Elizabeth's POV.
I've been staring at the ceiling for I don't know how long. Hot tears eventually sliding down my cheeks and to the mattress every few seconds whenever it overflows my eyes.
I have so many things in my head. I'm already 18 yet I don't have my life fixed. I have so many things to think about.
And now I have another worry to pile up to the mountains and mountains of thought.
The idea of getting my bags and walking out sounded like the sweetest, most logical, and most realistic option there is.
This is NOT nice. I said to myself.
The sound of the door cracking open made me turn in that direction. I quickly sat up.
"Chloe..." She continued walking towards me, her eyes puffy and lightly shaded pink.
"Hey, hey, what happened?" I frowned, my voice full of worry.
Did I make her cry?
The thought of it made my heart suddenly sting.
She ignored me, lightly pushed my shoulders, and led me down to the bed with her.
"Chloe...?"
"Shhh." She whispered before wrapping her arm around my waist and snuggling closer.
"Ch-Chloe." My breath hitched. The tears on my cheeks weren't hot- in fact, there are no tears at all, my cheeks were the ones burning.
The buzzing feeling in my stomach made me feel warm all over and her arm over me felt like a line of warm coals; it was calming.
I let a few minutes pass before breaking the ice, "Is everything alright?"
"I'm sorry..." She muttered, her hot breath reminding me how close she is to me. "How are you feeling?"
"I-" I wasn't used to being asked that. "I asked you first."
"Bad," She mumbled again, "I didn't mean to be stubborn, I just wanted to make you feel happy."
Tears flowed once again; this time because of overwhelming happiness.
I turned to my side, now facing her, and rested my hand on her waist. "No one's ever said that to me before."
"Really?" I was rewarded with a bright smile but averted my gaze and blushed, "I meant that in a way where I'm happy I'm the first."
A laugh escaped my lips. "S-seriously?" I couldn't stop myself and I covered my face with my hands.
"Ye-Yes!!" I peeked and saw her pouting, looking at me with those emerald eyes.
I sighed, "You're unbelievable."
She visibly gulped, "Did I do something wrong again...?"
Shaking my head no, she sighed in relief.
"You want me happy?" I asked her again and she nodded cutely.
I smiled, the fuzzy feeling coming back to me. "Want to come with me? Let's go to Jonathan's today."
Her mouth formed a little 'o' and stood up. "I'll drive."
I sat up, "What about my motorcycle instead?"
She pouted and crossed her arms in thought, "I'll drive and then let's buy a helmet for me."
Her eyes looked at me with determination and I knew she wouldn't back down. "Fine, you stubborn ass."
"That's me." She said with a dimpled smile before walking out of the room.
Oh god, what is she doing to me?
*
Car rides, I thought they'd be mundane.
"So," Chloe tapped the steering wheel, "any songs you listen to?"
"I don't listen to music much." I smiled sheepishly.
Her jaw dropped and she looked at me in disbelief, "WHAT?"
"You heard me." I raised an eyebrow to hide the shyness.
Will she be weirded out...?
"Oh hell nah." She laughed at me, "Here, I'll play some."
The song opened up with the military trumpet- ones you hear in alarms.
"It's good I promise." She smiled.
"Oh wow..." I forced a smile, "so...American."
She burst into laughter, "american-"
"Shut up I don't know this song." I crossed my arms. It was an upbeat song with a very light tone. except it was talking about gambling and houses.
"What song is this?" I asked.
"Gambling addiction." She said, "I'll send you my profile when we get home, we can follow each other there."
"Okay." I smiled at her excited behavior.
I don't have one.
She pulled over at Jonathan's. The place looked packed and for some reason, I felt optimistic.
"Let's go?" She said and I nodded.
The soft greeting of the smell of coffee never gets old. A ring could be heard when Chloe opened the door for us.
Jonathan and another man were working behind the counter while a girl was waiting tables.
"They look complete..." I whispered to Chloe.
"Worth a try?" I looked at her and I knew she was right.
"Iced Americano and uh... Chlo?" She wasn't beside me so I turned around just to find her behind me.
"Hazelnut Frappe." She whispered, sending shivers down my spine.
"Last time you were pale," Jonathan chuckled, "Now you're red."
"One- One americano and Hazelnut Frappe, please." I stammered.
He shook his head with a smile and looked over my shoulder before raising his chin towards Chlo.
She sent back a small grin with a thumbs up.
We walked to a vacant spot.
"I swear you always plot something behind me." I eyed her curiously.
She shrugged, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
I stifled a laugh and propped a hand on the table before resting my head on it, "You know you're childish."
"I am?" She said, copying my pose.
"Yeah," I nodded, "I think it's cute."
"..."
I slowly looked outside. Ignoring the words that just came out of my mouth.
"Nice weather..." She muttered.
"Very." I nodded, pretending nothing happened.
The urge to put a hand over my chest was strong because I'm pretty sure it was going to pop in any second, the uncontrollable feeling of giddiness washing over me.
"Order for the tomatoes... because you know, you guys look the name."
A girl placed a tray on our table, "Hi Auntie." She smiled.
Auntie?
"I'm sorry you must've been mistaken-"
"Dad said you're my Aunt." She then pointed at Jonathan talking to the guy with him.
oh.
"You're the girl he adopted!" Chloe chirped in, "Call me Aunt too!"
The young girl looked at her in amusement before showing us a smile, "Okay Auntie."
Chloe looked at me, her eyes sparking with happiness, "I'm an Aunt!"
"Sure." I laughed. "Thank you... Uhm..."
"Scarlet!" She said in excitement.
"Can I ask something?" She nodded, "Is your dad accepting applications? I'm actually looking for a job."
"I'm not sure." She shrugged, "We didn't have that talk but I'll mention it when we're free."
"Okay, thank you." I smiled at her.
"Here, get yourself something nice." Chloe handed her a dollar.
"WOAH YOU'RE RICH!" She said before putting it in her pocket. "I have to get back to work, thank you auntie!"
I gave her a curious look, "How much did you give her?"
"A hundred." She shrugged.
My jaw dropped. "A hundred?!" I whisper shouted.
"I've never been an Aunt before," She said before taking a sip of her frappe, "Judging both of your reactions I'd say I'm good at it."
I sat back and drank my own coffee.
"Oh yeah, we have quizzes this Friday." I said, "we'll have to review for that."
Remembering Tori's notebook in my bag, I mentioned that we should drop by.
"Or maybe we could study together?"
"I don't know Chlo," I confessed, "I still want some time away from them."
She nodded and looked down in thought before smiling, "Okay let's drop by then."
"I mean I did say I'll talk to her..."
Am I ready?
"What do you wanna do?" She said and rested her elbows on the table, "I'll go with whatever you think is best."
I should at least try.
I'm not like dad that stays bitter.
I'm not like Elise that runs away.
Putting my coffee down, I looked at her in determination.
"Let's do it."