Is this destiny?

The limousine stopped and the driver opened the door for Corey and Merve.

Corey stepped out first from the car and offered his hand to Merve.

Merve got out and observed the street. She expected a school, or a hotel, or a hall, or some other place where a dance party can be held, and she found herself in an unfamiliar residential area, surrounded by tall non-impressive buildings. During the drive, she was gazing at Corey and didn't pay attention to where they are going. But they are not far, the drive was less than half an hour long.

"Where are we?" Merve asked Corey.

Corey smiled nervously. "I want you to meet my mother."

Merve's eyes widened and she panicked. "Now? No. I don't have a present. And I'm not dressed for the occasion!"

Corey held her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "There is no need for a present, but if you insist on one, you can bring it next time. And your dress is amazing. You are perfect. Come…"

Merve helplessly followed his lead to the door of the apartment on the second floor which was opened by a middle-aged woman with warm eyes.

"I thought that you changed your mind and you will not come…" Corey's mother said. "Please, come in."

Corey gave Merve an encouraging smile and ushered her inside.

"Mom, this is Merve. My girlfriend." Corey said when his mother closed the door behind them.

The woman smiled and Merve could see from where Corey got his lips and nose.

"Merve, this is my mom."

"Please, call me Meg. Or mom." Corey's mom said with a big smile and observed Merve. "Let me see you… Corey, you are right, she is very beautiful."

Merve blushed. "Thank you."

Merve knows that she will never call Corey's mother Meg, and addressing her as 'mom' is… too bold. For now, at least. But how should she call her? Mrs. Smith? That does not sound appropriate because Corey's mother was never married to Corey's dad. Ah, a problem… Merve will need to talk to Corey about this later because his mother was offering refreshments.

"How about a drink? What would you like?"

Corey refused. "We don't have time. We only stopped to say 'hi' before we go to the prom. And I wanted you to meet the most beautiful girl in Los Angeles who captured my heart."

Corey's mother smiled. "Merve is beautiful. You are lucky that she accepted you. Make sure you behave and treat her well. You need to promise to come again and stay longer. For lunch, maybe. I would love it if we can sit and talk. Merve, I have so many questions I would like to ask you and I can show you photos from when Corey was little."

Corey's mom looked at Merve expectantly until Merve agreed.

"Let's take a few pictures before you go." Corey's mom said while getting a camera that was waiting on the nearby table.

They took photos with Corey and Merve, and then a few with a timer of all three of them, and then Merve promised to come again before they left.

…

"I hope you don't mind that I've got you here without a prior warning." Corey said to Merve when they returned to the car.

"It's fine. It's just that… I was nervous."

"You would be more nervous if I told you about this two days ago."

"True." Merve admitted. "Your mom is a nice lady."

Corey smiled. "Yes, she is. And I can see that she likes you."

Merve remembered one detail. "Are we going to your place to get the wrist corsage?"

"No. It's here…" Corey reached for the side-drawer and pulled out a see-through box that contained a white orchid with teal at the center and pearls accents.

Merve understood that he used the 'corsage is at home' as an excuse to get her to visit his mother without her suspecting something. Corey thinks of everything.

Corey attached the corsage around her wrist and Merve admired the delicate design of a flower made of some silky material.

Merve's eyes widened when she realized that her knees are bare. The dress is knee-length, but now that she is sitting it rode up a few inches. Ah, other than for swimming she always covers up her legs.

Merve nervously tugged the dress lower while silently thanking Oni and Nala for convincing Merve to wax her legs completely, earlier that afternoon.

"What are you doing?" Corey asked when he put his hand over Merve's. "Don't cover your legs. It's just the two of us, and they are beautiful. Allow me to see them."

Merve was not sure how to respond. She knew that it's not appropriate, but she could not say 'no' to Corey. And he only wants to look at her knees, right?

Merve stiffened when she felt Corey's hot palm on her knee, and in the next moment, his lips covered hers in a kiss that started with more force than she expected.

Merve clung onto Corey's shoulders and his kiss told her that he is hungry, for her, and the butterflies went crazy inside her stomach.

She wondered if Oni was right and the prom is the trigger for teenage couples to make love for the first time. Oh, Gosh! Will she and Corey do it? Tonight? She was not sure, but she was grateful that she has lipstick and a small mirror in her purse, so she can fix her makeup before they get out of the car.

…

Corey and Merve entered the sparkly event hall of a luxurious hotel and Merve noticed many eyes directed her way.

Corey's hand was on her waist and he pulled her closer. "Everyone is looking at us and trying to figure out who is the gorgeous girl by my side."

Merve was aware that Corey is trying to comfort her. She would need to be blind not to see the scornful gazes full of jealousy. Mostly from the females, but some males as well. After all, Corey is a handsome young man, good in sports and academics, and of course… he is a Smith. Merve has no doubts that most of the girls present would like to stand by his side, while boys would give anything to be him.

Merve reminded herself not to crack under this pressure. If she can't keep it together during this little dance-party, how can she handle being with Corey as his partner at the big events of the Smith family? Yes, Merve loves Corey and she wants to be his partner and to stand by his side, so there is only one thing to do…

Merve smiled. "They are looking because you are handsome."

"I am." Corey said smugly. "And that is why the most beautiful girl is by my side."

Merve's smile widened. She likes it when Corey is cocky. "What do we do first?"

"Let me introduce you to a few people. We can start with the class president. Young master Miller. His family is in the oil industry and they are working with Jasper's 'K Industries' in an effort to shift their resources to clean energy. Miller is snobby, but he sees class reputation as his, so he will not do anything to stir trouble…"

Merve listened to Corey and she admired his knowledge. At the same time, she felt sorry that he has to remember all this. It is tough to be part of a big family. 

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