13: DINNER DATE

MIRANDA'S POV

The news had been reporting about a thunderstorm that was coming tonight. My mother was freaking out about having batteries for the flashlights and lighters for the candles. My father was back from his business trip, but he told us he'd be gone again in a week.

I stared at my reflection, not feeling or looking like myself. "Mother, do I have to wear this?" I asked, looking at the little red dress Father bought me from his trip. "I don't think this is my style." Not that it was revealing or anything like that. It was pretty and appropriate enough for a girl my age. But cleavage-showing and over-the-knee dresses weren’t my thing at all.

"I know. But your father will be pleased to see you wear it, besides red's definitely your colour. Your boyfriend will be delighted when he sees you in this." Mother had been excited to learn I had met a guy who I invited over for dinner.

"Mother," I said shyly. “Lazarus is just a friend, and he says he's just stopping by for a short time