Chapter 25: Thankful

Third Person POV

They did the shoot for three straight hours until Alex was satisfied enough to consider it over. Sunny laid a blanket under the tree as she brought out their food and drinks, finally taking their break. They both sat down and settled in.

“How does it look?” Sunny asked her photographer who is busy scanning the pictures in her camera.

“It looks so…

You.” Alex replied, eyes are still on the camera.

“Could you clarify more? Is that a good thing or nah?” The other inquired while popping a strawberry in her mouth, anticipating for a more detailed answer.

“It looks… majestic. I actually thought that since it’s your first time to, you know, model like this then you’ll be more reserved but you actually exude your natural happiness, grace and beauty. It’s perfect.”

You’re perfect. She added but only spoke the words in her mind. Finally lifting her gaze to Sunny who she finds now having trouble taking in the compliments, blushing and squirming in her place.

She looks adorable. Alex thought.

“Th-that’s great! Uhh…let’s eat.” Sunny stuttered, steering the topic away and gravitating it towards the food, which Alex gladly obliged to, sensing the older one’s distress but liking it in a good way nonetheless.

Sunny knows Alex isn’t being greasy as she observed she did stop doing so since the camping trip incident. She thought that the younger one was probably disappointed more than she let on. Her disappointment added with irritation today because of the older one being a tad late but she was only so because Sunny had to put extra effort in finding the best dress code and matching her make up as well as preparing their food.

The only consolation for the meantime is that Alex looked more than satisfied with the results of their work. She can’t shake away the feeling of giddiness that she was truly complimented. She is curious herself why she finds the affirmation of Alex self-assuring and satisfying on her part.

“Hmmn, this is actually good.” Alex commented, nodding as she munches on the tuna sandwich. There is also a bunch of fruits and vegetable salad, Greek yogurt and orange juice laid in front of her.

“Really? It’s my secret talent.” She joked.

“You never ceases to amaze me, Sunny. I guess it’s not a secret anymore. What else are you hiding?”

“That I belong to a bloodline of famous and noble people. I might be a princess.” Sunny laughed.

“Then should I start calling you Princess or Your Highness.?” Alex quipped. The tension slowly fading away between them.

“No. I was kidding. About the princess part.”

“Maybe I should start bowing if we cross paths, princess.” Alex pursued teasing, snickering at herself.

“Stop it.”

“Is it required to like kiss your hand while bow-”

“Oh my god, stop Alex Song. You’re ridiculous.” Sunny laughs.

“I’m glad you’re actually smiling and laughing. It looks good on you. Especially today, you look different. Different good, I mean.” The black-haired girl noted, expressing yet another compliment to Sunny.

On the other hand, Sunny couldn’t hide her blush nor the smile creeping her face. “Stop being greasy, it’s weird.” She said as she lightly shove the girl on the shoulder. Sometimes she wonders, why does she feels weird when it’s Alex who’s saying those words. Most times, she acts like she hates it when truth is, she just won’t admit to something.

“I’m not being greasy; I’m being honest here. I’m just happy we’re having fun after you…ditched our trip.” Alex denied, saying the last words in a more jokingly manner rather than mockingly.

“Not in purpose. Why are being so sour about it? Duh…I’m trying to make it up to you. I just had to talk to Jac-” Sunny started to explain but Alex cut her off.

“I know, I’m joking.” She laughs as she wave her hand dismissively to Sunny’s explanation, signaling the girl that she doesn’t need it. “AND you didn’t just make up to it, you exceeded it. Thank you.” Alex confessed.

Truth be told she didn’t just want to hear about how the talk of Sunny and Jack might have went which probably headed more than fine, considering the improvement in Sunny’s mood since she dropped her in the airport. That’s what she is so sour about but can’t blame her for it. Though, Alex finally decided to bury that mood after today.

“For what?” Sunny inquired.

“For coming, the food. For the company, Sunny. Thank you.” Alex answered, bringing back to the topic and situation at hand.

“Thank you too. So, what else are you hiding, aside from being a professional photographer?” She asked, wanting to know more about the other girl.

“I’m no professional photographer, yet. And I belong to a family of oh-so-important people, too important that it’s sooo…tiring at times.” Alex struggled to find the right word and just settled with the basic, uncomplicated adjective. Her gaze was trained on the horizon; the sky being mirrored on the still waters of the sea. She didn’t realize that Sunny was staring.

‘If it’s that tiring, then, just so you know, you can lean on me too.” She smiled as Alex turns to her.

“Then I might take you up on that offer but I’d like a few modifications.”

“Like what?” Sunny asked, her brows furrowed.

Then Alex laid on her side, putting her head on Sunny’s lap. “Like instead of leaning on your shoulder, I might as well take a nap and use your lap as a pillow.” She sighed as she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep.