Disclaimer: I don't own Cadbury or Cloud Nine but other than that, everything in this story belongs to me.938Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh81EV6WPWj
"You know Summer I've been thinking, what do you think about going out with Roscoe-"
"Maybe that Chadwick guy? I mean he doesn't seem that bad. Besides having a zit or two-"
"Or I could ask Atticus to set you up with one of his-"
Not this again.
I sigh and slam the table with my fist. Loud enough to shut all my sisters up.
Massaging my temple, I said to them, "Winter, Autumn and Fall! Look, I know you're trying to be considerate on wanting me to have a boyfriend but guess what? I. Don't. Need. One. Now, please just drop it." I mutter the last.
My name's Summer Ava Hopkins and I'm currently living in hell. Every time and I mean pretty much 24/7 my sister, Winter and non- identical twin sisters, Autumn and Fall would always get on my case about not having a guy in my life. I mean, I appreciate their concerns but if you keep going at this, it's pretty much a mental assault what's with their constant whining and nagging. But I guess I kind of got to understand where they're coming from because they're all living the happily ever after style. Or in the process.
Winter Acacia Hopkins-Aston is the oldest of us four being a twenty-five year old with a perfect husband, Duke Aston whom she met when they were both in college. They were blessed with a kid a year ago namely my cute nephew, Beau Gabriel Aston. Autumn Adelaide Hopkins just turned twenty-two and is currently engaged to her five-year boyfriend since junior high, Madden Garrick. They're both MADLY in love. Ha-ha, see what I did there? Okay maybe that's a little bit lame but moving on. Then we have Fall Arya Hopkins, just ten minutes later than Autumn who, with her boyfriend, Atticus Camden are both head over heels for each other. I mean these guys would really do anything for them which is great, but come on, it's really annoying not to mention it looks too good to be true. But that's just me being...well, me.
"Okay, we know you've never had any-"
I scoff and crossed my arms before smirking. "Never had any boyfriends? Who knew? Maybe I had one."
Both Autumn and Fall raised their eyebrows in unison at me. Freaking twins.
"Right, you seem to glare at every guys who showed the slightest interest in you."
True. But I had a good reason for that.
"They were all smirking and winking at me. It's weird and very disconcerting." I argue.
Just then mum and dad chose the exact moment to enter from the front door.
"Kids, no fighting." My dad, Ronald said before taking the groceries to the kitchen. Mum, who had her arms around a sleeping Beau handed him to Winter who took him from her gently.
"You're all adults yet you girls never change." Mum shook her head softly before a smile graces her lips.
Autumn and Winter was about to open their mouth when the front door open (again), revealing Duke who held a few grocery bags, Madden and Atticus who both had some long breads wrapped in brown paper in their arms. They walk towards the table and lean down giving their belles a kiss on the temple and lips before greeting me. For a moment, my heart aches for that affection. With a guy of my own. But that feeling only lasted for about ten seconds because mum wanted some help in the kitchen.
After some chopping, brewing and baking for tonight's occasion, we all sat down at the table. We were halfway eating when my evil sister had to bring the dreadful topic again.
"So, Summer you know, you're already twenty-one. Maybe you should find a guy and introduce him to us." Fall said with a grin on her face. And oh no, poor Atticus just had to agree too.
"Yeah, I mean no offence but for as long as I've known you, I don't think I've seen you with a guy." Then without trying to offend me, he tries to be subtle but ended up blurting it out anyway, "Are you.. I mean, gay? Not that I have anything against them." He added hastily after seeing my surprised look. Did I really gave people off that vibe? Not that I'm against them or anything but it kind of hurt to know that they don't seem to think I'd get a guy of my own.
I choke on my macaroni and cheese after the realisation dawned on me before downing a glass of water and stared at him.
Calmly although I'm quite ticked off, I said, "First of all, I'm not gay. Second, for the hundredth time, I'll get a freaking boyfriend when I want to. Who knows, maybe I'll meet someone in the near future but right now, I'll really appreciate it if you guys would buzz out of my business. Now, this mac and cheese is really good so let me eat this." and shove a forkful of mac and cheese into my mouth but not before frowning at them all.
Suffice to say, there were no more rubbish talks about it.
Saturdays, gotta love them.
And I wasn't being sarcastic at all.
Fridays and Saturdays are my favourite days ever. I mean there's just something about those days that made you feel safe and not care or rush about anything at all. Anyway, it's Saturday and because Winter and Duke just moved into their first new home after marriage two years ago last night and the twins went out with their guys AND with mum and dad deciding they'd go visit Aunt Laura Grace twenty miles from here in Oaks-Bridge Valley, I decided to get out of my room and run to the nearest bookstore. Not that I literally run to the bookstore. No.
Oaks-Bridge Valley didn't live up to its name, unfortunately. I mean, sure there's oak trees around but there's no bridges nor does it really have valleys. Just a pretty developed town on flat grounds with a 6k population- animals not included. It's a mesh up of country style with farms and barns up north and a city-like surroundings with malls and all that hustle and bustle where most of the rich people in Oaks-Bridge Valley reside. And then there's that neighbourhood that I live and town with people from the country and rich background. Also, it's a little bit stereotype, don't you think? The town being categorised into cliques. What are we in, high school? Nevertheless, it's not a bad thing-the people, mostly they're nice. Then there's the scenic and places that makes you feel quite at ease. But there, that's Oaks-Bridge Valley for you. And their 6k population.
I walk down ten rows and blocks of houses to downtown and the first thing I saw put a damp on my mood.
CASTWICK BOOKSTORE
CLOSED
I frown at it before sighing. Of all Saturdays!
To avoid looking like a fool, I look around before going to the nearest smoothie store and got myself a vanilla flavoured before heading out to the bookstore. I'm now in front of it, tilting my head and wondering why the hell is it closed. On a freaking Saturday, at that. Normally, that happens on Tuesdays. Anyway, I might have been standing there dumbfounded when I felt a tap on my shoulder. And I shouldn't have turn around.
But I did.
And gosh I think I'm going to be cliché and say that my heart skipped a beat because it certainly did. I mean, this guy- I've never seen him around before (obviously because then why would I have this super blood rush in my veins when I'm only looking at him)- I'm going to describe him because I'm sure you're curious about this dude, right? No? Well I'll tell you anyway.
He is tall at about six foot two with dirty blond hair in that messy sort of way and his eyes, they're almost gold. Yeah, I don't think he's human. I chuckle at that thought inwardly.
"Why did you chuckle?" the guy ask, putting a frown on his face. I blink and felt a sudden rush of heat creeping up my neck and I had to resist the urge to scratch it. I thought I did that chuckle inwardly but I guess sometimes you got to blame the subconscious state of mind.
I look at him with a 'really?' look with my eyebrows quirk up.
"Well, I didn't know that was a crime now." I said casually. At least I didn't stutter.
The guy raised his eyebrows but his golden eyes seem to lit up in amusement. He then put on a blank look before asking me, "What are you doing here?"
Now it was I who look at him blankly. "Uh, obviously we're standing in front of a bookstore? Why else would anyone wanna stand here unless they're going to read or buy books?" Then shrugging casually, "I thought it's open today- I mean usually it does but..it's closed." I point him to the CLOSED sign.
He look at that sign before chuckling at me ( I can't believe I'm saying this but I thought that chuckle he made sounded..attractive ) I smack myself mentally.
"Right. Sorry, my dad isn't here so he left the store to me today-"
Wait. Mr. Castwick has a son? What? But for three years that I've known this store I've only seen the older man running it- and I've never seen this guy around-so he's Mr. Castwick's son?
I must have gaped at him like an ape because he looks torn between laughing and looking slightly constipated. I frown at him with a snarl.
"What?"
That eventually led him to the full out laughter. It finally subsided as he heave a breath to himself.
"You're funny." He said as he put the key in and twisted the knob open before leading us both in. Well actually I invited myself in before him.
"Funny? Well that's something new someone has told me." I wonder out loud.
And it is. Apparently I was too serious and no one ever seem to understand my sense of humour.
But I digress.
He went and put some books away that was on the table counter before standing behind the counter while I wander off to my favourite section- romance novels.
Yes, I do entertain myself with such stories-I mean me being a cold-humourless college student do sometimes enjoy reading these kinds of things. It reminds me of what I can't have and I'd rather just fantasize about it because it's fun like that.
I pick up a book and sat on one of the stools beside the four pane window noticing that it's a little bit windy outside and the sky's starting to get cloudy. But that's just perfect. Or close to perfect.
"A romance novel?"
I look up and saw him scrunching his nose in a disgusted manner and I smirk.
"Do these things repulsed you?"
I thought he was going to nod vigorously and stroll away but no, he chose to sit down across from me instead with a happy grin.
"Actually, it doesn't. Sometimes I read these things. And I'm not ashamed of it."
Yes, it certainly looks like you're not.
I nod mindlessly. "Cool. Um, I'm trying to kill some time here so if you don't mind, I'd like to have some peaceful reading time." I smile at him before focusing solely on the book.
I didn't get to read the book at all because for the next couple hours I spent it by talking to him; about where he's from, what he does and of course he fired back some questions at me but most importantly, we introduced ourselves as he told me his name and boy, was it the classiest name I've ever heard of.
Cedric Rafael.
I've been going to the bookstore a lot these days that it has started to worry my family. They thought I'm going out with a guy-but hey, isn't that what they wanted? Anyway, they didn't know that I've been going to the bookstore-they just assume I'm hanging out with some people and I find it strange that they never really bother me much about it. As the days go by, mum and dad both seem to go out a lot more than I do now- I imagine they're probably meeting their golf or coffee café alliances. Everything and everyone seem to be moving on with their lives pretty smoothly but mine because my mind has only been stuck with no one else but Cedric.
Bloody Cedric.
I wouldn't have to had thoughts about him almost every single day and night (especially at night) and ruin my poise and stoic expression slash principles about falling. I've also been having thoughts about him and me maybe heating the oven and baking muffins recently-that led me waking up screaming two nights ago- which scares the rainbows out of me and my neighbour's dog. I shook my head at that vehemently before chuckling. What a silly thought that was. I've only known him for two months now but from the many love stories that I've heard and read, two months is definitely not impossible for someone to develop feelings for another.
I've already come to terms with my then confused feelings a month ago because I now realized that what I felt for him was..more than a friendly like. I've got a crush on Cedric. I mean, not that I've never had one before, I've had one which was on my childhood friend, Zavi. He was Native American but yeah, that boy now is in a relationship with a guy and I found out the hard way when I boldly and stupidly read the Valentine's card that I made for him out loud in the hallway during the seventh grade. Yeah, guess that was the end of me being bold. I mean, I'm not that horrible looking; a brunette with quite wavy hair, I have hazel coloured eyes and sometimes I wear skirts with tee shirts. And sneakers. He didn't have to turn the other route when I confessed. But I guess declaring my love for him in the middle of the hallway wasn't exactly a brilliant idea back then and I should have seen it coming too, he was complimenting the other guys way more than a guy actually should. Either way, none of that hurts me like it did when he said he wasn't interested in being my friend anymore because apparently he thought he was too cool to be around someone like me since he got into the popular clique. That little turd. I suppose that also contributes to why I've been cautious about guys. Yeah. So.
Cedric! Yes, I'll talk about him more. Three weeks ago, we went out for some friendly date and I kind of noticed that he's been a little bit weird around me. I mean, sometimes, he'd either laugh at what I said even if that wasn't a joke and then he'd act blatantly cold towards me. I thought maybe he was having a bad day but it's been almost a month. I couldn't help but feel that maybe it was something that I did that resulted him to be like that.
But what did I do anyway?
Funny, I never really gave a damn about those things before but ever since Cedric came around, things felt different around me. For instance, I stopped glaring at people. I seem to shut my mouth more and blush a lot-goodness knows why I couldn't control them. It's like these blushes won't give you a memo whenever you're about to get red face-
Ding dong.
I look up from the telly to the door in the living room. Frowning at it, I got up and check the little peephole only to startle myself.
It's Cedric. And he looks pretty jumpy. But I open the door anyway.
Cedric was standing there wearing a white singlet top and blue beach shorts except there wasn't any sun or coconut tree printed on it. No, they were plain. But his hair does look a bit wet and his body- I am embarrassed to say this, but I think I'll probably dream about his almost visible two packs through his slightly wet shirt-tonight. Not that my fantasies about him wasn't great-(giggles)-they were but to see it in person even though it's a quick glance, pretty much made the butterflies flutter in my stomach.
"Were you washing your car? Or any vehicles? Because there's a foam on your..," I held out my index finger and touch his, "..nose. " I grin at that.
He blink before looking down at his attire and touch the tip of his nose before grinning.
"Well did you just got out of bed?" Cedric raised an amused eyebrow.
I look down at my attire of purple boy shorts and a baggy t-shirt before nodding casually. I seem to have my expressions compose eventhough my inner emotions seem to be on cloud nine. And speaking of cloud nine, I think I'd like to get one of those sticky candy bars. "Just an hour ago. But yes. Hey, do you want some snack bars?"
I left him there and went to the kitchen but he seem to have invited himself in because he's in the kitchen now too. I took two Cloud Nine sticky bars and gave one to him before eating mine.
"Cloud Nine, huh?" he chuckled and I nod. "Yeah, that's all I've got. I finished Cadbury's last night."
He nods nonchalantly. "I guess that explains the flabby tummy. " He pointed to a very much non- existent flabby tummy.
I swat his arm. "Hey! I've got a flat tummy."
He just grin cheekily before finishing that bar like a beast.
I guess I need to lay off from those stupid novels for a while.
We were in the kitchen, standing side by side while leaning against the kitchen island when I remembered something.
"You looked pretty flushed earlier. What's up?"
Cedric look at me with a pause before a slow smile spreads on his face. But it wasn't his big, just faint. The Cedric I've come to know is a very gay guy. Always cracking jokes and making me laugh all the time. But this solemn looking guy is not what I'm used to and I admit I'm a little bit worried.
"Hey?" I ask softly.
"I think we need to talk." He said.
I look at him before nodding.
"Well, first of all, I'm sorry for being cold and weird towards you these past few weeks, I just had a lot in mind. And uh, you know I'm not one to-"
"Stop beating around the bush, Cedric." I said anxious. Because I'm not quite sure what he's trying to say. Is he going to move to another state? Much more awesome and cooler than this? Is he going abroad? Or I hate to say it, but is he tired of me? Because that would definitely sting.
Cedric chuckled before composing himself and put on a very confused look with that lopsided grin of his. Those are one of the things that I've fallen about him. I don't say love because it's slightly corny for me. So instead I use fallen because it just felt right.
"Uh-right. Funny, I was about to say those words but, uh, Summer?"
"Yeah?" I said, looking at him but also glancing down on his lips because he just bit them briefly. That was very attractive. Darn it, if my sisters were here they'd never let me live this down.
He sighs loudly before looking me in the eyes and blurt out the one thing I never thought of taking into consideration.
"I like you, Summer."
His feelings.
Cedric is now panting heavily and I blink and blink before squealing.
Yes, people-I. Freaking. Squealed.
And that shock the hell out of Cedric because he jumped a little and is looking at me wide eyed with that golden eyes of his.
"Um, what does that mean?" he asked. Funny. He stops panting now.
"I.. I..uh, Cedric-Really?" I spluttered. Because I still am processing this.
So the guy I've been crushing on for two months actually...likes me too?
My mind went blank for a second.
"Yeah, I mean, I realized that when we went to the amusement park. I mean, I was having a panic attack thinking about it because I didn't know what to do or-or how to even-"
Butterflies. Fireworks. Stars. All that shizz.
Right now, I just couldn't give a care about anything else because I finally felt...
Relief.
Relieved that he felt the same. Relieved that I found a guy that is actually the coolest guy I've ever met and pretty much have the same common interest as me. It's like he replaces the friends I never had (literally) and the emptiness I've had over the years. Finally, I'm relieved over the fact that he just confessed to me because it'll probably take me a million years to do so.
So I kissed the stars out of Cedric. I mean, it was just a smooch because I'm not that much of a pro but still-it's enough to make him understand the message.
Wrapping his arms around me, he moulded our lips together in a slow and savouring moment (or maybe that's because I'm picturing it in slow-mo). But that only lasted for about forty seconds because suddenly his arms weren't around me anymore.
Blinking my eyes open, I took a deep breath as Cedric held me at arms length-his hands gripping my shoulders gently as he said, "Wait, d-does it mean that you feel the same way too?" he asked with a hopeful expression.
I chuckle before nodding. "I thought the squealing gave it away?"
He laugh and slid his hands around my waist, pulling me closer towards him. "I didn't really get it because well, you're kind of a weirdo." He said, off-handedly.
I scoff. "Oh, yeah? Well, why did you fall for me anyway?"
Looking into my eyes, he says, "Because you're genuine. And there's something about you, Summer that draws me to you."
"Well, that's pretty convincing. " I murmur and played with the little hair on the back of his nape. (I seriously can't comprehend this boldness of my action now-and frankly I don't even care because it felt good-I'm also noticing his ears getting red.) That made me giggle.
"What?" he asked.
"Your ears are getting red." I smirk.
He rolls his eyes before swooping a quick peck on the lips.
"You know, Summer. I thought you'd remember me."
I tilt my head. "We've met before?"
He blink away before nodding slowly. " Yeah but I guess I could understand your confusion. I mean, I wasn't exactly like this back then." He gesture to himself with a little tinge of pink on his face as he tried to look away.
At times like this, I think I understood why my family sometimes says I'm dense because I still hadn't catch on to what he'd said. I guess it also showed on my face because Cedric chuckled with a sigh before taking my face in his hands.
"I saw you confessing to this one kid in seventh grade. He kind of humiliated you and you ran to the school backyard before sitting on the bleachers. I used to eat there back then. Don't you remember?"
I tried to recall.
Seventh grade. Seventh bloody grade...
I got it.
A lone boy, with short blond hair. Cute lunch box. He was nice and polite. Sandwiches.
"You gave me your tuna sandwich!" I gasp at him.
He smirked. "Well that took you a while to remember."
"Yeah, you were pretty scrawny back then." I teased. Not that I mind if he was now or not. I think it was more of the fact that I was plain oblivious to people sometimes that I probably didn't pay attention to him much. It also didn't help I was pining after Zavi, so it figures why I didn't exactly gave others a chance. Looking back at Cedric, he didn't seem to change too much from when I met him in seventh grade. He was tall back then but he seems to have grown taller over the years; towering me at least a few inches with me only reaching his shoulder.
"You weren't exactly like a girl, either. More like a tomboy." He fires at me, but there's that glint again.
I narrow my eyes with a smirk. "Yet you fell for me."
He scoff. " You're one to talk."
I laugh before planting a kiss on his cheek and watch him go red again.
