(The next day; Sunday) Benjamin's p.o.v

I put on a red tightish shirt with dark blue jeans, black converse, black snapback and drove to central park with my acoustic Guitar on my back. "hey! over here!" i heard Tyler yell waving his arms towards me with Tino and Julian. i jogged towards them and sat on the bench julian and Tyler were sitting on, Tino was standing throwing rocks at the lake. Tyler had canvas thingy build in front of him. Julian was just laid back relaxing

"Hey guys" i greeted.

"sup!" they all greeted

"why do you have this in front of you?" I asked Tyler seeing some tiny drops of paint on a board on his lap.

"i usually come here and sell my paintings, people ask to paint them and i do it" he explained

"Aren't you rich?"

"its nice to make my own money once in a while" he smiled. understandable. i took out my guitar and placed it on my lap.

"thats beautiful" Tino smiled looking at its light brown color.

"thanks, it was a gift from my brother before he left to New York" i smiled looking down on its shiny wood.

"thats nice" Tyler smiled.

"Hi...um...can i get a painting...?" a girl with dark brown eyes, dark olive skin,and a bright smile asked shyly,she had a hipster/rock style. she looked out our age.

"of course! what would you like?" Tyler asked excited. she looked down shyly.

"um...him...next to the lake..." she barley pointed at Tino looking at the lake. i see where this is going. tyler chuckled

"alright then. let me work my magic" Tyler got up and observed the few where Tino was at and sat back down. "it should be ready in 30 minutes" he explained. she nodded shyly and ran off

"awe, she likes him!" Julian whispered. "looks like we gotta set them up" i laughed. "what are you talking about?" Tino asked walking towards us. we jumped.

"oh hey! Tino! i need you to do me a favor!" Julian grinned. Tino raised his brows

"what?" he asked suspiciously.

"theres a hotdog stand that i love a lot! but i hurt my foot, you didn't notice because i got here before you and was sitting here ever since, anyways, can you please get me one? its on the other the park" he begged.

"the fuck? no! that'll take me a 15 minute walk and back!" Tino complained

"please!!!! i don't care if it gets cold! i owe you one!" he begged more handing him some money. he rolled his eyes snatching the money

"you owe me five! since it almost five blocks away" he walked away pissed.

"awe, he loves me!" Julian touched his cheeks faking

"Thats great julian, but how is Tyler going to paint him and the lake together?" i asked laughing

"don't worry about that! Tyler is gifted. he has a photographic memory" he explained leaning on his knees

"Really?" i asked Tyler. He nodded dipping his paint brush in some blue and white and started to paint. i took off my snapback and placed it on the floor. and strummed on my guitars strings. today was a relaxing day.

After i got like $30 from some giggling girls.i stopped playing and noticed Tyler's backpack was open next to his feet. I took a random thickish sketch book out "can i see this?" i asked. he looked at it and turned back to his almost completed painting nodding. i turned to the first page

There was a old lady sitting on a bench with a poodle. it was awesomely detailed. i turned to many other pages and saw many amazing colorful drawings. i stopped at a picture of a girl i recognized "is this Flora?" i asked looking at Tyler. He looked at the drawing

"yes sir" he admit. i looked back at the drawing. Flora looked younger, she stood in front of a class with a blank expression with her hair in a bun and her bang covering her left eye as usual

"why do you draw her?"

"Jealous?" he laughed raising his brow.

"i don't like her if thats what your thinking. shes the easiest and most interesting to draw. Shes simple unlike the wannabes in school, thats why i draw her" he said putting down his brushes. the painting had Tino and the lake perfectly. i looked at the next page. again, it was Flora, but she was sleeping peacefully. she looked really pretty. i turned again and saw her riding her long board, leaning on a table, she looked tired. Turned again and saw her shake someones hand in eye view, and her rolling her eyes about to walk away.

"Is there a story behind all this?" i asked.

"yes" he rubbed his nose turning back to the first drawing of her. "shes standing in front of class on the second semester. the teacher told her to introduce herself. she didn't talk that year to anyone" he turned the page. to her sleeping face "that one is when she suddenly slept in class, she always pays attention, and one day, all she did was sleep, i had every class with her and thats all she did" he turned the next page to her being tired "thats when she beat up Julian and Joshua" he laughed, i looked at Julian, he was sleeping. Tyler turned to page to her shaking a hand "thats when i first introduced myself to her. she didn't say anything but shake my hand" turned the next page "i asked if she wanted to hang with me and my friends, she rolled her eyes and walked away" he laughed

All these stories were very interesting. but was it true that she didn't talk to anyone for that year? "Thats really something" i said turning to the next page. it was me and Flora sitting in class on my first day of school. i could tell from my outfit and hers. i was smiling while she ignored me "why?" i asked

"cause i can" was his excuse laughing. i turned more pages and saw regular but cool drawings. he was really talented. since Flora is an artist to. i wonder how she draws

A regular paper fell out the sketchbook "oops" i went to get it and looked at it. it was a girl, her hair was messy covering her left eye. her cheeks was stained with tears. and was that blood on her cheeks? she wore a black leather coat, black skirt, black pantyhose, black boots and a dark blue shirt. she looked scary. but also a little familiar. I turned at Tyler "who's this?"

"Oh that? i don't know, it was two years ago when i stayed late here finishing some work i had to finish. that girl walked pass my bench crying. When i tried to talk to her, she gave me death glare, so i backed off. she was scary ass hell" he admit. i glanced at the paper again

"it kinda...looks like Flora..."

"Flora? they look nothing like each other"

"i guess your right, even if Flora was scary too. shes not as scary as this girl"

Tino came back empty handed hitting Julian on the head. causing him to wake up "hey! what gives!?" he yelled.

"there was no hotdog stand around! everything is close on Sunday Dumbass!" he yelled. Julian laughed

"I'm not the dumbass here. you should know everything is close on Sunday. i just needed you to stay away for awhile" he admit. Tino was puzzeled

"why?" Julian pointed behind him. That girl that requested the painting was shyly looking down close to him. Tino turned and stared at the girl, he had a hint of pink appearing on his cheeks . i bumped my elbow on Tyler laughing.

"H-hey..." she greeted still looking down.

"hey...whats your name...?" he asked.

"K-krista..." she stuttered.

"I-I'm Tino...". Julian got inpatient

"for crying out loud! Tino! I told you to leave so Tyler can paint her request! she wanted a painting of you near the lake!" he admit. Krista blushed like crazy covering her cheeks

"i-is that true?" Tino asked looking at her

"sorry...i just thought you were cute and i didn't think i have a chance with you..." She admit. the three of us watched carefully at the blushing couple.

"oh...well...you wanna go out sometime?" He asked nervously, this was rich.

"s-sure..." she took out a piece of paper and wrote on it "h-here..." she gave it to him and walked to Tyler "how much...?". Tyler laughed "don't worry about it. just take it" he handed her the 12x7 frame. she blushed more looking at Tino, who was also blushing like a cherry. "thankyou...bye!" she ran off

"Awwwweee!!!!" we shouted at Tino

"s-shut up!" he stuttered looking away.

"Tino got himself a little girlfriend!" Julian laughed.

"that just leaves the rest of us" Tyler said.

"Julian with someone, Me with someone, Joshua with Savanna, Ivan with someone and Ben with Flora"

"Whoa whoa! i have no chance with flora!" i admit.

"I'm sure you can figure something out" Tino encouraged.

"Doubt it". I really didn't have a chance with her, she shut me out as soon as i went outside.

We stayed in central park till noon, my mom told me to get home while shes got buying groceries. i was on my bike while i saw Flora walking on the side walk. i drove to the side of the street as she entered a alley way. i over heard a conversation.

"what do you want...?" Flora asked sounding scared.

"You look good Flora, its been a whole year since you ran away" a male voice laughed. ran away from where?

"i asked you a fucking question!" she hissed. the man laughed

"come back with us, we need you"

"no you don't! I'll never return to you ass holes! leave me alone!" she shouted furious

"come on Flora-" i heard punching and groaning and more punching. i ran up to her

"flora!" i yelled as i saw her out of breath on her knees as 6 guys were on the ground unconscious. did...she beat all them up?! she looked at me shocked

"what are ...you doing...here?" she said between breaths

"i saw you and wanted to talk to you...but i over heard a conversation and heard punching. i thought you were in trouble so i came to...help" i explained. the men were groaning awake.

"lets go!" she yanked my arm and ran to my bike and we both got on "drive!" she yelled. i turned it on and speeded on

As we drove, she coughed like crazy "you alright?" i asked

"just...Cough cough! Drive!" she struggled to say, coughing. i drove in my drive way. she continued to cough getting off running to the grass. i ran up to her

"whats wrong?! did they do something to you!?" i asked freaking out. she shook holding her chest and neck. this is really scaring me...she said she couldn't stand smoke, maybe this is what she meant. "tell me what to do!" i yelled trying to help her. her gave me her purse and pointed at it to find something. i quickly looked through a brush, pencils, wallet, and notepad when i came across a thick pen. she snatched it from me ,took off the lid revealing a needle and stabbed her leg. what the hell?

She calmed down and hugged me "I'm sorry..." she cried. i slowly hugged her back... then tightened my hug and carried her to my house. i laid her on my couch. her eyes were heavy. i rushed to get her a water bottle. she sat up and struggled to swallow the water. she sighed looking at me "you shouldn't have heard anything..." she told me

"i barely heard anything, just that those guys wanted you back, what did they mean?" i asked. she shook her head. guessing she doesn't want to tell me. i'll respect that...

She looked around as she calmed down. "Is this where you live?" she asked standing up

"are you sure you can stand?" i asked worried.

"yeah, I'm fine" she said.

"so...want a tour then?" i smiled. she rolled her eyes laughing

"whatever".

"well thats the kitchen, heres the living room, theres all the unpacked boxes, and thats the bathroom right over there" i pointed. "the rest is upstairs". We walked upstairs "thats my moms room, bathroom, gym, two extra rooms, and my room" i pointed. she nodded

"can i use your bathroom?" she asked. i nodded

"meet me in my room".

"don't try any funny business bud" she glared. i raised my arms in defense laughing. she entered the bathroom as i entered my room putting down my guitar and sat in my bed reviewing what had happen earlier.

She stayed in the bathroom for 10 minutes "you okay in there?" i asked knocking on the door. i heard sniffles.

"yes" i heard her voice crack as she opened the door. her eyes were red and her face was washed

"don't lie to me" i raised her chin to make her look at me.

"its okay...I'm fine" she weakly smiled. i sighed and walked her to my room. she looked around curiously as i sat down watching her. Shes so cute. "are these your friends?" she asked pointing at a picture of us holding our instruments

"yeah, back in Texas" i admit.

"you were in a band?"

"yeah, you can say we were pretty awesome" i laughed

"sure you are" she said sarcastically and noticed my guitar "you say you were a musician and a song writer, play me something" she laughed handing me my guitar and sitting on the floor. "you want me to sing?"

"sure, why not" she shrugged

Flora's p.o.v

I decided to go out for a walk. crying all night made me irritable. I had bags under my eyes,my eyes were pink,and my face was stained in tears. I went to the restroom and washed my grumpy face. went to my room and did my nerdy look. high bun with my bangs covering my left eye, black button up shirt, shoulder strap bag, jean shorts,glasses, knee high socks, and black boots. can I say that I look tacky or what?

I left home after I fed Rosa. And into the streets of New York City. man, It always shocks me to see all these weird,busy and rude people yelling at each other and on their phones. I could see a homeless guy at the park begging for money. sadly, there was too much traffic for me to go over there and give him a twenty. I went to my favorite cafe and sat down

"Hey Rosa, what would you like today?" a waiter named Jose asked holding a pen and notepad thingy. He was one of the few people I would actually talk to as 'Rosa' my fake name in the streets "you look freaking different today, I almost didn't recognize you" he laughed. yeah, I get that a lot.for every disguise I use, I always look completely different, which was good.

"yeah, I thought I'd wear something comfortable today" I lied.

"alrighy, what would you like today?" he asked

"um...can I get a fruit salad with water?" I said

"skipped breakfast?" he asked

"how you know?"

"i don't know, you look Famished". I laughed awkwardly.

"yeah, I woke up late"

"well be careful, i'll get your order" he walked off.

The door opened making the bell on the side ring. Martin walked in and sat on the chair across from me "well good afternoon" I raised my brow, what the hell was he doing her "I saw you coming in and thought of the chance to tell you what you wanted to hear" he whispered leaning closer to the table

"alright,what are they planning?"i whispered leaning closer so no one would hear.

"basically, they are trying to find you so you can join again. they need your fighting skills. I don't see why those dumb asses can't just leave you alone and teach themselves to fight" he hissed. I rolled my eyes leaning back as Jose came back with my fruit salad, a fork and a bottle of water. I thanked him and he nodded walking away. I took a bite out of some strawberries and grapes

"it surprises me that you always find me and they cant" I said with my mouth full. he chuckled shaking his head

"don't talk with your mouth full, it's unladylike"

"well excuse me, I only grew up with 7 men in one place"

"Touché"

"so what now?" I asked. he sighed

"the guys are at the alley way where the base is located, go over there and talk to them". I nearly choked

"what?! you want me to talk to them!?" I loud whispered

"I know,i know, but just find out what they want. they are not armed and you are not in your usual clothes" he pointed out. I grouched

"fine, whatever, but only because I'm in disguise" I ate my food quickly upset

"good girl, now remember, if they try to touch you in any way, I need you to fight back and run. you are very skilled, so I know you can take them" he leaned back.

"I'm skilled because you took me to learn martial arts when I turned 5" I pointed out.

"and not a regret in sight" he laughed.

After I was done, I went over to the alley way where the base always been. hoping no one sees me, I entered the darkish area between the buildings. where I saw Nicolas, Ruben, Fernando, George, Julio, and Josh leaning against the wall. they finally noticed me "well if it isn't our little run away gang member" Nicolas cackled. they rest grinned creepily. I was terrified

"what do you want...?" I asked nervously.

"you look good flora,its been a whole year since you ran away" he pointed out. I grew impatient

"I asked you a fucking question!".they laughed

"come back with us,we need you"

"no you don't! i'll never return to you ass holes! leave me alone!" I shouted. he grabbed my wrist softly

"come on-" I cut him off by flipping him and knocking him out on the ground. everyone else ran towards me, but I used me feet to kick Julio, Fernando,and josh in the cheeks. making them fall. Ruben and George got punched multiple times in the faces and crotch. they fell knocked out. I was exhausted.

"Flora!" I heard Ben yell behind me. I looked at him shocked, what was he doing here! oh god,i hope he didn't hear too much!

"what are...you doing...here?" I asked between breaths. he explained himself. the guys were beginning to wake up. "let's go!" I ran off yanking on Bens arm. I saw his bike and got on, I didn't care if I was going to inhale chemicals and smoke, I had to get Ben and I away from the gang! "drive!" I yelled. he speeded up passing by many taxis and almost running over people.

I couldn't hold my breath anymore... the chemicals entered my nose, I coughed uncontrollably. it hurts like a bitch, my throat was on fire! "you alright?" Ben asked noticing my actions

"just...cough cough! drive..." I struggled to say trying to hold on between him and his guitar. he drove by this house and I quickly got off to the grass. hoping the oxygen they release will help me.

"What's wrong!? did they do something to you?!" Ben freaked. I couldn't talk, so all I did was shake my head. "tell me what to do!". I took off my bag and gave it to him, hopefully he'll catch on. he looked through my bag and took out my medical shot. I snatched it and quickly stabbed my leg...finally...i could breath... I automatically hugged him crying "I'm sorry..." I didn't know why I apologized,but I had a need to do it. I felt his arms wrap tightly around me. I could stay here all day and feel his tight body against mine... he carried me bridal style inside the house and placed me on the couch. his hold made me sleepy, it was relaxing feeling him by me. He left and gave me water. My throat was still kinda tight to swallow down the water, but it eventually cooled it down.

"You shouldn't have heard anything..." I eventually said

"I barley heard anything, just that those guys wanted you back,what did they mean?" thank god he didn't hear that I was a formal gang member! I'm not explaining anything to him.

I looked around the pretty house, it wasn't as big as mine but it was still nice "is this where you live?" I stood up. he was worried "yeah, I'm fine" I said. he offered a tour and I whatevered him. he points to every area in the room. we walked upstairs. he pointed at everything explained where things was "can I use your bathroom?" I asked he nodded

"meet me in my room" I narrowed my eyes

"don't try any funny business bud" I entered the bathroom and sat on the door looking at my wrist where Nicolas held me. I started to cry. Im not going back...its been a whole year since I seen him and it terrified me... His creepy eyes...his dirty red hair...his cold touch...his scar on his cheek downward... I could still feel his touch on me... I went to the sink and continued to rinse and rinse and rinse! nothing! I saw a razor and grabbed it. as it sat on top of my wrist, I heard Martins voice in my head. "this doesn't solve anything,your just hurting yourself more" he said that the time I wanted to hurt myself because I was alone when I was 12. so I never did it.

I threw the razor across the floor and washed my face...after that, I hugged my knees near the sink bursting out in tears. I heard a knock on the door. "You okay in there?" I heard Ben asked worried. I whipped my tears away

"yes" I lied. I opened the door and looked up and him. He looked worried, I looked down to avoid eye contact. he raised my chin to force me to look at his brown-blue eyes.

"don't lie to me"

"it's okay...I'm fine" I forced a smile. he sighed and walked me over to his room.

It was all neat except his bed. looks like he finally unpacked. I looked around at his pictures. many with him and 4 other people. I stopped at the one of them posing like a punk rock band holding instruments. he looked stupid sticking out his tongue like Miley Cyrus or something. "Are these your friend?" I asked turning at him. he had a warm smile on his face. was he starring at me? "yeah,back in Texas" he admit

"you were in a band?"

"yeah, you can say we were pretty awesome" he bragged.

"sure you are" I rolled my eyes. I looked over at his pretty guitar, I suddenly remembered when he first came to school "you say you were a musician and a song writer,play me something" I said handing him the instrument.

"you want me to sing?" he asked

"sure,why not?"

He observed me for awhile "what are you starting at?" I asked giving him the 'what?' face. he chuckled

"any request?"

"um...i don't know, you choose something" he thought for a moment. and started strumming

"What would I do without your smart mouth?

Drawing me in,and you kicking me out

You've got my head spinning,no kidding,i can't pin you down

What's going on in that beautiful mind

I'm on your magical mystery ride

And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright"

His voice was beautiful...I closed my eyes to continue listening to his sweet and smooth voice

"My heads under water

But I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind"

Wait...was he singing about me?

"Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I loose I'm winning

Cause I give you all__ of me

And you give me all of you,oh"

Awe..was It over already? He sounded so... perfect... I opened my eyes and saw him grinning at me "what?" I asked

"your blushing" he laughed. I held my cheeks and felt their hotness. this is embarrassing!

"I'm not!" I lied.

"then why are you red?"

"I'm not!" I looked away and heard him laugh. I stood up and noticed a box full of stuff. I walked up to it and looked around. hey, I'm nosy and I don't care

I took out a bottle of clear liquid. opened the lid and smelled it "eww! really? 40% alcohol? what is this?" I asked in disgust.

"vodka" he admit putting his guitar on a stand

"why the fuck to you have vodka?"

"I had a drinking problem back then. it's kinda old, I gotta throw it out". why did he have a drinking problem? what went on with him? I looked in the box again

"how did you know it was 40% alcohol if you didn't know what it was?" he asked.

"strong sense of smell" I admit

"really? so if I fart-"

" don't you dare!" I yelled talking out a year book of 2012.

I looked for Benjamin Arena, once I found his picture I bursted out laughing, I laid on the floor holding my stomach "don't hate!" he yelled laughing. I looked back at the picture. he had a orange t- shirt, had zits everywhere, a nappy Afro and it looked like he was breathing out his mouth with braces. he looked horrible!

"what happened?" I laughed

"you know, puberty, joined the band and got these hot abs" he laughed lifting shirt, shit...those abs were tight and strong. my face felt hot

"put your shirt down!" I laughed going back to the box. Cards,coins, a few shirts, men jewelry, and a photo frame. I looked at the picture and felt my heart drop. it was Ben, a woman, and the two guys Nicolas killed. I stood up shocked

"W-who is this...?" I asked not taking my eyes off the picture. The men was hugging the woman while Ben was hugging the boy...the boy who's eyes shouted for help. Ben hovered over my shoulders looking at picture.

"um...thats my family...my mom, dad and brother Anthony...my dad and brother came to New York because Anthony was about to get a r-record deal...and they were m- killed by someone..." his voice cracked. I couldn't believe this... they were his family, I could have helped! but I was too afraid to move... this was his family! the ones that died before my eyes... I bursted out in tears as I landed on my knees dropping the frame, cupping my eyes. I felt Bens hands touch both my shoulders "it's okay...it was...two years ago..." his voice cracked again. I turned to look at him. His face was calm but his tears was falling quickly down his cheeks

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." I cried cupping my eyes again. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry..." I repeated. I felt him gently touch the wrist that was touched my Nicolas. he took my arm away and looked at me with such sorrow. he leaned closer and pressed his lips on mine gently. I didn't react, my tears continue to fall as I closed my eyes to feel his warm and soft lips.

We slowly let go and he placed his forehead on mine. "that was nice..." he smiled. I didn't say anything looking down. he held my cheek. "you don't have to cry, it was two years ago..." he reminded me. my tears continue to fall. he would hate me if he ever find out, that's the last thing I want. to be ,hated. I'm use to the teasing and insults but hating is something I wouldn't be comfortable with.

"I'm sorry..." I repeated as he whipped away my tears with his thumb.

"It's okay" he kissed my nose. I chuckled looking away

"Ben?" a woman called from down stairs."thats my mom, come on" he helped me up and held my hand. his hands were soft and hot. I could've helped Anthony and his dad...but..but I didn't...and Ben will hate me if he found out. I couldn't get over the burning feeling in my chest as he held my hand. I think I'm falling for this boy...hard

Benjamin's p.o.v

I didn't understand why she was crying. when she looked at the picture for the first time, her face went pale, like her world just suddenly became destroyed

I couldn't help myself to kiss her...her lips were so soft, and her tears wouldn't stop falling. I had to know what is going on in that mind of hers...

I took her down to meet my mom after we washed our faces off. "there's a towel right there" I told her pointing at a rag on the hanger. she nodded with her eyes barley open from the water reaching to get it and whipper off the water.

I looked at the floor and noticed my razor near the door. I didn't use it yet. I looked at Flora looking at herself. "why is my razor on the floor?" I asked simply. her face went pale again looking at me

"I-I-i..." she stuttered. I went up and cupped her cheeks.

"did you hurt yourself? is that why you were here for along time...?" she didn't say anything avoiding eye contact "where did you hurt yourself?" I asked looking at her wrist

"I didn't..." She admit moving away. I stared at her. if I say anything else, she might close up again. I sighed

"alright, come on" I took her hand and went down stairs to see mom putting food up.

"Hey sweetie-who's this?" mom asked as she saw Flora and I hold hands

"this is my friend from school,Flora" I admit. she removed her grip from my hand.

"nice to meet you!" Mom smiled reaching her hand to shake Floras. Flora smiled and shook hands.

"hi..." she said shyly,

"I'm about to cook, would you like to eat?" she asked

"uh mom, you always end up burning everything" I pointed out. I could see Flora flinch next to me.

"I can do it this time!" she whined

"Flora can't be near Smoke". her arms dropped disappointed. Flora giggled

"what were you planning on making?" she asked.

"Meatloaf" she smiled confidently.

"Well, i can help you with that" Flora took a bandana from her pocket and put on over her nose "its not very hard, you just have to follow the instructions exactly" she walked to the kitchen and found a cooking book

"my mom has cursed hands" i said seriously. mom narrowed her eyes at me "I'm kidding!...kinda" i laughed.Flora was flipping through pages

"how long do you usually cook it for?" she asked turning to look at us

"i don't know, i leave it till it looks finished" she explained.

"well,meatloaf is something that looks moist. you cant always tell it its ready...it says here to cook it for 45 minutes, may i look in these bags?" she asked looking at the bags of groceries

"yes! yes of course! let me help you!" mom smiled looking at me "i like her" she winked walking towards Flora. i watched them as they took out different foods and putting them together. i could see Flora glance at me from time to time. i couldn't help but think she was cute. I'm glad shes helping my mom, they're getting along and teaching her how to cook without burning down the house.

"When we're done, Benjamin can do the taste test" mom giggled

"why me?" i asked raising my brow

"cause your Benjamin" Flora narrowed her eyes smiling.

"wow really? thats your come back?" i laughed

"Shut up" the two of them fixed the meatloaf and put it in the oven.

"yay! it looks good!" mom cheered as Flora turned the temp.

"don't get too excited, we cant eat it till an hour later" she giggled. mom jaw dropped

"huh?? why??" she whined

"its going to burn you enough to send you to the hospital" Flora joked giggling. mom believed it and backed away from the oven

"mom, you know shes joking right?" i laughed

"oh yeah! of course!" she laughed awkwardly.

The food was ready but we had to wait an hour later "ew.. your gross" Flora said sitting on the couch near me

"I'm just picking my nose" i laughed

"exactly! gross!" She softly punched me. i laughed

"then here!" i moved my finger near her

"don't you dare! I'll put you in a arm lock again!" she threatened. i touched her arm with my finger, and it wasn't the finger i touched my nose with. she screamed and pinned my face down on the couch. all i could do was laugh.

"You guys are so cute, are you dating?" mom asked from across the couch giggling. Flora quickly got off and sat down blushing like a cherry

"no!" "Yes" we said in the same time. she looked at me shocked.

"be quiet! in your dreams!" she said hitting my arm

"then i hope my dreams come to reality" i winked at her.

"I'm going to check on the loaf!" she ran off. cute.

"I haven't seen you this happy in a long time" mom smiled. i sighed leaning on my knees. "she seems nice, she hides her feelings a lot from what i can tell" she turned at Flora cutting up the food "she seems lonely" she pointed out

"i don't know mom...maybe she doesn't like me...she always tries her best to avoid me" i sighed

"maybe shes just shy" she thought. i remember Serena telling me she was shy "just by looking at you two, i can see a wedding coming on" she giggled

"what? what are you talking about mom??" I'm puzzled.

"oh come on!" She raised her voice laughing, I'm sure Flora could hear "you two fight, tease around, make lovey dovy eyes at each other, your practically married already" she laugh

"mom! she can hear you!" i loud whispered. I looked back at Flora. she wasn't looking back at us, just looking at her phone. i walked towards her and hugged her from behind, i love it how she lets me do this.

"Whats up?" i asked.

"gotta go home"

"want a lift?" she nodded simply "mom! I'm going to drop Flora!" i informed mom

"awe...so soon?" she came closer to us and shook her hand "thank you for the cooking Flora" she smiled

"thank you Ms.Arena".

"call me Karina" she smiled

I drove Flora home making sure she had the helmet on properly. i don't want that accident to happen again. we stood in front of her house. she refused to make eye contact with me "is something wrong?" i asked. she shook her head.

"good night" she closed her front door behind her. "what-hey, your just gonna-"

"yes i am, go home..." she said through the door. i wanted to snap, what happened? she was normal in my house, she let me kiss her, she cooked with my mom, but now, shes went back to shutting out. i wanted to punch something. at least i'll see her at school...i hope