The place is full of kids running around and of activities for people to do. There is a large area designated for snacks and drinks, where people seem to mingle and chill, but the rest is just organized chaos. I can't wait to explore everything.

"Did you have a nice trip?" Thomas asks me, leading me to a further area near the lake.

I feel like I've entered some kind of fairy tale zone. There's a tent providing some shade, but we're mostly surrounded by trees and flowers. I see some patio chairs and tables and the coziest loveseat, but he just keeps walking until we stop by the lake.

"Yeah... Wow, this place is just... Really, I have no words to express how amazing it is." I let go of his hand and get near the lake, breathing in the fresh air.

I close my eyes for a moment, just breathing in the clean air, and enjoying the silence and the peace. When I open my eyes again, I see he's studying me with a funny look on his face, so I give him a curious smile.

"I knew you'd love it," he says. "This is my favorite spot here." I feel his presence by my side and now that it's just the two of us, the attraction is just too much.

He looks at me as if I have the answers to all his questions. Like he can't help but stare... And I don't know how to deal with all the emotions it ignites in me. I want to hold him and feel his arms around me. I want to get closer to him as possible. And It's weird because I already miss him even though he's right here in front of me.

"Lisa-"

"Will you show me those puppies you were talking about the other day?" I clear my throat, interrupting him and putting some distance between us. My heart is racing now that it's just the two of us, so it's hard to think straight.

"Sure." He nods and takes a step back after searching my eyes for a second. "This way."

We walk in silence to what seems like an old shed and I frown a little. This place is so well kept, I'd expect them to be somewhere else.

"Here." He unlocks the door and guides me to a flight of stairs in the corner.

There is a cozy nesting box below it and as we get closer, I see a brown Pit Bull with a bunch of puppies sprawled all over her. She's clearly hurt and fragile, and my heart stops for a second when I see how sad her eyes are, how scared she is.

"What happened to her?" I whisper, afraid to startle her.

"Have you ever heard of Dog Fighting?" he asks and I shake my head.

"I heard something in the news some years ago... but never really understood how it worked."

"It's one of the worst forms of animal cruelties." He sits down by her side and pats her head. She closes her eyes as if in pain, and I have to hold the urge to cry.

"Oh..."

"Yeah, it's used as a sick way of entertainment and profit. Her owner was a fucking bastard, and she suffered all kinds of hell in his hand; from starvation and fighting to cruel commercial breeding."

"How can people be so..." I swallow hard and sit by his side. Her eyes open when I approach her, so I offer my hand for her to smell.

"This is what I ask myself every day." He gives me a small smile. "When we got her, she was so scared she'd cry when we pe patted her... She was probably left alone and hurt for so long, she was not used to being around people anymore. So, we brought her here and let her wander around... She found this place safe, so we let her stay here for now," he says, his eyes on her and mine on him.

And now I just can't seem to stop staring. He is looking at her with so much love in his eyes, so much affection. I know he is one of the good guys. The one you're glad to have in your life. The one you hold on tight and never let go.

"You're amazing..." I whisper and he turns to me, his eyes dropping to my mouth for a second before he shakes his head.

"Told you I can't deal with this nice version of you..." He jokes, but his voice is so soft and low, it misses the funny intention.

"Just stating the truth," I smile, saying the words he once told me.

"Nope! Can't deal with it right now." He stands up and offers me a hand, pulling me up. "Let's get out of here and go back to the party."

"You're crazy." I chuckle, shaking my head, and follow him outside.

"There you are!" A beautiful young woman comes rushing in our direction. "Oh hi, sorry!" She blushes when she sees me.

"Hi." I smile back.

"Hey Carol, this is Lisa. Lisa, this is Carol, one of our senior volunteers." Thomas puts his hand on my lower back and I don't miss the way her eyes widen.

"Nice to meet you, Carol." I offer her my hand and she promptly shakes it.

"You too." She clears her throat and focuses on Thomas. "Your mom is looking for you. There is a family here willing to make a big donation, but they want to discuss some things with you first."

"Great! Let's get going then." He holds my hand again, entwining our fingers, and I feel bad when Carol's shoulders drop. I've been in her shoes before. And being on the receiving end of unrequited love sucks.

"Uh... why don't you go see what they want while I check out the place? I saw a sign for a 'Barkery' and I'm dying to see what it's all about. I'm sure you have tons of things to do. We can hang out later," I say because I do feel bad for her.

"You can come with me." He pulls me closer and Carol gets that as her cue to leave.

"I'll see you guys around," she murmurs, before leaving.

"I think someone has a crush on you..." I bump my shoulder into his, motioning with my head to Carol, who is far gone now.

"She's just a friend..." He closes the door of the shed.

"She seems nice." I don't know why I say it.

"Are you trying to set me up?" He raises his eyebrows and I roll my eyes.

"I'm sure you have no problem finding your own dates."

"Right." He scoffs.

"Just saying. She's in love with you." I shrug as we walk back to the main area.

"What the hell, Lisa?" He gasps.

"Can't you really not see it?" I ask and he sighs, his head shaking.

"She asked me out a couple of weeks ago..." He studies me.

"And what did you say?" I try to sound nonchalant, but I feel my heart beating way too fast for my liking while I wait for his answer.

"I said I saw her as a friend," he says, his eyes fixed on mine.

"Ouch." I try to joke, but my voice just sounds weird.

"Yeah... Come on, let's go back." He holds my hand, guiding me back to the event and I don't miss the way his jaw ticks as he seems to process our talk.

I'm not even sure why I mentioned anything. I guess, deep down, I still keep thinking I'll never be good enough.

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A/N: Thanks so much for reading? How are enjoying the story so far?

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- Celeste.