Slightly Edited (seriously what else is new?) 

Song above is...Malibu Nights by LANY (This song is so freaking good!) 

Happy Reading! :)

The moment Alex pulled up to the bookstore five minutes before 3 my nerves skyrocketed. Why? Because I was about to spend the afternoon with Alex and his little sister. This would be the first time we've spend an extended period alone together. I just knew I was bound to do something stupid.

We were now heading towards the elementary school. Alex was quiet the entire time, leaving me to my own thoughts. I wasn't sure why I was so nervous to meet his little sister. It probably didn't help that Olivia made a big deal about me meeting his sister. It made me wonder what the big deal was.

"Warning you beforehand. It is about to get crazy." He warned as he parked.

"Oh come on they can't be that bad." I rolled my eyes at his exaggeration, getting out of his car. "Its just a few kids."

The two of us walked through the parking lot towards the building. I looked around as memories hit me full force. I hadn't been back to the elementary school in years. It all still looked the same too.

All around us little kids ran towards their parents, walked with their friends towards the bus's. I was to busy looking around that I didn't notice Alex stopped until I ran right into his hard back. I stumbled back a few steps and rubbed my chin. Damn it was like hitting a brick wall.

"Are you always so clumsy?" He questioned, looking over his shoulder at me. Not wanting to embarrass myself anymore I said nothing and came to stand beside him. Standing next to his 6'2 frame I felt like one of the little kids walking around us.

"Alex!" A little voice yelled, gaining my attention. I watched as a little girl ran across the pavement before jumping towards Alex. Alex easily caught the little girl, not even stumbling back from the momentum.

"Hi!" The little girl chirped, a wide toothless mile upon her face.

"Hi little nugget." Alex grinned back.

The little girl was beyond beautiful. She had dark hair like her brother but it was cut into a cute little bob. Her face had that cute baby chubbiness that would make anyone want to pinch them. When she turned to look at me I found a similar pair of grey eyes staring right back at me.

It was a little unnerving seeing how similar her and Alex looked. Whoever their parents are sure know how to make gorgeous babies.

"Are you Alex's girlfriend?" She asked suddenly, looking me up and down. I blushed at her words and quickly shook my head.

"N-no." The 6 year old didn't seem to believe though.

"Nugget this is my friend Riley. Riley this is my little sister Harper." Alex introduced us, turning to face me.

"Nice to meet you." Harper said in her cute little voice. My eyebrows raised at how polite she was.

"Nice to meet you too." I smiled.

"Is it okay if she hangs out with us today?" He asked his little sister.

"Um...do you like barbies?" She asked, her face completely serious

"I love barbies."

"Do you like ice cream?"

"Who doesn't love ice cream."

"Do you like pillow castles?" I tried to fight a smile at the way she spoke, looking so serious. Alex stood there smiling at his sister as she questioned me.

"Only way I'll hang out with someone."

Harper continued on staring at me for a good minute before a huge grin broke out on her face.

"I like you." I was pretty sure that was the biggest compliment I could get from a 6 year old.

"Where are your friends nugget?"

"Over there!" She wiggled in his arms until he put her down. Seconds after her feet touched the ground she was running in the direction her friends were. I stared after with a smile. She was beyond adorable.

"She looks just like you." I commented.

"Yeah she does." I stole a look at him and found him watching his sister with a soft expression on his face. The love for his little sister clear as day on his face.

Harper worked her way back to us, two other little girls in tow. My heart grew when I noticed they were all holding hands.

"You girls ready?" All three nodded, wide grins on their faces. Ah to be 6 again.

We all made our way to Alex's car, the little girls talking animately to one another. When we got to the car I had no clue what to do so I stood there watching as Alex expertly put all three girls in the backseat, buckling them up and placing their backpacks on the floor.

He was done in a matter of seconds which was very impressive.

"You coming?" He asked, drawing my attention back to him. With a nod I slid into the passenger seat. As soon as my door was closed I was suddenly being questioned.

"What's your name?"

"What grade are you in?"

"Are Harper's brothers girlfriend?"

The last one was asked by the little girl with bright red hair, who's name I learned was Rina. Turning in my seat I found her pale green eyes narrowed at me. I was slightly taken back by the little girls heated glare.

"Am I his girlfriend?" I repeated not sure I heard her quite right.

"Yes."

"Uh no I'm not." At my words her glare softened and she nodded.

"Good." She looked away from me to the window. I grinned as I realized Rina had a little crush on Alex. From the corner of my eye I looked at Alex but he was focused on the road. Of course even little girls have crushes on the guy sitting beside me.

"You're very pretty." The other little girl, Layla, said. Her big blue eyes staring at me and making me melt. Her blonde hair was done in two pig tails at the side of her head making her look even cuter.

"You are very pretty." I said making her smile widely at me, showing off a few missing teeth.

I found it very cute how the three of them were so different. Three different hair colors, eye colors, and already I could tell they had different personalities.

Once they started amongst themselves again I turned back to face the front. I noticed we were driving in the direction of my house making me look at Alex in confusion.

We drove until we were two streets away from my house. Alex pulled into the driveway of a cute house that looked similar to mine. I had absolutely no clue he lived this close to me. My house was literally less than a mile away.

As soon as the car was parked Harper flung open the door and ran out, Rina and Layla following after. All three ran right into the open garage and through the door leading into the house.

I laughed under my breath at how eager they were as I grabbed my stuff. I met Alex around the front of the car, his hands full of the girls backpacks.

"Look at you being the pack mule." I teased. He looked kind of ridiculous holding three bright pink, purple, and yellow backpacks. They each had different colored unicorns on the back.

"Only these muscles can handle the weight." Alex purposely flexed his biceps as he lifted two backpacks in one hand.

"I don't see anything."

"How about now?" He flexed harder making me resist an eye roll.

"Nope. Still flat as a pancake." At the appalled look on his face I laughed and walked through the door into the house. Seeing that I was in the laundry room I stepped to the side to let Alex in, seeing that I had no clue where to go.

"I'll get you back for that." He ask, sliding past me.

"I'm so scared."

"You should be." I didn't see the glint in his eyes as he moved deeper in the house.

I followed behind him, taking in the house. The walls we passed held beautiful paintings, I found myself almost reaching out to touch them. Coming into the living room my eyes widened slightly. Alex's house was so beautifully decorated. The layout was similar to mine but it couldn't have looked more different.

Everything just blended in so well with each other. A beautiful dark wood entrainment center matched the dark leather furniture. It all felt so homey and it instantly made me want to stay. Whoever decorated their house was amazing.

"Girls come get a snack!" Alex yelled making me notice he wasn't beside me anymore. Following his voice I walked through a doorway that lead to the kitchen. I barely made it through the door before three pairs of feet came barreling into the room.

Leaning my shoulder against the wall I watched as the girls climbed into three chairs at the table, patiently waiting for a snack.

Nothing could prepare me for the sight of Alex moving around the kitchen so confidently. He grabbed three pre-made sandwiches from the fridge, alongside containers that were filled with something I couldn't see, and finally three juice packets. Alex somehow managed to carry all of that over to the table and set one of each in front of the girls.

There were no words to describe how shocked I was. Here is the so called 'bad boy' who made three cute little girls PB&'J's, along with celery and peanut butter and juice. No one our age, even me, would know to give little kids snacks like that. His mom must have told him what to do and made the stuff beforehand.

"I want all of those gone before you go back to play." Alex said sternly. They mumbled as they bit into their half sandwiches.

"Do you like celery and peanut butter?" Alex asked, turning to me.

"Uh yeah?" He placed another container on the counter and gestured for me to take it.

"I'm fine, really."

"You didn't eat lunch." My eyes slightly widened at the fact that he noticed that. "Eat."

Sending him a small smile I moved to grab the container and took a seat next to Layla, who sat there happily munching on her celery sticks.

"So how was school?" Alex asked, sitting across from me next to Harper.

"We got bugs today!" Harper yelled enthusiastically.

"Oh yeah?" Alex's eyebrows raised.

"Mrs. Lynn gave us little worms that we will take care of." She explained.

"They are so cool."

"They are gross." Layla and Rina said at the same time. I looked over at Rina who's face was scrunched up at the thought of bugs.

"That sounds really cool." I added in, earning a wide smile from Harper and Layla.

"Then we can bring it home."

"We'll have to think of a name then." When Alex smiled at his sister I felt my heart melt a little bit. It was an actual smile to, not a smirk like he always has.

Our eyes met for a brief second before I looked down and ate my celery sticks. We spent the next five minutes listening to the girls talk until they finished their snack. Right before the girls got out of their seats Alex stopped them.

"Homework?" Harper shook her head and went to move but he stopped her again. "Harp?" His tone firm.

"No." Alex looked over at Layla and Rina who both nodded. Satisfied with their answer he nodded.

"Okay go play. Riley and I have some homework to finish then we'll do something together."

"Yay!" All three girls squealed before jumping off their chairs and racing out of the room.

I laughed under my breath as they ran out. Oh how I wished I was 6 again. To not have to worry about things and get excited over the littlest things.

"Their really cute with you." I said suddenly, making Alex pause slightly while cleaning up the mess on the table. He didn't say anything and continued on moving around the kitchen.

"You kind of remind me of my brother actually."

"You find your brother hot, freckles?"

"Ew no! Not like that." The thought of thinking my brother as hot made me want to throw up. My brother, Trent was anything but cute. He was the guy who always put me in headlocks, gave me wedgies, and who farted all the damn time. So no, Trent was not cute.

"My brother use to act that same way with me, when we were younger. Always making me sandwiches and making sure I did my homework." I smiled at the memory. The two of us were in-separate-able.

Trent was the best big brother anyone could ask for. While he did take on the father role, with making sure I ate and did my homework, he always knew when to have fun. Countless times we had water fights in the backyard and played video games. He taught me about cars, how to play football and soccer.

I use to hate how protective he'd be about me. If a guy so much as looked in my direction he was there, threatening the poor kid to never look at me again. When someone made me cry in middle school he punched the guy and then took me to get ice cream.

Now though I would kill to have his protective ass here. 2 years of him being gone has been hard. He was my brother but also my best friend, and when he left it was like I was left all alone. My parents never coming home never helped either.

"Why did he enlist?" Alex asked, looking at me from across the counter.

"I asked him that the day after he told me he enlisted. He said 'I want to help my country and others if I can.'. I didn't believe him though until he got the call that he was expected at boot camp that next week."

"Were your parents supportive?"

"Hell no." I laughed shaking my head. I can still remember the look on my parents face when my brother told them. "My parents expected he would go to Harvard or somewhere like that and get a degree in medicine. You know, keep the family legacy going." I rolled my eyes.

"They weren't happy that he wanted to play soccer professionally for a while there either. But when my brother told them he enlisted they blew a gasket. They came around eventually but I think they still resent he never went to school."

"It takes a special person to go into the Marines."

"Yeah. When Trent puts his mind to something though he won't stop until he gets it." I sighed softly, my mood dropping at the thought of my brother. I hadn't heard from him in ages and who knew where he was right now.

"Wait, Trent Carson? Trent is your brother?" He suddenly asked.

"Uh yeah..."

"Wow I didn't put it together until now. Your brother is an amazing soccer player."

"You know my brother?"

"Everyone at school knows your brother, freckles. He lead the soccer team to four years of state championships!" I grinned at the way he spoke about my brother playing soccer. He was an amazing player. He was the first freshman to be let on the varsity soccer team and for four year straight they won the state championship game. Trent even got a scholarship to play at a school after graduation.

"Yeah he was really good."

"Can't believe I didn't put two and two together." Alex mumbled under his breath, making me duck my head so he wouldn't see me smile. "Anyways, ready to finish being my model." He said after a moment.

"Sure. Uh what about this?" I lifted up my empty container, having devoured the celery sticks.

"Just leave it, I'll get it later." He waved me off, moving around the kitchen counter towards the door leading back to the living room.

"Sit anywhere."

"Are you almost done with it?" I asked, moving to sit gingerly down on his couch.

"Yeah." He supplied nothing else as he grabbed his backpack. While he got his things I looked around the living room a bit more. I noticed quite a few pictures hanging by the entertainment center. From here I could make out it was a family portrait. I badly wanted to get up and have a closer look at it but I didn't want to go snooping.

Alex took a seat across from me before getting to work. We sat there in silence, the only sound was the scratching of his pencil against paper. I didn't bother posing since I was pretty sure he was almost done so instead I just sat there watching him.

He was once again biting the corner of his lip as he concentrated. Staring at him like a total creep I decided to speak to make it less awkward.

"So uh...any plans after graduation?" I didn't miss the way his hand stilled and gripped the pencil tighter before he quickly released it.

"I"m undecided. You?"

"Same." I replied softly.

"Not going into medicine?"

"As much as my parents would love that, no. I can't stand the sight of blood or needles." A shiver went down my spine as I spoke. Even just the mention of that was enough to make my knees weak.

"But your parents are doctors." Alex glanced up a small smile playing at the edges of his lips.

"Its not passed down through gene's dorkus." I rolled my eyes.

"Did you just call me a dorkus?"

"Yes I did." I lifted my chin as I stared back at him.

"Thats not even a word."

"Yes it is."

"Then give it to me in a sentence." Alex asked, leaning forward.

"Okay fine. 'Alex is a dorkus'." At the unamused look on his face I found myself laughing at my own joke.

"You done?" He asked as I tried to calm myself down. I nodded but one glance at him I started laughing again. It was definitely not as funny as I was making it out to be but now I couldn't stop the laughter.

"Sorry now I'm done." I hiccuped, finally calming down. I wiped my eyes as I caught my breath. "That was funny though."

"Yeah you are a hoot." He deadpanned.

"You're just jealous you didn't think of it as fast as I did." Alex shook his head and looked back down at his sketchbook. I smiled in triumph, leaning back in the couch. Its not often I have a good comeback.

Five more minutes passed before Alex announced he was done.

"Let me see." I put my hand out for him to pass it over.

"Not until I see mine." I narrowed my eyes at him only making him smirk. "Tit for tat."

I was beyond curious to see how well he drew me but I didn't want him to see mine. It wasn't the greatest and I bet he would just make fun of it. He sat there unwavering as I debated in my head. I knew from the other day he was severely stubborn.

"Fine." I conceded, my curiosity getting the best of me. Getting up I grabbed my bag I put by the door. Pulling the sketch from the little folder I had it in I held it to my chest. Once again taking a seat across of him I gave him a look. "Don't you dare make fun of it."

"I won't...unless its horrible."

"Alex." I warned.

"I won't. I promise freckles." Hesitating for a second finally held the picture out. He handed me his at the same time. The moment I saw his sketch of me I stopped worrying about mine.

I had fully expected Alex to draw me as a stick figure but he once again surprised me. This was nothing like a stick figure. Instead of sketching me in the pose with my chin in my hands, Alex captured me with one hand up by my lip staring straight ahead.

The one little detail I couldn't tear my eyes away from was the light dusting of freckles along my nose. It wasn't until Alex pointed them out to me did I finally notice. 

(I couldn't find a good picture to show off Riley's drawing of Alex so you'll just have to use your imaginations :D )

"Alex this is really good." I finally breathed out, not able to tear my eyes away from it. I had absolutely no clue he knew how to draw, and to draw this well!

He still had yet to say a word which made me tear my eyes away from the picture of me. He sat there staring down at the sketch I did of him, not having moved an inch. His face was blank not giving me any clue to what he was thinking.

The longer he stared at it the more nervous I got. After what felt like an eternity, probably only been a minute, I reached forward ready to rip it out of his hands.

"Okay its horrible, I get it. Give it back." My hand was inches from grabbing it when Alex moved it away. "You said you wouldn't make fun to it!" I whined when he moved it away from my hand again.

"Freckles." When he finally spoke I ducked my head down, knowing he was going to make fun it of. "Riley." A hand on my leg make me jerk and look up. My eyes widened as I felt Alex's hand on my thigh. Immediately my mind flashed back to a memory I've tried to ignore. Although the sound of my name being called again and the pressure of his hand being gone I came back before the memory could take me under.

"This is really, really good."

"It is?" I asked, my voice soft. He nodded.

"You drew me like a french girl." I laughed under my breath and looking at him under my lashes.

"Thank you."

Our little moment was ruined by a loud high pitch yell.

"ALI!" Seconds later three pairs of feet came barreling into the living room. "Can we make a pillow castle and watch a movie?" Harper pleaded. Layla and Rina stood beside her giving Alex puppy dog eyes.

I smirked as Alex's expression softened and he nodded. He was putty under her hands.

"You know the drill."

All three girls erupted into cheers and took off in different directions. I sat there confused as I watched them move around the living room. All of them seemed to know exactly what to do.

"Help me with the couch."

"Whats going on?" I was still holding onto the sketch up me as I looked up at him.

"If you want to participate than you need to help freckles."

"And if I don't want to help?" I raised an eyebrow, leaning back again in the couch. I was surprised at my tone. I sounded very...flirty. Alex didn't say a word though. Instead he moved around to the side of the couch I was on.

With a deep smirk he easily lifted the end of the couch, sending me further back in the couch with a yelp. I gripped the arm of the couch as Alex tilted it back further.

"Alex!"

"What? Just moving the couch." He answered, jerking the side of the couch forward. I should have been more prepared as my body lurched forward, almost falling off the couch.

"You made your point." I grumbled. Before he could throw me around some more I hopped off the couch and moved around to the other side. "You're a jerk you know that?" I lifted my end of the couch, slightly surprised at how heavy it was.

My eyes moved on their own and landed on Alex's arms, which were flexed. The sleeves of his shirt were tight making his biceps look even bigger. Alex let out a cough and smirked even more at having caught me staring at his arms.

"Don't say a word." I muttered, ignoring the look he was sending me. We shuffled to the right a few inches until the couch was out of the way. As soon as we sat it down Harper came hobbling into the living room, the little 6 year old almost falling over with how many blankets she was holding.

Shortly behind her came Rina and Layla carrying more blankets and some pillows. They have clearly done this before. Once they put the blankets and pillows down Alex clapped his hands.

"Lets get started." Realizing I was just standing there watching them work I moved towards Harper to help her out.

When she struggled to throw a big blanket over a chair Alex brought in I reached for the blanket.

"Need some help?" Her beautiful grey eyes gazed up at me, and I was once again struck with how similar she looked to Alex. With a nod towards me I draped the heavy blanket along the back of the chair and the other, making a small tent already.

"Do you guys make forts all the time?" I asked, crouching down beside her to help move blankets and pillows around.

"Yep! All the time!" She beamed. "And..." Harper gestured for me to get in closer to her. "We even sleep out here sometimes." She whispered.

"Really?" I widened my eyes as she nodded.

"Sometimes Ali lets me eat ice cream for dinner." She whispered dramatically. My grin widened at the nickname she had for Alex. I know without a doubt he wouldn't let anyone but his sister call him that.

"No way. Ice cream for dinner? Lucky!"

"Don't worry I'll put in a good word for you." Harper patted my shoulder, still whispering. My smile only widened, already in love with her.

I continued on helping Harper, and by helping I mean doing whatever she told me to do. For a 6 year old she was actually kind of bossy. Wonder who she got it from? I thought sarcastically. Every time I glanced up I found Alex either helping Rina and Layla, or looking directly at me. And each time I would quickly look away, my cheeks turning pink.

About fifteen minutes later we all stepped back, admiring our newly made fort. It actually looked pretty cool. With the help of the couch, the big chair, a few kitchen chairs, and even the entertainment center the fort took up basically the entire living room.

The blankets were a mix of disney princess ones and older looking blankets that looked well used. It was definitely big enough to fit all five of us. A tugging at my hand drew my attention away to find Harper tugging me towards the entrance of the fort.

Getting down on my knees I moved the 'front door' of the fort out of the way and crawled inside. The inside surprised me more. I was too busy helping the outside to have looked at what Alex, Rina and Layla were doing inside.

Because we used the entertainment center to hold blankets up we would be able to watch tv in the comfort of the fort. A huge thick duvet was used as a mattress and tons of pillows were thrown around. I spotted a few body pillows lined against the foot of the couch to lean against, as well as many disney princess pillows. It was just tall enough where the girls could stand up but if Alex and I did, it would topple over.

With all the layers of blankets on top the inside of the fort was pretty dark but the light from the tv lit it all up perfectly.

I crawled further in as Layla, Rina, and Alex crawled inside.

"I don't think Riley's seen a fort as cool as ours." Alex teased, watching me look around in amazement. All three girls beamed widely, clearly proud of their work. "Pick out a movie and I'll grab the popcorn."

As Harper crawled over to one of the cabinets on the entertainment center Alex gestured for me to follow him. I watched as his big frame slithered through the opening amused that he even fit through it.

Going into the kitchen I leaned my hip against the counter and crossed my arms.

"So...Ali huh?" I couldn't help myself but tease him about his little nickname.

"You are not allowed to call me that."

"But Harper does."

"She's my sister and she's 6. She has a pass, you don't."

"That's not fair I can't give you a nickname but you can give me one." I pouted. Alex looked at me over his shoulder.

"I don't care."

"I think you fit Ali though."

"Call me that and I'll throw you over my shoulder."

"Fine, have it your way." I pushed away from the counter.

"I always get my way freckles." For some reason his words sent a shiver down my spine, as did the look he gave me. I tried to snap myself out of it. I couldn't let Alex get to me. I can't let myself get that close to a guy again, I just can't.

Ignoring his comment I turned away and headed back for the living room. Before I stepped through the doorway I glanced over my shoulder.

"Don't take too long with the popcorn...Ali."

"Freckles!" He yelled as I walked out of the kitchen, laughing under my breath.

Crawling back inside the fort I was met with a teary eyed Layla. Her blonde hair that was in pigtails was now everywhere . Behind her Rina stood looking like she was about to cry as well.

"What happened?" I asked softly, scooting over to Layla.

"M-my hair got ruined!" Layla cried, throwing herself at me. I barely managed to catch myself on my hand before I fell backwards from her momentum. Her little arms hugged me around the neck as she cried.

"I d-didn't mean to." Rina whimpered next to me. Her green eyes were filled with tears as she watched her best friend cry.

"It's okay." I rubbed Layla's back trying to soothe her. "It was no ones fault." I reached one hand out to touch Rina's arm.

"B-but my hair." Layla cried into my shoulder.

"Hey." I softly pulled her away from me and looked at her baby blue eyes. "I can fix it." I wiped at her tears. "Want me to give you the coolest hair ever?" At my words she nodded, her tears slowly stopping.

From the corner of my eye I saw Rina still looking ready to cry. Turning to her I gave her a small smile.

"Do you want me to do your hair too?" Instantly her eyes lit up and she nodded wildly. "Okay, all I need is a brush and some hair ties."

"Got it!" I barely got the words out before Harper was crawling towards me, a brush and a bag full of hair ties in her hands. I looked at her surprised. I hadn't even heard her leave!

"I...thank you Harper." I took the brush and hair ties from her.

"You're welcome." She chirped. Taking a seat beside me. I grinned down at the little girl. I was very impressed with her manners. For a 6 year old to say thank you was a huge accomplishment.

"Layla wanna go first?" She didn't even reply as she plopped down in front of me. Laughing under my breath I brought the brush up.

I was just starting to brush Layla's hair out when Alex appeared, a huge bowl in one hand with three little ones in the other hand. When his eyes landed on me he raised his eyebrows but didn't say anything.

"What movie did we pick?" He asked, settling on the other side of Harper.

"Frozen!" Harper practically yelled followed by two other yells from Rina and Layla. I heard him sigh before he nodded. While Harper got the disk ready I focused on Layla's hair.

"Let me know if it hurts." I whispered to her as I set the brush aside. Because her blonde hair kind of reminded me of Elsa I decided on doing a side french braid. It was one of the only hair styles I knew how to do. What hair styles I did know came all from Youtube.

As I started on the braid Alex passed out little bowls of popcorn to each girl. I smiled at his gesture. He was really good with kids. He gave them a little snack as soon as we got home, made a fort for them, made them popcorn and let them pick whatever movie they wanted; even if he's probably seen it a million times.

All of it was taking me by surprise. I would have never known Alex could be so sweet. This was definitely a side he didn't show to others. I couldn't help but feel touched that let me meet his sister and spend the afternoon here with him. Letting me see this different side to him.

The opening song to Frozen barely started when I finished Layla's hair. I quickly tied the end and placed the braid over her shoulder. It actually looked good and just like Elsa's.

"All done." I announced. I watched as Layla reached up and ran her hand down the braid.

"It looks like Elsa's." Harper breathed, touching the braid I just did. Layla turned around and hugged my neck tightly. I hugged her little body back, glad she was feeling better. I wasn't the best with little kids crying. I had little experience with kids in general.

"Rina, your turn." I gestured for her to sit in-between my legs as Layla moved to right side.

As I gently ran the brush through Rina's curly red hair I felt Alex's gaze on me. I tried to ignore it as I focused on Rina's hair.

I wasn't really sure what to do with the hair since it was quite curly so I stuck with the few hair styles I knew. Sectioning the hair at the top, I grabbed two front pieces and twisted them until they wrapped around the back of the head, leaving the rest of her hair down.

After doing both sides I secured it with a hair tie. It actually looked quite pretty once I was done. With Rina's pretty curls she looked exactly like Merida from Brave. I mental patted myself on the back, proud of myself.

"Brave!" Layla commented first. I felt a wave of relief wash over me that someone else thought the same thing as me. They gushed over Rina's hair making me smile. They were all so freaking adorable.

Once Rina and Layla sat down with their bowls of popcorn I turned to Harper.

"Your turn?" She hadn't once asked if I could do her hair. Harper looked up at me almost in surprise, like I had forgotten her. Like I could forget the dark haired cutie that looked like another certain dark haired guy. "Come on." I patted the empty space between my legs.

Because Harper's hair was on the shorter side I couldn't do much so instead I went for two simple space buns at the top of her head. With every stroke of the hairbrush she leaned further back into me. For a moment there I thought she had fallen asleep. But as soon as I announced that I was done she bounced up showing off her new hair to her friends.

After a series of 'ohing and awing', they turned their attention back to Frozen.

"Who knew you were good with kids." Alex suddenly whispered into my ear. I shivered at the feel of his breath hitting the side of my face. I hadn't noticed he scooted next to me while I was doing Harper's hair.

"Not really." I mumbled.

"You got them to stop crying. Trust me that is a feat in itself." I had nothing to say to that instead of looked back at the girls, watching as ate their popcorn and watching Frozen intently. "Here." Alex moved the popcorn bowl closer so the two of us could share. With a grateful smile I took a small handful.

We watched Frozen in silence, the only sound was the crunching of popcorn. However, that didn't last long. As soon as the song 'You wanna build a snowman' came on the girls were up, their popcorn now forgotten.

I had to quickly move my legs as Harper, Rina and Layla started dancing around in the fort. In high pitch yells they sang word for word with the movie. I watched severely amused at how well they knew the words and even some of the moves. They've definitely seen this movie a dozen times.

As soon as the song was over they quickly sat back down and grabbed their popcorn. From a brief glance to the side at Alex I noticed he was watching the movie just as much as the three little girls scattered around us. He sat there mindlessly munching on popcorn as he intently watched Frozen.

"Who would have thought Alex Kinley loved Disney movies." I whispered, causing him to quickly look away from the tv.

"What? No I don't."

"Oh is that right? So you weren't just watching Frozen with the same expression they have?" I gestured to the girls who were so engrossed in the movie. Alex scoffed. When he didn't answer though I found a grin taking over my face. Think I just found something to tease him about.

He was saved when another song came on, prompting the girls to jump up yelling. I shook my head letting it slide...for now. I leaned back into the couch, legs curled up under me, watching as Harper, Rina and Layla sang their little hearts out.

As I sat there silently munching on popcorn and watching the girls have the time of their life, I felt....comfortable. It was odd how at home I felt being here. Sure I've only been in Alex's house for less than three hours but I felt comfortable being here.

I didn't want to think too much about it though. This was probably a one time thing anyways, so I shouldn't get too comfortable about it.

By time the movie was more than halfway over the girls had lost some steam. Layla was on my right leaning against the side of my body, looking seconds away from falling asleep. Rina was on my right side, sandwiched between Alex and I. She was leaning more into Alex, making me smile from her cute little crush on him.

The most surprising was Harper. She was sitting in-between my legs, practically on my lap, and leaning back into me. From the surprised look on Alex's face when she sat down it was clear he thought she would sit with him instead.

All 5 of us sat there quietly watching the rest of Frozen, the girls looking ready to doze off at any moment. Even I felt my eyes getting heavy as we laid there.

The movie just ended when the doorbell rang, causing all of us to jump. Alex slowly made his way out of the fort towards the front door.

"Rina, your mom is here." Alex called out. Ever so slowly Rina crawled out of the fort, followed by the rest of us. The clock straight ahead on the wall said it was almost 6, making my eyes widened. I hadn't realized I'd been here that long.

I stood off to the side as Alex talked to Rina's mom, who looked exactly like her daughter. The red hair was unmistakable. I heard a brief bit of their conversation that made my ears perk up.

"Do you still need me to watch Harper on Saturday? We were thinking of going to the zoo in Portland."

"That would be great, she'd love that." I didn't get a chance to hear the rest as a tug on my shirt caught my attention. Rina smiled sweetly up at me. Squatting down I smiled back at her.

"I like you." Was all she said before giving me a hug. I hugged her back shocked and touched.

Rina hugged Layla and Harper before going towards her mom.

"Thanks Alex. We'll see you Saturday." As soon as Rina's mom thanked Alex, another face popped through the door. Judging by the loud squeal coming from Layla it was her mom.

"Mom I look like Elsa!" Layla yelling, jumping into her mothers arms. My chest ached at the sight of Layla's mom smiling lovingly at her daughter, commenting about how her hair looked beautiful. The sight made me miss my own mom.

I stood there watching as Rina and Layla's mom said hi to one another and said thank you to Alex. With the way they were talking to Alex made it seem like they knew him very well. It made me more curious as to who Alex really was.

"Bye Riley!" Layla waved at me as her mom held her. I smiled and waved back as the two little girls left the house. I could hear the two girls talking animately to their moms as they made their way towards the car.

I had a permeant grin on my face even after Alex shut the door. Harper, Rina, and Layla were seriously the cutest little girls I've ever met.

"Do you uh need any help with this?" I gestured towards the fort.

"Nah we'll keep it up a bit longer." Alex waved me off. I just nodded awkwardly standing there. Knowing I should be heading home in a few minutes I turned and crawled back into the fort. Grabbing all the popcorn bowls I crawled back out with full arms.

When I stood back up I found Alex standing there watching me, clearly wondering what I was doing. Flushing under his gaze I lifted the bowls up.

"Didn't want to make you clean it all up." I said sheepishly. When he didn't say a word I quickly moved past him into the kitchen, setting the bowls on the counter before coming back to the living room. I quickly grabbed my backpacked the drawing Alex did of me.

With no kids as a buffer between us it was now awkward. Harper had disappeared somewhere, leaving me alone with Alex. It wasn't awkward because I wasn't comfortable around Alex, no it was the exact opposite. For some reason being around him made me feel....better.

It was awkward because I wasn't quite sure what to make of Alex Kinley yet. He didn't seem like the person I heard all the rumors about. From what I've seen so far he is far from a cold, brooding, mean, bad boy. But then again it could all be an act around me, an act to see if he can get me to fall for him just like with Mitch.

Trust issues were definitely starting to show.

"Um, I should probably get going."

"You're not staying?" Harper came back into the room, looking upset that I was leaving.

"Don't worry nugget you'll see her again in a few days."

"She will?"

"I will?" Harper and I said at the same time. I looked at Alex with raised eyebrows and in return he just smirked.

"Yay! I want to show you my barbies!" I smiled at her enthusiasm.

"I would love to see them the next time I come over." With another loud squeal Harper ran out of the room making me laugh. Before the awkward silence settled over us I gestured towards the door. "Well I better go, homework won't do itself." I said lamely, holding onto the strap of my backpack tighter.

"Here let me drive you home."

"No its okay." I quickly shut him down. I didn't want to inconvenience him anymore than necessary. "I live like two streets away, I'll be fine."

"I don't mind." I shook my head and took a step back.

"Stay with your sister." I backed up until I reached the door handle, Alex standing there watching me, his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for having me over. I had fun." I smiled. At first I was a bit iffy about the whole thing, especially when he told me they were a handful but the girls were great. And I surprisingly had a really nice time.

"Thanks for helping with the girls." He replied, rocking back and forth on his feet.

"Any time. They were very sweet."

"They behaved today which never happens. I think its because you were here."

"Thats because I'm awesome." I grinned.

"Don't get ahead of yourself there freckles." He grinned despite his words.

Opening the front door I stepped one foot out before looking at Alex over my shoulder.

"Thanks of the snacks...Ali." Before Alex could yell after me I shut the door and skipped down his front steps, laughing under my breath. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hiya guys! So I'm posting this update now since I won't be around tomorrow or Tuesday! Because tomorrow is Christmas Eve I'll be gone all day with family, as I assume most of you will be too :) So I thought why not give you guys an early christmas present! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Besides being long we got to meet Alex's little sister Harper and how Alex is around little kids. Guys, I need an Alex in my life. I mean he's hot, he can draw, he is cute with kids...ugh he's everything I need and what :D

I want to thank you guys so much for everything you do for me. You guys always make me smile and want to write. You are full reason I am still writing and I couldn't be more grateful for all of you <3

I hope you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I hope you have a blast with your families and if your family is too far away from you this year don't worry you have the rest of us as keep you company as well! I will try and be on through out the day so if you want to talk or anything feel free to hit me up! :)

Love you guys so much! 

Merry Christmas!!

<3 <3 <3

-Ken