25. Fireflies and pettals

                  

Ethan's p.o.v

Spring break came really fast and as much as I couldn't wait to go I couldn't help but feel nervous. It was weird, and good. I was panicking but i was glad.

I had a feeling these next few days were going to be interesting.

Jackie's p.o.v

We got on the bus and this time no one argued or stole me away from Ethan. Maybe it got more to do with the fact each had different problem to worry about.

Dom and his boyfriend were sleeping, Taz and the girl Landon invited were talking. When I heard the girl agreed I was surprised, but then again I didn't knew her.

The girl, Tanya was sweet but serious. Kind of down to earth. I kind of understood why Logan liked her. She was sweet enough to agree with Logan but on another hand she was grounded and serious which could keep Logan steady.

I suddenly started rubbing my forehead. I was actually thinking about relationships and other people. I might honestly reconsider accepting the fact I was no longer the same me.

I had different opinions and other things that interested me, but maybe somehow i was narrow minded before. But... I believe that, there are lots of good stuff being the present me.

"Hey, you okay?" Ethan nudged me, seeing I massaged my forehead.

Yap, he was definitely one of those good stuff.

I leaned my head on his shoulder. He instantly intertwined our fingers.

"Im good. Im just worried Tazia will corrupt that girl."

"Dont be so hard on Tazia."

"She's probably encouraging her to act on impulses."

"I think she mostly badmouths Landon."

I suppressed an unexpected giggle.

"By the way, have you noticed something strange lately, between Landon and Tazia. Their physical contact has decreased and even the room becomes tense with those two." Ethan asked.

"Why do you think that is?"

"Because they like each other."

Damn. I forgot how observant and good he was as a detective.

"Maybe we should just ignore them and focus on our own relationship."

"Our relationship is great." Ethan added.

"I agree. I am honestly excited about doing this. I missed having you around in the house and seeing you first thing in the morning and night."

Ethan smiled. "I get what you mean, but i don't think you fully get the meaning of seeing someone first thing in the morning and last thing at night."

I stared blankly.

"Never mind." He put an arm around my shoulder and kissed me while no one was looking.

"I want to share a room with you." He whispered to me.

"But it's girls separately from boys." I added.

"Maybe we can sneak out to other rooms. Remember our coincidental meetings in the middle of the night in your house?"

"Yes."

"They weren't coincidental."

I smiled. I kind of already knew that.

"Well, i guess we can. Or how will i kiss you in front of your grandma and the others." I teased him.

"I got everything planned out. All the places i want you to see and the..."

Ethan explained all about the place we were going to.  It was the first time I actually couldn't focus on what he was saying and everything else about him seemed more important. Like the fact when he smiled there were cute wrinkles and his eyes always have a lazy shine. His eye brows looked groomed. His hair had gotten longer. I wonder if I can run my fingers through it...I tried to snap back of my trance. After he finished i caught his hand barely holding in the words I wanted to say. But this wasn't the place or the time for me to say them. However I wanted, I needed him to know my emotions.

"Im glad it was you. Im glad you were X." I told him squeezing his hand and leaning my head again.

Ethan didnt say anything. But his hand grip said he was glad too. It was a mutual understanding.

When we arrived it turned out we had 20 minutes to walk to the villa. When we finally got to the villa we were all panting and sweating.

"I was first." Tazia's voice echoed.

"No I was first. Logan saw it." Landon yelled back.

"Did someone say something?" Logan finally stopped starring at Tanya.

"Let's go losers." Dom added and opened the gate.

My mouth dropped when I saw the villa. It was breathtaking.

Big white walls, a wonderful garden with flowers and a terrace. My heart skipped a beat.

"I think I am in love." Tazia breathed out.

"Ethan this is..." I was speechless.

"I was wondering when you were going to arrive."

An older woman showed up smiling at us. That was probably Ethan's grandmother.

"Come children sit. Rest."

We all wacked on the terrace and sat on the outdoor table. Ethan's grandmother immediately gave us water and cookies.

"It's warmer here." I told her as i noticed the sun was stronger and the breeze was warm.

"Springs are wonderful here darling. The trees are blooming, in the mornings you can hear churching birds, and the air is nice and fresh."

I smiled happy to hear it was a calm and peaceful place.

"Do you stay here during the winters?" Taz asked.

"No, its too cold so i go to the city."

"I love this place. I feel really peaceful." Tanya smiled.

"Ethan said there was a waterfall here somewhere, can we go see it?" Dom asked.

"Of course you can. He will take you there. Let me show you inside first and then you kids can go where ever you want."

We got inside and i was in awe as before. The house was decorated by some fashion sense and it looked like from a magazine. Yet it had some sort of home vibe. Like the lace and colorful pillows that looked handmade. And the flower vases here and there.

"This house is amazing. I want to live here." Tazia said.

"Ethan's mother gave me few options for a house they wanted to buy me. I loved this one the most." She smiled at Tazia.

"Are these handmade like the pillows?" I asked looking at the vases.

"You got nice eyes darling." She smiled at me. "Yes they are. I painted them myself. An old lady like me has to do something will all of my free time."

"You're not that old grandma." Ethan added.

We walked to our rooms and quickly settled out bags. There was one king size bed. Tazia threw herself on it smiling.

"You are so lucky Jackie."

"Why am I lucky?" I asked confused looking at Tazia.

"Because Ethan is rich. And if you get married you can live in a house like this."

Marriage with Ethan? I instantly erased thinking about it.

"I will find a job that will allow me to buy a house like this."

"Ahhh..I'm so jealous." Tazia smiled and tapped the bed.

"It's really nice. Join me."

Me and Tanya looked at each other and smiled. Instantly we both laid down  laughing.

"Come on girls." Logan yelled from outside.

"Ethan is taking us to the waterfall." We heard Dom yell excited.

"We are coming." I yelled.

"No freaking way. I'm still sweaty."

Considering  Tazia she had to redo the make up too and change clothes.

"Maybe we should tell them to go. I hear it is higher up this trail. So lets tell them to wait for us at the end of the street." Tanya suggested.

"Great idea. Go tell them." Tazia agreed instantly.

After a while Tanya came back and told us they agreed.

Tazia tried to get ready as fast as she could. Ten minutes later we were outside when Ethan's grandma took my hand.

"Would you mind staying behind? I need you to help me with something."

I wanted to bit my lips in disappointment. "Okay."

Tanya and Tazia looked each other.

"You guys go and tell Ethan i have to stay behind. Tell him not to worry and have a great time."

They nodded their heads.

Ethan's p.o.v

I noticed Tazia and Tanya but Jackie was not among them.

"Where is Jackie?" I asked worried.

"She had to stay behind but she said not to worry and to have fun with us."

But I don't want to go without her. Tazia grabbed my elbow and pulled me. "She also added you might try to go back and we are not supposed to let you go ruin the party for everyone. "

I looked at everyone. They all wanted to go. I had no choice.

"Let's go then."

I walked in front of them and led the way.

"I can't believe I get to see you Sulking." Logan added.

"I can't believe you are happy about it." I answered back.

"I never thought you get a girlfriend."

Logan went on and on. I really wasn't in the mood listening to him. Why did Jackie stay behind? Didn't she want to come? Was she feeling sick?

"I mean you only show facial expressions when she calls or we mention her and..."

I turned my head at Logan.

"Tanya just looked over here, go talk to her."

Logan instantly vanished from next to me.

I turned around to see him talking to her and grinning.

And he has the nerve to tease me.

We finally made it to the waterfalls. Everyone gathered around and started doing something. Taz splashed Landon with water and that soon turned into a fight. Dom and Tom were taking pictures while Logan was helping Tanya holding her hand and helping her get on a higher rock.

I sat down on a piece of wood disappointed.

I wish Jackie was here to enjoy herself too.

Jackie's p.o.v

"What did you need me for? Are you feeling well?" I asked her worried

"Oh just call me granny. And I'm alright."

"Granny." I repeated to remember.

"Ah you're so stiff just like that boy of mine. You are his girlfriend right. Ethan's."

Did Ethan tell her? He didn't introduce us properly so how can she know?!

"What's your name?" She asked

"Jackie."

She smiled lead me inside sitting on the couch. She tapped to sit next to her.

I sat down and she handed me a large book.

"Only a trained eye can tell my pillows and vases are handmade. But since you are still young I'm guessing you noticed because of the way they were different from the rest of the decorations and came to that conclusion."

"Yes." I smiled happily.

"The other's didn't. That's why I guessed you were Ethan's girlfriend. Because you instantly noticed my vases and the pillows. That boy would only date someone as smart as him."

I felt so proud when she said I was as smart as the number one detective in the world.

"He hides it well you know." She sighed. "He can connect everything and anything. Every possible scenario will run through his head. He gets every detail, he notices small things. But he hides it because when he was little it caused him nightmares. He.."

I stopped her. "Please don't tell me more."

She looked confused.

"Ethan still hasn't told me anything. I asked him to tell me only when he is ready. Don't say anything without his permission."

She sighed and tapped my hand. "Alright then. If that's what you two had agreed on."

I smiled thankful.

"What is this?" I asked looking at the book.

"Oh.." She looked like se remembered and opened the book.

But it wasn't a book. It was one of those hard cover photo albums.

"These are all of the pictures I have on Ethan. Since his parents are always busy I'm guessing they haven't shown you anything."

My heart jumped from excitement.

"Enjoy." She said and I started looking at the pictures. From time to time she would say when the photo was taken. After some time she gave me tea and told me a story about Ethan as a kid. A story that would come very much in handy.

When I heard voices from outside I knew everyone came back. I didn't even noticed how much time has passed. They entered the house loudly.

"I need to change because of you."

Tazia yelled.

"You? Im covered in mud, you Italian popsicle." Landon argued back.

"Calm down you two." Dom yelled.

"What's going on here?" Ethan asked looking at me and his grandma.

"I asked her to stay behind. My head was hurting so she helped me look for some medicine."

I stayed quiet by the lie she told.

"Let's go." He gave me his hand.

"Where?" I stood up.

"We are going back. I want you to see it."

"But you just came back and .. You must be tired."

"I don't care, come on." He lifted me up.

"Not until you all have lunch." His grandma raised her voice and everything went quiet.

"You kids go change and then I want to see you all in the kitchen."

Everyone nodded their heads and went separately.

After we had lunch his grandma kept us all occupied. I went to the washroom and when I got out Ethan was waiting for me.

"Why are you waiting outside the bathroom pervert?"

"We are going to the waterfall immediately."

"Ethan...we can just go tomorrow."

"Our time here is limited. I don't want to waste a day."

I sighed.

"If we must."

Smiling he pulled me out of the house with the speed of light before anyone had the chance to argue.

We walked for a while until we reached the waterfall. Well, little waterfalls that were all connected.

I couldn't believe how beautiful they were glistening in the sunset. It smelled fresh and wonderful.

"Ethan, it's beautiful." I breathed out in amazement.

I felt his hands wrap around my waist.

"This is how I wanted it to be. I couldn't have any fun today without you."

He inhaled and kissed my neck. Instantly I panicked and moved away.

"Look at the pond, there is a small rainbow over it."

I walked closer to it. Everything was perfect. There was nature around us. It was perfect and quiet. Only the two of us. This was what I was waiting for. I'm going to say it.

I'm going to tell him that i love him.

"Ethan i.."

"Jackie what did my grandma say to you?" He asked looking at me serious.

"She only showed me a picture album." I added.

"Are you honest right now? She didn't say anything? About me?"

"Nothing that she shouldn't have said." I added.

He looked like he was relieved.

"So what else did you two do?"

"Oh you know, exchange stories, talk about how someone who cried when his favorite teddy bear lost his head."

Ethan's eyes widen in shock. "She didn't tell you how that teddy bear lost the head, did she?"

I covered my mouth not to laugh. Ethan went red. "I'm going to kill her. Out of all the stories she could have told."

"I feel special to know this." I laughed and then looked up. It was getting dark.

"Maybe we should go back."

"Not yet. I want to show you something."

I couldn't really tell him I was getting cared now, could I? So I went along.

It really was getting darker by a minute and I was getting scared from the darkness of the woods.

"Hey don't worry, I know they way home even with my eyes closed."

He said without me not having to say anything.

"I still don't get where are we going."

"Almost there." He walked faster making me ran few steps.

"And stop." He stopped middle way.

"From this point on we have to wait like few minutes"

I looked around nervously. Ethan put a lock of my hair behind my ear and then leaned to kiss my forehead.

I was pulled closer and kept tight to his chest.

"You're heart is beating fast. Dont be scared" I closed my eyes as he said that.

He was gently rubbing my back. I instantly felt better and warmer. When Ethan finally pulled away and I opened my eyes it was completely dark.

"And now.."

He lead me few steps until I saw dimmed light.

We came out of the woods and the moon was out shining upon a little bridge. Little fireflies flying around it.

"Fireflies always show up earlier here."

Ethan added. I was in shock. If I can go back to being a kid and ask my mother to read me a story about a magical place this is what that place would look like. I walked closer, reaching the small bridge. Under it ran the water, slowly, carrying blossom petals.

"I can't say anything." I sighed

"I've been dying to bring you here." He said smiling. I smiled back. This was the moment.

"I love you." The words flew out of my mouth.

But it came out twice? Me and Ethan stared at each other. Did we just say it together? In the same time?

Is this coincidence possible? Ethan looked confused as I was.

Unsure I took a step closer and said it again.

"I love you." This time single. Loud and clear.

Ethan came closer his eyes never leaving mine.

"I love you too." He nodded his head. "For a long while."

"Same" I said noticing I unconsciously held in my breath and my knees were weak.

"I thought you would need time to realize. That's why I didn't say anything. I didn't want to put pressure on you and..." Ethan started explaining but i stopped him.

"It was so easy to fall in love with you."

That seemed to catch him off guard.

"I am saying them out loud for the first time now." I told him. "You are the first one to hear these words."

Ethan seemed to be so shocked I wanted to laugh. Didn't he predict any scenario?

He might have misjudged me.

"I'm sorry I am just in shock." He rubbed the back of his neck.

I took a step forward and raised my hand to push the hair off his forehead. He didn't make a move. I wrapped my hands around his neck and rose on my toes to kiss him.

His hands wrapped around my waist. Slowly raised up, his fingers digging into my back.

I knew my pulse was rising but it felt so nice I couldn't stop it.

"I'm so happy." He whispered in my ear breaking the kiss and just standing, hugging me.

"I can't explain how lucky I am to be holding you like this."

His words made my tummy turn again.

"I love you." I said hoping that those words brought him happiness as much as they did to me.

And they probably did because he pulled away and smashed his lips on mine.

That kiss contained so much energy that if he wasn't holding me I was easily going to all of the bridge.

Suddenly his phone rang. He answered unwillingly.

"Yeah?"

"Oh right. We'll be right there grandma."

"Hm?" I looked at him waiting for an answer.

"We need to go back. She said she prepared dinner and bunch of other stuff."

I nodded my head and he took my hand heading back.

Before we entered the house he whispered few words to me making me blush.

I walked inside the house like nothing special happened but I just couldn't cal down on the inside. I completely lost my cool with that person.

ugh i just wanted to write so much more but this is enough for now. I must keep my ideas or the next chapter .. <3 VOTE if you liked the "i love you" scene. I know it wasn't WOAH but i didn't want to exaggerate. It was suppose dot be simple. And sweet.

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