"Enjoy life. There's plenty of time to be dead." ― Hans Christian Andersen

                              • • •

For most of the half term, Abel and I hang out together. A lot of the time, we're touching and kissing as if we can't get enough of one another. I think it's the newness of our relationship that's causing the need to constantly be around the other person.

However, as the half term is nearly over, I've decided I want to hang out with all my friends collectively.

I still haven't told them about Abel and I; not because I want to keep it a secret, but because I like this bubble we've been in. Obviously they'll find out soon, most likely today in fact.

I quickly call up Rani, Rolo and Ana to see what they wanted to do. Since we've got the guys coming with us, we completely dismiss the idea of shopping. I suggest the idea of paint-balling which they all loved.

So here I am dressed in a pair of black Nike leggings, a deep red jumper and some black trainers. Not only is this outfit comfortable, but it is also practical for the activity we're doing today. I'm all for practicality.

I sit in my desk chair spinning around waiting for Abel to come pick me up when mum walks in.

She sits on my bed and looks at me forcing me to stop spinning.

"Why do I have to keep asking you to meet Abel Keziah? Now you're dating and I know basically nothing about him. I'm not happy at all Keziah."

I sigh internally. It's not that I don't want Abel to meet my family. It's just that they can be a bit..much. My brothers have no filter when they meet new people and my parents like to do the Spanish Inquisition. I just don't feel like subjecting Abel to such torturous things you know? Maybe I'm exaggerating but it looks like I have no choice now anyway.

"I'm sorry mum, I just haven't had the chance to bring it up to him properly. I promise I will speak to him about it so we can have dinner together."

She looks at me for a second before walking up to give me a hug. "You know how important it is for me to know the guy you're dating. Especially as I wasn't a big fan of the whole boyfriend thing to begin with. Don't take advantage of the chance I've given you." She let's go if me and walks out.

I suppose I could have been more informative about what's going on. She is right about how she's letting me go out with a boy. I haven't been fair and that changes now.

While thinking about introducing Abel to my family, I receive a text saying he's outside waiting. I run downstairs and head straight to the door. Unfortunately, I'm stopped by Omari who questions where I'm going.

"I'm going paint balling with my friends."

"Oh, well have fun."

"What's paint-balling?" Nolan Asks me just before I open the front door.

"It's shooting paint balls out of a gun kind of thing."

"That sounds so cool Keziah! I wish I could come! Can you take me with you?" He gives me his puppy dog eyes hoping it will work.

"Not today Nolan."

"I hope you lose then." He stomps his foot and runs away from me.

That boy.

As soon as I get the chance, I speed out of the house to avoid any more interruptions. My family are so nosey honestly.

With a big smile on my face, I step into Abel's car and lean in to give him a quick kiss. "Hey boyfriend." I whisper against his lips.

"Hey girlfriend." He says back.

"Are you ready for today?"

"Of course I am. Do you think we'll be on the same team?" He sneaks a glance at me.

"I'm not sure. I kind of want to go against you though. I bet I'll win."

"Oh yeah? Don't be so sure about that Brown Eyes." He smirks at me obviously feeling a bit cocky. Looks like I'll have to squash this attitude.

"I'm not gonna go easy on you you know."

"I expect nothing less." Abel reaches over and places his hand over my thigh and squeezes slightly. I absolutely love it when he does that. I can't even tell you why, it's just that feeling of having his hands on me.

As he continues to drive, he starts to move his hand higher and higher.

"Abel!" I shout before slapping his hand away.

"Sorry! My hand slipped!" His laugh gives him away.

I cross my arms and scoff at him, "Don't try that with me boy."

I try to stay mad at him but I can't help but smile at his antics.

"Don't tempt me with your legs then."

"How is this my fault!"

"Have you seen your legs Keziah? Especially in those leggings? I can't help myself."

"You're ridiculous."

"But you like me anyway." He sends a cheeky smile my way before grabbing my hand this time.

"That I do."

We soon arrive at the paintball place called Rush Express. I think we're a bit late since Abel and I sat in the car and talked for a bit. Oops.

We rush towards the entrance. Haha that's funny. Because the place is called 'rush'. I'm sorry, that was awful.

As we walk in, we find everyone else already waiting in the lobby.

"It's about time guys! You're gonna make us miss our slot!" Rolo yells at us.

"Sorry! We got uh held up." I reply.

Ana eyes us sceptically for a second before averting her gaze.

Our group consists of Rolo, Ana, Rani, Raphael, Israel, Evelyn, Abel and me. Eliza isn't here for obvious reasons and Noah couldn't make it.

A guy in charge informs us of all the rules and the important stuff that we need to know.

We get into our paintball gear as we're told while the instructor lets us know we have to split into 2 groups of four.

Immediately, we all begin discussing our teams.

"I think we should do boys vs girls." Says Rolo while crossing his arms.

"No way! That's not fair at all." Complains Rani.

"Why not? We'll be able to see who's the more superior gender."

I hit his arm, "You did not just say that."

"How are we supposed to know who's more superior through paintball?" Says Ana. "That doesn't make sense at all."

"It does to me." Shrugs Rolo.

Rani begins to speak again but Raphael interrupts beforehand. "Why don't we spilt it evenly, 2 boys and 2 girls on each team."

"Thank you Raph. At least one of you boys has sense." I respond.

"I have sense." Chimes Abel.

I give him a sceptical look, "You don't act like it sometimes."

He grabs my arm and pulls me towards him. "I had the sense to ask you to be my girlfriend." He whispers quietly in my ear.

I shove him away, "Yeah yeah."

Abel chuckles at me before jumping back into the conversation with the others.

I turn away from him and find Rani and Ana looking at me with raised eyebrows. I'll tell them about us later geez.

"Okay then, it's decided. Two boys and two girls." States Israel.

"Who's in what group?" Evelyn says.

"Me and Raphael with Rani and Evelyn." Abel decides this for us, taking control of the situation.

"That leaves me and Ana with Rolo and Israel."

With everyone happy at the groupings, we split off to decide on our game plan. We have to be quick here since we start in five minutes.

"Okay, Israel you're pretty quiet and you're good at blending in so you're the guy that goes for the attack. No one will expect it." He nods at me.

"Ana, you're quick so make sure you move around the whole area and assess everyone's position. Be sneaky with your speed."

"Rolo. Um just do what you want, you won't listen to what I say anyway."

"You know me so well Keziah." He pats me on the back while I roll my eyes.

I know, you probably think I'm taking this so seriously but if you're gonna play then go all out. There's no use being half hearted about it. Besides, planning it is way more fun trust me.

We all put on our helmets and head into the room. Our game zone theme is raptor park meaning it's designed based on the idea of rogue dinosaurs and fossils and all that jazz; kind of like Jurassic world.It's cooler than it sounds.

As soon as the buzzer sounds, I start moving slowly while looking around.

I walk soundlessly for a while before hearing a noise. I quickly turn to the left and spot Rani trying to run to the next hiding spot. I quickly shoot her in the leg causing her to yelp.

"Keziah!" She Shouts.

"Sorry Ran, gotta do what you gotta do." I chuckle to myself to continue on.

I reach a spot where Rolo is and we do this whole signal thing with our hands before heading off together. We both shoot Evelyn who didn't even see us coming.

According to the timer, we have about ten minutes left and I still haven't got Abel yet.

All of a sudden, I run straight into a hard body. If it wasn't for the hands that grab onto me, I would have fallen flat on my face.

Abel and I both remove our helmets to look at each other properly.

"Watch it there Brown Eyes. I can't imagine you running into the enemy is your way of winning." He says this with a smirk.

"Shut up Abel. You did that on purpose anyway."

He gives me an amused glance, "If you say so. Now, I think it's my time to win."

"Oh, you wish." I quickly lift my gun and shoot twice straight at my chest.

He looks down in shock before staring at me with an amused gleam in his eyes. He takes a few small steps towards me, "You're gonna pay for that Brown Eyes."

Knowing what he's about to do, I turn around and run as fast as I can with Abel hot on my tail.

My laughter slows me down allowing Abel to catch up to me. He grabs me by the waist and spins me around. He loses his footing and sends us both tumbling down but quickly spins around so he can bare the brunt of the fall.

At this point, we're both howling with laughter completely forgetting the whole aim of this activity.

Once our amusement dies down, I realise I'm on top of Abel in a pretty compromising position. I look straight into his deep blue eyes that have that ability to make my heart stop and find him looking back at me with just as much passion.

Abel grabs my cheek and strokes it with his thumb, "I love seeing you happy like this. Especially when I'm the cause."

"You do make me happy Abel." I lean down to kiss him softly while running my hands through his hair. Just like I wanted, he moans and presses closer to me eliminating any space between us.

I get lost in the feel of his lips against mine and forget where we are. Until-

Rani clears her throat causing both of us to spring apart. "You both have a lot of explaining to do."

Behind her is the rest of our group looking at us with a mixture of interest, confusion and disappointment. Probably because we were supposed to be playing paintball. It was Abel's fault.

Since Abel and I- mainly Abel-ruined the game, we all leave and take our gear off.

It's reached late afternoon now so everyone's pretty hungry. Instead of heading to our usual hangout spot, we go to Nando's- a place that absolutely everyone loves. I mean, how couldn't you? They serve chicken! Chicken people!

Since it's only like 10 minutes away, we reach it quickly. When we get inside, we're directed to a large booth that can fit all 8 of us.

Abel slides into the booth first pulling me with him to make sure I'm next to him.

Evelyn and Israel sit next to us leaving Rolo, Rani, Ana and Raphael on the opposite side to us.

We all quickly order our meals; I go for the hot boneless chicken thighs with peri salted chips and spicy rice. Abel on the other hand gets halloumi sticks as a starter and then half a chicken with spicy rice and Peri salted chips.

I look at him absurdly.

"What? I'm a growing boy."

"I'd like to see you actually finish that Abe." I respond with doubt.

"Oh trust me, I will Brown Eyes. And I'll even have enough room for your sweet lips." Abel smirks at me while I gulp at the thought.

Instead of responding to him, I avert my gaze to my glass in front of me. I'm still not completely sure how to respond to his comments like that. But since I'm with him now, I have a feeling I'll be learning very fast.

We all get distracted by our food for a while and eat in silence. Of course, with all 8 of us that silence wouldn't last long.

"You know, we would have won if someone didn't go frolicking with the enemy." Rani points her fork directly at Abel while she says this.

Abel smile sheepishly, "Sorry, I couldn't help myself."

"Why though? It's not like you two are dating."

Abel and I look at one another before he puts his arms around me and kisses my forehead.

"No." Rani says.

"Freaking." Goes Ana.

"Way." Finishes Rolo.

I roll my eyes at their behaviour.

"Finally." Says Evelyn.

Raphael and Israel just nod towards Abel.

"When did this happen!" Shouts Rani.

"How come you never told me!" Rolo stares at me in frustration.

At this point, people all around us are staring with disapproving and intriguing eyes at the commotion being caused.

"You're all over reacting." I say.

Before they can respond, Abel jumps in. "I actually only asked her out a few days ago, it hasn't been long.

"That's probably not the point, but I'm happy for you guys. It definitely took you longer than I expected though Abel." Says Ana.

"I was waiting for the right time."

Rani and Rolo continue to be mad for a little longer before giving in.

"Okay fine, I'm happy for you too." Says Rolo.

"But now you have to tell us every single detail!" Rani leans over the table excitedly.

"Um, maybe later Ran." I quickly divert the attention from us and into Raph and Ana. "What about you guys?"

Raphael smiles adoringly at Ana and grabs her hand. "I've never been happier." Ana rests her head against his shoulder.

They're so cute.

I look at Evelyn and Israel, "We're taking it slow." Of course, that's all Israel says. I really do wonder how they're conversations go since he barely speaks.

Abel removes his arm from my shoulder and continues eating. A couple minutes later and he's completely finished.

I am flabbergasted. He said he could finish it all but still..

"You are an animal Abel."

He smiles at me cheekily, "I was hungry."

I look down at my plate to see some food still on. "You can have mine then."

"Only if you feed it to me."

I roll my eyes at him, "You're such a big baby." Nevertheless, I fork some chicken and give it to him.

I watch his Adam's apple move as he chews slowly. He's definitely caught me watching him. I don't understand why I'm finding everything he does incredibly attractive. It's like I'm turned on all the time.

Abel finally swallows and tilts his head towards me, "I love how your eyes are always on me."

I suddenly start to feel all shy again. "Don't do that."

"Don't go all shy on me now. You know I'm always looking at you."

Instead of responding, I smile and lean my head in his shoulder.

"Can you both stop flirting for a second? We'd all like to leave now." Of course, it's Rolo that speaks up for everyone.

"Alright alright, no need to get all grumpy about it."

We all quickly pay for our food and head out. Raphael and Ana leave in one car, Israel and Evelyn go in his while Rolo and Rani leave together.

Instead of Abel taking me home straight away, he suggests an ice cream place that he knows. Yes, its November and it's getting pretty cold but who even cares? Ice cream is an all around the year kind of food. You're happy? Eat ice cream. Sad? Eat ice cream. Watching a movie? Eat ice cream. I think you get the point now.

Abel drives a short distance of 5 minutes simply because it's pretty cold out and stops at an ice cream parlour called 'Sweet tooth'.

We walk inside holding hands and take a seat next to the window.

"What's your favourite ice cream flavour?" I look towards Abel.

"Rocky road probably."

I gasp loudly, "What! That's like the worst flavour out there!"

Abel raises his eyebrows and looks at me in amusement, "Relax Brown Eyes, it's just ice cream."

"Just ice cream?! What is wrong with you today? I'm saddened by your dismissive attitude to such a wonderful delicacy." Dramatically, I shake my head in disappointment and look everywhere but at him.

"What's so bad about rocky road?"

The fact that he even has to ask that question fills me with shock. I'm not even going to answer.

Abel catches on to this and moves his head directly in my eye-line. Rapidly, I turn my head to face somewhere else. This repeats a few more time before he physically grabs my chin to look at him, "You astound me Keziah."

He leans over the table and gives me a quick peck on the lips before standing up, "I'm going to get our ice cream."

"Wait! You don't even know what I want."

"I can probably guess Brown Eyes."

Abel orders for us relatively fast and returns to me.

"You better have got what I wanted."

Abel smirks at me, "We'll see won't we."

I look down at the table and find our hands laying close to each other. My first instinct would be to grab onto his and hold tight but I hold myself back, still feeling a bit shy in this new relationship.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Abel stares at me intensely.

"Our um relationship I guess."

Abel smiles tenderly at me and grabs my hand without the hesitation I had. "What about it?"

"Just about how new it is and how I'm not completely sure how to act."

"What do you mean?" Abel's eyebrows scrunch adorably in confusion.

"Am I allowed to hold your hand when I want? What about hugs and kisses? When do I do those things? Is it possible to do them too much? Is there anything I'm doing wrong? I just don't really know." I bite my lip out of nerves and embarrassment from my confession. What is wrong with me? Why did I just say all that?

"Oh, Brown Eyes. You really need to stop overthinking so much. I'm not expecting all of that from you straight away. I like how things our between us right now so let's just keep taking it slow alright? If that's you want anyway."

I think about that for a second. Do I want to take it slow? I mean, I like how things are progressing between us but I want to be more confident in our relationship.

"I want to be more open Abel." I play with his fingers. "Sometimes, I just hold myself back."

"Whatever you want Keziah. I'm just happy to be with you."

At that point, the server arrives with our ice cream.

"You got me cookie dough?" I'm shocked that he guessed correctly.

"You look like a cookie dough kind of girl. I was right, wasn't I?" Abel looks at me smugly.

I grumble out a response, "Yes."

Abel chuckles at me and takes a large bite of his ice cream. "This is so unbelievably good Brown Eyes. You sure you don't want to try some?"

He wiggles a spoonful in my face, "Get that monstrosity away from me. I will not and shall not ever betray my taste buds in such a horrific way."

Abel bursts into laughter at this, "You're so dramatic. Can I have some of yours?"

Abel reaches over towards my bowl of ice cream which I promptly move away. "If you wanted cookie dough, then you should have got cookie dough."

"Please?"

"My ice cream Abel."

He pouts his lips even more causing me to give in. I really am a sucker for this boy.

Abel takes a large spoonful causing me to gasp. "You basically just finished all of it!"

"You could always have some of mine." I scrunch my face in disgust at this.

"Not in a million years."

We both finally finish our ice cream and talk for a little bit.

"How come you don't wear make up Keziah?"

This question comes as a surprise to me. Does he wish I wore makeup? Is that why he's asking?

"Oh, I'm just not really a fan of it. I do wear it sometimes though I guess. Why are you asking? Would you prefer me with make up?"

"No! That's not why I was asking. Your skin is amazing and you look beautiful without it. I was just wondering since I see a lot of girls completely covered in it."

"So, you've been looking at other girls?" I tease.

"N-no! Not like that Keziah, you know I only have eyes for you." Abel looks at me worriedly as if concerned for the fact that I'm 'upset' at him.

I burst into laughter at his expression and tone of voice.

"Gosh woman, don't do that to me."

"I'm sorry. You should have seen your face though." A few giggles escape me still.

Abel shakes his head, "You're lucky you're so adorable."

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