in fear of the distractions she would have to face.

"What am I to do?" Joanna turned to Bailey with her fear painted on her face. "I can't. Da**." Joanna started cursing in her panic.

"What about flirting with him?" Bailey suggested, enjoying this way of kindly torturing her new friend. "Put on nice clothes... Some perfume. Cook him dinner. Sexy underwear?"

"You're going to regret saying that," Joanna pushed Bailey gently away. "You are so going to regret saying that."

Bailey started running down the halls towards the nearest exit, as she shouted over her shoulder. "How are you going to make me regret it if you can't catch me!" She laughed as she ran and to Joanna's surprise, Bailey was a lot faster than one would expect from a person of her height.

Saturday came around far soon than expected. Joanna wondered if this week had simply skipped Thursday and Friday. It certainly felt that way, Joanna thought as she stood in front of her closet, panicking about what to wear. She opted for a slim dark blue A-line dress, which she thought would keep her warm, whilst still being classy and a little sexy, but not too much. She wasn't going on a date after all.

Joanna was about to burst of excitement when she reached the theater. It had been such a long time since she last saw a play and dressed up for such an occasion.

The outside of the theater wasn't that grand, but as soon as you stepped inside you were met by a set of stairs leading to the second floor. There was a restaurant to the left, with interesting chandeliers, and to the right were the tickets office.

"Joanna!"

Joanna looked up to see Mina standing on the second floor.

"We're on the balcony, come up – and please bring your coat with you: The wardrobe is kinda expensive." Mina smiled and waved Joanna up the stairs.

As soon as Joanna stepped out on the second floor, Mina greeted her with a hug and a kiss on each cheek.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot you aren't a hug person."

Joanna blushed heavily and looked to the floor where her foot moved around in circles. "No no. It's quite alright." She looked timidly up at Mina.

"Would you do a twirl for me." Mina commanded more than asked and directed Joanna with her hands, "I want to see you from every angle.

Joanna shook her head and laughed but did as she was asked anyway. "Satisfied?"

"Very," Mina said and made a satisfied nod. "I'm very pleased with you." She moved closer as she spoke, before stopping and saying something else. "My friends couldn't come, unfortunately. They're occupied elsewhere."

"Oh," Joanna said, feeling her thoughts starting to panic. This meant that she would be alone with Mina the entire evening. Just the two of them. Just like two people on a date. Except this was not a date of course. Though Joanna paused her thought, it did seem that Mina was rather flirty with her choice of topic for conversation. No. It couldn't be, Joanna told herself. Anyway, it was no used pondering about it now. She would have to return to the dilemma tomorrow when her mind was clearer in its thought process.

"The play is about to begin. Should we go take our seats?" Mina asked and grabbed Joanna by the arm before she had the chance to answer.

Joanna realized that she was in far over her head.

The play began and a man of fortyish years and average height but great looks, walked onstage to the sound of the orchestras perfect playing.

"Isn't that?" Joanna asked.

"I think it is. It must be him." Mina held her hand in front of her mouth.

"Macaroy Sherman!" They said in a whisper at the same time.

The man, whom they had identified as one of their idols looked out over the audience as he recited his lines. It was a big monologue going straight to the heart. Speaking of his goals in life, his failings and his success. And of course, love. And as he spoke his lasts words, his eyes were drawn towards Joanna and Mina, leaning over the balcony. "Love is the one thing you must strive for in life. The only thing worth your ambition. The only thing worth dying for."

Joanna felt her heart in her throat and a sudden urge to cry.

End of scene.