"Hey princess," I heard his voice. And this time, I didn't even groan. I just turned around to look at him.

"Are you okay?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "You weren't here for two days."

"I'm okay, thank you."

To be honest, I'm a bit surprised that he noticed my absence, now that I'm not his target anymore.

I was even more surprised when he took a seat next to me. Sasha would be here soon and she'll kill him for sitting there.

"Where's your hot friend?" He asked, taking my drink. And for a moment I thought he was going to dump it on me, but he casually took a sip from it.

"Right here." I heard her voice and turned back to see her standing behind me.

"Oh, there you are. Hello." He winked.

She glared at him, a bit confused and asked him to move.

"Sure, sure. See you later." He said, standing back.

"Wait, take that with you." She pointed to my drink, which he took from me but he just left, smirking.

"That was unusual." Sasha said as she sat with me.

"Yeah, that was."

"You know what is not unusual?" She asked, sighing.

"What?"

"Samantha asking us to help her for the next two free hours."

I groaned at the information. And that was what we did, too. Groan and sigh till the work was over. In short, the whole day was boring except for the drive to café with Zack.

 But that couldn't last long and the work was quite boring too, since Jake wasn't there. He ditched work to hang out with his brother, Jonah, who was back from a road trip. So, I pulled out my phone and called Sophie for a long talk and I ended up describing every single event that happened yesterday.

"Oh, Eve. I don't know what to say."

"That's rare." I chuckled and she scoffed.

"Well, I have actually. But this is so messed up!"

"Yeah, kind of."

"Where did we lost our lovely Shirley?"

"I don't know, Soph. I wish I could find her. But that hope is slowly fading." I sighed.

"I wish I was there to hug you. Why did I move in here?"

"Yeah, but look on the bright side! You got plenty of boys to swoon over."  She laughed at my words.

"True, let's focus on the good things."

"Exactly." I smiled.

That was my motto.

"So, the only thing I found good about yesterday, is the hug and how Zack admitted his plans on dating you."

"Yeah, he-" I stopped, analysing her words. "What?"

"The hug and his plans on dating you." She said casually.

"Where did the date thing came from?"

"Oh, he confessed his worry about brothers right?"

"What?" I asked again.

"Yeah, think about it. What does that mean? Why would we care about big brothers?" She waited for me to answer and when she didn't get any, answered herself with a sigh.

"Didn't he just admit that he's planning to date you?"

"Are you drunk?" I asked her because she sure does sound like one.

"No, idiot. How do I make you understand!" She groaned, "Ha, wait. Think about Sasha and Mark."

"Okay..."

"Remember Sasha said how Mark was a bit nervous to ask her out because she has an elder brother who knew some shit moves?"

"Yeah." I was nodding, even though she wouldn't see it. I should probably stop this habit of nodding at my phone, I'm sure I look stupid, doing that.

"Yep, Zack was relaxed you don't have an elder brother, who wouldn't want his sister to date." She sighed like she finally made some point.

"But he should be scared because once Noel is a teenager, he's gonna act like your big brother. But he's lucky enough that they both like him more than they like you." She added.

"Shut up. They love me more than they love him. And Soph, please come out of your dream because Zack has a crush. Rosaline, remember?"

"Oh, shit. But-"

"Yeah, shit. Now go away, I'm working."

"Oh, yeah? You called me, stupid. And by the way, if you want, I'll go kill that Rosaline. Is that fine?"

"Oh, God. Just shut up and go." I chuckled, putting my phone back.

This girl was definitely high on something and I can't believe I actually considered her thoughts.

"Eve!" I heard Marissa call.

"Yeah?"

"Prince charming's here." She grinned at me.

Who? Tyler? But why would she smile seeing him?

I went out to see Zack, leaning onto the doorframe with crossed arms, eyes on his phone. He had this blue shirt on, which I adored and I noticed his damp brown hair was on the messier side today.

It's weird that the first name that came to my mind, on hearing prince charming, was Tyler's.

"Go," she nudged me from behind and smirked.

I wanted to say that he wasn't my prince charming but I was too tired to argue.

"Bye Marissa," I called out, grabbing my bag on way out.

"Have fun." She yelled back.

He smiled as I stepped out."Enjoyed the work?"

"Not a bit." I sighed as I got into the car.

"Huh, where's Jake?"

"Hanging out with his brother." I smiled. Because if Jake was here, he would've said something like 'see, everyone asks for me!'

"Okay then, get in Ms Ridge. I hope we're going for dinner?" He smirked, cocking his head.

"That's fine by me if my brothers already ate, Mr Smith."

He chuckled, opening the door for me and I got in, smiling.

"Italian?" He asked a few minutes later.

"Oh, I'd love that, Mr Smith."

"Of course, Ms Ridge." He chuckled, looking at me as we stopped by an Italian restaurant.

.
.

"Italian?" I heard Sophie scream through the phone.

"Jesus, Sash. My ears!" He shook his head, covering his ears.

"You should've called me!" She yelled again.

"Why?" He asked, smiling and then it was muffled voices. "How would I know?"

"I'll think about it." He said, smirking. But after a few seconds, the smirk turned into a frown and he muttered, "Fine."

"I assume that Italian is her favourite?" I smirked, imitating his mother and he laughed.

"Yes, it is. She asked me to buy something for her." He smiled to himself, "I knew it was Italian."

I smiled. Zack was that brother, who knew every likes and dislikes of his sister, but never admitted it.

He asked the waitress to pack something for Sasha with a sheepish grin. "That's her least favourite."

I shook my head, smiling at him but felt myself stiffening as he reached over and cupped my face with his hand. An unfamiliar feeling whirled in me as I watched him. He used his thumb to brush off whatever it was, from the corner of my mouth.
 
And a small smile was still playing on his lips but only till his eyes found mine. I could see his smile fading as his gaze bore into my eyes.

I felt horrible for making him feel awkward by staring at him, so to clear the awkwardness, I smiled at him and he gave one back, leaning back to sit.

"Are you and Asher still friends?" He asked and for a second, I was clueless.

"Asher who?" I bit my tongue as soon as I realised what he was asking.
"Oh, right. Asher."

Well, that question just came outside of nowhere.

"No, I think he's not living here anymore." He nodded as his phone rang.

"Liam." He said and I smiled.

But it ended soon as I saw a shadow lingering on our table.

"What are you doing here?"

I was surprised to hear that sound. I never thought I'd see him here. And by the look, I think Zack was surprised too.

"Oh, we just came to a restaurant to watch a movie." Zack smiled at Tyler and I hid a smile.

At first, he looked at Zack as if he was mad. Then realisation crossed his face that he was being mocked.

"Shut up, you-" he growled and before he could finish whatever he was going to call Zack, I cut him off.

"Tyler," He looked at me for a second, surprised and then gave a curt nod.

"Why aren't you working?" He frowned, looking at me and I shrugged.

"My shift is over."

"Oh."  He nodded, glaring at Zack.

What's with him and glaring?

Zack raised his eyebrows at him which sort of yelled 'why are you still here?' And I think Tyler got it because he scoffed, murmured something and left, shaking his head.

"Do you think we should have let him join us?" Zack looked at the menu, even though we just finished eating.

"No. Why?" I frowned and he just shook his head, looking away.

I used the opportunity to slide some money to Zack but he caught it, smiling.

"On me."

"Nope. I'm not going to let you. Last night, I just totally forgot. This time, I'll pay." I pushed his hand back and he sighed.

"Fine. I'm going to order an expensive dessert then." He smirked, making me chuckle.

▪️▪️▪️▪️

The sunrays are beautiful and elegant...

But not when it falls on you and wakes you up.

As usual, a yawn escaped me as I sat, rubbing my eyes. And then, I smiled because today, is one of my favourite days! 

Without any further delays, I grabbed the box and ran into the boys' room and woke them up.

"Pleaaseee," Noel cooed, covering his head with a pillow.

"Happy birthday Noel!" I screamed, hugging him and Theo joined me.

"Happy birthday!" We screamed together and Noel sat up, beaming.

"Thank you." He smiled widely and we gave him one more birthday hug as Theo ran to get his gift.

"Thanks!" He said, smiling at Theo, who gave him a huge basket of chocolates.

He looked at me expectantly and I shrugged, hiding my smile.

"What? That's from two of us. You're a big man, you don't need two gifts, do you?"

"I know you got one." He smirked back at me.

Well, then.

I smiled, giving him a perfectly wrapped box and watched him eagerly open it.

What else gives you more happiness than the sight of your little brother's eyes widening in excitement and  giving you the most valuable smile ever?

Nothing. And I mean it.

"Video game console?" He gulped, still smiling and jumped on me. "Thank you so much, Ivy! I love it!"

"Can I play too?" Theo asked eagerly as Noel nodded.

"Of course. Thanks, Ivy. This is cool! I'm gonna say this to Brandon. Almost everyone in my class has this!"

"Well, don't spend too much time on it. That's the deal." I winked and this time, both of them hugged me.

"Alright. Now, a royal breakfast for the birthday boy. But come a bit late, I'm only going to start." I shouted on my way down and heard them giggling.

Breakfast went well.

Cut the breakfast, the whole day was awesome.

After the school, I called Jake and informed I'll be late. Usually, it's only us and Maria, she's the only one who remembers our birthdays apart from ourselves. But this time, we had Sasha and Zack too. So, she came with a perfect homemade cake in the evening and we celebrated as usual.

"I love this." Noel beamed, staring at the birthday gifts in front of him. He almost got everything he wanted from Zack, Sasha, Sophie, Jake and Brandon.

I just smiled at him. He deserves to be happy, he deserves more. He's such a loving, caring and a supporting brother.

"Noel, I'm so sorry that we couldn't go out or something like that." I said to him with an apologetic smile.

To be honest, a thought of visiting dad's grave did cross my mind today. But then, I was afraid if that'd be too much for them.

It's not like we haven't, we visit him whenever I can, though it makes us heartbroken.

But I didn't want Noel to feel anything other than joy on his birthday.

"It's okay, Ivy. I just got many presents, that's all I need. And I'm a big boy now, so.." he winked at me, making me laugh.

"Yeah, big guy."

Though I didn't want to go to work on his birthday, I had to. I somehow survived it, working half heartedly. And as I was returning from work with Zack, my thoughts were clearly on one person who didn't even remember his birthday.

Everyone wished him, gave him presents. But of course, the woman who brought us to the earth didn't care a bit.

After my mom's decision of letting that creepy guy catch me, Jake and Zack both were kind of like my bodyguards. So, I always ended up getting a ride, either from Jake or Zack.

Thanks to the creepy man, Jake's mom finally let him drive again.

Maybe next time.

"How's the birthday boy?" Zack asked,  dragging me out of my inner debate.

"Awesome." I replied and a charming smile made its way to his face.

"So, shall we leave, partner?" He smirked and I gave him one back.

"Sure, partner."

I let myself sink into the seat and enjoy the wind, with the smile still on my face.

"I may need your help, partner." I heard Zack say and I turned to him,

"My pleasure, partner."

"Well, Sash's birthday is coming up, partner." He smiled and I sat straight.

"What? wow, when?"

"Next week." He laughed, shaking his head. "Help me to select a dress." He sighed.

"Dress?"

"Yeah. This time, I'm gonna get her some clothes." He grinned, looking ahead.

"I can help with that. I know exactly what she'll like." I smiled, proudly.

By this time, not only Sasha, I knew Zack's favourites too.

"Thank God." He smiled, stopping the car, right in front of my home.

"Coming in?"

"Nah, let me give you some family time." He winked.

Family time, yeah. More like sibling time.

"Hey, call me tomorrow if Jake can't drop you." He said when I got out.

"Will do." I smiled, "It looks like you guys are taking turns."

"We are." He gave one of his charming winks again and drove off.

"Good night!" I heard him shout before he disappeared.

"Good night." I mumbled to myself with a grin on my face.

It's strange. Sometimes I feel like I'm the luckiest and unluckiest person at the same time.

***************

Thanks everyone,  for reading this. Please do tell me if it's boring. ❤️❤️

Any song suggestions? 😁

Stay safe and happy 🥰