I looked over my shoulder smiling as my gaze caught Gav’s, he winked at me making my smile grow and my inner teen girl squealing wildly as I suddenly felt the need to wildly dance and shake my humming nerves out. A small giggled slipped through as I gave him a small wave before sliding in through the front door before he pulled off the curb of my street in that car of his.

I sighed heavily collapsing against the door, my mind swirling and pooling with giddy intoxication. My head felt clouded and swarmed, his scent like a drug that left me feeling warm and in pure bliss.

The clouds parted though and the sun swept through opening up the bright rays of reality hit me hard as soon as my head hit the pillow that night. I was restless as I curled into my bed, my arms strangling the pillow to death. Like the pillow wouldn’t slip from my grasps just like my sanity was currently doing, slipping through my fingers beyond my control.

All that flashed before my eyes were G.P+C.C, it haunted me to the point of no return. I was certain, almost positive that the C.C part stood for Cindy Crawford. What else could it stand for, I mean I already had my suspicions Cindy was somehow relevant. Or was it possible that I was so absolutely obsessed and suspicious of Cindy that I was too caught up in it all and jumping to conclusions?

I was so rattled and conflicted and certainly far from ever sinking into a blissfully deep sleep to escape reality that groaning I threw off my sheets and dragged myself over to my desk. Mumbling under my breath as I rubbed under my eyes wearily I loaded my computers in hope that simply by typing it into Google the answers would just show up before my eyes.

“Please be nice Google.” I moaned my legs bouncing up and down with impatience at my slow computer as I woke him up, at least he could sleep.

I puffed out a breath as I waited impatiently, what did this G.P stand for? It couldn’t be G.P; Georgie’s last name was Walker. Impatient I reached for my last year’s Yearbook skimming through all the student class photos waiting to see anyone who had G.P as their initials. I found not a single damn person. If only there was a database of all the people living in Emming.

But life is never that simple, not once has my desires been handed to me on a silver platter. The sudden image of Gavin being delivered to me on a silver giant platter had me feeling breathless as I sunk into a world where everything was so damn heated, my skin flush and my body burning. I needed to be revived, even better I think I needed to be revived by Gavin.

Oh how pitiful am I?

Shaking my head out of those extremely dangerous daydreams I bought myself back to my computer screen, throwing up Google as I came back to questioning. Who was this G.P? Georgie didn’t have any nicknames that answered for the ‘P’, so who was it, was it a boy or girl? Did they go to our school? Was it a previous love interest or an ex friend? Maybe even a family member?

I logged into Facebook instantly looking for any previous clues to the G.P, but it was spammed completely with R.I.P comments and statuses on her page, photos and plenty more. It was a mess of mourning and pain. It left me feeling sick and queasy that I was on her page for different reasons.

I sighed my chin nestled on my hand in agitation, this didn’t make sense. Usually when people did the whole G.P+C.C sort of thing the ‘+’ could be replaced with a ‘4’ or even a love heart, but that’s just it, it didn’t necessarily have to be a love interest. Especially at this age, who honestly did the whole initials with the heart surrounding it, or the whole ‘I heart….’

My gut lurched at the idea of my answer to that unfinished question; it seemed just as dangerous as the path I had chosen to follow down on this terrifying, mysterious journey.

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I stumbled and staggered down the stairs to the front door, my body was practically tripping over my sluggish pace. My body wasn’t in front of the rest of me with excitement or such, rather my body was that deadweight and drained that it was toppling over ready to slump to the ground in exhaustion.

Two hours of sleep last night left me feeling completely utterly ripped to shreds and shattered. What happened to the girl that used to pull all-nighters with Kate every weekend? I’d become such a weakling or even such a boring weak teenager.

I felt like I’d stumbled upon death’s doorstep, my body felt haggard like deadweight. I felt like any moment my knees would buckle beneath me and collapse into shards of exhaustion. My body shook and quivered with every strain and push against my resistance. My body cried out, begging and pleading to just drop to the ground and curl into a ball and sleep right there on the staircase, too exhausted to care.

I was stubborn though, oh so stubborn. I wasn’t going to let myself succumb to such a weakness. I was going to toughen up and go to school, drink some tea and demolish some sugar so I could stay awake. I had plenty important things on; I had assessments and exams galore, I had some serious snooping and spying to do and most importantly I had precious Gavin time on hand. I was greedily going to take advantage of every moment and chance with him I can get.

I stumbled down the stairs in as much of a rush as I could get in, I was running late and couldn’t afford to do much more than a freezing cold wake up shower and throwing on some clothes with still damp hair. My head was pounding as I stepped out the front door and the bright light attacked my eyes feeling like a vampire. I rubbed my eyes mumbling and moaning completely oblivious to Gavin leaning against his car in my driveway talking to me.

Walking down the stairs was when I caught his attention through heavy lidded eyes and I instantly was conflicted.  A part of me was screaming in fear; I looked a damn right mess and was from looking how I’d want to look in front of Gavin. I wanted to look pretty, beautiful, stunningly sexy. Not like some homeless drunk person off the street. The other half though, it was leaving my haggard and harsh body that stumbling along weakening and warming straight to the core with relief. My heart melting distraction was here, with those warm coffee eyes and that scent that promised safety. All I wanted to do was to race into those big strong arms and melt into them into blissful security and naivety.

My throat cleared coarsely and harsh, did he think I was stoned? Or could he notice through my sleepy red eyes that I was still basically checking him out? He’d been talking to me and I just stood there somewhat similar I believe resembling a zombie.

“What sorry?” I asked clearing my throat once more brushing the hair out of my eyes.

Gav’s brow furrowed as he walked to me, jumping up the steps and striding to me with quick almost anxious strides “Hey, hey.” He murmured, almost crooning as he reached out to me before pulling back unsure “Are you alright?”

“No, yeah.” I moaned shaking my head, this growing migraine made all movement deadly “I just didn’t get much – any – sleep last night.” Practically every word of mine a groan as I rubbed wearily at my eyes.

“Rough night?” he murmured still with concern as he moved my arm gently and sliding my bag off my shoulder and shouldering it for me, the action not going unnoticed as it tugged on my heartstrings.

“You have no idea.” I mumbled softly as he urged me along to my driveway ready for school.

“C’mon than sleepy girl.” He murmured softly opening the car door open for me before closing it gently behind me.

I sighed in heaven as soon as I nestled and melted into the car seat, his scent coiling around me. I knew, as soon as I sat down I was in danger. So I was certainly in danger when I nestled into Gav’s warmth, his scent and his company.

Gav slid into the driver’s seat closing the door; I turned my head to the side resting against the car seat watching him as he sat there for a few moments in silence. I didn’t mind though, my eyelids soon fluttered shut being lulled simply from his even and soft steady breathing.

“What would you say,” he began softly, my eyes slowly fluttering back open with struggle to looking up at him slightly dazed “if we skipped school for day.”

I hummed softly my lips curving up as I looked up at him through my lashes “First skipping class and now skipping school, you’re a bad influence Gavin Bickim.” I teased in my sleepy voice.

Gav’s soft chuckle made my spine tingle “Is that a yes?”

“God yes, take me far, far away.”

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I soon found myself sprawled out on the deserted grass of the town’s local lake eating junk food and hot chips and laughing with Gav as poor souls such as Phil and Kate sat at school behind desks. If I’d known a month ago that I’d be here sprawled out under the sun head touching head with Gavin Bickim I probably would have bunched up my nose and would have gone into denial. But now…well, now I was the total opposite. I wanted more.

Lying on my stomach my fingers ran like torrent through the blades of grass lazily, it was such a harmonious moment here in the sun. The rays of the light covered and tickled my face, my entire body warmed and melted like butter under its touch. It was such a beautiful day though; the vibrant warm sun, the cool but gentle breeze as soft as a caress from a lover, the birds and the bees moving lazily in amongst the flowers and the soft swarm of the water.

Watching as my fingers threaded through the luscious green grass I felt relaxed and more preserved, as if I had been sleeping, when really I’d spent the day watching and enjoying my company with Gav. It’d been such a lazy and carefree day but I’d never felt more cleansed, invigorated and even vibrant with beauty. Side by side with Gav it just felt magical. It had been pure silence for over a couple of minutes now, it didn’t bother me though, it was blissful both talking or in silence. Either way nothing couple wipe the lazy cleansed goofy smile off of my face.

I turned my head to find Gav’s face resting on the grass, his eyes closed in pure paradise. He looked beautiful as the sun danced along his smooth skin, the sun dancing in his dark black hair which to my surprise showed me the odd strands of brown shining through. My smile grew though at the sight of those few strands curling and dancing around his eyes from the breeze, tickling his nose and forehead. My eyes skimmed over his face trying to take in every detail, curve and groove without touching.

Greedily I saved the best for last, my eyes flying to his lips. They looked pink, a dark luscious pink shade. They looked firm though, firm and sensual enough to leave any girl breathless and boneless. Yet in the same glance they looked moist and tender, despite looking like they stood their own ground. They looked like the sinful lips that would you draw you into the pits of Hell or up to the gates of Heaven, hell maybe even both.

Blushing scarlet I looked away feeling breathless just from the thought let alone the actual practice. It terrified me how much I could read of his lips, his touch just by the sight. I mean I hadn’t even lost my first kiss let alone kiss lips like those. Gavin’s lips.

Sighing I rolled over onto my back looking away from such sinful danger, I looked up at the sky watching the leaves and branches in the tree dance. My eyes began to droop and next thing I knew I was finally falling asleep as I slipped into a heavenly escape.

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I sighed softly under my breath, my lids fluttering open softly to find the sun now blocked by the trees and sun only warming half of my face. Moaning softly stirring from a much needed rest I turned my head to find Gav’s half lidded gaze already on me “Did we both fall asleep?” I moaned arching my back as I stretched, my back arching.

“Yeah, we must of.” Gav groaned softly, probably stretching himself.

I sighed again, my body starting to uncoil again as my gaze returned back to the sky above, my eyes resting upon the cute fluffy clouds up in the sky “Huh.” I mused smiling lazily.

“What?” Gav asked gently, curiously.

 “That cloud there looks like a birdie.” I pointed up into the sky my head tilting through narrowed eyes “Maybe a dove?” I asked my voice uncertain, calculating now.

“It looks like a fairy to me.” Gav said simply.

I snorted on laughter “How?” I asked incredulous as I looked through it now with squinted eyes, it seemed even funnier simply because Gavin – all enticingly manly and charmingly handsome – said he saw a fairy, not a gun or a football but a fairy.  

“Hey, don’t judge it so is!” he argued defensively.

“Is what?” I egged wanting to hear it from his mouth.

“A fairy!” he insisted.

I cracked up cackling to the point of no return my eyes stinging at the chance of tears. Gavin throwing me a mocking offended glance reach over tackling me with his fingers as he continue poking and tickling at me. I screeched squealing and thrashing beneath me as he tickled me to death making me squirm as he begged me to call even, to beg freedom.

“White flag?” he demanded his fingers digging into my ribs.

“Never!” I cried thrashing through pearls of laughter.

Gavin laughed “Are you sure?” he taunted “You’re turning a little blue in the face smurf.” He teased me as I gulped for desperate breaths of air.

“Okay! Okay!” I panted breathlessly screaming and thrashing at the top of my lungs wildly.

“Finally,” Gav chuckled breathlessly under his breath “you’re a stubborn one.” He panted as his fingers left my ribs and sat on either side of my face holding himself up in push up style.

I laughed breathlessly under my breath as I looked up at him my chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath. In doing so I realized I was still being tickled by the gentle ticklish caress of his hot warm breath against my bare flesh. That was when I again had another realization and that was that Gavin was on top of me, literally hovering over me to the point I could feel some of the panes of his glorious body against my own.

I think Gav realized it too, his chuckle practically trailed off and his eyes flickered up to meet my own gaze. His eyes caught mine and I felt entranced, captivated by the beauty of those warm chocolate eyes. Those hard panes against was enough for my entire body to tingle and come to life, my heart leapt into a gallop and my heart lurched as soon as my eyes latched onto those lips of his. Oh how I’d dreamt about those lips.

The sound of my breath catching seemed as loud as an earthquake hitting us; it filled the tiny fiery bubble we were locked in. I watched as his eyes danced across my face like a caress of a tender lover. It had me shuddering in bliss and he hadn’t even touched me!

My bottom lip was captured by my teeth as I continued to openly stare solely at those sinful lips. The distance between us began to bridge and disappear and I didn’t know who made the move first.  Our noses were basically brushing, my eyelids couldn’t seem to stay open as they fluttered shuddered and his warm breath tickled my lips so much I shuddered in anticipation trying to simply imagine what they could feel like, taste like.

His hand cupped my cheek my body succumbing into it eagerly, my entire body curling into his exotic touch “Blue suits you.” He murmured in a low husk.

Would my dreams do it any justice?

I never found out. The shrill scream of a ringtone of a phone, Gavin’s phone, broke us apart and startled us so much that Gavin legit rolled away and over. My heart panged and I prayed that none of that speed and haste had to do with disgust or alarm, was he happy that he was interrupted? Was he kicking himself asking him what the hell he was thinking since it’s just Steph?

I blushed a bloody crimson as I sat up taking my sweet, sweet time pulling the few blades of grass and leaves out of my hair. I distantly can recall him talking on the phone looking out to the pristine clear lake as he ran his hands through his hair in complete agitation unnerving me more.

I couldn’t listen too afraid what I may hear as scenarios rolled through my mind “You know that Steph chick, her breath reeks!” or “Girl who found the head in the toilets, she actually thought she had a shot!” The cackling voices of them in the scenarios hurt me more, taunting me.

What hurt the most though I think was how utterly guilty I felt thinking that, where was my faith in humanity, in Gavin? Did I really think that low of Gav? Because if so, what was I doing skipping school with him? My brow only seemed to furrow deeper and deeper as I realized just how insecure and untrusting I’d become. I hated it, loathed it even.

The sigh of Gav’s had me anxiously wanting to look at him but I was too shy to, my cheeks were already bloody enough as it was. Instead I listened to him as he shuffled about before sticking his hands under my nose offering a hand startling me. I looked up at him frowning, the light just behind him to make me squint and not make him out entirely rather than a vague outline.

Seeing my confusion Gav spoke up first breaking the unnerving silence “That was Phil, apparently if we were at school today we’d know that we would be helping out at the fair.”

“The fair?” I asked stupidly still not taking his hand.

He nodded “Yeah, for raising funds and money for our own Senior Festival.” He said a smile in his voice, I couldn’t see him but I’d bet on my life he was smiling at me, amused. I didn’t care if it was at my expense, he was smiling at me.

“Oh.” I answered back stupidly as I vaguely recalled the little fair being held late this afternoon and tonight – as tonight was late night shopping – to raise funds but when I was in a bubble mixed between murderers and Gavin some things become muffled and vague.

I took his hand and he practically propelled me up off the ground, I squealed in laughter and shock as I righted myself so I didn’t embarrassingly land on my face. Dusting myself off I nearly fell again as I was startled by a hand that was suddenly in my face as they pulled a leaf out of my hair, nearly stumbling back startled I was lucky Gav caught my wrist and righted me again.

Gav chuckled softly pulling back “Come on silly.” He murmured towing me towards his Ute.

My stomach fluttered with butterflies of excitement and warm hope; my day with just Gavin and I certainly wasn’t over just yet. At least some wishes come true.

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“But I don’t even know anything about Chinese cuisine!” Gav protested to Kate who stood with a clipboard and popped hip with such a professional poised glare “Do you know how to cook Chinese food?” Gav asked looking over at me.

I looked like a helpless puppy as I shook my head “No!” I cried panic rising as my neck flushed with dread.

Kate cocked a perfectly poised eyebrow “It’s not my fault that you guys were both sick.” She said offering us a sarcastic glance followed by an eye roll, I shot Gav a sheepish look and he winked at me smugly “You missed the meeting at school therefore you didn’t get a choice.”

I pouted “C’mon Kate isn’t there something you can, give us something we know how to do?” I begged of her with big puppy dog eyes “I’ll be your best friend.” I tried persuading.

Gav laughed as again Kate rolled her eyes “Gee, thanks Steph.” She muttered sarcastically “Look, it’s not that hard.” She said offering us both a reassuring grin “You’ve got fortune cookies over there, than you just have wonton noodle soup, fried rice and a few other dishes. Basically they order you hand them a plate and bowl and dish it up for them but don’t forget to actually collect the money.” She said giving me a pointed glance.

I snorted “I’m not inept Kate.”

Kate shot me a mocking look of wonder “Some days I wonder.”

I pouted dramatically folding my arms and looking down at my toes “I’m not stupid.” I muttered “But since I’m so stupid guess than I’m not needed here…” I tried taking a step in the other direction.

“Oh no you don’t.”  Gav growled latching onto my wrist as he pulled me into his side his scent engulfing like his arms “You’re not leaving me on my own to do this.”

I jutted out my bottom lip some more as I looked back up at him “But I can’t cook!” I whined.

Gav’s lips twitched “Nice try with those puppy dog eyes cutie but I can’t cook either and I need you.”

I looked up at him in awe like a love struck besotted teen, he said he needs me is all I can think about on repeat as I stare up at him openly. The niggling voice far back in the very hind quarters of my mind reminded me that he needed my help; he didn’t need me but he needed my help. But I was too hypnotized and swayed by what I convinced myself he had really meant.

“Right, it’s settled. Steph you take the fortune cookies and soup side. Blake you just have to take the rest of the cuisine side which only have to keep warm and fresh.” Gav sighed a sigh of complete relief as he hissed a ‘yes’ under his breath making us all laugh “Don’t get so cocky yet boy.” She continued making the both of us freeze in alarm “If you run out of food-“

“We could run out?!” Gav demanded interrupting her in alarm.

“Calm down cry baby,” Kate teased him easily “we have the ones doing food tech cooking up the food so they’ll come down and deliver the food to us once they have more to give us. So you may need to man the fort Gav or Steph whilst the other goes to get more food to stock up.”

Gav wasn’t even listening though as he moaned “God it smells so good.” He lusted after the food as someone walked by with what looked like nachos or tortillas. I couldn’t deny that my own mouth began to salivate.

“Alright, wipe that drool off your chin and get moving kids.” Kate ordered laughing over her shoulder as Gav frowned snapping out of it checking for drool literally and heading off to the next station.

I sighed wearily glancing around us all; we were on the main street of our town. It was late night shopping so the street lights were on and so was the lights strung from tree to tree down the main street, these pretty little fairy lights that looked pretty no matter the season. People were walking along the street shopping and stopping to talk to those they passed – it was a small community town after all.

We were along the street too though, there were a bunch of different stations scattered along the street outside stores selling food and any other theme related nick-knacks that we’d either cooked or created. All funds raised were going towards our Senior Festival and we’d raise the funds because everyone was out at late night shopping and wanted food.

But not to mention the fact that everyone in our community got behind us, so many would be out tonight from students in our school alone, or teachers or even parents. Not to mention that every year when we held some different event to raise funds the community always got behind us and we pulled through. Always.

Dragging me along in tow Gav and I soon set up station and began getting things organized, soon though we fell into a competitive and mocking banter “Who do you thinks going to raise the most cash?” Gav asked giving me a teasing jab in the side.

I laughed as I looked around at all the other stalls that were spread out evenly along the main street “Hmmm, I’m not sure. The beach seafood stall looks pretty.” I mused looking over at the stalls they covered with washed up white and wood plus decorative fishnets coupled with shells and decorative fish and starfish on the side. It looked cute, quirky.

“Hmmm,” Gav mused as he watched the stall with competitive narrowed eyes “I don’t know, seafood is amazing and all but its spring, it’s not exactly beach season yet.”

“True, true.” I agreed as my gaze flickered to the next stall “How about the Mexican stall?” I asked.

“Why them, what makes them so great?” Gav asked me adding to the mocking seriousness by stroking an imaginary beard like an old wise man.

I giggled “Because they get to wear sombreros! How awesome would that be?” I cried eagerly “I want to wear a sombrero.” I pouted.

Gav chuckled “I could steal one for you if you’d like.” Gav murmured in my ear lowly making me shudder as he slowly, tauntingly reached around me to grab the plastic bowls.

“H-how about the chili stand?” I stuttered over my voice rising as I tried to deter myself from screaming out something stupid to him like “Kiss me!”

“Nah, not everybody loves chili.” He brushed off easily “It’s like the Aussie stall; we can get Aussie food every day of our lives. We live in Australia.”

I laughed at him rolling my eyes “You’re so picky.” I teased him poking him in the side as I reached around him and grabbed a bag of fortune cookies to empty them in a deep glass bowl that was coated with a sheer coating of emerald green.

Gav chuckled grabbing my finger tugging me forward ‘till I clashed into him “Hey, we’ll have none of that. We don’t want a disaster here.” He mused teasingly his eyes sparkling.

I rolled my eyes pulling out of his grip as we continued setting up and bantering back and forth between one another. We continued discussing and comparing the many stalls and critiquing them. Who on earth would raise enough funds and why did we even care? I wasn’t sure, but if it meant talking to Gav like this I’d care ‘till my very last breath.

I threw back my head laughing “Here’s your $2.50 change.” I laughed handing the change over to the girl on the other side as she now nursed a bowl of soup, I continued snickering trying to hold back as I served people despite how hilarious Gavin was being. Gav chuckled watching me as he also manned his side and spoke back and forth with me but also the customers who went by wanting food.

I laughed reaching over for the next warm bowl of fried rice that Gavin gestured to as he needed more “I don’t know why you’re betting against us, I mean have you ever wondered  if we could raise the most?” I asked him carelessly as I strode to his side.

I guess it was karma or possibly even jinxing myself as I got cocky, taking my next step I didn’t take into consideration the crack in the pavement. My ankle rolled awkwardly, I squealed softly managing to right myself but it didn’t mean sadly that all the fried rice stayed in the bowl. No, rather it flew up and about, some falling on the ground and some even flying up to hit me in the face and hair.

I stood there blinking stupidly stunned, frozen as Gav threw his head back and roared in laughter with that enchanting laugh of his. I however just continued standing there looking like a stunned moron.

Gav sighed happily wiping imaginary tears from his eyes “Oh god.” He said for the hundredth time breaking off into chuckles again.

He sighed again looking up to meet my gaze; I had on a fake sad pout at my terrible fail. The glum look on my face had his lips tipping as he chuckled under his breath again. Stepping closer to me he gently pried the bowl out of my hands and placed it aside without even a glance, all eyes on me.

“Come here grub.” He murmured softly his hands reaching up to cup me face delicately simply by the tips of his fingers just underneath my chin, with just those tips he was able to tug me closer into his heat and I glided with entrapped.

I let go a shaky breath, unsteady and rickety just like my heart which just couldn’t simply keep predictable as it cantered away and yet the next moment skipped a beat. My lids pulled back until I caught his own, he answered me with a soft gentle smile and hypnotically I only leant further into his body warmth and alluring masculine scent.

His hands glided across my skin and I shuddered pushing myself closer ‘till our chests brushed as if I needed warmth to ease the chills I was receiving. His hands glided up for one to continue cupping me at my cheek and the other running along my skin as he got rid of every grain of rice. His fingers danced as he brushed rice from my skin than to ease them out of the strands of my hair those long fingers running through my hair.

His fingers ran down the side of my face and the heat only seemed to turn up just like the inferno that was brewing to catastrophic levels. He stopped and my eyes – which had fluttered closed as I succumbed to the bliss against their own will and recognition – fluttered opened curiously. His gaze however wasn’t locked on mine this time but rather lower.

I wasn’t sure where his gaze was located ‘till his fingers nicked the corner of my lips. A shaky shuddery breath passed through my now parted lips, they were alive, tingling with a burning anticipation. His warm breath seemed to only make my lips part further as they tickled my flesh that wanted to be torn apart, swollen and pleased.

Without even realizing it I pushed myself up on my toes and a hand of mine slid up his chest and dangled over his shoulder to only toy and curl in the hair at the nape of his neck. His hair was so soft.

It was then I realized he was brushing aside a grain of rice from the corner of my lips. A bloody scarlet blush raced up my neck right to my cheeks where they shone like a beacon. I wanted to curl up in a ball and die, I was mortified; he had been wiping away some rice and here I was pulling moves misreading signals! Oh god, couldn’t the floor just open up and swallow me whole?

A ragged caress of warm breath tickled my lips “Steph.” Gav breathed raggedly practically making me sway in his arms. He deterred all anxiety and doubt though when his hand still gripping my face held me closer as he tipped my head back, the distance between us closing in until I could practically taste him on my tongue.

“Excuse me, what does it take to get some service?” a voice spoke up boldly, loud and snarky.

I squealed startled as I flung myself around coming face to face to Cindy Crawford. She stood by the other corner of the stall, my side. Her hip was popped and an expectant expression upon her face with a poised brow. I’d never wanted to punch a person in the face so much, how could someone have such terrible timing?

If I could wipe that expression of her face…

Agitated I ran my fingers through my hair as my teeth tugged aggressively on my lip. I puffed out a breath as my blood boiled “All it takes is manners.” I shot back with an edge to my voice my manners slipping and my façade of sweetness. I’d never been one for cracking and slipping but this girl…

There were so many reasons for me to dislike this girl.

She didn’t show her shock but just the faintest twitch at the corner of her told me enough. In reply she titled her head and only raised that single brow higher “Well I’d like to have a fortune cookie, please.”

I grinded my teeth as my eyes narrowed, she wanted a fortune cookie, just one lone fortune cookie? I walked over towards her where the bowl was literally in front of her. If she wanted this one fortune cookie so badly why didn’t she just take one and leave? I did not like this girl, she had me on edge. Was it because she was known as the popular girl that was a snarky, pretty bully or was it because she had some involvement with Georgie?

One thing I knew though, I damn sure disliked her for what she interrupted or possibly could have interrupted. That bitch.

Strolling over I picked up with a flick the one fortune cookie “Just one?” I asked as I held it up raising one single brow also.

She nodded easily as she held out to me with an open palm a simple $1.50, I dropped the cookie in her hand and she slid the coin one by one across the counter top creating a loud screech.

The crinkle of plastic taunted my ears as she unwrapped it just before my eyes, she cracked the cookie before she slid out the fortune on the white paper so fluidly and crisp. She held the paper before as she read out loud and clear “Not all closed eye is sleeping, nor open eye is seeing.” She said just as her eyes met mine.

I let go a quivering breath, what did that even mean? Was it similar to the motto of looks can be deceiving? I needed to find myself a translator!

Cindy flashed me one sickly sweet smile before she danced off up the street.

I sighed wearily running my fingers through my hair having completely forgotten our nearly something-kiss-thing so I turned around with not even blush on my cheeks. Resisting the urge to scream or kick something or better yet race to a computer to find meaning I stacked the dirty pots and pans. She was so infuriating and confusing; maybe I could strangle the answers out of her…

My somewhat morbid yet scarily satisfying thoughts had me laughing under my breath.

“What’s so funny?” Gav asked bemused and curious.

I glanced up over at him “Your face.” Was my instant reply. I suddenly wanted to strangle myself. His face was funny? Try beautiful moron I thought to myself furiously.

Gav gaped at me his expression torn between shock and amusement “Oh yeah?” he challenged.

“Yeah.” I challenged right back sticking my tongue out at him.

“Hey, what did Barbie want?” Kate piped up behind me suddenly making me squeal in alarm.

Gav chuckled at me before turning to look at Kate “She was just getting a fortune cookie.” He answered to her.

Kate snorted “Is she going to live happily ever after?” she asked mockingly, I knew quite clearly that Kate wasn’t all for fate and destiny, not to mention a believer in the psychic sort of stuff “Let’s see what your fate is Steph.” She said digging into the bowl.

I rolled my eyes “You’re paying for that.” I pointed out.

Kate snorted again “Wow, $1.50, that hurt.” She muttered monotonously as she slid the fortune free from the cookie “If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.” She read before laughing under her breath.

I sighed “What’s up anyway?”

“Nothing, we’re just packing up now.” She said breezily “So I’m coming to help pack up guys so I don’t have to count money, you know how much I hate maths.” She shot me a look that had me chuckling softly under my breath.

So the three of us fell into chatter whilst cleaning up, by the end we had the benches of the stand cleaned up, the bowls cleaned and handed in and then finally we had all the other accessories to decorate our stand folded up into a crate for the organizers of this event – like Kate – and also the food tech students to deal with it.

“Hey,” Gav said suddenly touching my elbow startling me as I looked up at him confused, he smiled softly “I’m just going to hand over our till, I’ll meet you at my car yeah?” he asked gently.

His body warmth and his breath not to mention how close those eyes and lips are distracting me once again. In the end I nodded mutely unable to untie my tongue.

Finally we had everything done and dusted and I was exhausted, Kate and I in tow made our ways down the street towards the parking lot where Gav had parked his car and where Kate was parked too. I was so exhausted but in a good way, in a way where you felt like your day was productive and you achieved something, satisfied. I was more than happy spending my entire day with Gavin. It was bliss, a dream come true.

“So tomorrow I’ll come over to yours at about nine or ten?” Kate asked me easily as we fell into step.

I nodded breezily “Yeah.” I agreed before sighing softly “God, I can’t believe the formal is tomorrow night. It’s gone by so quick.” I breathed as my stomach churned at the reminder that it was tomorrow.

“It’ll be so much fun; we can get our hair and makeup done together. Then we’re going to get all dressed up and pretty.” Kate gushed “I never pictured us doing this together!” she cried ecstatically.

I smiled faintly at her words, she was completely right though. If even a month ago I knew I’d be going to the Senior Festival let alone with Gavin Bickim I think I’d laugh in futuristic me’s face.

“So what are you wearing anyway?” I asked her smiling, she was all so secretive, I didn’t even know she was going or was asked until last night’s text message.

Kate shrugged smiling impishly “It’s hot pink…”

I snorted “Yeah right.” I rolled my eyes “Well at least tell me who you’re going with!” I insisted urgently, begging for her to tell me at least something.

I screamed after hearing the sound of someone chasing after us – who I had presumed was just Gav catching up – to than place something on my head making everything go dark.

“Woo, it’s okay.” A muffled voice cooed as an arm wrapped around my waist and I could see again “Hey, it’s just me.” Gav soothed again lifting whatever it was off my head, I blinked up him torn between stunned and dazed “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” He apologized.

I blinked up at him “W-what?” I stammered as I leant into his arms for support.

“I got you something.” He murmured gently as he sat something back on my head again.

Confused I reached back up to touch it and feel it out but the sight of what was on the top of his head was an answer enough. I gasped sharply with big wide eyes of disbelief and hope “No way!” I breathed.

“Yes way.” He smiled broadly and dazzling.

A gigantic smile crept across my face “A sombrero! For me?” I gushed both hands resting on it in excitement.

“Yep, I stole it for you and everything.” He said with a proud smile on my face. I looked up at him curiously, calculating. “Okay, alright I bought it off them.” He caved.

I smiled goofily up at him “Aren’t you the gentleman.”

“Awww,” Kate crooned startling me as I had completely forgotten she was still there “you guys look adorable!”

I blushed as I looked up at Gav under my lashes “You look goofy.” I teased as I looked up at him with the big sombrero with the wild and bright colors. It only made me want to see what mine looked like.

Gav chuckled down at me “You’re-“

The sound of a photo being taken interrupted us. We both snapped our heads up to look over at Kate who smiled brightly back at us as she slid her phone back in her pocket without a care in the world.

I rolled my eyes to only be caught on a yawn “C’mon, time for bed.” Gav declared tugging me by the elbow towards the car park as we continued walking “We can’t have you all sleepy tomorrow night can we?” Gav smiled.

I practically moaned “Sleep sounds good.” I admitted as I followed them along easily.

Walking down to the car park Gav insisted without even me needing to speak up for Kate to be safely in her car and pulling out before we made our way further down the cars and we got into Gav’s. We laughed at my attempt of getting into his car with the sombrero on and in the end I nestled in with it on my lap. The scent and the warmth of the heater had my eyes quickly lulling to sleep.

It felt like only seconds later when a soft gentle voice was cooing to me and trying to wake me up with a hand nestled softly on my shoulder “Steph?” he murmured softly almost like singing “Steph we’re home.” I moaned curling deeper into his cars eat and leaning further towards him. I heard him chuckle softly “C’mon Steph.”

I moaned as my eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze in the dark of his car, the dash lights lighting up his face in this beautiful new way “I’m up.” Is all I could manage to say.

The corner of Gav’s lip tipped “Alright, so I’ll be seeing you at school tomorrow?” he asked.

I grimaced – who knew I wanted to go to school? “No, mum booked me in to get my makeup and hair done.”

It was Gav’s turn to chuckle again “Someone doesn’t seem too happy with that.”

I shrugged “I wanted to go to school tomorrow so I could…” I trailed off as I realized just how awkward it could become if I finished that sentence.

“So how about I pick you up around seven?” he asked.

I grimaced again “By the sounds of it I’m actually meeting you at yours.”

“What, why?” Gav asked furrowing his brow “Isn’t it the guy that picks up the girl?” he asked, he almost seemed….disgruntled by the news.

I sighed “I know, but our mums have been talking and they both really want to get photos in your mum’s garden.” I explained to him as I replayed the same conversation I had with mum last night as she went over details.

Gav looked up at the roof of his car as if seeking strength “Good ol’ mum.” He muttered, sighing he turned his head to look at me “I’m sorry.” He apologized softly “I know that part isn’t exactly fairytale worthy.”

I rolled my eyes my lips tipping despite how touched I felt on the inside based on how much effort he was putting in for all details no matter how minor “It’s okay Gav, really.” I reassured him “I don’t care about those things, I mean, at least I’m actually going to the Festival for once right?”

Gav’s lips tipped “Yeah, who knew.” He whispered making me blush a rosy hue “You sure you want to do this?” he asked checking to see how anxious I was over it all.

I nodded with a shaky unconvincing breath which was then ignored when coupled with my big grin “Yeah, I’m sure.” I was more than sure; as long as Gav was there I was happy.

“Well you better go get some sleep.” He said gently with a soft laugh.

The word sleep basically sent me right back to sleep with my hooded eyes and my sluggish body; I looked up at him from where I was still nestled against his car seat “Mmmm.” I hummed in agreement.

Gav chuckled “Come on cutie off to bed.”

I smiled dreamily back at him, he had called me cutie, again. Turning around I reached for my bag and sombrero and than for the door handle and managed to somewhat gracefully exit the car. The cool air hit me hard and left me feeling dizzy.

“Steph?” Gav asked gently behind me.

I turned around feeling almost hopeful despite my desire for sleep “Yeah?” I asked.

“Sweet dreams.” He murmured his lips twitching.

I smiled softly “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I whispered before walking up the front path and making my way inside. When I closed the front door he finally indicated off and pulled out knowing I was home safely.

My stomach swarmed and tumbled with butterflies, feeling warm and intoxicated. I made my way upstairs to my room with a dopey grin on my face and swarming butterflies as I recalled today. We had nearly kissed, twice! Was that my imagination? Better yet was he just as keyed up over it as I?

Getting into bed that night I thought back on today, from the few little endearments, the teasing and joking, the laughter, the honest talking and getting to know one another and those many moments of…affection.

Nestling into my pillow with an easy content grin I was rattled awake by the sound of my phone vibrating loudly against the wood of my bedside table. Groaning I reached over for it to open it. It was from Kate and she had attached something to the message.

A small giggle passed through my lips at the image before me, it was with us wearing our sombreros that Kate had sneakily snapped. It was when I had called him a goof, me smiling up at him with this giant sombrero on the top of my head. Then there was Gav standing close as usual, his hand still on my elbow as he led me and left there almost as protection and than that blazing smile he had on his face looking down at me. He was looking like that at me!

I smiled nestling into my pillow still looking at the image, I fell asleep that night looking at the image and with a dopey grin upon my face.

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