I was still unsure at the whole situation over the next morning. The fact that Riley and Haley hadn't shut up about Chris over the last two days, didn't help my case. When I dropped them off, I enjoyed the silence on the car after their constant chit-chat and exclamations on how awesome he was. They were about to drive me to the edge, especially since I knew I was bound to see him in a few minutes.

What was I going to say? Hi Chris. We should get laid and get it over with?

Good grief.

That still sounds as awful as yesterday.

I parked next to the coffee shop with ten minutes to spare. Hurrying up, I left the car to get a coffee to-go as I thought about today's class assignment. Michael had sent us an email asking us to join him at our classroom. He wanted to explain some technical issues he'd seen arise in our projects. It was going to be a bunch of nonsense to me, anyway. I could never understand all those technical terms.

Either way, I had to go because it was part of our class requirements. It was also a good thing, because since I'd been all worried up with my friend's suggestions, I hadn't come up with an idea for today's project.

The inside of Emerson's College was quite edgy. In truth, I hadn't noticed how big the campus was. I thought it was just one building, but in fact there were several. My eyes roamed around the main hallway, next to the admission's office where I had to ask again where my classroom was. I passed next to various pictures of ex alumni celebrities, like the comedian Josh Lino or makeup entrepreneur Bobbi Brownie. I had no idea they'd been students here. It totally made sense why Chris was already working as a Sci-fi tech, then. He was clearly attending the right university for him.

When I finally found the classroom, after aimlessly wondering around different floors, the class had already started. I pushed the door, trying to shrink in and pass unnoticed, without many luck.

"Glad you could join us, Farah." Michael said right after I crossed through the threshold. He looked as fashionable as always, all dressed in a black suit with a dark color shirt underneath.

"Sorry. I got lost," I grinned sheepishly as he gestured me to take a seat.

On the front row, Caitlin was seated next to Tyrell. Her blond hair was down and framing her face. She smiled at me before I gazed around. The rest of the class was scattered on the last rows. Chris on the very last seat, right on the corner. Which was a good thing, since I didn't want to seat next to him, anyway. I took the free spot next to Caitlin.

Michael continued with his lecture. He was holding a camera and pointing the different buttons it had. He said something about manual and automatic focusing and more about exposure and back light. In my defense, I tried to pay attention for my parent's sake, more than my own. They were paying for the course and I had to learn something.

Grabbing my camera from my backpack, I started to look for the symbols he was referring to. Phew. I'm on the right track!

Finally, he stopped talking and encouraged us to make questions. More than two of my classmates approached him with their camera in their hands. I felt like I had just learned a gazillion things, so I didn't dare come closer to him. I took out my notebook and scribbled down the symbols he'd given us and their meaning in terms on how they could affect my pictures. In my own words, of course. We still had an hour left, so he sent us out there to take our daily pic.

I had no idea what book could work out as my inspiration, so I took my time putting everything away. Just as I was zipping my backpack, my phone bell's chimed at the same time someone else's in the room. I looked up to see Chris behind me, taking out his phone. This sounded like Cassie and Nathan.

What now? Taking a deep breath, I grabbed mine. Sure enough, I had a text from Cassie.

'Movies and dinner tonight? It's our last day in Boston. You have to say yes!'

'I'm on to you', I typed back. A second later, Cassie responded with a smiley face.

Awesome. She is in total cupid-mode.

Chris stopped next to me. "You got the same text?" I glanced at him as I put my phone away. His blue shirt was untucked, giving him a casual look. I swallowed hard. He looks good.

Clearing my throat, I gazed at the door. "Yes."

"I hope you guys don't make me watch chick films," he murmured under his breath.

I smiled slightly, remembering how much he complained about watching chick movies when we were dating. "I like action movies, dude."

His lips curved up amused. "Awesome."

That was Chris' usual easy smile. The one that made my heart flutter every time he directed it at me. Frowning, I turned away. "I'll see you later, then." My cheeks felt warm as I stepped away.

My stupid friends and their stupid ideas made me feel all giddy and nervous around him. Then again, I knew that wasn't entirely true.

I'd been admiring him for what felt like forever now.

Hastily, I walked out of the main building and made my way across the street until I reached the park. Making sure that no one was behind me, I glanced around before taking out my phone. I dialed Cassie's number at the same time I ambled to my car. "You are playing matchmaker, aren't you?" I said as soon as she greeted me, knowing full-well that she was.

"What? No!" Her tone was too innocent to be believable. I rolled my eyes. "I'm not!" she defended herself. We didn't have to look at each other to know what the other was thinking. We knew each other too well. And I was pretty sure she was smiling right now.

"Cass." I said completely discouraged. I knew that no matter what I'd say, she wouldn't change her mind. Or admit it, to begin with.

Her giggle made my shoulders sag. There was a small bench on the hallway and I took a seat, leaning my elbows on my knees. "I never thought I'd say this, but I think Anne's on to something." I pinched the bridge of my nose while closing my eyes. "I mean, you both have unresolved feelings, Farah. And you're bound to see each other. You're my maid of honor and Chris is Nate's best man and you're going to be the Godparents to my future child. I couldn't think of anyone else for that."

Sighing, I shook my head. "You can't really plan that, Cass. A lot of things could happen before you actually get pregnant!"

"Seriously, though. You really have to clear up the air with him Farah."

I bit my lip. "Don't you think that a kiss might complicate things?"

She stayed quiet for a moment. Her voice was softer as she added, "I don't know, but at least you'll know if you still have feelings for each other." My stomach plummeted to the ground. I didn't need to kiss him to know I had feelings for him.

It was pretty evident since I keep drooling at the guy every time I see him.

"This is a crappy idea, Cass," I murmured as I stepped inside Mom's van. If I had free time, I might as well be early to pick up my sisters. Also, I needed to put space between Chris and I.

We talked for a little while before I started the car, Cassie trying to convince me, while I tried not to like the idea much. Not quite successfully, I might add.

Just thinking about what if's made my stomach flutter and my heart race, and it was just that, random thoughts.

After hanging up with her, I drove to my sisters' school. Since I'd been snapping about children's books, I figured there had to be something there. With the camera on hand, I hopped off, observing around me, trying to find inspiration to stop thinking about green-eyed obtuse boys.

Birds were chirping as a children's song played on the background. Sun rays caressed my bear arms as I strolled through the front garden, when I found it.

Through the front windows, I saw a little girl playing with little plush yellow bear. It reminded me of Winnie the Pooh, and I remembered how everything was set in a forest. My mind reeled with ideas of what I could do when I was back in our house. Riley had one in her room, and that worked perfectly.

Smiling, I took a seat on the grass when my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized Chris' number. My pulse was hyped when I slid my finger to the green button on my screen. "Hi?"

"Hi Farah, just wanted to ask you if you wanted to ride with me to meet Nathan and Cassie; we're both going the same way."

Damn it Cassie. This has your name all over it.

"Uhm...thank you but—"

"Does seven sound alright?"

Don't say yes! Don't say yes!

You'll be alone with him again and after thinking about kissing him that's the worst idea ever!

My mouth wasn't connected with my brain, though. "Okay."

What? Why did you say yes? You're going to be alone with him!

"Good, I'll see you later then."

"Wait! A-are you going to take your motorcycle?" I scrunched up my nose.

Freaking awesome.

Chris chuckled. "No, don't worry. I got it covered."

I slapped a palm on my forehead. You can still back out! Say—

"Bye," he added in a normal voice, like it didn't matter, like my stomach wasn't rolling or my heart wasn't about to burst out of my chest.

Clearly, he's not freaking out like me.

Fuck.

I'm absolutely and positively screwed up.

***

The first thing I did when I got home, was sent a text to Cassie. 'I hope you're setting up Anne as well.' She answered with a thumbs up. Great. I rolled my eyes before putting away my phone.

I couldn't be mad at Cassie, though. She was being subtler than how I ever was with Anne. Then again, it made me feel better to know that at least I wasn't going down alone.

Anne was afraid of commitment due to her parent's messy divorce. She never really talked about it, but I knew she couldn't trust men. Her dad had been anything but nice to either one of them and from what I heard, Anne's mom had a habit of changing boyfriends like she changed purses. For a moment, I felt bad for her. If Cassie's incessant match-making made me uncomfortable, I knew that she would have a hard time.

Don't. Anne is a big girl. Plus, I was pretty sure she would be teasing me to no end if she wasn't being set up as well, and Anne, being Anne, had a way of speaking up her mind and not letting be played by others.

Unlike me, apparently.

After taking a few shots with Riley's teddy bear in the garden, I stepped through the kitchen's back door to get something to drink. I heard the TV on in the living room, and with a soda in one hand, I made my way to where the sound was coming from. Mom was on the large sofa, with an iced tea in her hands watching an ER series. My lips tugged up as I plopped down beside her. "Mom, isn't it working in a hospital enough for you?"

She chuckled before glancing at me. Her grin was relaxed, but there were dark circles under her eyes. She'd been working twelve-hour shifts for the last couple of days and she was drained. "We don't have doctors as handsome as those," she murmured as she stared back at the screen.

"You look tired," I trailed softly, glancing at the TV too.

I heard her sigh. "I am."

"Bad day?" I asked before grabbing her hand and squeezing it lightly.

"Not really. I'm just exhausted," she said before yawning.

When the episode finished, we stood up to make dinner as I told her about today's photography project. I was so excited, that I went upstairs to get my laptop and showed her all my pictures. By the time we were scrolling through the aquarium ones, my sisters were behind us, observing the pictures as well. Mom gushed about the last ones, Riley was feeling extremely proud that her bear had been today's subject.

While I placed the laptop in its case, Mom grinned at me. "I'm so glad you're enjoying the class, sweetie."

"I am. Thank you."

She stood up and shoved me playfully with her hip. "See? And you were all freaked out the first day!"

I shook my head before a sheepish smile played on my face. "I wasn't the only one," I raised an eyebrow, remembering how Chris didn't seem to excited to see me there, either.

"Nonsense," Mom patted me lightly on the shoulder with a knowing smile playing on her face.

Gosh. I can only imagine how smug she will be when she finds out that Chris is picking me up for today's dinner.

Haley was also helping out taking out the rest of the ingredients for today's salad from the fridge when I cleared my throat. "What time is it? I should be getting ready for dinner," I trailed as I finished drying the lettuce for the salad.

Mom didn't look at me. She grabbed her phone and slid her finger on the screen. "At what time do you have to leave? It's ten to seven already."

"Shit!" both pair of eyes turned to me.

Haley snickered while Mom looked stern. "No cursing in the house, Farah." She pointed to the small mason jar on the counter next to the sink. A blue label with the sign 'swearing jar' was glued to it.

Groaning, I raised my palm. "Sorry. I'll put in a dime as soon as I'm ready!" I dried my hands in the kitchen towel.

Her blue eyes narrowed. "We put a dollar in it."

I stopped mid-movement. "A dollar? That's such a rip-off!" Haley's giggles echoed through the room. Mom glared at me. I raised a palm in mock surrender. "But of course, it's for a good cause, right?"

"It is. It's called boundaries," Mom murmured slightly amused. She had to press her lips afterward trying really hard not to smile at me.

I left the towel over the counter. "I'm going to hurry the hell up." She raised an eyebrow. I shrugged. "I don't have change. I do have a five-dollar bill, so—"

"That's enough, Farah." Her eyes were stern, and if looks could kill, I'd be dead already.

Suppressing a smile, I walked out of the kitchen. "Please entertain Chris while I get ready!"

I sprinted through the stairs but Mom called after me. I turned to the kitchen's door and both Mom and Hayley were peeking out their heads. "Did you say Chris? As in Chris Lawton?" she asked incredulously.

"The one and only." Mom's smile morphed into a wide smirk. "It was Cassie's doing, Mom." I rolled my eyes. Sheesh. Before she could say anythin

I didn't have time to take a shower, but I did want to look different from the morning. I cringed, scrunching up my nose and closing one eye. I wanted to look pretty because Chris was going to pick me up. Ugh. Talk about being pathetic.

It took me five long minutes to choose from the turquoise shiny blouse to the black v-cut one. I settled for the latter because it seemed more trendy. I paired it up with denim jeans and golden sandals. I couldn't do much with my hair, so I ended up putting it up in a messy bun.

The doorbell rang as I was getting out my makeup bag. I knew Haley was more than thrilled to see Chris, so I didn't rush it. I'd recently seen a make-up tutorial about smoky eyes and I thought this was a good time to go for it. I applied dark eyeshadow and then I diffused it with a smaller brush. It looked like it needed more, but I didn't want to appear needy or something, so I drew a fine black line over my eyelids and called it a night after dabbling some lip gloss on my lips.

Giggles and laughter were heard from downstairs. The sound intensified as I stepped down the stairs, only to find both my sisters and Mom giggling at some joke Chris was saying on the little foyer by the entrance.

I noticed that he had also changed clothes from the morning. The unusual hue of his eyes stood out with the steel gray shirt he had on. He was saying something when he looked up. His green eyes locked with mine for a moment and my heart skipped a beat.

Did I try too hard?

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Biting my lip, I glanced at Mom. My cheeks felt warm already, but Mom's smirk made me blush ten times harder. "Are you ready, love?" she asked at the same time Chris cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"It's okay." He smiled to my sisters who broke in a fist of giggles. I so wanted to roll my eyes at that. Chris had every woman in this house eating from the palm of his hand, without doubt.

"You should go," Mom's urged us out. I swear she was about to shove me into Chris arm's as I stepped down.

"It was nice to see you Sue."

Mom's blue eyes sparkled. "Always lovely to talk to you, Chris." Her eyes slid to me. "I'll trust you'll take care of my girl?" She raised an eyebrow teasing Chris.

His lips tugged up as he took the bait. "Don't I always?"

My heart tightened. This seemed just like the old times, but at the same time it didn't.

He is a master in this whole cold-hot concept.

Somewhat feeling self-conscious and shy, I moved to Mom and kissed her on the cheek. Just as I was pulling away, she whispered by my ear. "You look stunning." A warm feeling ran through me as she smiled at me.

Feeling much more confident, I patted Riley on the head as I passed by her. "Bye munchkin," she groaned and swatted my hands away, making me chuckle. Haley ducked as I tried to do the same and I rolled my eyes at her not-so-angry glare she send my way.

Chris said goodbye to everyone as I grabbed a white jacket from the rack. I really hoped he kept his word and didn't brought his motorcycle. A soft, relieved breath left my lips as I pulled the door open and saw Luke's car parked in front of my house.

It was an old truck. Literally. I think he showcased it as an antiquity in car shows. He took care of it as his most beloved treasure. He wasn't wrong, the car was a beauty. It was a seventies model but it looked brand new, even the red paint glittered under the lamppost. Chris stepped in front of me, walking straight for the car and opening the passenger door for me.

There was a thick silence as I sat inside and he closed the door before walking around to get on the driver's seat. Already, my heart was thumping loudly and erratically.

Cassie...what have you gotten me into?

Thank you for reading me!