Wednesday, July 5th....
*First Draft*

"So what did you do for the Fourth of July?" I question Saige, leaning my forearms on the counter as I peer at her curiously.

It's currently the day after the Fourth of July, four days after the 'interesting' Chili's dinner, and four days since I last saw the Patricks'. Mom and I did our annual thing; watched the parade the city had, and set out lawn chairs out front at our house because we happen to be the few lucky people that get a decent view of the fireworks they put off after dark without actually needing to leave our home.

Then we had chips and dip and sat around and watched tv. Very festive mind you.

This is Nadine's first official day on the job, and I do have to say she's doing pretty well at that. It's now one o'clock, lunch time, and I'm just biding some time as I wait for the usual rush hour to hit.

And that's how I find myself across from Drew and Saige, much like Friday, while they eat their lunch Nadine apparently packed for them.

Saige sets one of her peanut-butter and jelly triangles down on her plate, her lips forming a small frown. "Nothing really. We stayed home because..." She trails off as Drew shoots her a side-look I can't decipher from his seat beside her, and she bites her lip, looking down. "We watched some fireworks on the tv." She suddenly adds, peeking up at me from underneath her bangs.

I nod, flicking my eyes over to Drew's. He looks away, focusing back down on his books as he resumes his vigorous picking at his own PB&J while munching on carrots and broccoli.

"It's better than nothing." I amend, feeling slightly upset Saige, the adorable ten year-old that wants to explore, didn't get to do anything more than watch tv for some unknown reason. Mom had invited them along to join us, but Nadine had politely declined, saying they had things to do.

Saige sadly nods, biting into her last triangle as she looks back down at her puzzle she's currently working on. I look over at Drew, who has one triangle left of his sandwich and doesn't appear to be eating it anytime soon, pursing my lips slightly.

Apparently Drew and Saige are going to be coming along with Nadine to work while Edward isn't around and since James is at work. Because apparently Drew isn't responsible enough to care for his ten year-old sister at home that's a mere ten minutes away. Or something like that.

I tap my finger on the counter, leaning a little closer towards Drew as I peer at his stack of books.

Biology, pre-algebra workbook, and a book containing short stories.

Drew notices my staring. He looks up, and our eyes lock for a split second. Dark green like a freshly turned forest of pine trees, specks of gold and blue floating around.

He looks over my shoulder, effectively breaking eye contact. He raises an eyebrow. "What?" He questions, sounding irritated that I'd even think of bothering him. I refrain from rolling my eyes, cupping my chin in my right hand.

"I was just wondering why you're studying when it's summer break." I wave my left hand in the air. He frowns, pushing his plate away from him. "Is there a law saying I can't study?" He mutters darkly, face stolid with a hint of annoyance.

I push off from the counter, holding both hands in front of me in a defensive gesture. "Okay, okay. I was just asking." I clarify, pressing my lips together. "Yeesh." I discretely mumble to myself.

Saige looks between us with knitted eyebrows, her hand posed up at her mouth with a carrot in it. Drew places a hand on his beanie covered head, rubbing the top and causing some of his hair to stick out.

"I'm homeschooled." He says so quietly I almost don't catch it, and I blink in surprise. Hmm, for some reason I didn't peg him for a homeschooler. Then again, I didn't peg Nadine as the stay-at-home teacher either.

"So that means you don't get the summer off?" I retake my position against the counter, staring at him curiously, completely unhindered by his cold attitude.

I'd almost say he has that bad-boy look and air to him, if not for his cute boyish charm and looks.

He hesitates, eyes flashing with something unreadable. He ducks his head further down. "At least for this year that is." His jaw tightens. I tilt my head to the side, studying him.

He's wearing another plain black hoodie today, along with the trademark bracelets on his wrists I can just barely see poking out from his sleeves. Another pair of dark jeans, and the same converses I've seen him wear on all three occasions. No piercings on his face as far as I can tell, which is good, and hopefully no body art.

Though I can't picture the pudgy, rolly-polly, three foot something tall child I remember with either of those things.

A sudden thought hits me, and I smile. "So, Drew. Do you have any hobbies? Play any sports?" I question, genuinely curious. He was only obsessed with his mother and Star Wars back then. Oh, and following Edward and I wherever we went.

Drew seems to draw in on himself at the question, almost like he doesn't like the extra attention that comes with being asked something. He keeps his eyes down, his hands fidgeting with one of his binder's wire spiral.

"N-Not really-" Both mine and Drew's gaze snaps over to Saige as she cuts in easily over Drew's soft voice. "He likes to run." She intervenes, looking up at us with innocent, bright blue eyes.

Drew sets his jaw, casting Saige a quick look before looking back down at his books. Saige beams up at him, clearly happy she added that little piece of information Drew was about to neglect to mention.

"Oh really?" I feel my interest spark, and I look back at Drew with renewed strength. He slowly nods, and I see a redness slowly creep up his neck. Aww, he's blushing. "So, does that mean if I asked you if you wanted to be running partners Saturday morning you'd accept?" I sugarcoat my voice, clasping my hands together.

His gaze snaps up, and I feel his eyes scan over my body, that's visible. He raises an eyebrow. "You run?" He incredulously questions, his eyes going a bit wider. I roll my eyes, cocking my hip to the side and sticking my hand on it. "Yes." I deadpan. "I do, matter of factly." I raise my left hand up to my face, dramatically blowing my fingernails.

I do. It's just the only thing I do, besides volleyball, that's more taxing than making four peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at once. And in all honesty, the prospect of running with someone sounds much more enjoyable than running alone. Mom used to run with me, but she stopped a few years ago. Something about a bad knee. Though, I think she was just using it as an excuse.

"Is that a yes for Saturday morning, say 9 o'clock?" I contain the urge to hop up and down. Saige giggles from her seat, causing Drew to glance her way. "Um...." He hesitates, looking everywhere but at me as he rubs his left arm with right hand.

Saturday we'd, and by we, I mean Mom and Nadine, already made plans to go over to the Patricks' house and hang out a bit. Guess I'll just have to ask if I can go a little earlier.

"Okay...I guess." He finally gets out, not sounding too eager at all. In fact, he looks almost....worried? I ignore it, jumping up into a happy dance. Saige laughs as I spin in a circle, and Drew just stares at me like I'm crazy before he glances over his shoulder at the five or so people currently occupying the restaurant.

Eh, who cares about them?

"Great!" I almost yell. "Sorry, I just get lonely when I run solo." I say in reply to Drew's baffled expression.

Or maybe I had too much sugar today.

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A/N

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