Chapter 3: Meeting the Friends.

I woke up to 'tick tock' by Keisha next morning and realized that it was my phone ringing. I answered it groggily, "hello?"

"ARE YOU STILL ASLEEP?" Came Jude's voice from the other end.

"Jeez! What the hell are you yelling for?" I yelled back.

"Well we were supposed to meet today!"

I glanced at my watch "it’s only 9.00 a.m for God's sake!"

What was he up to? It wouldn't take me all day to meet his friends! He made an impatient sound and said, "just be ready in 30 minutes. I am coming to pick you up." And he disconnected just like that. Well good morning to you to I said into the phone. I forced myself to leave my warm and cozy bed.

I rushed about selecting clothes randomly and took a quick shower. I brushed my teeth and left my towel dried hair to dry naturally. I put some kohl and gloss. I was wearing my shoes when I heard the honking of a horn. I rolled my eyes and tied the laces of my favorite purple converse. I took my keys from the table, picked my bag and hurried out of the house.

"Enough with the honking!" I yelled at Jude who by the way was looking absolutely yummylicious. He was wearing a dark blue T today that made his blue eyes look even more gorgeous and khakis. He smiled at me and honked once more just to irritate me. I got in and slammed the door hard.

"Hey!" Protested Jude, "go easy on my baby will you!" I just glared at him and shot him a nasty look. He shook his head and started the car. Did I say start? He took off on top speed dodging cars crazily. I struggled to get my seat belt in place and decided against telling him to slow down because I knew he would go faster just to annoy me!

"Where are we going?" I asked. He had stopped at a street that had all the high street fashion stores.

"We are going shopping!" He looked at me as if he had just said we are going to Disneyland. What? I love Disneyland! So, sue me.

How the hell was I to go shopping when I didn't have a dime to spare for a meal! I looked at him contemplating about what I was going to say to him when I realized I didn't have to shop! I mean he could shop if he wants too.

"Well I don't need anything and don't tell me that you woke me up this early so that you could have a shopping buddy, you made a huge mistake pal!"

He looked at me incredulously and said, "I don't need anything! But look at yourself! You are wearing a ratty old T shirt. No girlfriend of mine would be wearing that! Much less the girl I was going to get married! Don't worry this shopping trip is on me."

I stared at him. Ok granted I had just grabbed something to wear randomly and it turned out to be my purple faded T shirt but it looked uber cool if I say so myself! Who the hell did he think he was turning his nose up at my clothes?

"But I don't want you to buy clothes for me!" I said.

Jude rolled his eyes and said "look don't go an egotistical trip now. Just think of this um just think of it as the uniform you need for your job!" I stared at him wondering if he had lost his mind.

Oh, this was going to cost him. He will be sorry he said that to me. I got out in a huff and slammed the door extra hard. Jude cussed some more and we got inside the store.

A skinny blonde sales girl approached us. I could literally see her drooling at Jude. I turned around to look at Jude and saw him eyeing her appreciatively.

Her badge read 'Dana'.

I cleared my throat and said, "we are looking for some clothes. Something fancy."

Jude raised his eyebrows at me. I just smiled back at him sweetly.

"Sure. If you could just tell me what size you are looking for, I could show you some stuff." I saw Jude and her making eyes at each other. It was almost like I wasn't there!

"Um Size 8?"

Dana turned away reluctantly and went to find clothes of my size. Meanwhile Jude went around pulling clothes randomly from the racks. He pulled out a red T that was ripped all over. That was something I would have never worn. Hell, it would reveal more than it would cover!

"I am not wearing that!" He stopped going through the racks and looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Why not? It’s hot!" I shook my head and explained, "I don't like it." He gave me a pained look.

Dana returned with her arms full of colorful clothes. I picked out a cowl neck red top. I instantly fell in love with it. Then I looked at the price tag and gasped.

It probably would take care of my meals for 15 days! I put it down quietly.

"Here", said Jude dumping an armful of clothes in my arms "go try them and I wanna see how every top looks on you and try these as well" he said dumping nothing less than 8 pair of jeans on top of the pile of tops.

I didn't want to do it honestly; I hate trying clothes it’s the most annoying thing on earth! I somehow always knew what was going to fit me and what wasn't! I trudged to the changing room to try on the clothes. I immediately put yellow clothes aside. I detested that color. I picked a purple top and checked my image in the mirror. My jaw nearly dropped to the floor. It was simple yet so sensual. I completely loved it. I didn't even bother checking the price tag this time. Suddenly I heard a knock on the door.

"Have you tried anything yet?" I opened the door and walked out. I was pleased to see Jude's eyes go round in appreciation.

"Yep we are definitely taking that one." I got the pile of yellow and gave it to Dana. "Anything but yellow. It clashes horribly with my hair."

Dana made a sour face and went to get something else. And on and on it went. I tried an outfit and then Jude said yes or no. I didn't mind, surprisingly our choices matched. When we finally made it out of the shop my stomach was growling with hunger. Jude looked at me and smirked.

"So? I didn't have breakfast because you rushed me out of bed." There was no need to tell him that I didn't have any food at home. "

Ok" he said smiling, "my bad. Come on let's go for breakfast."

We went to a cafe across the street but first we dumped an armful of bags in his car. I could smell sausages as we sat at our table and I think I drooled a little. I ordered 3 pancakes, a large cup of mocha and some chocolate waffles. What? I love food and lately I had been eating very little. I could feel Jude stare at me, to tell you the truth I think I had just shocked him into silence.

"Wow, you have a huge appetite!" He just couldn't stop himself when I called for sausages.

Ok, my theory was now I could go through the rest of the day without food. And yes ok I do eat a lot. He paid the bill and we made our way out.

"Now to the shoe store!"

God, I swear he was so excited like he was shopping for his real bride to be. We went there and I tried some footwear while he fussed over me. I was beginning to enjoy myself. I couldn't remember the last time I had gone shopping. My phone rang suddenly I checked the display and immediately my face fell. It was the nursing home. I looked around and saw that Jude was paying the bill. I quickly answered the phone.

"Hello?" "Ms. Blake just a-"

I cut her off saying "Mrs. Gupta I will be there with the money today."

"Oh" she said surprised "ok then. I was just reminding you dear."

"Of course. You are just doing your job. I will make the necessary payments."

I disconnected and looked up. To my dismay I saw Jude looking at me quizzically. I smiled at him and asked, "could I get an advance?"

He raised his eyebrows and said "sure." We went to his car and put the bag of shoes along with the clothes.

"Please tell me the shopping is done." I said sighing tiredly. He nodded yes and started the car.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"My place." I looked at him.

He had to be kidding. But no, he was dead serious.

"W-what? Why?"

"I am going to give you an advance. How do I know you aren't going to run away?"

How indeed? He did have a point but no way in hell was I going to stay with him!

"Look" said Jude, "we have to make this believable so it’s the most natural thing for us to be living together. Besides my friends are coming to meet you."

I sat there wondering not for the first time what had I got myself into? We drove in silence and soon reached Jude's home. I got out of the car and looked around. It was a classy neighborhood. Of course! Where could Jude live? I turned around to see Jude struggling with our shopping bags. I rushed to help him. We entered his house and I kept the bags that were in my arms on the floor. I looked around impressed. For a bachelor living alone he sure kept the place clean!

"Nice place."

"Thanks” said Jude kicking off his shoes.

Both landed in opposite directions and he didn't even bother to put them on the shoe rack! He just left them there.

He proceeded to stock his fridge with beer that he had picked up on the way back.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

I shook my head to say no. He shrugged and proceeded to pull out something from his fridge and heating it in the microwave.

"My friends will be here soon so go freshen up. Change into this."

He said tossing a bag at me. I looked in and gasped. It was the cowl neck top that I had put away when I saw its price! I looked up at him and he shrugged saying "it will look good on you."

I smiled at him and realized that I would have to go to the nursing home quickly and get back before his friends got here.

"Um Jude I need that advance today. Like now."

"Ok. Do you mind if-"

"yes, I do" he looked at me surprised. "I do mind you asking me why I need it."

He scowled at me and gave me some money. That would take care of mum's needs for 3 weeks! But I would have to remove some for myself.

"You know curbing your expenses will help you solve your troubles." He had to do it. He just had to ruin a perfect day. It had almost been fun, almost.

"If I need your advice, I will let you know. Till then keep your opinions to yourself." I rushed to the washroom and slammed the door. I splashed water on my face a few times.

Calm down Natasha! Never forget that he is a jerk. Just a rich, spoilt jerk and that's never going to change. It's not like he is bothered about you. He bought you all that stuff just to maintain an image in front of his friends. After that lecture to myself I quickly changed and re applied kohl and gloss. The red top looked hot. It was definitely worth the price. I pinned my hair and once I was happy with the way I looked I stepped out. Jude nearly dropped the beer tin he was holding when he saw me. I smirked and picked up my bag.

"Be back soon honey." I said snarky and got out.

"Come back soon" Jude yelled when he had recovered, I was almost out the door. I hurried along glancing at my watch.

Jude's POV

I mopped the beer I had spilt. God, she looked like a diva! It was like she was transformed from the maid Cinderella to Princess Cinderella! I found myself wishing that I had been wooing her instead of making this deal with her. That she was high maintenance I knew. Both the days that I had met her she had got calls about overdue payments. What did she spend on? Had to be food! She ate like a pig! I had never seen a girl eat so much. It was refreshing. She was a refreshing change from the girls I dated, that's for sure. She didn't come on to me like other girls but yeah what she had in common was their expenditure. She needed money and from her appearance I could tell that she had simple tastes. It just did not add up.

I had to live with her for a year and yet I didn't know anything more than her name and where she lived and yes, her phone number of course. I checked my watch and realized my friends would be here in less than an hour. I just hoped Natasha would be here on time. I went about dumping the dishes in the sink and ordered for some pizzas. I changed into shorts and a T and settled myself in front of the TV. I kept looking at the watch it had been over an hour and she hadn't returned yet. I was apprehensive now. Why wasn't she back yet? Had she changed her mind? God what an idiot I was! Why hadn't I insisted on going with her? Suddenly the doorbell rang and I answered the door.

"Hey Jude!" Said Gary "look who I found outside."

Natasha stepped out from behind him.

"Where were you?" I asked relieved to see her.

"Um I got lost?" I rolled my eyes. Then saw a puzzled look cross Gary's face.

" Natasha you have a terrible sense of direction." I said closing the door. I gave her a warning look as she opened her mouth to protest. She seemed to have understood and gave me a slight nod.

She entered and put her shoes on the shoe rack. She hesitated then picked mine as well and put them on the shoe rack.

"Jude!" She yelled and I turned towards her "how many times have I told you to not throw your smelly socks around! Put them in the laundry basket where they belong."

I looked at her shocked and saw her trying to hide a smile. "Oh honey - am so sorry. I will do it right away."

This time I bit back a smile at her shocked face. Well two could play a game. Meanwhile my best friend Gary sat in silence watching us and to say that the poor guy was shocked would be an understatement.

"Er Natasha" he started hesitatingly "where is Jude and who is this impostor?" Natasha busted out laughing while I gave them a fierce look. They were enjoying this at my expense!

"So Jude, Natasha here was telling me about how you guys me the first time. Very entertaining story, I must say" said Gary with a huge grin.

I looked at Natasha panicking a little. I didn't know what she had told him how were our stories going to collaborate? She just smiled at me serenely.

"What? I just told him that when we met the first time, I ended up slapping you coz I thought you were a pervert!"

Gary was laughing so hard he couldn't seem to catch his breath. Ok that did it. She was being sassy I wasn't just going to sit back and watch. So, I grabbed her and kissed her in front of Gary and I kissed her hard. She had turned red but I kept going on.

Finally, when I pulled away, I said, "yeah but you forgot all about that when I kissed you and asked you to marry me." Gary gave a low whistle.

"Whoa I go out of town for a month and you my friend have got yourself hitched already!"

I smiled at him putting my arm around Natasha who was staring at the dishes in my sink with disgust. If I can convince him then I will have no difficulty in convincing my parents that I am truly in love with Natasha.

"Well Natasha" said Gary "I have to admit you are nothing like the doting, simpering and purring girls that Jude dated. Gorgeous-yes but not an airhead."

I glared at Gary, "yes thank you Gary for that little insight in my love life."

Natasha was hardly paying attention she was searching for something in the kitchen. When she found what she was looking for she gave a yell. She snapped on the rubber gloves that she found and started washing the dishes that I had just left in the sink.

"Er honey? Mrs. Bower will do that in the morning."

She waved me aside, "honestly Jude if that good lady wasn't there this place would be a sty coz you live like a pig!"

Gary snorted at that and I could just stand there and stutter. Oh my God! She was one of those obsessive-compulsive people! She just needed to keep everything in its proper place and everything had to be clean. Just like Monica from friends! What? I like friends, so go ahead and sue me! As Natasha washed the dishes Gary and I pulled out a beer from the fridge and sat in my living room.

"So? What do you think?" I asked Gary.

"Dude she is hot! And not only that she is also smart!"

He said like he had made this incredible discovery that good-looking people had brains too. Then he said what I had been waiting for, "I like her already. I think she is exactly what you need."

I nodded in agreement. If only he knew that we could be civil to each other for not more than a minute, I wonder what he would say. She was feisty for sure. If I was really getting married to her she is exactly the kind of woman who would keep me in line. I smiled as I thought of our kiss. She was so embarrassed it was totally worth it. Soon Natasha joined us.

"Grab a beer." I said.

"Er Jude I don't drink remember?"

I nearly spat my beer out! Who does not drink beer? Ok seriously? Is she for real? However she grabbed a soda can and sat down with us.

"So Natasha, what do you do?" asked Gary. Oh this is interesting I thought. She could hardly say I take money to be someone's pretend wife!

"Well, I have a degree in life sciences." I stared at her. Wow and I was only just finding out. What an idiot I am! She continued, "I wanted to be a surgeon but couldn't afford the tuition so I did the next best thing and graduated in medical microbiology! I wanted to study further but then decided to work a little so I could support myself. So, I was a waitress at a cafe. Right now, I spend so much time with Jude I have time for nothing else."

I smirked, oh she was good.

Meanwhile Gary nodded appreciatively. The evening went by quickly a few other friends of ours had joined us. Natasha had even called her best friend Joanna who kept looking at me suspiciously all night. I don't think that she believed the whole story at all. It was really late when they all left. Natasha had managed to charm everyone. Steve a notorious flirt kept hitting on her all evening but she had the situation in control. I swear if I had to hear Steve say one more time why he hadn't met Natasha before me I would've punched him. Soon everyone left except for Joanna who kept giving me suspicious glances as she whispered with Natasha.

"I'll be watching you. You had better not hurt her!" She said only half-jokingly but her black eyes were serious as she left.

To tell you the truth she did scare me a little and I had no intention of getting on her bad side. She hugged Natasha before leaving. I shut the door and went inside to see Natasha cleaning up. I sighed and pitched in. I was a brat and had never had to do anything for myself ever since I was a child. So naturally I just make the mess and someone else always cleaned up. I looked at Natasha as she got a garbage bag and started filling the trash in it. I collected the beer bottles and put them in the trash can. I went and crashed on my huge bed.

Oh it felt good to finally be able to lie down. I almost fell asleep when I heard a knock. I opened my eyes and saw Natasha standing in the doorway.

"Um I don't have any night clothes to wear." She said.

I got off my bed and went to my drawer and gave her my largest T and my boxers. She looked at them doubtfully but went and changed anyway. It was cold I turned the heater on. She entered the room and just stood there.

"What? Come on and sleep here." I said.

"Wh-what? Wait a minute we are going to sleep on the same bed?" She asked.

"Yes and don't worry I am not a big bad wolf I won't eat you up." I said with a wolfish grin.

She still didn't make a move.

"Oh come on get used to it. You do realize once we get married we have to sleep in the same bed?"

"Ok but you make a move to kiss me again or even touch me the deal is off" she said giving me a fierce look.

"Whatever" I said yawning.

She marched up to the bed and pulled all my cushions and made a sort of a cushion wall between us. She was such a kid sometimes. I pulled the blanket over us and turned my face away. Well and then my mind wandered. It was cold. It felt weird sleeping in my bed this way with so many cushions. I slowly glanced towards Natasha and got a fright of my life. She was looking at me with her eyes wide open. I thought she must've slept but nope. She was keeping an eye on me. Honestly! She made me feel like a molester. I turned around again and tried falling asleep.

Natasha's POV

I smirked as Jude turned away. He already stole two kisses from me there was no way he was getting anymore. I lay there trying to get some sleep. I reflected over the day and thought about Joey. She was suspicious and I hated lying to her but I also know she would be the first to protest and wouldn't let me do what I was doing. I tried adjusting to this new bed and after a while I fell asleep..... I woke up next morning to an awful noise when I realized it was a metal song. It was Jude's ringtone. I felt a weight on my waist and suddenly I found it very difficult to breathe. I looked down and yelled. Jude had his arm around my waist and his head was on my chest. And my top two buttons had come undone. Jude woke up with a start and fell off the bed.

"What? What happened?" He asked trying to rub sleep from his eyes. I threw a pillow square at his face.

"Ow"

"I asked you to stay on your side." I yelled and stomped out of the room.

I went into the washroom and realized I didn't even have a tooth brush. I used my finger as a brush and rinsed my mouth. I freshened up quickly and went outside to get my clothes. Just then the doorbell rang and Jude hurried to answer the door. He gave me an apologetic look while I looked daggers at him. A woman stepped in. She had a kind face and hadn't seen me yet. She entered and stopped in shock.

"Mr. Jude your place is clean!"

Jude looked around sheepishly and said "well Mrs. Bower it’s all thanks to Natasha." He said pointing at me.

She looked at me from top to bottom and I realized that I was still in Jude's clothes and the top buttons had come undone. I turned red and my cheeks were flaming with embarrassment.

Mrs. Bower gave me a huge smile and said, "well Mr. Jude I am so glad that you have finally started dating responsible, sensible girls!"

"Well I have done one better Mrs. Bower, I have asked her to marry me!"

Mrs. Bower stared at me absolutely speechless. Then she came forward and hugged me.

"Oh congratulations miss! You have reigned him in."

Jude looked at us annoyed. When she finally moved back her eyes glistened with tears. I felt guilt rising in my stomach and I turned away before I threw up. I hated lying to this kind woman.

She got about picking up the laundry basket and taking the clothes that had to be washed. She then went about making breakfast. I went to search for my clothes. I found them in Jude's room. He entered the room and saw me holding my old purple T.

"Why are you wearing that?" He asked.

"Because I don't have to put up a show for anyone today!" I replied snarkily.

He gave me a funny look then said, "you do actually. You need to put on a show for the next one year. You are going to be my wife and there is no way you are going to be seen in those."

Ok. I wanted to hit him, I really did. Like pick up my sneaker and throw it at his head. But I couldn't get that satisfaction. He would fire me of course. God it was so annoying! He was the boss of me! I just rolled my eyes at him and saw that he was staring at my legs. The pervert! I walked out of the room to quickly change into my jeans and a casual pink T. Once I got out of the washroom I could smell the fried sausages and a cheese omlette. Right on cue my stomach growled loudly. Mrs. Bower looked up as I entered the kitchen and gave me a warm smile.

"Come dear. The breakfast is ready," she said. I sat down and started eating not bothering to wait for Jude.

By the time Jude was out of the bathroom I had finished my breakfast and got up to help Mrs. Bowers with the dishes. She looked at me in surprise.

"Thank you for your help miss. But really you have done almost half my work for me," she said.

As I protested Jude interrupted me saying, " drop it babe. Let Mrs. Bower do her job."

I looked at him shocked, how could he say so in front of her! He was truly a brat! I just went in the living room and switched on the TV. There was nothing to do at all and I was getting terribly bored. I switched my cell phone on. There were around 10 messages and all were from Joey. All the messages were similar. First one read 'er are you sure he is the one?' The second was 'he is a brat!' And so on and so forth. The last one was 'if you are happy, I am happy. I don't trust him though!'

I started giggling to myself and called her up. I frowned as she didn't answer. Maybe she was still asleep. After all it was a Sunday. After sometime Jude collapsed next to me on the sofa and I ignored him.

" Look Natasha" he said, "look I didn't mean to hold you or anything. It all happened while we were asleep. I wasn't trying to cross the line or anything."

I sighed as I turned to look at him. "Its ok. I guess I over reacted a bit."

He smiled a little and said "peace?" I smiled back and said "peace."

I turned back to surfing the TV channels and finally settled on discovery. There was a segment about shark attacks. They were showing how a shark mauled a man who was surfing carefree. I felt Jude shudder next to me. I looked at him quizzically and he shrugged and said, " A friend of mine was attacked by a shark once."

I looked at him and as I was about to open my mouth to console him, he said

"ok ok. After Jaws I have been scared of the water. The bloody movie has me so scared that I don't even like to swim in the deep end of the pool where I can't see below the surface!"

I tried, I really did try not to laugh at his outburst, I didn't want to honestly because we were having a moment here! But I failed miserably and collapsed laughing. I had tears rolling down my face and he glared at me. Finally, when I gained control of myself I spoke up.

" I'm sorry. I don't even know how to swim and I am laughing at you. But I just never had the opportunity to learn."

And not because I am scared that sharks will grab me, I added to myself. I checked my watch and was surprised to see it was past noon already! I turned to him and saw that he was totally engrossed in watching the shark documentary.

"So Jude" I started, he didn't even look at me and replied, "yes?"

"I was wondering what are the plans for today?" He switched off the T.V. and turned to me. "Well I was thinking how about we get to know each other better?" he replied with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes.