Chapter 9: Hot

So, the birthday party was a total success. At least until Camilla noticed that the entertainer we hired didn’t leave the lot after the party.

Instead, he stayed behind and used Evander’s easel.

And Camilla didn’t quite approve. Or did she?

“Hey, there! May I ask — What are you doing so alone over here?”

“Oh, I’m painting. The nature is really beautiful around here,” the entertainer answered with a friendly smile.

“And what made you think that you are allowed to use my brother’s canvas?”

Camilla said it with her most angelic, innocent voice and left before he was able to say something.

But, of course, she wasn’t being innocent at all. She just wanted to confused him a little. And then, when he was about to leave, she attacked in full power.

“Good job wasting Ev’s precious canvas on your ugly painting, you giant plumhead.”

“Oh, sorry, did I call that thing a painting? I’ve meant to say garbage. Seriously, it looks like a raw fish after passing through someone’s digestive system.”

The entertainer was not amused.

“How dare you, you insolent piece of llama! I am a talented artist!!! I made a mistake when I agreed to come here.”

“Oh, really?!?!”

“If you want to learn something about mistakes, you should ask your parents!”

Camilla: *to herself* ‘Wow, I’m good at this!’

“And now, get lost!”

Lesson of the day: Having a conversation with dastardly hot-head can have devastating consequences. Attempt at your own risk.

Camilla could be a bit difficult to handle at times, but usually, when she was able to control her temper, she was really sweet. Mischievous, funny, full of energy and optimism. These qualities and her undeniably good looks made her quite popular among the boys from the neighborhood.

“Your beauty has blinded us, Camilla.”

“That is unfortunate,” she answered, not impressed, “I needed someone to help me with egging a few houses, but now that you’re both blind…”

Her words magically healed these poor boys, but Camilla was still quite annoyed.

‘What have I done that I have to deal with these teenage trolls?’

Oh, I’m sorry, Millie! This is what Townie generator had for you.

They were not all equally annoying, though.

“And than he was like ‘If you were a potato, you would be a great potato.’ Like seriously? What kind of pick-up line is that?”

“Geez, not everyone was born with excellent communication skills like you, Miss Perfect.”

This Alfred boy was actually fun. And brave – the only person in Willow Creek who was not afraid to use sarcasm while talking to Camilla. They became friends rather quickly.

“So, what would you say if I suggested absolutely innocent and boring cloudgazing as today’s after school activity?”

“Ummm, don’t tell anyone but – – I would love to!”

“Your secret is save with me.”

See, she can be nice when she wants to.

Later that evening, Alexander called Melia and asked her on a date. Poor Mel was really exhausted from work, but she didn’t want to turn him down again, because she already did it three times that week.

Melia was too tired for dinner or cinema, so they  just went for a nice walk along the river together and talked about their days.

“Oh, this was so nice, Alexander. I really needed a break, thank you.”

Alexander smirked: “Anytime, my love.” And kissed her gently.

Melia wasn’t sure how it made her feel. Yes, she was attracted to him. Yes, she considered him a good companion and a loyal friend. Yes, she could talk to him for hours without realizing what time it was.

And even though her heart seemed to beat faster whenever he started to be all affectionate and amorous towards her, she wasn’t sure if it was because of excitement – or panic.

But she loved his company. And she was really sorry that they didn’t get to spend more time together because of her busy schedule.

So, the next day, she decided that it would be for the best to start hanging out at Oakenstad and she invited him over. She assumed it would be less time consuming.

“I hope you’re hungry, cause we’re having a dinner date tonight.”

It wasn’t the most romantic date ever, considering Melia’s family members were constantly joining the conversation, but it was quite enjoyable. And the food was delicious, of course.

After dinner, neat Melia rushed to wash the dishes and Alexander decided to play BlickBlock to pass time. But instead of getting a high score, he broke that old thing. And he felt really terrible about it so he decided to give a go and try to repair it.

But unfortunately, Camilla was passing by.

“Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t thing it’s polite to break people’s computer.”

“Or to use them without permission, y’know.”

“Gah, Melia can do so much better than this.”

That last comment made him bristle with anger. Alexander jumped out from his seat, furiously defending himslef.

“Excuse me, Miss, I was JUST tryin to repair it!”

“Okay, okay! Geez, people these days are so short-tempered.”

She just love making him upset, doesn’t she? 😀

Poor Alexander quickly left, feeling angry and embarrassed. He didn’t even say goodbye. But then he felt sorry, so he apologized to Melia in a text message, explaining his little confrontation with Camilla.

Melia was understandably upset. But since she and Camilla had fairly different schedules and hardly saw each other during the week, she asked her parents to intervene.

“First the entertainer’s complaint, then the neighbors with eggs on their doors and now this? Looks like puberty is strong with this one.”

“But what can we do?”

But Adrian was already  a bit preoccupied with his cake to answer that.