"Thank you!" I chirped, sipping my mocha frappuccino. I hadn't tasted one in a while, and they didn't have a Frapp selling coffee shop in the small town I had moved to. However, Joel had driven me to an adjoining town after school to hang out.

Vivi didn't want to come, stating she needed to plot out the plan. However, by the smirk on her face and the gleam in her eyes, I could call her bluff.

"No problem," Joel answered, sipping on his black coffee.

"It's black, like your heart," I joked.

He rolled his eyes and shoved my shoulder. Then, we continued walking down the sidewalk in silence, the truck forgotten in the parking lot. This town was fairly small as well, so there was plenty to see within walking distance.

I had also noticed that Joel had warmed up lately. He used to be this shy boy who didn't speak much. Now, we were constantly joking around and calling each other out.

"So, what do you think Vivi' gonna do?" I asked, kind of fearing the answer.

He shrugged. "Not sure, but we came here to get away from the drama. Okay, Con?"

I nodded absentmindedly, glancing at the water on my right. You could still see the ocean in this town, and the coffee shop we went to was right along it.

"Connie," Joel said seriously, pausing in his tracks.

I glanced at him curiously, also noticing colors dancing in the sky above his head. The sun had began to set, and roses, peaches, and violets blended in with the soft blue of the sky. Rays of the hues bounced off the clouds, causing me to feel giddy with contentment.

"I don't understand why people want to hurt you so badly," he finally voiced, staring me straight on the eye. "I mean, you're such an amazing person."

I felt a blush creeping up my neck and cast my gaze towards the ground. "Thanks, but I'm really not."

I felt fingers under my chin, dragging my face up so my eyes met his once again. "Yes, you are. You don't see it because for some reason, a lot of people don't. But I do."

"Why? Why do you see something in me? And Vivi, Cleo, and Leo? I'm worthless but you guys act like I'm made of gold."

His eyes held such intensity in that moment that they were more memorizing and intriguing then the sunset. "It's because you are priceless. Everyone is. And don't you dare argue with me because you know what? God says so, so it must be true."

A felt a smile tugging at my lips as my anxiety and worry began to melt away. There, it that moment, I felt safe, cherished, and loved.

Then, before I could fully comprehend what was happening, Joel leaned closer. And closer. And then our lips met in holy matrimony. Just kidding, but you know what I mean.

The kiss was nothing spectacular in the eyes of people who do it all the time, or people looking for sexual stimulation. But, for me, it was perfect. It was tender, full of care, and nothing heated or rushed. Honestly, I'm not sure I could've handled anything of that intensity.

It was also swift. Before I knew it, we were pulling away, both out of breath as though we had run a marathon. I couldn't keep the smile off my lips and I couldn't even say that the air was awkward after that.

"I could go on and on about what's perfect about you, Constance, but right now, I just want to have a good time. No drama, no negativity. Okay?"

I nodded, bold enough to grab his hand. We swung our armsback and forth like little kindergarteners, yet felt no shame. It was one of the best moments of my life to just act like my silly self with someone I cared about. With someone that caused butterflies to rise within my chest.

We took a plethora of pictures. Joel wanted to photograph me in front of every interesting sight we passed. He even made me pose in front of a seagull that he found 'so interesting'. I was never going to let him live that one down, but I heeded his request because, why not?

Of course, I made him pose in front of a teenage couple making out like that weren't in public. Because, I mean, making my stand in front of interesting sights was worth that kind of punishment, right?

Needless to say, we were both running away from a screaming biker-looking dude, both of us laughing like school children.

As the streetlights flickered to life and the sky transferred into night mode, we made one last stop into a gift shop. There were little knick-nacks sitting on every counter and every shelf. There were even some items hanging from the ceiling.

The shop smelt pleasant, almost like a mix of lavender and mint. As Joel and I looked around, I spotted a necklace that caught my attention. It was a cross formed from driftwood, and inscribed on it were the words "just believe".

Joel walked up behind me, gently picked up the necklace, and secured it around my neck. I smiled and twirled in front of a nearby mirror. To me, it was pretty, and it was a message I needed to be reminded of.

"How much for the necklace?" I heard him ask the lady behind the counter.

"It's free," she smiled.

"Oh no, we can't just take it," Joel responded.

The lady smiled. "Something's telling me you need it," she addressed me. "So, go ahead, take it. I'm the owner anyways so there's no one to get angry."

"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed.

The young woman laughed. "It's not a problem. I started making these crafts for people like you."

My smile tripled in size, if that was even possible.

"I really appreciate it!" Joel called out to the lady.

She nodded and we left, both of our faces lit up like Christmas trees.

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Aww, a cute break from all the seriousness. I was feeling motivated and I have been meaning to write them a cute scene so yay, double update!

Feel free to help me edit, guys! Comment, vote, share, and all of that! I haven't reminded you guys in a while but you always do, lol. Well, save silent readers, if I have any. If you are one, please, please, let me know you're here supporting this book!

QOTD: So, thoughts on the cuteness? The kissing couple picture? xD

-Sarah