UNBREAKABLE

Chapter 5

"I'm fine, Mom." I removed her arms around me and instead put mine around her. "Please, don't worry about me. Maybe this is just a phase. Part of growing up."

I almost choke on my last words. Because as young as I am, I know in my heart what I feel for Art is not just a young, sick puppy love. What I feel for him is real. I imagined my life ten years from now, and it's only Art I see in it. Plus our future children and grandchildren.

"I know, my son. He's a silent romantic like his late father. How I wish he were here to talk to him." Auntie Jenny smiled at me as she fixed loose hair from my face. "I promised his dad I won't make him waste time when Art finds his person. I'll make sure he spends time with her and enjoys life."

"Jenny." My mom patted Auntie Jenny's back gently. "You know I don't have objections with Shelly and Art together. I'm worried we might be pushing them too much, yet they're still too young for this."

Auntie Beth, Avery's mom, stood up and placed her arms over my mom's and Auntie Jenny's shoulder.

"Hush... were mothers wanting to make our children happy. Let's agree. Jenny will talk to Art and let him decide after."

Everyone nodded in agreement and focused on the real agenda for the day, making us do the fitting and Auntie Jenny apply the final touches.

***

Art came to visit me in the morning before the dance. My mom woke me up to inform me that Art was waiting downstairs.

"Give him a chance to explain, sweetie. Listen to what he's going to say."

The way my mom encouraged me to talk to Art, I understood that his mom and mine spoke about us. His coming to talk confirmed his mom's promise when we were in the dress shop. I faked my sleepiness as I nodded to my mom.

Deep inside, everything in me was in a catastrophe. I didn't mind not changing from my pajamas. I just washed my face and brushed my teeth. It should make me look uninterested.

I'm not going to dress to impress.

Sue me. The moment I saw Art, I felt like murdering him with my kisses and tight embrace. My heart never fails to overpower my mind when it comes to him. I regretted not dressing up. How can he be so yummy early in the morning? I could die to see him every morning.

Art stood up when he saw me coming down the stairs. He was in full gear.

On the one hand, he has a basket of my favorite blueberry pancakes and a zipped black dress bag on the other. Yet, when our eyes met, he was with a full-on smile.

He cleared his throat. "I made your favorite pancakes. I was hoping we could have breakfast together like we always do."

"Okay," I responded softly. What he said reminded me of one of the things that we stopped doing since he had Paisley in his life. He started making blueberry pancakes when he was ten when he learned it was my favorite.

"And this is your dress for the dance." He placed the zipped bag on the couch. "My mom asked me to bring it to you."

His words brought sadness to me. It was like saying he wouldn't have come here if not for his mom. I realized he read my thoughts when he held my hand and squeezed it gently.

"Shells, I wanted to come here. Bringing the dress was just an excuse."

"Really?"

Art laughed softly. "Really." He placed the basket of pancakes in front of me. "Now, can we eat?"

When I nodded, he guided me towards our dining area with my hand enclosed in his. I didn't know what was happening, but I was enjoying it. His touch while we were holding hands. He pulled up the chair for me, placed pancakes on my plate, and served it with a glass of milk. We had breakfast like usual, with waves of laughter and sweet gestures.

The time we decided to talk, we both took it like adults. He asked me to come with him to the dance, but I declined nicely. I explained how it would be unfair to Ashton and Paisley. I wouldn't want others to suffer the consequences of my selfishness. If only I could, I would gladly accept his offer. We had a short discussion, but in the end, he agreed. And in exchange for him agreeing to my decision, I promised to have him take me home after the dance.

We decided to spend time with each other after the dance. He left with a promise of revealing everything he needed to tell me then.

Waiting for the night of the dance was the longest I've had in my life. But I endured because I had a feeling that the night we would be spending time with each other and everything he would tell me would change my life forever.

***

Ashton picked us up. I couldn't believe my eyes when we came out of the house. Together with Avery, we went to the dance in a limousine. Our mothers had indeed gone crazy!

I was Ashton's date, but he didn't mind Avery joining us. We enjoyed dancing together, though there was a hint of sadness remembering how Art was always dancing with Avery and me. Nevertheless, I set aside my dismay and prayed for the night to end. I couldn't wait to go home with Art and hang out with him.

When the dance ended, Ashton needed to leave immediately with his bodyguard, and PA played to my advantage. I didn't have to think of how to tell him I was not riding home with him. Avery was excited for me. She couldn't keep it to herself that our mothers talked and how Auntie Jenny's talk with Art was a success.

"This is your night, Shells! I can feel it!" Avery declared with giggles.

I grinned. I couldn't hide my excitement. "Let's go see Art. He told me to meet him in the parking lot. He will be waiting inside the limousine."

"Let's go, go!" Avery yelled.

We walked hand in hand toward the parking lot. Avery's eyes widened when she saw the driver outside. "I wonder what surprise Art had prepared for us," she smiled.

I shook my head. "I told him not to do anything. We'll be happy to spend some time with him like before."

Avery blinked her eyes several times. "He always does. Let's enjoy being princesses for a night." She paused before opening the door and looked at my face. "You've got this! Let's!"

***