Three years ago*

When My parents and I reached Rosedale for our summer vacation at one of Dad's old friend, I was over-joyed as the place looked like heaven. It was Beautiful, serene, quiet, and peaceful. We were greeted by Uncle Sam and Aunty Martha. As we were heading towards the house I heard a splash of water, it had caught my attention. As I turned to look at the place where the sound came from, what I saw took my breath away.

I saw an amazing guy looking right at me, coming out of the pool in his underwear. The sight of him reminded me of some Greek god. He stood tall, dark, handsome, clean-shaven and so very attractive. His V shaped body and bare chest could make girls drool. Well, I almost did and maybe I could have stood transfixed there if I had not caught his blue eyes giving me a curious stare. I rushed into the house, almost tripping on the foot of the gate.

To my annoyance, I heard him laugh as I went inside. I cursed myself for acting like such a fool, but that was the first time I've ever seen a guy almost naked with the appearance of some model out of a playgirl magazine.

We were settled on the sofa and the elders were talking about the weather and about our journey when the Greek god made an appearance. I felt so nervous when our eyes met, I was almost trembling inside. I couldn't understand what was happening to me, but under his glare I felt strange. Brought up in a strict and protective environment with only my parents around me at home and Sarah, the only friend I made in my life, I was not much used in public conversations, especially with males. Not that I was deprived of male attention, I had my share of attention from them at school, but I was always with Sarah and we never needed anyone else. We were Best Friends. And how I wished she was here with me right now...

David and I were introduced. I tried my best to avoid eye contact but when he gave me his hand to shake my eyes ultimately flew open, looking at him as shyness and nervousness crept inside my entire body. He smiled as he said, "Hi, my name is David."

It made my knees wobble.

I heard my mom whispering beside me to shake hands with him, I followed her instructions and blushed as our hands clasped and he smiled again. "Nice to meet you, I'm Emily Walters."

I thanked all those who had blessed me my entire life because they were there the moment I needed them the most. Like when I'd fall on the ground or babble something stupid or act in the most insane way possible and make more of a fool of myself In front of him.

It was our third day at Rosedale. I was loving everything about my vacation, the place, uncle and aunt's pampering ways but my most memorable moments were spend with David. He didn't realized I was crushing on him. He was friendly, helpful, Open and A good conversationalist. We used to talk for hours about random things. We were beginning to know each other and that made my heart do a ballet.

Aunt and Mom left for the kitchen and Dad got busy with uncle discussing work and other important issues, sitting on the porch. I was left alone with David. He sat beside me and that made my insides shiver with excitement and nervousness and I kept praying that my reactions were not too obvious or I would die of shame. I drew a steady breath as we talked. He talked to me about studies, hobbies, likes and dislikes, about sports, movies and music, to which I replied smartly but all the time my inner self was aware of his presence and his nearness sending strange thoughts and arousing silly feelings in my heart. This was my first experience with a guy... A guy I was feeling so attracted to. His looks. The way he talked, the way he looked at me and the way he was smiling was charming my heart to the level of craziness and I had no control over me to put a stop or it... Nor I would have had, even if I had. I was busy with my thoughts when he hit me with his next question.

"What are your interests?” David asked curiously as we were discussing about schools and free times. He asked a very normal question, but I paled as if he could see right through me and see I was beginning to crush on him. My heart wanted to scream and say "You." But I didn't said that of course.

"Music. I love to listen to music, a lot"

His lips twisted in a sardonic smile as if considering something and then he asked, "Do you sing?"

"Yes, and I play guitar as well", I said confidently and in a proud voice, hoping it impressed him.

He looked impressed from what I could gather from his expressions. "So you have to sing someday and show me your talent", he said in a friendly way.

I flushed at the thought of singing In front of him; I didn't know what to say, wondering if I can even open my mouth. Mom was coming out of the kitchen with Aunt Martha, putting dishes on the table for lunch. She heard our conversation and proudly said, "She is a good singer, I'm sure you will enjoy her song when you will listen." I looked at my mom with a shocked expression, she promised on my behalf.

I couldn't do or say a thing more and just gave a helpless shy smile at him as we rose from the sofa and made our way to the table for lunch, when Aunt Martha called for us.

In the evening, we set out on the lawn to have evening tea and snacks outside. After lunch, we had retired to the room given to us and we had a little nap as we were tired from the journey. I couldn't actually sleep since I was thinking of him but the. Sometime later, my eyes fell off to a dream and I saw him. I woke up when my mom woke me up a while ago and I sat up straight wondering where I was and thinking if everything was a dream and I met some angel in my dream but when reality hit me, I thanked God for making this my reality. By now, I knew David had some impact on me and I've already developed a crush on him. I told myself to be sane about it, to be myself and not act silly for the last thing I wanted was him thinking I was some lovesick teenager who couldn't keep her eyes off him. I bet he has seen many of those types. He is that kind of guy.

David asked me if I wanted to have a stroll with him around the lawn and he can show me the garden and their cottage. I jumped at the chance of being alone with him, making sure I didn't make it obvious to him though.

We talked and walked around the lawn for an hour. He showed me around their cottage and garden as we discussed our interests. Luckily, we had a lot of things in common, but what connected us the most was our liking towards books, music and nature. We almost liked all the same things, though I didn't share his interest in reading horror things.

"Mystery and thrillers are fine. Horror is creepy", I said, making a face to which he laughed.

"You are such a kid, Emily", He said to tease me, but he said it so lovingly that I couldn't help but drool at him and his words. Though I did make a face at him and challenging, told him, "I'm not a kid, I'm 16"

"That's very much a kids age' he teased. I lost the fun of this conversation. I didn't want him to take me as a kid. I was annoyed and my temper was beginning you rise as he kept teasing me about it. When he saw my expressions changed, he stopped and apologized, calming down my temper with his gestures and smiles.

This guy was having some hold on me, for I never knew my temper to die out so easily; I looked at him with adoring eyes, wondering if it's okay to ask the only question I had been dying to ask him since afternoon - "Does he have a girlfriend?"

I wanted to ask him, but I couldn't. It wouldn't be a big thing considering he asked me so many questions, but somehow I knew it wouldn't be appropriate. I was taking immense care to make sure he doesn't feel like I'm baffled over by his looks, even though it's the truth/half-truth. I am not that sort of girl who just goes for looks. I still had to know him as a person he is.

Later, at the Dinner table, He laughed at me when he found out the reason I hate horror from my mom. Well, that's because it scares me. I get scared too easily.

"Seriously, Emily. I will get you to watch 'The Diary of Emily Rose' tonight." He teased. Everyone laughed and I pulled a face at my mom, saying a sarcastic thank you to her for ruining my image in front of my first crush.

Elders got busy with their conversation and I went to my room to talk to Sarah. He was watching TV. He looked at me as I stood up and walked away. I didn't know why, but suddenly we both were quiet and silence fell into the room as our parents got busy amongst themselves, leaving us alone, again. I waited for him to say something, but he didn't and I was feeling awkward in starting a conversation so I decided I call Sarah. I was dying to share everything with her anyway.

"Seriously, Emily. I cannot believe you actually liked some guy" Sarah exclaimed excitedly.

"If you had seen him, you had liked him too", I gushed happily

"I'm sure he is everything you described him as" She said cheekily, making me blush at the way I explained him to her. She continued saying, "So don't kill time uselessly by being quiet, make the most out of your vacation and get to know him"

"Yeah", was all I could say because I was not sure what should I do.

"What you're thinking?" Sarah asked, sending my doubts.

"Do you think he will like me?" I really was not sure. I was too busy considering my feelings, I didn't once thought or checked what he might feel, or if he liked me or not.

"Of course, he does, silly. He has been spending an entire day with you, talking and discussing things about you" She explained.

"Yes, but that's because I'm his guest and he has to be civil and friendly" I reasoned.

"C'mon, that doesn't mean he has to spend every hour with you as he had. Trust me, he liked you too. Guys don't waste a minute over girls who does not interests them in any way"

"How do you know that? You're as inexperienced as me in this." I said, feeling confused. I really didn't wanted to keep high hopes.

"So what, but. I do have an observing eye. I have seen in real life, in movies and read in books. Guys invests time only in those girls who they really like or they have a lot of choices"

"Speaking of choices, I do not know of he is single"

"Then ask him" She suggested.

"I'm feeling strange"

"Why?"

"Do you think Mom and Dad would approve of this?" I was worried.

"Don't act like ghosts before death, Emily. It's your chance at love. Take it or Reject it, but, remember you don't have much time to mull over doubts so be wise and do what is right for you"

"Okay. Okay, I'll try to ask him", I agreed. She was right. My vacation wouldn't last forever. We are here only for a fortnight and the clock is ticking away.

We laughed and chirped over our romantic beliefs for a while and I chuckled at every suggestions Sarah gave me to try and find out what he feel for me. They were all silly, even she knew, they would go help at all we both knew, but we had a good laugh discussing it. Suddenly, I felt someone standing beside me and when I turned I saw David standing at the gate, looking at me with shocked eyes. My laughter died as I said bye to Sarah and disconnected the call. I knew he had overheard our conversation... at least parts of it. His expression told me he didn't like it and my hopes died even before I could nurture them.

He walked away towards his too, and I was left staring at the gate with tears falling from my eyes, thinking he must have thought that I'm some sort of cheeky and cheap girl but feeling angry inside at him for judging me without knowing me.