“Guess what I got! Guess what I got! Guess!” I demanded jumping up and down at the doorway before Eli could even properly open the door.

He looked at me bemused “Drugs?”

I whacked him laughing “God no!” I cried “Keeping guessing!” I insisted, my smile only growing more and more.

Eli chuckled “I have no idea.” He shrugged.

I puffed at his lame attempts before grabbing his hand “C’mon.” I murmured eagerly tugging him towards my room “You’re the first person who’s going to see.”

“Should I be worried?” he asked hesitantly.

I laughed “Is someone scared?” I taunted over my shoulder as I kicked the door.

“No- what the....” he trailed off startled and slightly scared as my new friend began yapping and dancing all around and in between Eli’s legs.

“Isn’t he adorable?” I cooed giggling as I crouched down to scoop him up “Eli I’d like you to meet my baby, Alekay.” I introduced brightly as I turned Alekay to face Eli.

Eli chuckled “He’s so cute.” He murmured stroking him behind the ear “Where did you get him?” he asked looking up at me.

I smiled brightly “The lady I did some photos for her show dog gave him to me, for free, she breeds them”

Eli nodded “And you haven’t told your parents?”

I chewed nervously on my lower lip giving him a sheepish grin “I don't want them to say no.” I pouted.

“And if they do?” he questioned, amused.

I pursed my lips before my eyes brightened “If they say no he can live with you!” I thought excitedly, the plan making sense.

Eli’s eyes bugged “W-what?” he spluttered.

“Oh come on Li, your mum loves dogs.” I insisted eagerly.

Eli shook his head “Yeah but....”

I pouted “It’d be for me.....” I trailed off giving him my own puppy dog look “Could you do it, for me?”

Eli moaned, busted “I’d do anything for you.”

I squealed “Yay!” I clapped my hands eagerly “Alekay I want you to meet your daddy.” I cooed, giving Eli a cheeky grin.

I handed him over to Li who couldn’t stay grouchy as a gorgeous smile lit up his face “Where did you get the name Alekay from?” he asked, scratching behind his ear.

I smiled shrugging “Remember I coned you into going to the movies with me to watching Madagascar 2?” I asked happily, remembering that amazing day, I had used the puppy dog look that day too.

Eli nodded chuckling “We were the only people over ten in there.” He mused smiling.

I nodded “Well, I got Alekay from Alex the Lions real name.” I explained happily, thinking back to that amazing day and how the thought of that name bought back such amazing memories, it was one of the rare moments where it was just the two of us and no one else.

Eli chuckled “I have to admit, that day was good.”

I smiled “It was fabulous.” I corrected as I reached out making faces at Alekay as he tried biting my nose as I wiggled it against him “Look at that,” I cooed looking at the two of them “my two favourite boys in the world.”

          ೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋೋღ♥ღೋ

I looked at the photo before me on the screen blown up to full screen as I sat in the media room, it was completely deserted and quiet and at this time I needed it. It was our last period of school today which was where I was spending my time in the media room looking at the wedding photos that Gemma liked on her upcoming special day and the more I flicked through the more I was becoming nervous. All these photos were either too clichéd in my mind for wedding photography or they simply weren’t my style. I knew Gemma wanted the new and chic and yet still with that dreamy traditional style, and I had that but in my own personal way. My only question was, it was her special day so should I change my own personal style for her or stick to what I did best?

My nose bunched up at one of the photos I flicked through, it was of the wedding ring nestled and crested beautifully and elegantly upon a rose petal. It was a beautiful photo and yet it was simple, too simple for my liking. “Clichéd.” I muttered as I skipped it on to the next photo.

Moaning and groaning torn between what was best for me and what Gemma thought was meant to be I felt torn with indecision that Mel walked in, or rather stormed. Her face was a mask of fury and she reminded me of a blazing dragon or demon, with the blazing red eyes narrowed into slots and the steam wafting off of her. I couldn’t help but gulp as I scooted further back into my seat, this couldn’t be good.

She stopped before me, a desk in her way as she rested her hands on her hips “Is there something you want to tell me?” she asked, her voice sharp.

I sighed wearily, a raging Mel was scary and yet it was something I was used to, I could handle it as long as it was aimed at me “Look Mel I’m busy, I’m tired and I’ve got a lot on my mind,” my mind instantly went to Eli “so can we just cut to the chase here. Who pissed you off this time?” I asked, rubbing the insides of my eye as they thrummed, a headache soon approaching.

“Okay, I’ll cut to the chase,” Mel agreed, her eyes still flaming “I want you to tell the boys the truth, I want you to tell them everything.”

I gaped at her “You want me to what?”

Mel threw her hands up in the air in frustration “This has gotten out of hand Ez, and you know it!” she cried.

I shook my head “Since when? The videos deleted, I’m single, they have-“

“And the frightening threat Eli got yesterday?” She demanded “Geez Ez, you don’t tell me any of these things! Do you like the risk of all of this danger?” she insisted, her voice getting higher the more furious she got.

“Who told you about that?” I demanded, my mind instantly straying to yesterday and Eli, I didn’t think he was that scared to tell anyone else; wouldn’t it be a sign of weakness for guys to tell others about it?

“Liam of course, those two tell each other everything, more than apparently we tell each other!” she cried taking the jab at me “I tell you what though, I’m sick of finding out all these things out last, we’re meant to be best friends Ez!” she cried, and no matter how fierce her eyes were blazing the wounded look in her eyes couldn’t be completely overthrown.

“Okay, okay!” I soothed anxiously, wishing I could close the door so others couldn’t hear “I’m here now, I’m listening now.” I tried coaxing, surely people around could hear us?

"I want you to tell the boys.” She stated, her voice low and yet still hard with an edge “I kept my mouth shut because I thought it had all ended, I thought that there'd be no more but I can't keep this secret anymore!” she cried, the torment clear in her voice “What we are dealing with here Ez is dangerous, people can get hurt. I mean,” she groaned in anguish “the boys are now involves and they’re clueless, do you know how dangerous that is?” she asked, her eyes petrified.

“I’m trying to sort and figure my life out Erin, I’m trying to start new and I can't when I’m lying, I can’t keep it from him anymore of what happened! The thought of losing him....I can't.....”

“Mel,” I tried, holding my hands out as I tried to get through to her. Was she mental?

Mel shook her head, her eyes burning again as she backed out of the door, pointing at me “You tell him or I will!"

Before I could even protest she was streaming out of sight.

I let out a ragged breath having held it the entire time, I ran my fingers through my hair as I buried my head in my hands, what was I going to do? I wasn’t, I couldn’t tell the boys. It was one thing I knew and was adamant about, I wasn’t going to tell them. If I told them now everything I’ve done would become pointless and an entire mess, the boys would hit the roof! I’d be grounded for an eternity, the boys would tell my parents and than even the police. The thought of our towns’ gossip had me shuddering alone at the thoughts, if it wasn’t my parents that grounded me from doing the photography for this wedding the gossip surely would have Gemma running in the opposite direction. I couldn’t and wouldn’t do it, especially not now. Maybe after this weekend but not now with all that was in jeopardy, I wouldn’t let all that I went through and struggled with to all be for nothing.

I thought to Jed’s threat and shuddered, surely it was an empty threat. Jed wouldn’t be that stupid to start something like that with Eli, it was another guy who could pummel him to a pulp! Eli would be perfectly fine, Jed wasn’t stupid and he’s told Liam, Liam would definitely have his back. Besides, at the end of the day I was there to make sure nothing got out of hand even if Eli didn't know it. It was going to be okay I reassured myself; we just had to get through this weekend and if things haven’t yet cooled down than I could tell Eli and swear him to secrecy or think up some other plan.

“Who took that?” A voice behind me asked, startling me as I jumped in my seat with a squeal.

“Woo, it’s just me Ez.” Eli soothed, holding up his hands as I turned around to see Eli walking towards me with an easy smile.

See, everything was okay.

I shook my head, shaking myself from my thoughts as I looked back at the computer screen at one of the images; it was a close up of the groom sliding the bride’s ring upon her finger in black and white. Simple, elegant and yet for me I couldn’t help but grimace over how it just didn't hold that spark.

“So, who took it?” Li prompted, standing by my side as I sat in the Media room’s swivel chairs.

I smiled up at him questioningly “Who said I didn't take it?” I challenged.

Li shrugged studying the photo closer “I don't know, it just doesn’t have your name written all over it, and I don't mean the photographer signatures you people put on the photos.” He added on amused.

I smiled shrugging “Yeah,” I sighed heavily “it’s not mine. It was just some really well known photographer’s photo that Gemma really loves and wants something similar on her day.”

“Really?” he asked frowning “I thought she’d want something more....ritzy.” he murmured pursing his lips in thought.

I sighed “I know but this photographer is really popular, so if she’s taking it the photos have to be good. Or well, that’s Gemma’s thoughts of it anyways.” I muttered bitterly as I continued staring at the photo, it simply didn't do anything for me. Where did it capture the elegance? The passion and love? The celebration?

“I’m just going to take a stab here and say it definitely isn’t where your thoughts are?” he suggested with a knowing smile as I shook my head miserably “Look,” he began as my mind continued to spiral, I had to figure this all out and now Mel throwing this on top of me, I was a mess “if it’s not your style don't try it, I know the customer is always right but you can't change your style, you’ve got to stick to your passion.”

I shook my head “But this is Gemma and Andrew Li!” I protested “They are like royalty in this town, this is a make it or break it job. If she hates my work I’ll never get anywhere, no one will call me and I’ll waste away doing Santa photos in the mall.” I moaned, ready to rip my hair out.

Eli rested his hands on my shoulders, giving it a supportive squeeze. I looked at his hands resting on my shoulder, a part of me simply couldn’t believe that after all that’s happened his touch alone had my body shivering and tingling in delight, setting those butterflies alive deep within me once again. His large hand was warm upon the skin and it was as if he was literally feeding his strength as his touch alone had me feeling less miserable and defeated and more so confident and invincible. He made me believe I could literally take on the world.

“Let’s forget all about it hey?” he suggested as he reached down and closed out of all of it and removed my thumb-drive, safely after the last flogging I gave him when he just yanked it out, last time I did that I lost all my photos I had just taken, I had been in ruins. “We declared this free period a time for us to go shopping and hanging out, but first,” he began sliding the thumb-drive into my suddenly warm hands and looking down at me “do you mind if I call in back at home first?” he asked smiling down at me.

***

“I haven’t been to your house for so long,” I mused chewing on my lower lips nervously as Alekay pranced around at my feet “are you sure your mum won’t mind him being there?” I asked gesturing down to my little one on a leash.

Eli chuckled as he looked down at Alekay who had more than enough energy to burn off; it was our exact reason for bringing me out. Or rather dad’s pleas, we were walking off school grounds and I was dropping off my bags at home when dad insisted we took my little rascal out with me since he had so much energy to burn and dad couldn’t concentrate with his work when he was running around his ankles and tugging on his pants legs wanting to play. I wasn’t hesitant in the slightest to take my little pal out for a walk, Alekay had been there for me for so long with all those nights I was literally alone and I’d clutch him tight every night as I fought back those tears. It was only fitting that I gave back to him with a walk and giving him time to hang with Eli who both adored each other equally.

Eli scuffed Alekay’s hair up, and I laughed as he bunched his nose up and tried dodging Eli’s teasing rub “You kidding? You know as well as I do that Trudy will probably chain him to her side.” Eli laughed as he spoke of his little sister.

I smiled wide as I thought of Eli’s family; his family was just as dislocated as Mel’s and yet every other family these days were becoming such sadly. Eli’s dad passed away when Eli was fourteen, having fallen to melanoma cancer. Eli’s family was left in shatters and I remember our family taking Eli in for weekends so that his mum, Karly, could have just those few days to let that strong façade splinter and crack. Karly was the sweetest and strongest woman I’ve ever met and my parents were extremely close friends of her and were so proud of her. Karly and even Eli struggled but they got by, they were so admirable and Liam, Mel and I were with Eli every step of the way. Than Karly over two years ago met Jackson and before they knew it they were in love and a baby on the way, before they knew it Trudy – Eli’s little sister – came to the world and Eli very quickly learnt the role of a protective brother.

Stepping onto Eli’s street, which was only a few blocks from our house, I smiled up at Eli’s house in wonder “I think the last time I came here was Trudy’s birthday.” I mused thoughtfully, thinking back to it over six months ago on Trudy’s third birthday party.

Eli chuckled “Yeah that party was out of control, right?”

I giggled “They’re three!” I protested “A three year olds’ only problems should be fitting in a nap and whether to slobber all over a Lego block or Barbie’s legs.”

Eli roared with laughter, throwing his head back in the breeze and sunlight looking utterly dazzling “So you were the one that slobbered all over Liam and mine Lego pieces?”

I blushed whacking him “If I did, you deserved it.”

Eli chuckled “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He muttered looking away and sheepishly towards Alekay who was trying with all his might to run faster.

I narrowed my eyes “Oh c’mon, are you still going to claim that you just found them like that?” I accused.

“Hey!” Eli cried whirling around with me, with amused eyes “Those Barbie heads were torn off when we found them.”

I snorted just as we stepped into Eli’s house, a cute brick home that was homey and warm, a family house just like the garden that had swings and little bikes on the front lawn. Eli held the front door open for me and as soon as we walked in the door chaos hit us, it was common to walk into this household and be bombarded and dizzy with all going on. It always made me wonder how my mum and dad handled twins at the exact same time and working, it was no wonder why they didn’t want any more kids after us.

Walking down the hall as I picked Alekay up into my arm so he didn’t go and destroy something, especially like one of Trudy’s toys again as we stepped into the kitchen to find an amusing disaster before us. Karly stood by the kitchen bench talking on the phone in agitation with the counter tops covered with flour and other ingredients obviously in the process of making something. Her eyes were glued the entire time to Trudy sliding around on the floor with little matchbox cars and farm animals not to mention a couple saucepans as she created a ruckus.

As soon as we stepped into the kitchen and we grabbed their attention with Alekay’s eager yap Karly’s expression flooded relief as she gave us a silent wave before turning back to her cooking as we looked over Trudy. Jackson was obviously out since he worked sporadic and long grueling hours, it was hard on the entire family but he was a great guy and Karly was happy and loved, you couldn’t ask for much else could you?

“Hey Trude,” I cooed as I crouched down beside her, Alekay breaking free from my arms and jumping and prancing all over “how you going gorgeous?”

Trudy only squealed as she struggled to grab and keep Alekay still as he continued slobbering all over, making me laugh as I sat down beside her. She was an utterly gorgeous girl, she had her mother’s dark brown hair that was hanging around her face in gorgeous ringlets, she had her brothers’ piercing blue ocean eyes and she had her mother’s gentle and perfect features along with her chubby cheeks and hands that just made me adore her more.

I sat there on the floor with her for a while whilst Eli went to his room to change out of his school uniform and do some other little things. I sat and talked with her, though the majority of the time she was distracted completely by Alekay or more playing around with the cars and farm animals. We were messing about making an obstacle course out of the animals and cars that the left over cars and animals had to get around with other killing some innocent animal, or worse squashed by Alekay’s gigantic soft feet that trampled all over them with his exhilarating excitement.

It was just as Alekay sent all the animals and cars scattering all over the floor that Karly got off the phone giving a disgruntle and exhausted expression to me “Sales people.” She muttered giving me a wry expression.

I smiled at Karly, she was exhausted and covered in flour and yet she was a gorgeous lady even with all her scars and struggles she’s faced in life. She had dark brown hair just like Trudy’s that looked almost black, her hair she left long as it curled right down her back, both of her children had her ocean blue eyes that sparkled, she was so feminine and fine to perfection, tall and slender and clear skin underneath her thick hair. Yet I think the most welcoming thing about her was her warm welcoming smile, a smile of a friend and mother.

Karly smiled at me as she bent down to bundle up Alekay in her arms who was dancing around her feet “How you going sweetie? It’s been a while.” She smiled warmly at me, the smile warming me.

I smiled shyly back as for the tenth time in the past minute I reminded myself that this was Eli’s mum, “I was actually just telling Eli that before.” I admitted giving a soft chuckle.

She smiled back “I haven’t seen your brother around much either, you two been grounded or something?” she teased smiling; I had to admit she had a point, if she hadn’t even seen Liam around it was bound to be a odd not to mention quiet.

I shook my head smiling “When do I ever get grounded?” I asked pointedly.

Karly laughed at that “Your parents are too busy racing after that brother of yours I doubt they’d even notice if you were sneaking out every night.”

I laughed lightly “Nah, he’s been pretty good lately. He’s been spending a lot of time with Mel.”

Karly gave a childish squeal “Are those two finally dating now?” she asked excitedly “I’d say about time.” She said cheerily. I couldn’t help but wonder if she’d be just as happy if by some miracle Eli would bring me here to introduce to his family as his girlfriend.

I threw the thought aside as I rolled my eyes “Tell me about it, they like taking their taking their time.”

Karly laughed “I’d say, any ways, where is my boy? I swear I haven’t seen him since the last time I saw you sweetie.” She said rolling her eyes in mock exasperation.

I chuckled “That was over six months ago but boys will be boys.” I said getting up to my feet before kissing Trudy on the top of her head “I’ll go find him for you, I think he was getting changed.”

Thinking nothing of it I made my way back down the hall and through the lounge room where an extension was done upon the house that led into Eli’s room. Sliding the door open I stepped into the room and instantly I lost all oxygen within me, my breath caught as I stood stunned and immobile in his doorway. My mouth was agape as I watched Eli; he stood over by his bed humming softly to himself as he threw a shirt onto his bed from his draw and slowly, agonizingly slowly, drew his shirt up his muscular chest and over his head and revealed every inch of that godly smooth skin that I had once bathed in.

I think a little part of me died and went to heaven as I stared blatantly at his sculpted smooth chest, the tantalizing ‘V’ that disappeared into his low hugging jeans, or even his strong biceps that I certainly couldn’t wrap my hands around. I had somehow forgotten just how much of a God he truly was. My body flushed dangerously, my body thrumming with heat all over as I thought back to that night, his hands cupping me intimately, his tongue tasting every drop of me, his eyes watching every rise and shudder that ripped through me as they blazed and his strong hands holding me tight as we found bliss together…

My blood was blazing on fire with desire, rich drastic desire that left my body trembling as I thought of what I wanted. Subconsciously I captured my bottom lip with my teeth as I continued openly staring, unaware of my ogling. Or so I thought until the humming had stop – well over a minute ago – and a rich, throaty chuckle met my ears that left me with flaming cheeks and a lick of shivers spiraling right down my spine and deep into my toes.

Hastily I tore my eyes away as he threw his shirt on “I’ve been meaning to ask you something.” He murmured as he walked towards me, or rather stalked like a lion with its prey. Is it normal that the practically still shy virgin found it….sexy, daring, arousing?

I chewed on my lower lip harder, holding back everything within me that wanted to say something stupid, or by reaching out and jumping him. “W-what’s that?” I trembled, my mind spiraling at the thought of all the romantic gestures he could make, maybe asking for us to get together? Maybe he still loved me and he could throw aside the hurt just to be with me….

He took a closer step in towards me, his clean shirt and scent wafting up and tickling my nose as I began to feel dizzy under his alluring scent “Yesterday, there’s something about that day you need to tell me?” he offered.

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I took a step back, clashing with his door; was he trying to get me to confess my feelings first?  “I uh….” I struggled, stammering over my thoughts as his scent and body that caged in against me left me with no utter thought whatsoever but just heady thrumming flesh, begging for pleasure and satisfaction; sating.

“Well?” he prompted a hand of his rattling the door as he pressed his hand upon it, just above my head. My eyes trailed up the length of his arms to that hand, that large calloused and yet gentle soft hand that was big, it could hold me entirely within it. I never knew I was a hand person until now…. “What happened?” he murmured lowly dipping down as he curled his face into the side of my own, his nose pressed to my ear.

I shuddered unable to hold it back as my mouth went dry, my heart smashing my ribs down one at a time “W-what d-do you mean?” I stammered.

“The argument with Jed,” he breathed into my ear, his hot breath tickling my flesh “what did he say?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, pressed myself firmly against the door as it twitched the stumbled forward ‘till molded to him in every shape and form “I-I- he said n-nothing. H-he just wanted to, uh,” I ran my tongue along my lower lip, Eli’s gaze following it the entire way “he just wanted you- I mean me, back together.” I rasped, clenching my eyes shut cursing at my screw up, my tongue tied.

A raspy chuckle reverberated right through him and right into to me with his chest practically latched upon my own “Is that all? Nothing else?” he prompted.

I shook my head crazily, my breath catching shakily in my throat as his nose glided up the length of my throat, my head spinning. Why was he so worried? Was he possibly alarmed thinking that I was going to get back together with Jed? Was he mental? Of course I wouldn’t!

“Are you sure?” he husked “Is he always so…..angry?” he pressed just as I gasped, his teeth latching onto my ear and nibbling on it, my thighs pressing even tighter together now, oh god I whimpered mentally to myself.

My ragged breathing halted just as my eyes bugged in realization; this sly bastard was searching for answers with suspicion by seducing me! A shudder of nerves raced through me this time, after the fight yesterday at lunch and by Eli saying or questioning no more I literally thought he had heard nothing. Yet now here he was questioning me as he seduced me. A storm of fierce anger rolled through me like a tornado as I realized that; that jerk was using my weakness against me to get answers, it wasn’t affection, and he certainly didn’t want to get back together! How honestly stupid could I be? How could I feel any more hurt than I did right this very moment? It was as if someone – Eli probably – had reached in and ripped my heart out, crushing it.

I cleared my thought, the hot body washed away by the freezing crispness of reality. My body straightened as I shook my head “No, I’ve never seen him like that before.” I lied straight out, the moment certainly gone.

“Okay.” Eli said simply, his voice light and airy as he tugged on my ear once more and grabbing his jacket off his desk he walked straight out the door.

I let go a ragged breath, my legs trembling as I slid down the door torn between sexual frustration and icy heartache. I leant my head against the back of the door as I tried to catch my breath and the pieces slowly shattering. How could I convince myself anything that outrageous? How did I let myself believe such stupidity? Maybe deep down I was still that naive dreamer that Eli loved, maybe deep down within me there still was me, I just needed to find her….

“Ez?” Eli called out from his front door “You coming or what?”

***

“So when does this fancy wedding start?” Eli asked as I stood in the very same row of this electronic store we had stood in for the past twenty minutes, myself reading the back of all the packaging and still unable to decide on things.

I shrug “The actual wedding doesn’t start ‘till after lunch. However,” I sighed as I furrowed my brow reading the features on the back “I have to be there as soon as the bride wakes to get makeup done and all, she wants all the before and after photos, plus the early morning champagne and the nerves and breakdowns.” I murmured softly as I pursed my lips.

“Which is when?” Eli asked a frown on his face.

I paused for a moment “Um, I think eight or nine?” I answered, half distracted.

Eli whistled, those ones that draw up and go from high to low, like something hitting and finally crashing to the ground, something you’d see on Looney Tunes. “You know what I’ll be doing at eight or even nine, or hey even ten?” he asked, lightness in his voice.

“What?” I asked, sending him a questioning look.

“I’ll be having the best sleep in I’ve ever had.” He said smiling cheekily at him.

I screwed my nose up as I whacked him “Tease.” I muttered before turning back to the packages in my hand.

Eli chuckled making my lips twitch “Still, sucked in.”

I shrugged “I love it.” I admitted “I mean I love all photography jobs, but weddings are great. You can capture so many emotions; the tense anticipation of seeing the bride, the joy, love and celebration. The proud and yet emotional parents and not to mention the best mans too far taken speeches and jokes and the embarrassing elderly and parents dancing, especially the YMCA.” I giggled softly as I think back to all the things you can capture “There’s just so much tucked into one day, it’s hard to capture it all.” I murmured passionately, I wanted to be able to do that, take one photo and the person viewing it feeling overwhelmed with all the passion and emotion drawn into it, the reality.

“I can see that.” he said shrugging as he picked up a packet of batteries carelessly.

“Really? Not many people get me, they just think I’m….” some dreamer I swallowed those two words up as the reality hit, I could kick the books away to rid me of my naivety, but did that mean I also had to kick away my photographing and any form of art? Was I to work a boring job or facts and numbers, an accountant?

I caught Eli’s eyes and it was as if he could actually read what I was thinking, like he knew what I was fighting within me, reading my soul. But I knew that was stupid, I read that in all those stories and movies I obsessed over and I knew that what they were now was simply and forevermore only ever going to be fiction, nothing more. It just wasn’t how things worked in the real, cold world.

I cleared my voice as I grabbed what I wanted “Okay, I’m ready to go.” I muttered as I walked towards the checkout, suddenly feeling vulnerable all over again.

“It was Mel.”

I turned around to look at Eli with a furrowed brow as I paid the man that owned this shop, I’m fairly sure his name was Bob. He owned the only electronic store in this town that included a wide range and more professional photograph gear, it didn’t mean I didn’t like him, the old man was a scrooge and rude. “What?” I asked, looking at him like he was an alien in flesh.

“Your headless Barbies, it was Mel.” He clarified, giving me a sheepish grin.

I choked on laughter in disbelief as I grabbed the change and made my way out, Eli catching up “Mel did it?” I asked, disbelieving.

Eli nodded “Yeah, she didn’t want to play Barbies one more time so she chopped their heads off.”

I thought back to this afternoon and her threat, the stab in the back as she took Liam’s side, what happened to chicks before dicks? “I better she did.” I muttered sourly as we crossed the street. I’d rather be angry at her for nothing rather than admitting that deep down that she was right, hell no!

“Liam helped.” Eli supplied, trying to save Mel from my anger wrath.

I snorted “Now that doesn’t surprise me.”

Eli chuckled “Yeah, he was a bit of a jerk.”

“A bit?” I demanded quirking my brow as we made our way down to a quiet café “Try a lot.”

Eli laughed “He wasn’t that bad.” He tried “I mean, I’ve never seen a more over protective brother in my entire life.” he murmured.

I nodded knowing the truth in the words, but still not having a decent conversation with my brother yet and still avoiding him he certainly wasn’t a person I wanted to talk about “I don’t know, I’ve seen you go all crazy over Trudy.”

Eli became defensive “She’s three, that’s different.”

I laughed as we lined up for something to drink or eat “Don’t worry.” I murmured amusedly as I gave his arm a reassuring squeeze “Girls find it sweet, and attractive.” I smiled reassuringly at him.

“Really?” Eli asked, a smile slowly curving across his lips “Well than yeah, I’m the worst, most over protective brother you’ve ever seen. I mean even bubble wrap is dangerous!” he cried dramatically leaving me in a fit of giggles.

Laughing and chatting easily we made our order and made our way to a quiet back table with soft red cushions that was closer to a heated fire with the cool breeze and all outside. I smiled forgetting all that had happened back at his house and even all the mess before that with a hot chocolate and muffin in hand; Eli seemed just as carefree with his milkshake and chocolate cake that looked as sweet as life itself.

Nestling in our seats and laughing and talking some more, Eli paused with his fork and stole a chunk of my muffin making my eyes bug mockingly and dramatically “I think I get you.” He murmured taking the muffin from his fork and sucking the melted chocolate from the inside of the muffin off it “Before,” he extended at my curious gaze “when you say you don’t think many people get you, I think I get you, well most of you.”

I crossed my arms quirking a brow “Oh really now genius?” I challenged quirking my lips into a challenging smile.

Eli nodded as he took a sip at his milkshake giving me a cheeky grin as he tugged on the straw as he contemplated his next words “You can sell all the books in the world but you’re a book nerd,” before I could even protest he continued “you’ve watched The Notebook more times than I’ve ever slept in my entire life, not to mention all those Disney and chick flicks.” He added on to it, ticking it off on his fingers “You love photography, not just anything but the weddings, the family photos; the love. Not to mention how much you draw all over paper, hell my science book is covered in stars, swiggles, your name and love hearts when I sat next to you in it last year.” He cried rolling his eyes in laughter making me blush and my lips curl.

“And lastly,” he began sighing “don’t take offence but you stayed with Jed even though you weren’t the best couple, far from it actually.” He murmured passionately with blazing eyes, I swallowed roughly since this was the most we’d spoken of my split with Jed, it was too awkward too what with all that has happened “I’m not saying you didn’t love him, what I’m saying is that you stayed with him because you expected the best and I don’t mean him, I mean you expected the best in the story, the happily ever afters and singing birds with the rainbows and beautiful wedding.” He murmured looking me right in the eyes “But no matter what, you and Jed were never going to be as amazing as those stories that you burry yourself in or those amazing photos you take, and I think you knew that.” he murmured honestly.

I tore my gaze from him as I let go a shaky breath, it was frighteningly heart breaking to hear him describe me all with such ease. He hit the nail on the head and left me literally breathless from the blow of the truth. That was exactly the person I was, and I was going to change that – I am changing that. I didn’t want to be naive about love, I didn’t want to be stupid and weak and so prone to disappointment. I wanted to be strong and literal like Mel, she saw the world for what it really was and was so strong, she didn’t face any of these dramas and she wasn’t struggling, her way was the safe and heartache free way. All I had to do was just….close myself off.

I laughed bitterly “That sounds like the most soppiest five year old you’re ever going to meet.” I joked, playing it off and avoiding the truth of his words.

Eli shook his head “No,” he said, waving my reply off breezily “there’s nothing soppy about it. so you don’t value money, or cars, or your job or any of that other pointless crap,” he said waving it off disgusted “you value, cherish and crave in life the most important thing to anyone; you want that white picket fence, the gorgeous wedding with your soul mate and that amazing happily ever after.” He shrugged as if it was nothing, as if it was possible “There’s nothing soppy or stupid about it.” he argued.

I looked at Eli sadly, offering him a sad smile, almost of pity for the words he obviously believed. How could he believe these words? How could I still deep down still believe them when I’d been given the brunt of the fall? “Things don’t happen like that Li.” I whispered sadly, tracing the mouth of my mug of hot chocolate.

Eli smiled at me softly, almost as if he was looking at a different person, a stupid person “Why don’t they?” he asked me searching “Ez,” he began reaching over and grabbing my hand “you’re going to find that happily ever after, it just wasn’t Jed. Fairytales aren’t fake just cause Jed is, it just means that he was the wrong guy.” I nodded softly as I looked down at his hand holding mine, the bruised hand from his fight with Jed when he came to my rescue “You’ve just got to wait for that right guy.” He murmured his thumb running softly against my wrist.

I looked at him, my body pleading to ask; why can’t you be that guy? 

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