Second Date

Well, what can I say?

One minute I was busy minding my own business, trying to clear up the dirty pots at the dorm and generally keeping out of the way of the dorm cook and the cow mascot.



Seriously, he really ticked her off so much that they ended up brawling, right there in the kitchen. Sadly, the cook, being a lot older, lost out..... both times.




Oh yes, they fought between each other.... twice.

*sigh*

Seriously, thanks to that interfering Cow Mascot, we could all be living off burned spaghetti for a while. He's definitely put her in a bad mood for it.



Not only that, he decided to muscle in on a few of my dorm buddies and caused mayhem there, insulting them all left and right. I can't say I blame him for Aiden (he's a jerk anyway) but it shouldn't happen to all the rest.....



Oh, where was I?

Oh, that's right..... I was minding my own business, when my cell phone rang. It fair buzzed a hole in my pocket. Whilst I was answering that, the dorm phone started to ring too.
Oh boy, was I popular that day.

The first one was Dorian, asking me on a second date. Oh wow, can you imagine how thrilled I was that he'd given me another chance?

I answered the other call to find it was Cleve, another of Dad's old college buddies and close friend of Dorian's. Apparently he'd heard just how wonderful a person I was, and wanted to set up a group social that same evening.

I had to say no and disappoint him though. There was no way I was going to pass up the opportunity of a second date. Especially with Dorian.



I didn't even have time to change, before the taxi was here. So I went in my usual togs, trying to look impressive. Especially given the venue I'd chosen. It has such a great reputation and pleasant surroundings.




This time, we went further afield to Downtown and Bernard's Botanical Garden Restaurant. Ohh yes, VERY upmarket indeed. The waiters and staff were in full liveried clothing. But the atmosphere there was really nice and relaxed.

It was also a magnet for the most 'unusual' of townies.
A Grand Vampire....



An Evil Witch.....



The Gypsy Matchmaker....



Oh, and not forgetting the ultimate in 'date breakers', Mrs Crumplebottom. (you REALLY don't want to mess with her, trust me, she's lethal with that handbag of hers)



I got the table, (the Maitre'D had a bad haircut and the creepiest of eyes) and whilst I sat waiting for Dorian (I have no idea what took him so long to sit down), I browsed the menu and opted for the salmon dinner.


When he finally sat down, he ordered the spaghetti. I know, not really that adventurous, but it's what he picked out anyway.



We sat chatting and stuff. I found that he disagreed with me over my plans to be a Space Pirate. But still, that's one of my goals in life.

It was then that it suddenly came out of the blue. He reached across and stroked my hand.



I reached across and stole some of his food.



It felt so right.... so perfect.




Then I looked at him with a cheesy, nervous grin on my face....

... and proposed.





Whilst I was sitting there, feeling a little crazy and nervous, hoping I hadn't made a big blunder, he reached across and took the box with a huge gasp and a wide grin on his face.



And promptly said.....

"Yes!"



I'll tell you what, I was the happiest girl in that restaurant that night.



We had a few dances together, grinding and such (and keeping a close look-out for Mrs C).



Dorian wanted me to have my picture taken in the booth, but I refused. I didn't think I was pretty enough. So he grabbed his camera and took a snap anyway.



Which was fine by me.



We flirted and held hands, and ended the date nicely.



Which was very good indeed, as I was so nervous about all of this. After all, it was a 'spur of the moment' thing.

I do have a few misgivings though and suspect that Dorian is a secret bubble blower addict.
A few times, I've caught him looking longingly at the apparatus, with a wistful look on his face.





Hmm, as he's Dad's best buddy, I think I'd better get a few facts from him first.
Hope he doesn't mind me prying into his life a little.
I like to see what makes him tick anyway.

I was exhausted by the end of the night and turned in.
Not long to go before the end of my Freshman Year and it's been packed to the hilt so far.
I can't wait for the next 3 years, just to see what's going to happen then.




Cheerio for now.

Helen

Settling in and 'Strange' Guests

Okay, the last time I spoke to you all, I promised something a little special for my update.
And here it is.....

Firstly, everyone's settled into their new home, Dad, Mom, and all the gang.

Violet decided to 'christen' the bathroom with blowing a few bubbles. Quite appropriate, and very cute too.



They've made a few friends along the way, which should boost up Dad's quota of friends for his next job promotion. It feels as though he's been in the same job for like, forever.



Although some of them are a little 'creepy' looking.
Take this guy for example. Hmmm, looks shifty.


And WHOA! on this guy!!! He's a work colleague of dad's but wow, that look on his face. He looks as though he's been sucking on a pile of lemons.



O-kay.


But still, with mom being a 'stay at home mom', she gets to meet and greet everyone that passes.
She's getting a little stir crazy however, staying at home and looking after those 6. She keeps rolling a want to get a job. As soon as all the babies are grown up a little, then yes, she can find work. Sorry mom, but you know you just can't bear to be away from us lot. I know you only too well.

Some of them, however, were VERY charismatic, and showed no restraints in their antics whilst through their initial visit to the new house.

A couple there, turned up in part costume. I gather they were on their way back from dress rehearsals of the amateur production of Gone With the Wind. They couldn't keep their hands off each other.



Really.

Dad just HAD to share some pics with us.

Another twosome, decided to slug it out in the sitting room. Evidently, one guy literally hated the sight of the other one and started picking on him.....



.... constantly.

Making the poor guy cry.




At least the house is buzzing with folks hanging out and eating lunch together. It's a great atmosphere.


Tristan and Violet really do have a great brother/sister bond. They've been caught playing Mary Mack.



Sharing gossip.


And generally having fun together, playing 'punch me, punch you'.




Whilst Tristan finally gets the hang of the violin, Violet stands there listening, with a knowing smile on her face.



It looks as though those two are definitely going to be inseparable. They practically share everything together.

Although co-ordination isn't exactly Tristan's strength. He tried dancing on his own and... well, look at the expression on his face. A bigger improvement from that of Leod in the background though. He looks as though he's passing gas!!!!

And that Scarlett character thought he looked nuts too.


Charming woman. That's my kid brother you're talking about.

At least he's getting good grades and is top of the class, just like his sister.



Good boy.... well done.

Violet's definitely a tomboy, but also a Daddy's girl. As soon as she heard the car pulling up, she raced out of the door to greet him.




Aww, isn't that cute?
Reminds me so much of myself at her age....

What am I talking about? I'm sounding to 'old'. Darn, I'm still at college!!!!

Anyway, on another note, Cleo's getting some attention too, thank goodness. Violet (and I really don't know where she got the strength from) picked her up and hugged her.


Which made Cleo's day tremendously.

Remember that strange woman that was standing glaring at Tristan back at the old homestead?
She came back.

This time for dad.




And yes.... she STILL stood there..... glaring.

Weird.

Well, that's a quick family update for you. I promise faithfully that I'll be posting an update on my time here at college, and some surprising news about Dorian and I.

Have to go now, it's getting very late and I have an early class in the morning.
Cheerio for now

I'll keep in touch.

Helen.