Chapter#20 Blooming Flowers in Autumn

I firmly clasped my hands around Ralph's fingers, Nathan and Jack following me, continuously chatting about something they didn't want me to know.

Ignoring what they were messing about, I decided to concentrate on the savory flavor of the ice-cream as my tongue comes in contact with it.

I was young then and just knew that I couldn't have exchanged this moment with my brother for anything in life . It was rather invigorating to know that someone in my family actually cared for me and made me feel as a part of the family.

I felt my legs go exhausted as I realized we'd been walking since 20 minutes. You cannot blame me, I was a kid.

I tug on to my brother's shirt and he immediately craned his head down to look into my eyes.

"You want anything Drake?"

"I'm tired!"

And without a word, my obedient elder brother lowered to the ground and I clasped my around his neck, encircling his torso with my legs.

He got up and we continued to move. I looked back at Nathan and Jack, who visibly appeared jealous of the fact that I got a piggy back ride even before they could demand.

I pulled out my tongue and blew hard in order mock my two best friends who were definitely not happy, clearly agitated.

"Ralph!" Nathan called.

"Yeah mate"

"I need to pee" he stopped in his tracks and I could tell that he did it on purpose, to make me come off Ralph's back.

Jack smirked in victory as Ralph put me to ground, motioning Nathan to follow me. Those douche bags...

Unfotunately, those two maniacs were destined to be my mates till who knew, how long. Maybe forever

Natalie's POV

I was having a leisure time imagining the three famous boys of the high school as kids, trying to pull each other's legs. They clearly didn't grow since then except in size.

"So you three have been together since so long ago" I inquired as Drake took a breath before he continued.

"Yeah, those two cartoons have been with me since kindergarden." He looked at me as if introducing me to another side of his friendship with his best lads.

"You know what the best part about our friend ship is Natalie?"

I shook my head as if obviously.

"Despite of our rich, spoiled backgrounds, we still hang out like we can't live without each other. Being honest, we barely talk about our family backgrounds when we're together."

"The times I've spent with Jack and Nate can never be forgotten."

And with that he threw his head back on the pillow which reminded me that we were on the small bed, crouched against the wall of the living room.

I had been so absorbed in Drake's words and so surprised at the sudden mention of his brother out of the blue that I didn't spare a good look at the place since we arrived.

The room, although small, looked warm and inviting. There was lots of wood work on the ceiling and near the doors. Artificial flowers inside beautifully crafted mud pots lined the walls of the living room. A bright yellow, but dimly lit light added to the beauty of the small room.

"It was me who suggested the theme of the living room" Drake broke the ice, as if reading my thoughts.

"When Ralph got married to Gemima, he asked me for helping the couple pick out a convincing theme for the living room."

I whipped my head in his direction and perceived his face, for I didn't know what. I couldn't help but say that Drake Parkinson was multi-talented.

I didn't know,but I suddenly felt lucky. Ask why? It made me feel good to have the feeling that I was one of the very scarce people who knew Drake Parkinson other than just the cool, famous image he had at school.

"What is the theme of the living room anyway?" I asked him.

"It's spring"

"But the light and the paint makes it feel like it's autumn" I divulged.

"It's autumn, there's no doubt about that" he said.

"But you said it's spring?" I raised a brow.

"It's both actually."

I stared up at him in confusion and he decided to explain.

"It actually is a combo you see. It's like good times during horrible and bad during the best. If you are having the saddest time of the year, you can fix it just from a few blooming flowers. The four flowers that I believe in, optimism, collaboration, trust and lastly ,bonds." He ended

"And if you are having the best day of the year?" I questioned.

"Then remember the bad times to endure the good one better. Or you can remind yourself of the harsh reality so you're always ready for challenges"

Another good look at the room just made me realize what Drake meant.

I couldn't help but wonder, on what day was he born. Was the luckiest day of the history? He clearly was the most stupid yet the most mature and comprehensive guy of his age.

"Hey I am home! Whoa! when did you come man!?"a guy with a clearly handsome face and a well-built figure walked in.

"I've missed you bro" Drake pat him on the back.

I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to introduce myself to him.

"and you are?" Ralph, as I assumed questioned.

His stare sent shivers down my spine. He was just too good looking. I know he had a wife and a child and all but seriously...

"Um I am Natalie Dare, it's good to see you Ralph, heard a lot about you from Drake."

"Oh I see you're fast! Did he show you a picture of me or something?"

"She's Natalie Dare, we live in neighborhood and she's my school mate" Drake introduced me and Gemima joined us.

She gave her husband a sweet peck on the cheek before calling us to the table.

"Dinner's ready everyone! Let's chat at the table. Quickly! And Ralph you dare not forget to wash your hands!"

I chuckled lightly at how bubbly Gemima was. Drake looked at me shaking his head sideways whilst smiling.

We walked through the living room, our footsteps creating sound against the wooden the floor.

We took our seats at the small table and I felt immediately cozy sitting with the family.

Drake made his way to the seat next to me but before he could sit, Jonathan , the little guy hopped into the seat next to me.

"I'll sit with her! He announced.

"Oh my goodness, that's no way to behave John! I think he likes you Natalie" Gemima scolded his little one while telling me.

Drake ruffled his hair and went to the other side of the table, next to Ralph. I suddenly felt a rush of blood to my cheeks and kind of missed Drake's presence next to me.

"come on. Not like he's you boyfriend"

"So when did you two meet?" Gemima asked me as I helped her wash the dishes.

Drake and Ralph had gone out along with John, Ralph had wanted to show Drake his newly built machine or something.

"His parents showed up the next day they moved to our neighborhood but we met at school."

"hmm..." she exclaimed.

"How has it's been since then?" She asked again

"dunno... 3 months I guess??" I counted.

"You know what Natalie? Drake doesn't bring many people here. No one else than his 3 bestfriends have seen this place. No one except you"

"So what?" I said

"I think he... he likes you"

___________________________