Alexandrea's P.O.V

It has been three days since I saw Nick. And anytime I ask his friends, they just tell me that he has been busy. But that answer did not fill my curiosity, I don't remember Nick ever having a job, so what is he busy with? Is what he's busy with associated with what happened with Danny some days ago?.

I passed Zoey a smile as I saw her sitting in the park. She looked better. At least better thank two days ago, when she missed school. I couldn't forget Eddy's reaction after he saw Zoey. He gave her a hug and lifted her up in the air then kissed her forehead before he realized that we were all there watching them. They both turned red in embarrassment and I saw Nick raise an inquisitive eyebrow at them, then.

Yeah, it's been two days since the weird incident that made Zoey miss school. Things have been pretty normal since then, I guess. Zoey waved at me and I joined her on the bench. Couples, friends, dogs and children were busy on their own.

"What are you doing here?" Zoey beamed. I smiled back at her.

"Just felt like going for a walk. It's been a while since I came to this park" I said, glancing at the children playing soccer. They should probably be four to five year olds.

"Yeah, me too. A lot has been going on lately. But I'm happy we a got through it" She smiled appreciatively at me. I smiled back and hummed in response. Today is Friday and I just got back from school. I brought out my phone from my pocket and checked the time, 5:51pm. Almost time for me to sleep. I already changed my sleeping routine. I sleep by 7:00pm to 10:30pm. Anything farther than that, might bring back my nightmares which I haven't had in a really long time now. It's hard and I even sleep off in class sometimes, I even have permanent bags now but there's nothing I can do. I'd rather do theses things than to have the nightmares.

"Are you okay?" Zoey asked, bringing me back from my thoughts. I diverted my gaze to hers.

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just a little tired" I said and she looked worried but nodded. I was grateful for that, because I was not ready to tell anyone anything.

"Okay" she sighed and played with a pink band on her wrist absentmindedly. I narrowed my eyes at it before a teasing smile slowly crept on my face.

"Zoey...." I called and she looked at me.

"Yeah?"

"How come you didn't tell me about the band on your wrist?" I squealed. She looked shocked before looking at her wrist. Then she blushed.

"Oh. Eddy gave it to me in school today" she said as her face started to turn crimson.

"Eddy gave it to you huh?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her as she smacked my arm lightly.

"Stop! It was just a friendly gesture" she defended.

"Sure....it was. And the kiss too was a friendly gesture right? Don't worry, I totally get it" I rolled my eyes, letting sarcasm lace my tone. Is she really this oblivious? Oh God....

"Alex!" She hissed and rolled her eyes at me while her face continued to redden.

"Jeez, are the two of you blind or something? If he doesn't ask you out soon, Bex and I will take matters into our hands" I said, looking at her. She looks like a tomato now with how red her face was. She turned to glare at me.

"Whatever. Just don't do anything stupid" she muttered and I smacked her arm. I checked my phone again 6:09pm. I stood and dusted off the imaginary dirt in my jeans.

"Well, I've got to go now" I said and she smiled, nodding.

"Oh, okay. See ya" she said and I smiled back before making my way home. I didn't bring my car. I wanted to take a break from vehicles and enjoy nature for a while. As I continued walking, I realized that the sky was getting darker. Shit! I think it's about to rain. Why didn't I bring my car?! Argh! My conscience answered.

Because you wanted to enjoy na-,

Oh shut up, the rain was not part of it, I cut off my conscience and started to walk faster. I was definitely not ready for another cold. My mind went back to the last time I was in the rain. I hated Nick, a lot. I mean, I still kind of hate him but he's not that bad. Sometimes. Then I felt something drop on my cheek, before I could lift a finger to check what just dropped on my cheek, I felt more drops fall.

It was raining already. Oh my God, I'm gonna be drenched again. I saw people running as I started to do so as well. My house was still a few metres away so I hailed a cab, desperate to get home. I hoped in without even remembering that I had no cash on me. When we got to my place, the cab man stopped and I got down.

"Ma'am, you haven't paid" The voice of the driver brought me to a halt. Shit! Should I run away? What should I do?!

"Uhm...I-" My words were cut off when I saw  Nick walking towards me. In a deep blue hoodie and jeans. It was raining heavily now and I shivered. "Nick!! Nick!!" I yelled, waving at him. Wait, what if he doesn't have money on him? But what if he does? I should be positive so I hope he has some cash on him.

He held my gaze as he approached me. I smiled a little at him in greeting. Maybe Nick is not so bad after all. I don't think I hate him any longer. I think we are friends now. I mean, he saw that I needed help and he's coming towards me. The former Nick would have turned around and left me with the glaring driver.

When I saw that he was close enough, I opened my mouth to tell him what the situation was but I was left dumbfounded when I saw him walk right past me. He just passed by me like he never even saw me. Okay, I take it all back. Nick is a dickhead and a big jerk. How could he? I thought we were friends! Ugh! I hate him so much! Stupid Nick! I shouldn't have trusted him to pay for me!

I hissed in anger as I turned around to glare at him as he walked away from me. He didn't even look back. He kept on walking straight. Please turn around, please turn around. I don't want this driver to bite my head off, I've been keeping him waiting long enough, oh gosh.... Please Nick. Please turn around, I silently prayed as I watched him walk. I watched and watched and he didn't even glance back.

Okay, I give up! If he doesn't turn around at the coun of three. I'm going to have to sell my house to this driver. Gosh, I really hope he turns around. I really love this hoodie. Please, please, please, turn around.

One

He continued walking forward in calm, slow strides. His hands were lifted casually and he used his finger to disheveled his hair as sprinkles of water flew out of his hair during the process. I tried to focus on what I was praying for. Turn around please. Nick please, turn around.

Two

His fingers detached from his hair and his hands buried themselves in his front pocket. Is he doing this intentionally to distract me? Well...it's kind of not working. So please, turn around! Please, with a cherry on top.

Three.

I sighed in defeat. I guess I'm letting my baby go. I'll miss you, hoodie and I'll always love you. The driver got out of his car impatiently.

"Ma'am, I don't have all day so would you please give me the money so I can go!" He snapped, making me flinch. The thoughts of my father started to creep up in my mind and I tried to push it down. No! I will not think of him!, I thought.

I slowly pulled of the hoodie. After pulling it off, I handed it towards the driver who let out a snarl. He snatched it from me and opened his car door. Then I saw an outstretched hand beside me, holding some money. My eyes widened and traced the owner of the hand. My eyes were glued to Nick's in shock and surprise while he stared blankly at the driver.

The driver saw Nick and recognition flashed in his eyes. The driver shook his head furiously, refusing the money that Nick had offered him and threw my hoodie at me before hopping in his car while shivering. Before I blinked, the man was already speeding down the street.

Nick looked at me blankly and rolled his eyes before shoving his money into his pocket. I opened my mouth to say something but my brain had different plans, I sneezed twice. Shit! It was still raining. We were in my street but not in front of my house. My house was still a few metres away.

"Stop staring and start to jog home before you catch a cold" he said emotionlessly as I nodded. I started to jog home and he jogged right beside me. I couldn't bring myself to believe that Nick actually turned. In about three minutes, we were in front of my house and I struggled with the key before opening the door. I entered and waited for Nick to enter as well before closing the door and locking it.

Nick was standing at the doorway, drenched from head to toe and his hands buried deep in his front pockets. I quickly jogged you the stairs and peeled off my wet clothes. I wiped myself with a dry towel before putting on a long, straight skirt I had no idea was in my wardrobe and a long sleeve shirt.

I took another dry towel and jogged back downstairs to find Nick still standing in the same spot where I left him. I handed him the towel and he took it. He started to wipe himself and I figured that it would be creepy if I just stood there and watched to instead I went to prepare an herbal soup I knew by heart.

Grandma used to make it for me. I feel like I was owing Nick for saving me from the embarrassment today or maybe it has just been long since I actually cooked for someone. I gathered a carrot, an onion, a cinnamon stick, ginger, salt, some left over chicken wings, orange juice, cilantro and finally a chilli pepper.

In a large stockpot, I combined chicken, carrot, onion, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Then added 3 quarts water, orange zest and juice. I allowed it to boil while humming Faded by Alan Walker. I reduced the head and went to the sitting room to check on Nick. He was standing by the couch, looking as if he wanted to sit but he didn't want to wet the chair. I chuckled and went back to the kitchen. I allowed the mixture to simmer, making the scent of the chicken start to come out strong. It was supposed to be for about two hours but I haven't got all day, so I took it like that and served it into two separate bowls.

I took the trays to the sitting room and saw Nick flipping through one of my mom's fashion magazine. His nose crunched up at the sight of one of the models and I almost laughed out loud. He noticed my presence and he dropped the magazine, wearing his blank look. His gaze travelled from mine to the tray on my hands.

"What's that?" He asked with interest as I dropped his on a stool and put mine on my lap after sitting beside him, keeping a safe distance of course.

"Soup"I answered and he took the spoon in the tray and poked at the liquid in the bowl. I rolled my eyes at him "It helps with the cold" I said again. He picked it up and places It información his palm. I watched as he took some of the soup in his spoon and lifted it to his lips. His lips parted to sip the soup from the spoon and I looked away immediately so I wouldn't look like a creep.

"It's hot" he complained and I swatted his arm. His eyes snapped open to glare at me as I glared back.

"You're meant to thank me for making the soup for you! And not complain. And of course it's soup, it's meant to be hot, dummy" I said and he rolled his eyes. I was his Adam apple Bob up and down before he narrowed his eyes at me.

"I don't remember you thanking me for the taxi incident" he shot back and my cheeks warmed up in embarrassment. Oof! He got me there....

"I forgot" I murmured, looking away from him as I stirred my soup, "Thanks" I said.

"Whatever. You always seem to get in trouble and you always drag me to it" he said and rolled his eyes as I gasped, looking back at him.

"What?!" I exclaimed in disbelief " I don't always get in trouble and I am pretty sure I never drag you into anything. I can't believe you're pointing fingers!" I said and he scoffed.

"Really? Because I'm pretty sure you made this soup for me to apologise for all the trouble you've caused for me" he retorted and I laughed, out of disbelief.

"I made it for appreciation, you jerk! I can't do this right now okay? So let's just shut the hell up and enjoy damn herbal soup!" I yelled and the corner of his lips lifted up.

"The soup is not that good anyway" he muttered but I heard him. I dropped my soup on the stool and stood up.

"Leave" I said. I was enraged.  Why is he so rude?!

"No" he shrugged and my mouth hung open in shock. Is this guy demented or something?

"No?" I couldn't help but exclaim.

"No" He looked at me this time and held my gaze. He leaned back in his seat and quietly sipped his soup. I looked at the ceiling, an attempt to calm myself and looked back at him before sitting in the couch beside him again.

I took my soup and started to sip mine too. There was silence. An uncomfortable one. I was thankful that it was not awkward. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably thinking of different things that came to my mind. Can ostriches be used for war? Why do ostriches have dull coloured feathers? Do lizards bite?

"Why did you kiss me? You know that day at the beach" He asked, solely focused on the soup in his bowl. I gulped and looked at him, wondering why he was bringing this up again. I diverted my attention to my soup as well.

"I don't know" I answered. Honestly, I don't why I kissed him. "I think my emotions were confusing me then." I added to assure myself.

"And now?" He asked, his tone plain. He was still staring at the soup and stirring it repeatedly. His question confused me, and now what?

"And now, nothing. I probably thought you were Eli or something" I answered quickly. He stopped stirring for a minute as if digesting my answer before continuing.

"Hmm" he hummed in thought. His expression have nothing. "You know, I once heard that the more you lie, the uglier you look" he said.

My face started to grow hot. Was I lying? I don't think so. My hands with minds of their own wandered up to my face "I have never heard of that" I said, almost in a whisper. "And why are you so bothered by the kiss? It was a mistake" I added.

"Was it?" He said and he looked at me now, holding my gaze. His gaze was intense and I found myself unable to speak "Know what you want, Alex" he said.

I couldn't say a word. His green eyes terrified me but excited me at the same time. I wanted to know what was beneath the whole facade. I was intrigued and afraid at the same time. We both held each other's gazes and he glanced at my lips, keeping his gaze on them. I glanced at his too, as I licked mine. I couldn't think straight. My mind kept screaming, you like Eli!! Eli is your prince charming!!

He started to lean in, his gaze still focused on my lips. I didn't make a move, I didn't dare. No!! no!! no!!! Don't kiss her!! She likes Eli!! Eli is The One!!! This isn't supposed to be happening!!, My mind screamed but I blocked it out. Just when his lips were an inch away, my phone rang loudly beside me, making Nick and I jump apart.

I blinked. What the hell was wrong with me?! I thought as realization down on me. My face turned a bright red. Holy shit! We were about to kiss!! Thank you, phone!! I quickly took my phone and sprinted out of the sitting room without sparing Nick a glance. I was too flustered to even try.

"Hello" I answered without looking at the caller.

"Alex, baby" My mom's voice called over the phone. "How have you been?" She said and an angry frown made its way to my face.

"I've been doing much better without you. How could you just leave me mom! What if I got hurt? Or kidnapped or even worse, killed? Huh? Would you even care? You left without warning and you're asking how I'm doing?" I practically yelled over the phone, tears rolling down my cheeks in anger.

"I'm so sorry baby. I never intended to. It was urgent. Please forgive me. I would never let you get hurt, you know that. I love you" she sobbed and I closed my eyes, letting out a breath.

"You shouldn't have. I miss you mom" I said, letting more tears run down my face. "I miss you so much. Can't you shorten the time you'll spend there? A month is too long" I whined.

I heard her chuckle softly "Honey, I can't. I'm so sorry and I miss you too so much. You have no idea. I wanted to call but I know I have wronged you by my side disappearance so my guilt didn't let me" she explained and I smiled a little, sniffing. "You have a cold?" She asked.

"Yeah, it's raining here. How could you tell?" I asked, curiously.

"Mothers instinct. You'll understand when you have a child of yours. Not no of course" she added the last part and I laughed. I cringed at the thought of having a child of mine, I don't think that'll ever happen.

"You trust me Mom. I'm not like that" I defended myself.

"I know, honey. I just felt like adding it" she laughed. "How is school?" She asked and I sighed.

"Fine, I guess" I answered playing with one of the buttons on my shirt.

"Good. How's Bex? And Zoey?" She asked and I smiled.

"Their good. How's work going there?" I asked and I heard her giggle. "Mom? Why are you giggling? Did you hook up with your boss?" I asked teasingly and I heard her gasp.

"Alexandrea! No! Work is fine" she answered and I could sense something.

"Are you sure you didn't hook up with your boss?" I asked again teasingly.

"Alexandrea! Goodnight!" She said and I laughed.

"That wasn't a no..." I trailed off and she hung up on me. I laughed a little and the smile left my face when I realized what I was about to face when I got back to the parlour.

Another round of awkwardness.

It's not like we kissed. And it was his fault this time. It was an almost-kiss situation. I groaned before making my way to the sitting room only to find out that he was gone.

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Writer: Hello sweethearts! How are y'all? Did you like this chapter? How was it?

So I'm going on hiatus for sometime meaning I won't update for a while. I promise that no more hiatus after this one. I hope you enjoyed reading. Don't forget to vote, comment and follow. Enjoy!

Audience: where are the boys and the girls?

Writer: The boys are in my closet and the girls are-

Bex: -Here!!!

Alex: I'm bored.

Zoey: Me too.

Writer: *sighs* Alright. Bye.
8/11/2020