Chapter 24: Let's Make Up

Maria’s POV

After showering, I spotted Bree still watching. I decided to go straight to bed and sleep first. I’d try and save myself from any awkward moment we might encounter considering we always sleep in the same bed but this time I have already admitted I have developing feelings for her.

Despite forcing myself to sleep, I’m still wide awake hugging Nala when Bree finally finished in the shower. I felt a dip in the bed and the bedside lamp was turned off. I’m on the right side corner facing the wall, my back on Bree. I keep pretending asleep when she called my name.

“Hey, Ari.”

I don’t know but she sounded worried or cute in that voice I couldn’t help but stop acting and hummed in response. I didn’t stir though.

“Don’t you want to cuddle?”

I face her, knitting my eyebrows. Her silhouette is the only thing I can see of her in the dark room. I could still trace the frame of her face and her eyes are glinting in what little light they can gather and reflect.

“You don’t feel…” I stalled, not really sure if I’m ready for this talk.

“Feel what?” She asked.

“I don’t know…maybe awkward, mad or betrayed that your best friend kinda have feelings for you? You tell me.” There’s no point avoiding it now that I’ve said it.

“I’m actually flattered.” She admitted with a smile. With a sigh she added, “And confused.”

“Confused?” We are now on our sides facing each other.

“I’m grateful you find me likeable in that way but I’m confused what you see in me to feel that. I mean I’m not like Liam and I thought you like him or people like him.” She confessed then laughed in disbelief. “I mean, look at me.” Her hand gestures towards her.

Is she crazy? Is she blind? Don’t they have mirrors? How can she not appreciate herself?

“I am. I’m looking at you right now and you not seeing what I see or saw whenever I’m with you won’t invalidate how I feel.”

“No – I don’t mean it like that. It’s not that I don’t believe you. I just find it hard to understand… why.” I may not see it but I know she is pouting right at this moment.

“God Breana, you’re an amazing person. You love and give everything in what you do, in playing drums, in singing, in making art. You’re the most talented person I know and you’re intelligent too. You have a caring and forgiving heart and you always are painfully cute and adorable that sometimes I just want to put you in my pocket if that’s even possible. And all that I’ve said doesn’t even includes yet how physically attractive you are but I won’t give you the damn pleasure of hearing all of it. I just… want to stay by your side and enjoy being happy with you.”

I took a very deep breath after that long rambling.

“Wow. What do I say to that?” She replied in astonishment.

“Nothing. I’m not expecting an answer or for you to like me back as much but we can do something right now as you suggested.”

“What?”

“Cuddle and sleep.”

“M’kay.” She agreed, opening her arms for me to snuggle with her.

I positioned myself in her arms and wrapped mine around her waist.

“Thank you, Ari.”

“Hmm. Good night, Bree.”

“Good night.”

It is indeed a good night.

Nothing changes. For the meantime.

But things are bound to change, eventually.

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Third Person POV

“I swear to God, Kim Mitchelle if you’ll stood me up for the second time I’m going to - ”

“I’m coming! I’m coming! Just a few minutes. I just arrive and am walking towards you. Turn around.”

Alex turned and squinted her eyes to find Sunny in a red floral dress that is see-through in some areas, a wide hat on her head a picnic basket on one hand and a bag hanging on the other arm as her hand is clutching a phone near her ear.

From squinting to eyes wide open, Alex just stared. Awestruck with mouth agape, at the goddess beauty approaching. She didn’t even bother to end the call until Sunny did.

As Sunny put down the phone from her ear, the wind blows. Both her dress and long blonde hair flowing free with it. She reached Alex in a seemingly dazed state.

“Hey, just for the record, I didn’t stand you up on that camping trip, you suggested I go so I cancelled going… and you might want to close that before flies start flying in.” She greeted, recalled then gestured at the younger one’s mouth as she giggles.

“Whatever, you owe me one for that.” Alex shrugged to act nonchalant and shake off her thoughts flying around about how Sunny looks gorgeous right now.

“Hey, that’s why I’m here. I even prepared us snacks.” She smiled and lifted the hand that’s holding a basket full of food she prepared.

“I’ll just put your things over there. Come on, let’s do this. I want to nail a perfect grade for this.” Alex said as she took Sunny’s to put on the tree where she parked her motorbike and prepared for the photoshoot.

It was for Alex’ project in her Art class. They have to make a creative portfolio so she thought of using her skills in one of her hobbies, photography. There’s just one problem. She had no particular subject in mind. That is, until Sunny popped up in her mind after hanging out and story-telling with the two young girls, Bree and Ari, about how the camping trip turned out to be. The two girls are stunned first at the news that Sunny did not join her but then relieved after knowing that Alex continued with the trip with Selena instead of not going at all and putting everything into waste.

“So, what’s the plan? You just told me to look summer-y, go to this beach and I did, I even brought this.” Sunny prided herself as she flings her sunglasses in front of the photographer.

“Not to mention again that I prepared us the ultimately self-made, delicious and healthy snacks from yours truly.” She continued to reiterate.

To say she was disappointed in cancelling on the camping trip was an understatement. She felt horrible and even more so when she saw on Alex’ Instagram how much the other has prepared that they even had fireworks.

Also, she couldn’t help but feel jealous of Selena for having enjoyed the outdoors with Alex so she vowed to herself to make it up to the girl and enjoy being outside despite the fact that it was just by the beach near their area.

“Okay, we’ll be doing panoramic and close up shots of you on the water, the sand then at that tree over there.” Alex enumerated as she fine-tuned and adjusted some knobs and buttons then tried the lenses of her camera. She actually brought three to try on their outputs and effects.

“Let’s do this!” The older one enthusiastically announced, heading towards the sparkling blue sea, determined to make it up to the other.

PS. Thank you for showing interest in this novel and waiting for updates. Your reviews will be highly appreciated. Lovelots!

-cosmicstar