We decided to watch a horror movie, even though I'm terrified of horror movies. I got up and helped Ray make popcorn, especially since I knew how everyone wanted it. I didn't even have to ask Philip. I know how he likes his. We decided on "Jigsaw." I sat between Philip and Ray on the couch, while Poppy took the big, fuzzy chair, and I made Jordan and Angie share the love seat, even though I know they both wanted to. I handed Philip his popcorn and he took it, while thanking me and giving the same signature smile he gave me in the art room.

That smile is enough to make me swoon, but it doesn't because we're just friends.

Ray hit play on the movie and I immediately buried myself deeper in my blanket, wanting the same hoodie I had kept forgetting in my locker. As the movies went on I noticed it continued to get colder in the room, and I was not satisfied with my thin blanket. I guess Philip must've noticed my shivers, as he put his arm around me and pulled me closer. He smelled like strawberries, mint, cologne, and just that smell that I couldn't really place my finger on, it just smelled like comfort. I was definitely not complaining, and plus this was much warmer. I tried to focus on anything but the movie, and settled on observing Philip. He really did have a good jaw line, and I loved the way the freckles dotted all over across his face like a million little stars. I didn't like my freckles, but on him they glowed, and he had beautiful midnight brown eyes. While to me, my brown eyes were just bland and muddy looking, his seemed to hold the light and glimmer like pools of honey and chocolate on a cold winter night. His hair flowed down to his shoulders like water, and looks really soft as it blew a little with us right under the air conditioner. His shirt was loose and fit him comfortably as he sat there eyes glued to the screen. I let my gaze shift off him and over to Poppy to see her staring at him as well. Just like that the feeling was back in my chest, but this time stronger than before. Something dawned on me for a moment, as just a brief thought and I decided to quickly excuse myself. I jumped up and practically ran and fell into the bathroom, trying not to make a scene. I looked into the mirror as if it would give me some answers.

"I couldn't. Right? I've known him for two years now, but I don't like him like that. Plus Poppy likes him. He probably likes her too." And there was the feeling in my chest again. Was it, jealousy? No. I didn't love Philip. I couldn't. Or could I? Maybe I do.

"Oh my gosh. I'm in love with my best friend. I can't let anyone find out. He would hate me." I washed off my face and came back into the den to rejoin my friends.

"Hey, you doing ok?" Awww, Philip cared. SNAP OUT OF IT CHRISTINA! I nodded because I wasn't sure I could get any words out right now. Ray was looking at me funny. Could he see right threw me? Oh gosh. I'm in deep shit. I sat back down, looking at the screen, then quickly looking away again remembering it was a horror movie. Soon enough I couldn't help if and my eyes were drifting right back to Philip. I continued to observe everything about him. I knew it all already though. The way he squinted one eye when something bad happened, and how he would gasp if the screen went dark or there was a jump scare. He would keep tucking the same piece of hair behind his ear absentmindedly, something he'd always do. Every time he would reach to get some popcorn, he'd stick out his tongue as if he was concentrating on something. Then he glanced over at me. SHIT! I looked away. Hoping to not have been caught. He put his arm around me again having removed it when I had gotten up. I felt comfortable, safe, with his arm around me, tucking me into his side like puzzle pieces. I looked back up at him, only this time he was looking back with those eyes like pools of honey and a small smile dancing on his lips. I smiled lightly and looked away. He was so comfortable to lay with I felt myself slowly closing my eyes and resting my head on his chest. Maybe I could talk to Ray about my new realizations in the morning. Maybe he'd be able to help.

A/N: Ahhh chapter four! Thanks for reading everyone. Tell me what you think so far! And if anyone has suggestions let me know! Love y'all
Eliza Schuyler Hamilton 💙💙