~Two days later:

Jordan: Are you free tonight? Today, 9:23 am

I cock an eyebrow at Ash, who's grinning at me. "Lettie's boyfriends want Lettie?" I roll my eyes, but kiss his forehead. Since he can read, he's one nosy child.

"They aren't my boyfriends," I dismiss. He starts giggling and hops to Mom. "Lettie is in love! Lettie is in love!"

I sigh. He never listens.

Today, 9:24 am I am, actually. Why?

Ethan: Is 3 okay? Today, 9:24 am

Today, 9:25 am Yeah, but why?

Owen: We'd like to take you out on a date then Today, 9:26 am

Today, 9:26 am What are we doing?

Aaron: It's a surprise, if that's okay Today, 9:27 am

Elijah: I'll come get you up? Today, 9:27 am 

Today, 9:28 am Sure :)

They didn't forget about the first date! I smile, happy with how they try. The past few days we've been chatting in the group chat and they were very sweet.

I went yesterday and we hung out for an afternoon. It was fun, they didn't do a single thing I didn't like. And Owen cleaned up the whole ass. It was pretty impressive.

Today, 9:33 am What outfit tho?

Ethan: Just one of your pretty dresses, princess Today, 9:33 am

I blush. We haven't discussed that yet... But I must admit, I like it. It's an us thing.

*****

Today, 10:34 am  I HAVE to know

Aaron: It's a SURPRISE Today, 10:35 am

Owen: Every single time Today, 10:35 am

Today, 10:36 am HEY! Can I finish my sentence?

Jordan: Of course Today, 10:36 am

Today, 10:37 am What song reminds you of me?

Ethan: Lost in the Fire by The Weeknd Today, 10:37 am

Today, 10:37 am That was fast

Ethan: :) Today, 10:37 am

Elijah: Love, shine a light by Katrina and the Waves Today, 10:38 am

Jordan: O-one song? Today, 10:38 am

Today, 10:39 am One song.

Owen: Chasing cars by Snow Patrol Today, 10:40 am

Today, 10:40 am Good one

Aaron: Little talks by Of Monsters and Men Today, 10:41 am

Today, 10:41 am ... I'm not dead, Aaron

Aaron: Would you shush Today, 10:41 am

Today, 10:42 am Alright, fine

Aaron: Thank you Today, 10:43 am

Today, 10:43 am Jordan?

Jordan: B-but- Today, 10:43 am

Jordan: I have over 100 songs Today, 10:44 am

Today, 10:44 am Choose one

Jordan: My brain cannot handle this Today, 10:45 am

Jordan: Um Today, 10:45 am

Jordan: Um???? Today, 10:46 am

Jordan: Gold, Spandau Ballet Today, 10:48 am

Today, 10:48 am Oooh, haven't heard that one

I hum, happy with their songs. I'll put them as their singular ringtone, so I always know who calls me. Sure, I could look at the display, but this is more fun.

Today, 10:50 am see you in a bit

Elijah: Bye bye Today, 10:50 am

*****

At sharp three, I step outside.

I'm wearing a cute, pink dress with a matching scrunchie in my hair. I look up to see Elijah leaning on his car, but he stands up when he sees me. A big smile covers his face.

"You look stunning, Scarlett," he whispers. He takes my hand in his and twirls me around. "Oh, and your scrunchie matches," he notices. I smile, happy he notices. 

"Thank you! But what are you wearing?" He's not wearing his normal outfit. Instead, he's wearing shorts and a loose T-shirt.

He grins and opens the door to the passenger side, helping me to get in his car. I could do it myself, but I like the feeling of his hand against mine.

"Maybe long jeans aren't very fitting for a picnic," he winks. My heart swells. "A picnic?" I squeal. "I love picnics!"

He mocks a shocked face. "No! I didn't know that!" We start laughing. I intertwine our hand on the gearshift, making him light up with happiness.

But then he sighs. "Scarlett, I just want to say I wish it didn't go like this. And I'm really sorry." When he looks back at me, I see how sad his eyes are.

I hug him. "I wish it didn't go like this either. But it did, and I'm still mad. You might not have actually cheated on me, but you are not innocent either."

He shakes his head, wiping his eyes before he spills a tear. "I know." His voice cracks.

I sigh and squeeze his hand. "You'll make up for it, though." He nods, "I'll make up for it my whole life, sweetheart. I promise I'll tell you everything and that we'll ask your opinion."

I nod in approval. "You better. One mistake and I'm gone for good." He swallows and nods, then parks.

I look around, seeing we're in a field. The field we went on a picnic once, two years ago. The others' cars are here already, and I see them running around in the distance.

"Let's go," Elijah softly smiles. I nod and takes his hand in mine, walking to where the other four are.

Jordan notices us first and almost trips while running to us. "Hey! Please sit down here and let us get the stuff, okay?" he asks me and gently pushes me on the blanket spread on the floor.

A body is lying next to me and when I look at the face, I see it's Aaron. I chuckle and shake my head. He's asleep and... his face is drawn on again.

I bend down and lie down next to him. "Aaron," I whisper, wiping the small strands of hair from his face.

A smile creeps its way up his face and he shifts, inching closer to me. I watch him as he curls up against me. Is he still asleep?

I look up to see Ethan grimacing. He puts down the cool box he's dragging. "Do I need to kick him or is this alright?" he whispers to me. I smile, "It's fine. Unless he needs to help?"

He shakes his head and dismisses it. "I'm strong enough," he winks and walks back to the car. Owen is putting up lanterns to the tree, surprising me. He smiles down at me when I ask.

"This way we can still see everything after it's become dark. And it's cozy, don't you think?" I nod, it really is. Wow, they actually planned this out.

Elijah sits down next to me and grins. "Guess what's for dinner." I squeal. "Ice cream?"

Jordan chuckles and joins us, Owen and Ethan do too. "No, baby, chocolate pie. Although ice cream would've been a good option too. Only it's hard to keep it frozen," he grins.

I shrug. "Pie is good too. Should we wake up Aaron?" Owen shrugs and bends to open the cool box. "If we really have to. I don't mind him asleep, finally some rest."

I arch an eyebrow, making him cower away. "I mean yeah, we should wake him," he murmurs and opens the package of the pie. I laugh.

Tickling his neck, I wake up Aaron. He first groans and snuggles deeper in what's become my lap in the meanwhile. "Aaron, you're gonna miss the picnic," I whisper silently.

He doesn't answer. I shrug and focus on Owen cutting the cake. Elijah chuckles. "Give up that fast?"

I shrug. "Maybe he needs his sleep. We'll do this again anyway, right?" They smile and nod, "Gladly, darling."

I give Owen a wink. "Who told you you could call me that?" It was a joke, but he swallows and looks down. "S-sorry, I just thought—I'm sorry, I assumed again and I—" "Owen I was joking."

He nods. "Right. Sorry." I roll my eyes and pat the place next to me. He moves besides me. I mean, I like how they are all sweet nod, but they're not acting like themselves.

"You don't have to be sorry." I kiss his forehead. He hesitantly leans int my side, and even more when he notices I don't mind it. A sigh leaves his mouth when I wrap an arm around him.

"I missed this," he whispers. I give his forehead another kiss. "Me too, cutie." I look up at the others. I open my mouth to say something, but remember Aaron is sleeping. He should hear it too.

I nudge him softly, making him flinch and wake up immediately. My eyes widen. It wasn't that hard!

His eyes widen too when he realizes he's been using me as a pillow. But then he looks at my smiling face and relaxes, sitting up. "God, how long did I sleep?" he groans.

I giggle. "Long enough to miss the cake." He frowns at the empty plates. "Ah, man!" 

All of sudden, Jordan stands up. I frown. Is he leaving?

But he just walks around Elijah and Aaron, then sits down next to me. He smiles as he cuddles into my side, mirroring Owen. I smile. Such cuties.

"Hey, listen I wanna say something," I announce. Everyone looks up at me. "I just wanna say that I appreciate how respectful and careful you are with me now. But I also want to tell you that I don't have to decide everything. Sure, if it involves me or my family. But Aaron, you really don't have to ask me if you have to wear matching underwear with my dress."

He blushes and looks down. "Okay..." "And also, just be yourself. Now you're all cautious with me and your moves, you are too busy taking care of everything. I'm not giving you another chance to be with other guys than I fell in love with two years ago. I want to same guys, but they just have to communicate more."

Jordan nods into my shoulder. "Okay. I can do that." I pat his head, making him smile. "Good boy, Jordy." 

His smile doesn't even lessen.

The others nod too. "Of course, Scarlett. We'll do exactly that. Everything for you."

I smile and feel happiness fill my chest. And actually, I trust this. It'll end good.Because it's them and me. 

The girl with more than one boyfriend.

*****

As you might notice, next chap is the epilogue

x- N