“Erin?” a voice called as the sound of my bedroom door squeaking open met my ears “Erin?” they called out again, nervousness and confusement coating his tone.

“In here!” I squeaked out sticking my hand through the sheets to wave.

“What…” Eli trailed off utterly stupefied.

My head popped out between the sheets with a huge child like grin “I built a fort!” I insisted eagerly, I felt more like a child than I had in years.

An utterly amused grin slithered along his lips “I can see that.”

“Come join me!” I insisted, leaving basically no room for decisions.

Not even minutes later was Eli joining me in my blanket fort that covered every inch of my bedroom floor and even my bed, he looked around in there at the torches and lamps I had on and how the bright lights would light up the space and the colors of the sheets. It was like being in a small, warm and intimate cave. I became breathless at how close we were to each other, our noses practically touching as he looked around in awe.

“You did all of this? In…” he looked at his watch “and hour?” he asked since under an hour we had only just gotten out of school for the day.

“Yeah,” I admitted happily with a weightless shrug to my shoulders “I was trying to do that Geography paper and I couldn’t concentrate. So I thought if I made my own little study cave I may be able to work better.” I explained as we continued to look around the space before I gestured to my scattered geography notes and pencil case.

Eli shook his head in wonder “I think it’s one of our best ones yet.”

“It’s pretty obvious I don’t want to do this paper, isn’t it?” I asked with wiry guilty smile.

Eli barked a chuckle “Hey you said it not me.” he said taking note of my blank pages and my laptop being opened to a movie rather than a Word document.

I watched as his eyes lit up in question “I’m watching Sweet Home Alabama.” I answered his silent question “Want to join?” I asked without even thinking, a couple hours alone with him in such proximity? Yeah, probably wasn’t my best thought out plans. Or was it…

Eli nodded without a pause “Sure, but if we’re going to do this right we’re going to need to order pizza and junk food.” He added as he reached over for his phone to call for pizza.

I held up my stash of junk food “Go it.”

Eli looked at me with awe and pride making me blush and giggle like a little school girl. Lying down together in the fort, shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet in this small area I clicked play on the movie. I was so close to him and aware of him and everything else, I was conscious of how heavy I breathed, how I smelt, what I did I was also aware of his body against mine and how divine he smelt. My heart that was thundering and I simply just couldn’t calm down, I was paying him more attention than the movie and it was because my mind raced with all these elaborate scenes in my head that I wished would actually happen.

Why couldn’t he just tell me he loved me? I wondered miserably. Why couldn’t I just give up already and move on? Why did I keep hanging on?

As if God was listening on to my prayers I got something. It wasn’t a kiss, or a confession of undying love or anything as such. But a tender, surreal, and simple moment where he leant closer to me and curled a lock of my hair behind my ear almost absentmindedly, as if he thought nothing of it. My breath caught and it was that one action alone that kept me hanging on, this just couldn’t be my imagination could it? The burning thrumming electricity shared between us, the chemistry and this feel of sureness. This wasn’t me being a dreamer or just wanting something so much. It was moments like this that I just simply knew.

I knew that Eli and I were meant to be, together forever.

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

I groaned in protest as the sunlight hit me square in the face as I began to wake from my slumber. My bed was simply that warm that I didn’t want to have to roll out of bed but the birds chirping outside my window simply wouldn’t allow it. I moaned again in annoyance as I buried my face deeper into the warmth provided as I tried to drown out the sounds and the warm sun that was basically trying to burn me to get out of bed.

“Are those birds always so loud?” a voice grumbled groggily beneath me.

My breath caught my eyes snapping back in alarm, I pulled back quickly to be staring down at a naked Eli. I had been lying right on top of him, my face buried in his chest as I had been nuzzling up to him like he was my pillow. A sexy pillow… I thought as my eyes for different reasons this time ran along his body greedily. I don’t think I’d ever be able to sleep again unless Eli was right back there as my pillow.

Eli’s eyes watched me in amusement, those gorgeous eyes sparkling and his lips tilted at the side as I stared down at him openly. His eyes were still hooded from sleep as he too had been woken from the birds and his hair was an array of mess – he’d never looked more adorable and sexy at the same time. He reached up to me, his fingers brushing the hair out of my eyes tenderly with those hands of his. How could you become so besotted just by a hand? I thought absentmindedly as I leant into his tender, warm touch my eyes fluttering closed.

“Morning baby.” He murmured his hands grabbing my face and pulling me back down, to my surprise as a squealed passed my lips, and curled my body back into his chest as he grabbed my blankets and pulled them back up to covering us.

I giggled softly as I felt like we were in our own little private pillow forts miles away, I remembered making millions of them when I was younger, with Mel, Eli or Liam, or even all of us. I smiled happily at the memory as I let my face curl into his chest and I sighed dreamily as he arms wrapped tightly around me like a protective shield, armor. His fingers ran softly and gently through my hair as we laid in the blissful silence, the moment didn’t need words to make it clear of just how utterly magical this moment was or how utterly infatuated we were with each other.

I thought back to last night which just seemed to be a distant memory, a dream if anything or someone else’s love story. It was like a memorable scene from a book I loved and I desperately craved to read it again, to relive such a special moment. Last night was…magical. Standing outside last night in a storm being kissed senseless, my lips were still swollen and bruised I realized as I ran my fingers absentmindedly across them. If I closed my eyes tight enough I could still remember just how wonderful he tasted upon my lips.

My eyes fluttered close as I tried to think back every moment, every touch and every word last night. It was all so important that I tried to be documented; it was something worth to be cherished. The rise and fall of his steady chest beneath began to lull me but I didn’t want to sleep, as glorious as this moment was I wanted to cherish. Not to mention I wanted to create more magical moments, I felt like I had all this lost time to make up for.

“Are you asleep?” I whispered tentatively, feeling awfully shy to break the silence.

“Yes.” He answered back in a whisper too.

“No you’re not!” I hissed back with a soft giggle.

“Well than why did you ask?” he challenged back in hushed tones.

I tilted my head back to look up at him from the centre of his chest “Because I didn’t know if you were asleep!” I insisted.

“But you already knew I wasn’t asleep.” He countered back with a cheeky grin.

My eyes narrowed “I did not, I-“

“Why are we whispering?” he interrupted me, amused.

I giggled softly realizing he was right, we were whispering as if we’d wake the house up or worse…get caught. The thought of my parents finding us like this…I wasn’t ready for that talk just quite yet. By the light shining through it was definitely late morning, possibly early afternoon. We had after all snuck back into the house fairly late this morning.

The thought of last night alone had me smiling and blushing like a little school girl, I crawled further up his body as I curled my head underneath his neck, nuzzling like an affectionate kitten “I love you.” I whispered back softly.

Eli hummed softly in content his fingers running through my hair and my back, my body bare to him making his touch just that much more ticklish. He pressed his lips to the crown of my head “I was worried I’d wake up again to find the bed empty.” He murmured softly against the crown of my head, his warm breath whisking my hair around.

My gut churned with that pang of guilt again, would I ever be able to forgive myself? I know Eli said he had forgiven me and he understands, but did he still doubt me? Would he ever trust me? The thought of Eli not trusting me and looking at me differently had me wanting to shrivel up and die. I had made so many mistakes, I had hurt so many. I vowed in that moment, right there that I’d do everything in my power to make him trust me again, to never doubt me again. He deserved the best and I vowed to be the best.

I pulled myself up as I straddled him, sitting on his chest as I tugged at my fingers on his chest nervously “I know…” I began trying to find the courage to speak “I know I screwed up.” I admitted softly “And I know you say you understand why now and that you’ve forgiven me. But I just-“ I broke off, my voice thick and choking on emotions. Eli’s hands rubbed the calves of my legs soothingly, trying to offer me such strength and support “I just need you to know that I’m so sorry, I never, and I mean never wanted to hurt you.” My bottom lip trembled as I held his gaze “And if you’ll have me, I’ll vow that you’ll never wake up to an empty bed ever again.” I whispered fighting back the rising tears.

“Oh baby.” He breathed looking at me as if I was the silliest girl on the planet “What’s done is done, you were hurt too, literally.” He murmured his voice firing up at the mention, his hands cupped and trapped my face in his large warm hands of his tenderly but fiercely “But I want to wake up to only you.” He murmured with sincerity blazing eyes as he brushed his lips upon my own “I’ll always have you, only you.”

I sobbed a relieved breath as I let myself back into his arms and his lips, his taste just like every other kiss – whether it’d be sweet and tender or passionate and fiery – exploding on my tongue. I melted into the kiss, my body reacting to him like he was my kryptonite. What do I mean like? Of course he is! I was still boneless from last night’s plentiful scorching kisses; I don’t think a full recovery was even possible. I was addicted; intoxicated of every essence that was Eli. How had I resisted for so damn long?

I let my body curl into his as my fingers ran and knotted in his hair before reluctantly pulling back. This is heaven I thought as I watched my fingers rub the silky strands of his hair between my fingers. If I could be here in this moment for my entire life I’d be the luckiest girl in the world. I’d never felt so blissfully content, I was sure with all that was in the world. There were things I never knew, there was drama and darkness in my life and the world and yet I was okay that, I’d be forever okay with that as long as Eli was here with me.

“What are you thinking pretty girl?” Li murmured softly, reaching up to curl a lock of my hair behind my ear.

I smiled softly up at him “Just how happy I am, with you.”

He smiled softly back at me “I love that smile.” He murmured sweetly the pad of his thumb running along my bottom lip.

“And I love you.” I sang back not even skipping a beat.

“Forever and always.” He murmured roughly wiggling his nose against mine, my own nose crinkling up as I giggled.

I moaned softly my forehead falling to rest against his “Do we have to get out of bed?” I murmured softly listening to the sound of movement and chatter through the rest of the house.

Eli chuckled weakly, reluctance also in his tone “I guess we should go join the real world.”

I pouted “But I want to stay here, with you.” I jutted out my bottom lip as I looked up at him with wide eyes and through my lashes.

Li groaned “Don’t do that baby, that’s just cruel.”

“What?” I batted them some more.

His eyes narrowed on me “You’re pushing it my little minx.”

“Oh really?” I challenged my own eyes narrowing.

“Oh yes, you don’t want to know what’ll happen if you keep this up.” he played right back not even skipping a beat.

“Why? What would you even do?” I taunted quirking a perfect brow.

“This!” he cried and before I even knew it and caught on his fingers were latching onto my sides, his fingers digging into my flesh as he tickled me. I squealed kicking and thrashing in the sheets and blankets, I was getting caught up and tangled in the sheets. He did not once relent as he continued his attack as I squealed and shouted at the top of my lungs.

“S-stop!” I squealed thrashing some more, my hands flying out and smacking and hitting him as my body had a mind of its own.

“Do you give?” he shouted over my squealing and thrashing, chuckling as he watched me with a cheeky and triumphant expression. What a cheeky little bastard…

“Y-yes! I give! I give!” I squealed panting for breath, sweating and feeling like I’d just run a marathon.

“What’s the magic word?” he sang teasingly, pushing it.

“P-ple-“

The sound of someone knocking on my bedroom door had the both of us shutting right up, we held our breaths as if waiting for the sound to come again for that confirmation that someone knocked. I looked up at Eli and he was making the funniest expression torn between fright and sniggering amusement. I clamped my hand over my mouth to smother the giggles and sniggers of my own as Eli started making faces at me and jabbing me in the ribs.

Maybe it was our imagination… I thought as we held our breaths and time lapsed on.

“Ez? Are you up sweetheart?” the knock came again, my mum’s voice following from the other side of my door.

I silently mouthed the words “Shit!” As dread hit me like a tenfold. I instantly thought of the worst! If my mum walked in, she’d find Eli – my twin brother’s best friend – and I curled up in a tangle of blankets in my bed completely naked. What would she honestly think? It wasn’t like we were going to keep us together a secret – we were together right? – but I didn’t really want to be telling my parents this way. Not to mention I’d love to double check with Liam first, he’d be okay with all though, right?

“D-don’t come in!” I cried out my voice rising and I grimaced at how utterly bad that sounded, how guilty my voice sounded “I’m changing!” I called out blanching again at how utterly clichéd and over used that line was, but what other excuse was there?

“Okay.” She called back easily “Your father and I are going out okay? You know the rules and I’ve already told Liam all the details so just ask him if you need help.” I rolled my eyes; it was as if Liam was ten years older than me rather than 10 minutes

“Okay, have fun!” I called back muffling a snigger as Eli ran his tongue up the side of my face, my nose wrinkling up.

“Okay, we’ll see you and Eli when we get home.” She answered back, the edge to her voice finally shedding light to being coated with humor and amusement.

“Busted.” Eli sang softly in my ear, drawing it out.

“We aren’t- it isn’t what it look like- I-“ I stammered and stumbled over my words mortified.

“Hi Sandra!” Eli called out confidently to my annoyance.

Mum laughed on the other side of the door “We’ll see you when we get home guys, hopefully dressed Erin.” Mum added on sternly before the pattering sound of her feet leaving met my ears.

I groaned throwing my face into Eli’s chuckling and vibrating chest “Kill me now.” I mumbled. How utterly mortifying? Did they think we had sex? How on earth was I meant to show my face to my parents now, let alone look them in the eyes? Millions of questions raced through my mind, each one having me want to shrivel up in a hole and die.

Liam chuckled softly running his fingers through my hair and kissing the top of my head “I guess that’s our queue.” He murmured amused as he traced random patterns on my bare shoulder blade.

I lifted my head narrowing my eyes “This isn’t funny! My mum thinks we had sex!” I hissed in alarm, why wasn’t he freaked out? Why wasn’t I freaking out enough? Oh my god I was losing it!

“We did.” He stated as if I was a little slow “And why does everyone say that? We didn’t fuck or have sex, we made love.” He stressed.

My heart tugged at his words, not many think such magical things of sex and being intimate anymore. How did he have such a sweet way with words that he took all the worry and drama away? He made me forget even the most evil things lurking in the dark of my mind. Touched and feeling humbled I brushed the hair out of his eyes before kissing his cheek affectionately making it clear that I was grateful for his sweetness and for being such a gentlemen.

“Mmmm, come on baby.” He murmured sitting up in the bed as he pulled the sheets back, I instantly shivered wildly. Worry instantly coated his expression “Are you okay? You aren’t catching a cold are you? I knew we should have gotten out of the rain quicker.” He babbled on earnestly.

I shook my head with an impish grin as I wrapped my arms tightly around his torso, once again like a feline I curled into his chest, nuzzling away. Any minute now and I was going to start purring. “You just need to keep me warm.” I murmured softly into his chest.

I could feel his body slowly but surely relaxing inch by inch and he caved into me, his arms wrapping back around me “You know if you keep this cute thing up you’ll have me wrapped around your little finger.”

I giggled softly into his chest “You just told me your weakness.” I sang smugly.

Li chuckled rolling his eyes “C’mon, let’s go get some breakfast.”

“Mmmm, lunch don’t you mean?” I asked wryly.

“True.” He agreed as he gently lifted and pried me off him so he could slide out of my bed “C’mon, I’m going to take my girl for some food.”

I smiled up at him as I cocooned myself up in the countless blankets and sheets “So I’m your girl now huh?”

The corner of his lips tugged as he drew the bundled up me towards the edge of the bed “My adorable girl.” He murmured as I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his stomach as I sat on the edge of my bed and he stood.

“And pretty.” I answered back lightly with a cheeky grin.

“Definitely beautiful.” He corrected.

“Mmmm.” I grinned like the Cherished Cat as I snuggled into his warmth.

“Not to mention overly affectionate.” He mused, amusement in his tone.

I smiled before sighing heavily; we really needed to walk out this door and face the real world sooner rather than later. I needed to talk to both Liam and Mel. I needed to convince Mel that succumbing to love was the best feeling in the world. I also needed to tell Liam that I loved Eli and was with him and tell him that even if he didn’t approve he could get beat. Then I needed to fill this empty belly and think of some other story to feed my parents when they get home so they don’t think we did the dirty deed last night. But mostly my plan for today was to latch myself onto Eli and never let go, not to mention not going fifteen minutes without tasting those strong lips of his.

Standing up I kept my sheets still wrapped tightly around me suddenly overly shy, curling a lock behind my ear I looked down at my toes pocking out from the sheets and blankets wrapped tightly around me “Are your clothes dry?” I asked softly struggling to even talk, my mouth dry.

“Ummm,” Eli paused before crossing my room searching for his clothes that had fit the floor wet and damp as we had curled up together in my bed naked “My jeans are surprisingly dry….but I can’t find my shirt…” he trailed off looking adorably confused.

I chewed on my lower lip fighting a blush and a grin, he stood in my room so easily and comfortably naked and my wandering eyes just couldn’t help it. How come guys can be so much easily relaxed naked around people? Whereas any female needed a whole lot of sweet talking or alcohol or hell they still even needed the lights off, how come the female population was blessed with the tragic misfortune to feel so uncomfortable within their own skin?

My eyes lit up at a sudden realization “Oh!” I cried feeling like I’d made some huge break through and discovery as I waddled like an awkward penguin towards my cupboard, tumbling and swaying as I went.

Sticking my head in my cupboard I smiled as soon as my eyes laid on it, it was sitting on the very top. It was too important to be lost in the overload of my clothes that still never seemed to be enough. Reaching for the shirt eagerly I clutched it tight resisting the urge to inhale the scene and make a fool out of myself. Instead I turned around and waddled back to him, or more so running and tripping on the edge of the sheets and tumbling right into Eli’s clutches, a soft squeal leaving my startled lips.

I blinked up at him feeling breathless in his arms as he smiled down at me, “Here.” I said shoving the shirt into his arms “It’s your shirt. You know from…that other time.” I trailed off shrugging as I blushed a bloody crimson and pulling back.

Eli smiled as he tugged me back into his arms again by the sheet “You keep it.” he said back simply.

I furrowed my brow “Well than what are you going to wear? You can’t go topless because…” because I’ll be too damn distracted I finished thinking to myself as I looked down to my hands resting on his bare naked chest. Can anyone say yum?

“Do you remember the night you called me after we had come back to this very room?” he murmured randomly, such drastic change of topic startling me.

My brow furrowed “Yeah, you worried about me and you told me you loved me again.” I smiled brightly as I thought back.

Eli’s lips tipped “Yeah and you also said that you had my shirt.”

I nodded “Yeah, you have a habit of losing and leaving your shirts at my house Mr.” I said giving him a mocking stern glance.

Eli chuckled “Do you remember what I said baby?”

I pursed my lips “You said you wished you could see me in your shirt…” I thought back blushing faintly with a smile at the husk and heated desire in his tone.

“And?” he pressed.

“And…” I trailed off furrowing my brow deeper as I tried to think back.

“I said you could wear my shirt as long as you owned my heart and I owned yours.” He murmured giving my bottom chin a tap as he tilted my head back some more.

“I wore it the first day back at school after that weekend.” I admitted softly “I wanted you close to me for some support for when I was to break up with Jed.” I whispered softly fighting back the memory of the first struck as I ran my fingers along his chest absentmindedly.

Eli caught those fingers up in his hold as he brushed his lips across them, nipping at them making me gasp as we stared intensely back at one another “You were also wearing it the day we decided we were just “friends”.” he emphasized ‘friends’ with rabbit ears “That is exactly why it was so easy for me to be just “friends”” he admitted with the rabbit ears again “you were wearing that damn shirt of mine, looking more beautiful than I’d ever seen you before and I knew that although we were just friends that shirt told me that I still held your heart and no matter what you’ll always hold mine.”

My eyes grew before they stung, how could someone be so aware and have such a poetic way with words? I thought back to that day though, how he had tugged on my shirt once he saw it through my cardigan and smiled, the smile upon his face was so relaxed and relieved with no ounce of pain or heartache like he withheld before. By simply wearing his shirt I was able to make him smile nevertheless never lose his faith and trust in me. I was so relieved that I gave him a reason why he should never give up on me – without even knowing it – before it was too late.

I grabbed his face, cupping it in my small dainty hands the sheet and blankets falling right off me as soon as I let go with both hands. I smiled faintly at the sound of his breath catching at the sight of my bare skin, my body shivered and my toes curled as his gaze seemed to soak in every inch of my naked flesh. My hands tightened around his strong jaw and face before I caught his lips with my own, my lips brushing softly, almost like a whisper across his lips. I think I had waited long enough for another silky taste of him.

“I love you.” I whispered softly pulling back.

“I love you too baby girl.” He smiled tenderly stroking my hair out of my eyes.

In silence we got changed into clothes. Eli found his shirt which was also dry so that left me able to greedily wear his shirt of discussion before. Not that he cared, he reminded me after all it was mine. We got changed sharing shy and loving looks, the odd tender touches and kisses, not to mention the odd sweet words filling the beautiful moment. If only Eli could sleepover every night… I thought wistfully as my heart fluttered.

Sharing one trepidation filled glance we turned my door handle and stepped into the real world, that being my hallway. Stepping into the hallway I held my breath, I was waiting for someone to pounce, maybe dad or even Liam to round the corner with a shot gun and mum following behind gushing with a camera. Instead we were met by no ambush and rather a silence, so maybe mum and dad really did go out I pondered getting hopeful. After all, I wouldn’t put it behind them to use that as a ploy to come out of my room, my mum could be quite the conniving child when she wanted to be and dad always loved going along for the ride – that man would go to hell and back for her actually.

Sharing another quick look with Li I made my way down the hall treading carefully trying to not make a sound. It wasn’t like I was going to hide from them forever, just today…and maybe a month or two I added on quickly when I remembered mum’s taunting comments. God kill me now. I slid down the hall with my back pressed to the wall and my legs and arms spread wide, I felt like I was in some Bond movie, secret agent. The idea instantly had the Pink Panther tune coming to my mind and I instantly knew to my horror that it’d be stuck into my head for days to come.

I shot Eli a narrowed glance as he casually walked alongside me without a care in the world. Why was I more worried about the gun being held to him than he was? True a gun would be me being overly dramatic but still, it’s not like he’s going to walk into a picnic! Still, he walked casually almost with a spring in his step actually as he chuckled and smiled at me in amusement, it only made me more nervous, my stomach lurched despite the fact I hadn’t eaten properly since well over twenty four hours. There wasn’t much chance to eat at the wedding and to be honest I didn’t want to miss a second there to do my job, it was my first break. Just about reaching the front door I let go a breath I had been holding, the sound of my heartbeat thrashing in my ears beginning to recede.

“Love birds!”

To only spike again.

I cringed where I stood, my back to the lounge room where the annoying overly excited and mocking voice of my brother came from. My shoulders tensed and tightened and I gritted my teeth, my brother was going to give me hell. I was so not looking forward to this.

Stepping up behind me Eli snatched up a tense hand of mine and brushed his lips across the back of my wrist where my pulse was thundering away. I wondered absentmindedly in the throes of breathlessness if he could feel my heart plundering away.

Giving me a gentle tug he turned me around towards the lounge room where I bit down a loud agonized groan of protest. Turning around reluctantly and lead by a calm and cool – to my annoyance – Eli we stepped through to the lounge room to find Mel and Liam with smug expressions upon their faces and big grins.

Those grins soon left their faces as I exclaimed with a squeal “We can so double date!” once noticing Mel curled into Liam side as he ran his fingers up and down his side.

Liam cursed under his breath as Mel smiled smugly up at him “That’ll be twenty bucks for me thanks.”

Liam grumbled under his breath with me only catching a few stray sentences “How did you know….so freaking unfair…she’s my twin….bloody joke.”

“Oh, did you guys lose a bet?” I asked casually having already guessed this argument; Liam and Mel were both competitive so it was no surprise that they liked to bet on what happened around them. What frightened me now though was that they were dating – or so I now presumed – so how on earth was this going to work?

Mel smiled widely and smugly “Yup, and I get twenty bucks.”

Liam rolled his eyes though I could quite easily see the corner of his lips twitching as he watched her with adore. Was it more noticeable to see his affectionate now having witnessed such adore first hand and directed to me for real?

“So mum’s gone right?” I asked Liam as I steered and tugged Eli with me – not that he protested in the slightest – over to the other double lounge.

Liam shot me a shit stirrer grin “Yup.”

I narrowed my eyes “You’re going to be interrogated too.” I sang tauntingly back.

The smile wiped clear from his face at the sudden realization “Awww man.” He sulked jutting out his lower lip.

Mel smiled up at him as she ran her hand soothingly up and down his thigh “It’s okay hun, I think she already knew to be honest. It’s not like we were trying to act on the down low, especially with us walking in this morning in the same clothes as last night and together.” She smiled wider wiggling her brows.

I blanched “Ew! A reminder; best friend and little sister is present!”

Liam chuckled with teasing eyes “Yeah, like you’re any different little sister and best friend.” he pointed to first me and then Eli.

I smiled sheepishly as the realization dawned on me of our situation “Wow.” I mumbled, this was like some queer triangle or pentagon relationship or something weird.

“Well at least I don’t have an overly protective father to deal with.” Liam chorused back smugly his hopes lifted by his sweet and supportive girlfriend that also happened to be my best friend – I narrowed my eyes on her jokingly, this was going to be a fight for support, attention and of affection.

I looked back at Liam with narrowed eyes but Li answered back easily “I hate to break it to you mate, but when we tell you that you were the only not to realize my affections for your sister – except Ez herself –“ he shot me an amused glance making me blush “I’m being serious. Your dad gave me his blessing eons ago.” He smiled easily as he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me in closer, resting his chin on the top of my head.

I looked up at him gaping “Really?” I demanded, was I seriously blind?

“Really, really.” He said back with that gorgeous smile as he tapped my nose affectionately making it crinkle up.

“How was the wedding?” Mel piped up curiously all eyes turning to me inquisitive.

My eyes lit up “I’ll show you!” I cried eagerly racing for my camera and its bag; before they could probably even blink I was sliding back into the room on the floorboards before stumbling. I was so excited and yet even nervous to show them in relation to the direction I took my work.

“Woo.” Eli cooed as I swayed, his arms shooting out to steady me.

“Thanks baby.” I quipped easily without even thinking of the first endearment I’d given him and walking to the TV to hook the camera up to so the pictures showed up on the big screen. “Okay,” I said softly nestling back in on the couch next to Eli and turning on the camera “this is the girls getting ready in the morning...”

I began going through snap by snap, explaining necessary or skipping on when needed, it’s not like I was going to bore them to tears but I still wanted them to see and tell me what they think. The others gushed over certain things they liked or saw, Mel and I gushed over how utterly stunning Gemma’s dress was and the fairy girls were so cute you could eat them up. Whilst the boys whistled and practically crooned over the cars both the grooms side and the brides side showed up in. Comments were made on mostly all photos and the others there were the odd sounds, but what I adored the most and kept me stable rather than throwing up with nerves was their expressions and how their gaze never wandered away out of boredom. They were captivated and that’s all I wanted.

“And then it’s…” I trailed off waiting for the next image to show up “Oh, its back to the start.”

“Oh my god! Are they the photos from our road trip?” Mel gushed leaning forward eagerly.

I nodded “Yeah, our mini road trip to the coast.” I agreed as I looked at the shot of us up on the big screen that we had taken.

It was a snapshot of all of us lying on a beach we had found by luck, we had broken down in the beat up overheated car in basically the middle of nowhere along the coast way. After calling for someone nearby to come and see what was wrong and tow us to the closest mechanic we found out there’d be over an hour wait. Boiling, sweating and agitated from the heat and beginning dehydration we all started getting frustrated before Mel suggested we start walking. That walking soon led us to a local secret trail through the bush that stepped up onto a private quiet beach. We were so ecstatic and exhausted we jumped in the water practically clothes and all.

The shot was taken by a stray local person walk their adorable border collie dog; it was of all four of us lying on our stomachs with damp sand covered skin. We were all smiles and giddy with happiness and excitement since it was the first time seeing a beach on our road trip, the sun was beaming down upon us opening wide and the blue crystal behind us in the background. I was lying between Eli and Liam, all of us resting on our elbows and all beaming. It was one of my favorite photos.

The photo was before we’d come back here to step back into the reality; facing Jed and mine’s relationship, Mel’s issues with her family and her rebelling nature to drown out the depression and then the boys; fighting for the love of the girl’s they loved that was ‘forbidden’ or trying with all their might to push those feelings back down. Look where that had led us… I mused wryly.  

“God that was an awesome trip.” Liam murmured with a faint smile as we all lost ourselves in those blissful summer days.

“We should do it again.” Eli murmured, his fingers racing up and down the side of my arm making me tingle and shudder, god how could a touch leave me in a gooey mess?

I nodded eagerly “And soon.” I added on.

“And to that beach too!” Liam shot in again quickly.

Mel’s eyes narrowed on him “You’re only saying that because it was a nude beach.”

“You have no proof it’s a nude beach, for all we know those girls may have just been working on their tan.” Liam answered back breezily, shrugging Mel off to Eli and my amusement as we watched on.

“It was so a nude beach! And if it wasn’t those girls were utter skanks!” she protested the argument brewing and bubbling up like an explosive volcano.

Eli chuckled against me as I rolled my eyes in amusement turning to look up at Eli. He looked down at me smiling as he ran the pad of his thumb along my bottom lip “I liked your photos.” He murmured back.

“Really?” I asked hopefully eager for his blessing even more than Gemma’s and Andrew’s.

“I’m proud of you.” He nodded making me look at him imploringly “You didn’t change your style just because it was Gemma – a social queen – asking to.” He elaborated.

I nodded through anxious pursed lips “I know, I mean I took some photos like she wanted me to.” I admitted “But I just felt…my gut instincts were telling me that by doing it my way I’d be able to capture the essence of the event better my way.”

Eli nodded in understanding “I love that about you though.” He murmured.

“What’s that?” I whispered softly, Liam and Mel’s bickering miles away.

“How you don’t sell yourself out, you stay true to yourself.” He murmured with a soft admirable smile making my insides flutter “Don’t ever change that baby girl.”

I smiled leaning up to capture his lips “I promise.” I mumbled muffled against his lips.

“My eyes! Oh my god my eyes!” Liam squealed like a girl.

My eyes rolled to the ceiling before I sighed reluctantly; pulling back I shot Liam a narrowed glare “I’m sorry, I didn’t quite catch that Leah.” I gritted out.

Liam shot me an impish grin “Is anyone thirsty? I’m thirsty. Eli do you want to come help me get drinks?” he shot out with a tumble of words making my lips twitch.

“Alright.” Eli muttered almost reluctantly as he stood up, I pouted looking up at him and he looked even more reluctant “I’ll be right back.” he murmured kissing the crown of my head before following Liam into the kitchen.

“What do you think they’re really doing in there?” I murmured tilting my head towards the kitchen were we could hear the soft murmur of chatter and the clinking of glasses.

Mel’s lips twitched “Well Liam’s probably hiding from you, but mostly to gossip.”

I laughed “They’re bigger girls than us.”

“So true!” Mel laughed too still looking over shoulder towards the doorway. She turned back around to face me “So, how was your night?” she drew out like Joey’s famous “How you doin’?” line from Friends as she wiggled her eyebrows.

I giggled at the irony of all of us gossiping in different rooms with our best friends, which so happened to be either our partner, a sibling or our friend – this was like some weird ass soap show. “Good, really good.” I admitted with a faint.

“Oh really?” Mel drew out again wiggling her brows.

I giggled blushing darker “We didn’t do…that.” I emphasized feeling even more like a school girl.

Mel nodded “Really?”

I hummed in response “Yeah, we’re going to take it a lot slower than last time.” I answered honestly as I twined my fingers together “But it was really good, we talked about a lot of things, confessed a lot and kissed a lot.” I stressed as I thought back to all that kissing.

Mel’s grin grew “I bet you did.” She answered with a knowing grin.

I giggled blushing again and feeling giddy, would it be childish if I did one of those clichéd girl screams as she danced and jumped all about?

“What about you?” I asked turning back on her “How was your night?” I asked with a singular arched brow.

Mel’s grin grew but I got my answer from the blush upon her cheeks “Let’s just say wow.”

“Ew, that’s my brother!” I hissed.

“Oh come off it. You were the one saying that we had to have these talks like in those books of yours you read; you know the details, comparing, reassurance and support, the tips.” She ticked off teasingly.

I pouted miserably “But still….Ew.” I mumbled making Mel laugh.

Mel sobered as she sighed righting herself a bit again “But seriously, it was….magical.” I arched a brow at that; Mel wasn’t one for such words as magical “I’m happy Ez, really happy.”

I smiled at her “I’m happy for you.” I admitted softly “Besides, you really can be my sister now!” I squealed giddily making her smile back just as big.

I sighed happily breaking our blissful silence as we were off in our own fantasy loved up worlds “Everything seems to be really working out for us now, isn’t it?” I murmured feeling something I never thought I would; inner peace.

Mel hummed in agreement until she seemed to have snapped out of her daze or something “Wait, did you tell Eli about…well the Jed stuff?” she whispered lowering her tone.

I nodded in answer chewing on my lower lip until I snapped out of my own loved up daze, Jed and Falan! Last I saw them they were getting thrown in the back of a cop car! What had happened at that party? Was Eli’s face alright and not as tender anymore? What had those boys done that had been so terrible they got taken away in a police car and Eli got to walk away with the girl? Better yet, did this mean that it was legit all over?

 “Last night, when I got there…” I trailed off unsure of how to word what crazy things I’d seen “Were Jed and Falan taken off in a cop car?” I asked, my gut churning with this unknown feeling; was it worry or possibly even guilt? I didn’t know what it was but my gut was sitting well with it and it had never lied to me before.

Mel gasped nodding too wildly “Yes! The cops just showed up and arrested them, I don’t even know why! I mean, taking a few swings at Eli isn’t worth arresting someone over….” She trailed off with a confused and furrowed brow as she reflected.

I shook my head in wonder “This doesn’t make sense, why were they arrested? Who called the police?”

The answer came from the doorway into the kitchen “That would be us.” 

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*Dramatic music here* Did you guys see that coming? What and why do you think the boys called the cops? What have the boys been up to in all of this? You've heard two sides in this story, but what about the other two sides of the story from the boys? As a reminder also, only 4 chapters left after this chapter - I'm hoping to have it finished before the New Years!
Mainly though - MERRY CHRISTMAS! Here in Australia it's under half an hour 'till Christmas so from me to you this is a Chrissy pressie! I hope you love it! I hope you have a fantastic and wonderful day and that you cherish every moment of it whether you celebrate the day or not! Remember, stay and be safe & smile, because you look gorgeous with a smile ;)
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