~L I L Y~

"I'M HEADING OUT!" I yell as I walk to the front door.

I am so craving for a steaming cup of latte and only Coffee Boutique can satisfy my needs right now. Alex and I would get our coffee from Coffee Boutique before school starts and sometimes, only sometimes, we would mix a little of our drinks together only to have it taste like heaven.

Fun times.

"Wait, do you not need a ride?" I hear Nate ask as he strolls over to me from the kitchen.

I shake my head no, gratefully smiling. "I can take my own car, it's okay. Thanks though!"

He nods, smiling and walking back to the kitchen, probably to finish up his breakfast. Before I can leave again, Rose's cute harmonic voice calls my name out and I look to the living room where she runs towards me.

Rose holds out cherry-red hands wide for a hug, her mittened hands looking so sweet and comical. The extra-thick wool and elaborate stitching made them look so much larger than usual, but that was Uncle Jim, always showing his love through knitwear. Uncle Jim is Nate's step brother.

I bend down to her level, embracing her small figure in my arms and placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She giggles melodiously and I grin, gently pinching her nose with my index finger and my thumb.

"I will see you before seven, yeah?" I wipe the little smudge of toothpaste on the side of her mouth away and she kisses my cheek.

Mwah!

"What should I bring? Hmm. . ." I put on a thinking face as she copies me, smiling a little.

"You boyfwiend!" She shouts, jumping in my arms and my eyes widen.

I glance up to Mia and Nate, narrowing my eyes at them. They start laughing with mocking shrugs and I groan. No matter how many times they forward me to make a move, it's not happening. Jackson is simply just a high school friend. Who cares if I get a little flushed when he compliments me or when he absentmindedly tucks strand of hair behind my ear.

That's just his maturity kicking in (I think). Though Jackson is so flirty and touchy, I know he probably has someone else he fancies and it's all okay.

"Auntie Lily doesn't have a boyfriend, sweetie," I kiss her cheek, standing to my feet to avoid anymore conversations of Jackson and me.

I shouldn't have told Mia about yesterday's little show because now everyone is going to continue teasing me until I cannot take it anymore.

Mia used her hairdryer and hair iron to do my hair and had the audacity to make my bangs stand out. Just because I told her that Jackson wanted to see how it looked on me because I didn't like it.

To say I wasn't nervous of his reaction, would be the biggest understatement. I'm afraid to the point that I might just pee my pants. The butterflies in my stomach just won't take a break.

"I have to go now, I'll see you guys tonight." I wave at them and leave the house as quickly as possible.

Phew!

✎✎✎

Peep,peep!

"Come on, Alex!" I shout from my car, smirking as I see a couple next door open their curtains to check who the crazy lady is.

I catch sight Zeke's head peaking out at the window and the next thing you know, he is running out of the house and towards my car. He isn't dressed appropriately for this cold weather. He literally has tracksuit bottoms and a blue t-shirt. No jersey, or shoes or a scarf.

I get out of the car, not having time to close the door as Zeke's arms wrap around my legs. I chuckle with a small shudder because my car was pretty warm.

"Hey, Zekey! How are you doing?" I ask, lifting his kind of heavy body in my arms and walking back into the house.

"I'm great! I'm almost finished reading Verity!" He cheers and I grin. He just got the book two days ago.

I playfully gasp. "Really? I wouldn't be able to beat that record, phew that's impressive!"

He starts smiling smugly and I try not to laugh. "Why, thank you, Aunty Lily!"

I giggle and just then, Alex enters the living room. "Zeke, go put on your shoes honey!"

Zeke runs from my arms and to his room. I embrace Alex in my arms and she offers me coffee. "No thank you. We can buy on the way, we kinda have to be on time."

She nods. "Oh yeah, I forgot. Sorry, it's just that I am not used to attending work this late and it's overwhelming."

"I understand."

While Alex gets herself all cosy and warm, I take a seat on the spongy couch. The furniture had a simplicity and a flare all at once as if inspired by the simple gown that is confident in taking up its space.

When Zeke and Alex are finished, I rush to the car with them. Zeke and I wait in the car as Alex as locks up the house. I look through the rearview mirror, noticing that Zeke already has his head stuffed into that book of his.

This genius! The kid is smarter than I am.

"You're staring, Aunty Lily!" Zeke's lips tug at the sides and I giggle.

"Its just that, you're so smart. I don't know how, your mom isn't even that smart!" I joke and he starts to laughs.

"My mom is a smart lady, she thinks before she does anything and sometimes it's funny to see her physically think before doing something because of the way she pulls her face. It's funny but that's my momma for you," Zeke rambles, taking a little glance at his mother who is struggling to lock the door.

I nod. "You're lucky to have her as your mom, trust me!" I glance at my best friend as she shudders while speed walking to my car.

When Alex gets in, she immediately melts in the car seat. "So warm," she mutters, her glossy lips tugging upwards.

I giggle, nodding as I drive from her house to Coffee Boutique. "How does Coffee Boutique sound?" I question with a smirk because only Alex knows why.

She looks at me wide-eyed, her mouth agape as she squeals. "No way, you still remember?"

"Of course!" I giggle, acting offended. "Why wouldn't I, especially if I continue going there even when you're just always super busy!"

She groans. "Ugh, I miss those days! Its just that, it's hard, especially since I didn't even get paid that much at my old job but it was all I had at the moment!"

"I understand Alex. You do not need to explain anything to me. I know how hard it is, especially with you getting ra-"

Alex hands covers my mouth in a matter of seconds and I gasp. I totally forgot Zeke is in the backseat. "I'm sorry, I-I forgot!"

"It's okay, just don't mention it in front of people." She says, looking at Zeke through the rearview mirror. He probably heard nothing because he has that concentration lines on his forehead right now.

I nod and we continue chatting about most things we missed out on. I pull up in front of Coffee Boutique and Zeke suggests he waits in the car. When we get inside, Alex suddenly faces me, her mouth more open than before. I can't help but laugh.

"What?"

"Why didn't you tell me you worked for Jackson before?" She raises a taunting brow.

"What do you mean? Why would I do that?" I chuckle nervously, standing to wait in the kind of long line.

The coffee shops were once cloistered and close, so many tables and so little room, that was part of their charm. Now the coffee shops are open air, a sort of covered patio with tables a respectful distance apart. We wrap up in the winter time, dressed for the occasion, hands warmed and breath rising in serendipitous puffs.

"So you wouldn't tell your best friend that the guy who practically had a never-ending crush on you in high school is your boss?!" She asks in one breath, not even taking a deep breath and I roll my eyes.

Warm coffee on a wintry eventide, my palms hugging the cup so close, I mean all is right with my world.

"Of course, that was years ago. He has matured and probably has different taste in woman nowadays."

"Are you kidding me? Have you seen the way he looks at you? Lily, why are you blind?" She throws questions at me and I think of something to kill this chosen topic for a conversation.

"I'm not blind! He probably just looks at me the way he looks at all girls, Alex your overthinking this." I smile, running my hand through my hair.

Alex sighs, shaking her head in disappointment. "Let it go, Alex."

We make it to the front and Fiona, the sweet old lady who used to offer us free coffee when we helped her in the coffee shop, smiled at us. There was something different about her now though, I'm trying to figure it.

"Alexis, Lily! Oh my goodness, A&L is back again!" She gushed and I cringed at the name. That was so middle school. "I am so happy to see both of you here, together!"

We smile, "hey Fee!" We greet, both Alex and I placing a kiss on her cheek.

"What can I get you girls?"

"I'll have a Venti Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino!" Alex bursts out with confidence and I laugh.

"What??"

"Coming right up!" Fee cheered, walking to the back.

I glanced at Alex as she smiled smugly. "What was that?"

"Since it's only Starbucks that would actually offer such a ridiculous order, I made sure to request it here. No one orders it accept me, so, Fee keeps some in stock!" She smiles, tight-lipped.

I shake my head, my mouth agape as Alex frown. "That's amazing!"

She grins once she realises that I'm not staring at her because she ordered a ridiculous order that sounds yummy. Few minutes pass and Fee comes back, handing Alex her drink.

She turns to me. "Your usual?" I nod and she strolls over to the vending machine.

"Hmm!" Alex moans and I glance at her, her eyes shut. I creep up beside her, taking a sip from her straw.

Okay, well it's not that bad. But it's also not amazing. It sounds better than it tastes, no offence to Fee. Alex just gives me a thumbs up and I shake my head no, giggling.

"Here is you latte! It's on the house," she smiles, looking at the customer behind us.

"No, Fee. Here you go," I drop a few dollars onto the counter and Alex and I wave as we male our way out, ignoring her offers.

✎✎✎

We walk into the bookstore, giggling and Zeke runs to the back. I already know he is going to see Jack and I watch as he happily skips away from us. I turn to see Alex gazing around the bookstore with excitement glittering her eyes.

"So beautiful. I cannot remember the last time I have been here!" She says, smiling as customers continue entering the bookstore and leaving with boxes filled with books or bags filled with books.

"Wow, you guys are here, and early!" Jack's smooth and humored voice says as he lazily strolls toward us.

I brush off the tingles I feel in the pit of my stomach. "What do you mean, early? Weren't we supposed to be here before eleven?"

He pulls up the sleeve of his jersey a little, checking his watch. "And it's only nine, so. . ."

He smiles and I look at Alex, the one side of my mouth tugging. "I guess I was just so excited to have Alex work with me. It's been long, especially with work and everything in the way of our planned schedules."

Alex smiles, her shoulders slumping with adoration and she hugs my side. "Isn't she a keeper?" She turns to look at Jack and my eyes widen, my cheeks heating up.

"She sure is," he smiles, "you look beautiful with bangs. Not that you didn't look beautiful before but, you know. . ."

He doesn't stutter or he doesn't seem shy as he says that to me. Is. . .is he flirting with me? Oh my gosh, I need air. I literally need air. I can't help but pull at my polar neck jersey, around my neck. Is it suddenly hot inside here?

"T-Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself." I mentally slap myself but when Jack starts chuckling, I slyly grin at him.

"Jackson!" A very excited and thin voice yells and we all turn around only see Zeke running into Jack's open arms.

I can't help but adore the sight of Jack with kids. It's a beautiful sight and he's future child or children will be lucky to have him. Zeke and Jack starts agreeing to look at more thriller books.

Jack looks at us, smiling as Zeke drags him to the thriller section of the bookshops. The two seem inseparable; I don't know why I'm jealous though.

✘✘✘

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