I was the opposite of happy at being forced to endure this date with Nicola. I was starting to regret losing the tennis match. I should've just beaten her. I glanced at my phone and saw the time to meet was quickly approaching. How come when you want time to be slow it's fast, but the reverse is true? I wished this board meeting would run over, but the members were very efficient, unfortunately.

I stood up and went to my office to change. There's no way I'm going on a date in a pencil skirt. I got dressed in a romper before leaving my office. I pressed the button for the elevator and walked inside.

While the elevator descended, I began reminiscing about my father's words. He was annoyed that I ignored him at the game. He also brought up his disappointment in me meddling with Nicola's scholarship. I groaned because he was like a broken record. I know! You told me all this before! He then reiterated how he's taking over her scholarship and there's nothing I can do about it. Like I cared, dad.

He was upset with me, but his annoyance only lasted so long. He began expressing how excited he was for my date. I rolled my eyes and said it was a formality and I had very little interest in complying. He ignored me and ushered my sisters to help pick out an outfit for me. I was so annoyed because I clearly was the only one who wasn't looking forward to the date.

I also had to put up with Eric. He wanted to see me, but I had to cancel. He was mad, but I told him I couldn't get out of it. Believe me, I tried to get out of the date, but no one would let me! It was absolutely infuriating that my family and friends kept pushing me back towards someone who has repeatedly hurt me over and over again. Like I'm trying to move on people!

At least, I thought I would've moved on. I internally groaned at seeing Nicola. She looked so cute right now. Her outfit complimented her beautiful brown eyes. I've always been a sucker for brown eyes. They're like pools of honey in the sun. Absolutely beautiful. I then noticed the car she was leaning against. When did she get an Audi?

"Whose car did you get?" I questioned.

"Uh... Tamsin offered me her car." She moved to open the door for me. "Hope you don't mind that." I remained quiet, allowing her to close the door.

I spent the entire ride looking out the window. I thought I'd be unperturbed by her presence, but that wasn't the case. I felt like I was suffocating. It pained me being so close to her. I hope the location isn't too far because I need to breathe.

I could tell she felt awkward in the silence, but I didn't care. I kept staring at the buildings we passed. My brows knit together when I saw we arrived at the zoo. I've wanted to come here for so long! I remember vaguely telling her about how I wished to return to the zoo when we were dating. I can't believe she remembered!

"You took me to see smelly animals." I didn't want her knowing how excited I was.

"Chill. You act like you don't like the zoo." She scoffed, knowing I was bullshitting her. "And... not exactly." Hmm... wonder where we're going then.

My eyes widened as we walked towards the butterfly garden. Gemzi and I have always wanted to go inside this place, but we never got around to it. I can't believe I'm finally coming here! I wanted to jump up and down, but I kept my composure.

We approached the vendor and I was about to pay, but Nicola beat me to it. I glared at her, but she didn't turn around to meet my eyes. I huffed since she knew I was trying to get a reaction out of her. I hate how she knows me so well!

I gazed in awe at the beautiful butterflies. I followed Nicola to a table that had a box on top. What's the box for? She opened the box to reveal art supplies. Aww, are we doing arts and crafts? If so, then that's a really cute idea.

"You brought me to do arts and crafts." I feigned being unimpressed.

"Uh... I'm not sure if it'd fall under that category." She nervously scratched her head. "What I brought you to do is mathematical origami since you like math and complex things." She rambled. "I just thought-"

"Is this the guide book?" I was so consumed by excitement that I couldn't pretend to be indifferent. "Hmm... I've never been the best at origami. That's Gem and Tammi's specialty. Let's see..." I began searching for the perfect creation. "How about this one?" I found a Phoenix. Hopefully, it could symbolize the renewal of our relationship.

"Ya, that's cool." She picked up some supplies. "It represents rebirth and starting anew... hopefully like our relationship." I acted like I didn't hear her mumble. I also had to lift up the paper to hide my small smile.

"Are you talented at this craft?" I decided to engage with her.

"I've dabbled in it before back at my old school." She folded the wing of the bird. "I've never done something as complicated as this, though."

It was silent for a while. It was a little awkward since I knew she was tense and hella nervous. I really wasn't making it easy for her. I then heard her melodic laugh. I glanced up to see her dying of laughter.

"Something wrong?" I quirked a brow.

She took a picture that showed the butterfly on my head. I couldn't help but grin at the picture. I then saw a swarm of butterflies settle on her head. I began giggling and pointing at her. She looked at her reflection on her phone and began laughing.

"How about we do butterfly origami?" She suggested. Nicola paused before speaking again. "So... how have you been?"

"Fine." I could tell she was trying to make small talk, but I wasn't going to be that easy.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Not the worst way to spend my day." I stated.

"Okay... do you umm..."

"I prefer the silence, Nicola." I sharply spoke. I regretted it when I saw her flinch at my words. "Just because I'm here doesn't mean that I'm happy to be here." My heart broke at her frown. Maybe I was a little too harsh.

"Understood." She sheepishly whispered.

We quickly finished the butterflies and left the exhibit. I wanted to head home after this awkward date. I was a few paces in front of her as we cut through the garden. I was in my own world, so I didn't see Nicola jog next to me. She then made a joke about joining the chess match.

I was a bitch and asked if she wanted me to give her the prize money. I could tell she was offended at my question. Stupid! Stupid, Alicia! Why did you imply that she's just after money?! Nicola shut me up by stating that she'd give the money to charity if I won. I didn't zone in on the charity part. I zoned in on her saying "if I could win." Hell ya, I could win!

My ego forced me to impress her. I wanted to show her that I truly was a prodigy at this game. I signed up and entered the competition. These people can suck my ass! I was easily able to beat them. The prize money is a million dollars, so I was expecting better competition. I saw Nicola asleep on the bench. I didn't realize I've been playing for so long. I quickly won the game, so I could check up on her.

I had her watch me demolish this guy in under 5 minutes. I won the check and handed it to Nicola. She then told me she wanted to give it to St. Jude. I was confused since I didn't realize she was serious about donating the money. My heart swooned when she told me the reason she wanted to give it to that particular organization. She wanted St. Jude to have it because of the sick kids and they reminded her of me.

I smiled and placed the check in my bag. I'll donate the money on her behalf when I get home. We walked to the car and I got in the driver seat this time. She was shocked, but didn't question it. I then drove her back to the dorms before heading home.

I parked Tamsin's car in the garage before opening the door. I walked into the kitchen for some food, but I saw my family sitting there. It looked like they had been patiently waiting for me to come home. I rolled my eyes and grabbed some food our chef made.

"Well?" Tamsin spoke.

"You're totally not getting out of telling us." Zara wiggled her brows.

"Now, Alicia." My mother spoke.

"How was it?" Gem spoke.

"Are you guys back together?" My dad was way too excited. Actually, he seemed to be the captain of the #Nalicia ship.

"None of your business." I heard my family groan as I went to my room.

I walked into my room and turned the tv on. I had a random Netflix show playing in the background. I have no idea what I was watching because I kept smiling as I remembered my date with Nicola.