Dedicated to: Dorofine for literally binge reading ILWMT.
Love you😍.
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Toby's POV.
The wind blew gently and gave me a whole new feeling. The view of the beach made it feel so serene, so peaceful. Just a cup of coffee and it would be a perfect moment. I, however have a living soul who won't stop singing along to End game by Taylor Swift and Ed sheeran.
I turned to look at her. Her hair was let down and the wind took every advantage of it. Her head was bobbing to the beat of the song and she was tapping her fingers on the windshield. She finally let her hands out and adjusted her sun glasses.
I liked how happy she was. She looked like a normal teenager with no worries, with no scars.
I wanted to pat her head but I hesitated and focused on my driving. Some things are better not done.
We finally got to the hill and spread the blanket on the ground. She sat down and placed the picnic basket on the blanket beside her.
"Come on." She urged.
I smiled and sat on the blanket. I personally think only a blanket on the floor is not best, but what can I say? She's listening to another rock song again.
My phone beeped and I checked the message. Alan.
Where are you!!!!!
- Alan.
Oh my. I quickly dropped my phone out of nervousness and I think that startled Camilla because she turned to me giving me those eyes.
You know, those 'what the heck was that?' eyes. Those 'are you okay' eyes but not of the worried kind.
"Nothing." I shrugged and decided to make the most of the attention.
"So now that you're here. What do you wanna do?" I asked her.
Her lips parted like she wanted to say something but then she closed it back and looked utterly confused.
"Don't tell me...."
"Don't tell me that you had nothing planned." I said and she gave a witty grin.
"Hey, I planned on relaxing the whole day. If you had not pulled that little stunt, we would both be living this day as planned." She talked back.
And she's not even feeling remorse.
"Wow." I said and folded my arms.
"What a perfect punishment for me Camilla. I have nothing to do than to stare into space." I added.
"I didn't even bring a book." I muttered to myself.
"The punishment is actually spending time with the person you're trying to avoid." She said.
I turned and our eyes met.
Staring clearly at her eyes now, I could see how brown they were. It was like the stare down situation at the pool reappeared.
For some reason, the rock song playing on the Radio changed to a popular song I, myself really liked when it came out. It was Chainsmokers featuring Coldplay. Something like this.
I liked the song so much that I searched what it meant. And I didn't lie I felt the goosebumps.
Deep down I knew that was the kind of love I wanted. A love that didn't have to perfect, a love that didn't have to have all the wealth of this word, and a world where the both of us, I and the girl didn't have to be perfect at all. Where I could be Superman without my powers but to always have a Lois Lane. As perfect and powerful they might be, as rich as Achilles might be, I just wanted a love where it would make sense, not necessarily to others, but to me.
And I knew at that time, Adah wasn't the answer. I always knew she was not that person, our love wasn't that love I wanted.
"..I'n not looking for somebody with some superhuman gifts, some superhero, some fairytale bliss
Just something I could turn to,
Somebody I could kiss,
I want something just like this."
"Apparently, I'm some kind of contagious disease." She said, breaking eye contact and let out a mocking smile.
For a moment, I thanked God she broke contact, thank God I wouldn't be caught in a moment that will lead to a presumptuous action.
It was then I realized something. And for some reason, I wanted to let it out.
"I was not trying to avoid you Camilla." I said calmly.
That stole her attention because she turned to me. Slowly, I did too. And the air felt right, the trees swinged right, the sun calmed down and finally set.
"Then what were you trying to avoid?" She asked.
"Doing this."
With that said, my hands cupped her cheek and her eyes lit. Slowly I pulled her in until our faces were inches apart.
And I did something I wouldn't dare too even in a thousand years.
I let go.
-
Camilla's POV.
For a reserved and introvert person Toby totally was, he definitely knew how to sweep you off your feet. But I did not expect less.
For a moment I thought the bastard was going to kiss me, but he didn't. Instead, he pulled me by the waist and hugged me.
Even though, honestly speaking. I felt unusually comforted and right in his arms. It was like our bodies were made for each other and I found perfect peace and solace.
I would still prefer the kiss any day though. I hope he doesn't make me wait. I might literally make the first move if he continues to hesitate.
I pulled away soon enough and stared at him. His cheeks were pink and he looked like a kid who had been caught stealing candies.
"I believe hugging is definitely not something to avoid Toby." I mocked him and he grinned.
"You know technically, It's not ideal for me to hug you." He said.
I raised up my eyebrows and he chuckled.
"I know. That wasn't my plan at first." He said, his eyes anywhere but on mine.
"You amaze me Toby. You are too sly for a Therapist." I scolded.
"But I wouldn't be at peace if I did what was is in my head." He said.
Suddenly hurt by what he said, I blurted out.
"How is kissing me not a peaceful thing? I don't bite."
He turned to look at me and I huffed.
"I think we should head back home Camilla." He said.
"Gladly!" I snapped and stood up in anger.
Although I understand what he's trying to say. Kissing is not part of a Doctor-Patient relationship. But he definitely sees me as more than a patient now right? As a lady that can be kissed? And it's obvious I want it too.
Then what is the matter with him?
I stormed off to the car and got in. I wore my seatbelt and turned to the other side so we won't make contacts.
He got in minutes later after putting the picnic basket and blanket in the backseat. Urgh, that's true.
I didn't get to eat those damned cookies!
It's all Toby's fault. Why did he have to annoy me this morning? Why did he have to be so good looking? And tall? And sweet? And calm? And charming? And why did he get me attracted to him?
The drive back to my house was just one word.
Awkward.
We exchanged glances once in a while, had conversations like:
"Is the volume to loud?"
"Do you want to listen to another channel?"
And I'm like:
"No."
"No."
"No."
"No."
I think he got the memo that I'm mad at him because he kept quiet for a while.
We finally got home and he turned off the engine. I took off the seatbelt and was ready to leave when I felt a hand hold my palm.
I turned to him and he gave a lazy smile. One that was very attractive at that moment. Geez, Camilla get it together!
"I'm sorry Camilla." He apologized.
Geez, why do I feel like a fire extinguisher just went wild on my boiling heart? His apology, with his demeanor, and the way he calls my name, certainly melted me.
I hate the fact that he has an effect on me. I am Camilla for crying out loud. I don't give two fucks!
"I shouldn't have led you on. I was---"
I cut him by moving close by pecking him on the cheek.
"Next time, it might be here." I said placing my index on his lips.
He looked flustered and frozen for a while until he regained his composure. But I won't let him speak.
"Let's go on dates Toby." I said.
"Camilla--"
"--I will tell you about my past." I cut him off.
I know he'll do anything to know that. That's why folks, knowing people's weaknesses is a great wild card.
"You can't use that on me Camilla." He said.
"Watch me." I winked and got out of the car.
I was already on my way to the porch when I turned and walked back to the car. Fortunately, he was still staring at me.
"Just consider it as walking a Patient out Toby. You have nothing to worry about, don't you? I promise I'll behave." I said and left.
I walked into the house and did what I'd never thought I'd do.
I squealed.
"Whoa, whoa. Are you and Cleo in a squealing competition?" Fabian asked as he walked in shirtless with a can of Pepsi at hand.
"No. Shut up!" I said and walked upstairs.
"What about dinner?" I heard Freddie ask.
"I'm not hungry." I yelled and ran to my room.
Me, Toby, on a date?
I smiled.
Thing's just got a little interesting.
-
Toby's POV.
No shit. No shit. No shit. No shit. No shit. No shit. No shit!!!!
"Wait, no. First of all. I'm yelling no shit in my head. That's way beyond my morals." I complained.
"You missed my party Toby."
"And listen, I. For the first time in Eight years did something without thinking." I said.
"I waited for you Toby."
"And how come I feel so flushed because of a single peck, what is that?" I complained.
"Toby!!!!"
I jumped startled and stared at an angry Alan who looked ready to beat the hell out of me with the pillow in his hand.
"I can kill you if you mention a single word asides from an apology!" He snapped.
"You'd kill me with a pillow?" I asked.
"Try me." He replied and I raised my hands up in surrender.
"I'm sorry okay. I just.....like I said, without thinking, drove off to Camilla's." I said.
But then, apologizing felt like the right thing to do. I wanted her to know that I would never avoid her. I wanted her to know that.........
To know what? That you like her?
My subconsciousness mocked.
Not really.
You almost kissed her dude!
Almost. I got control of myself.
Guess the trainings paid off.
"I have never been so lost about...." I trailed of.
"About a girl before? I know. I feel the same way about Dorothy." He said with dreamy eyes.
That made me rethink.
I sat down and looked at him. He seemed happier and full of life. He gets really annoying when he's talking about Dorothy but I think that's just shows how much he likes her.
"Dorothy. You really like her?" I asked him.
His eyes widened.
"Dude! I told you before. I really do." He replied.
"I feel......."
"Happy? Joyful? Serene?" I asked and he nodded.
"Yeah. Yeah, that." He replied.
"I feel like a King yunno. And I want to do better, I want to be better. We have only been talking for a while, but I want her to be mine yunno. I really like her." He said.
Wow.
"Geez. Stop that." I said laughing.
"What?"
"This is like the first time you're being like this for a woman. It's creeping me out." I replied and we both laughed.
"It's the first time for me too." He said.
"What?"
"It's the first time for me seeing you this hung up and perhaps happy?" He replied.
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
"I don't think you've ever noticed Toby. But ever since what happened years ago, you've been too reserved and smug."
"And even with Adah. The relationship seemed like a bore and too serious, it hurt." He continued.
"But now. You--you almost kissed a girl who isn't your age group, or a girl who you met casually but your patient. You'd never do that. And then you're cheeks are literally on fire right now and your heart is probably aching. Toby, I don't need to read and study psychology to know what's going on." He said.
That's it.
Alan dropped the bombshell I've been ignoring and purposefully avoiding.
Why is the universe doing this to me?
I'm not the do-things-without-thinking type, I'm not the kiss-any-being-on-skirts type, nor am I the develop-feelings-for-your-patient-type.
"You think I don't know Alan?" I asked him.
"Dude. I'm trying my effin' best to resist any kind of romantic feelings for my supposed patient." I replied.
"She's rubbed off you don't you think? You're effin' things now." Alan teased.
I threw a pillow at him and he laughed.
"Okay, okay. So, what do you wanna do now?" He asked me.
I shrugged.
"I don't know. I can't dare to date her. She's my patient for crying out loud." I replied.
"Outside the medical world, she isn't. And it's very obvious she got the hots for you. You goodlooking, hot rascal!" He teased.
"Then I'll be proving Trevor right." I blurt out another issue that has been bothering me.
"Seriously? Trevor? Since when has Trevor been an issue? I thought he was long cut off when Elva caught him cheating on her and took Camilla to Jail. Gosh, I wanted to punch him in the face when that happened." Alan said.
"Well for the record, I wanted to do so too. But thank God for self control." I said.
"Plus Trevor already warned me about this situation with Camilla Alan. He told me that I will develop feelings for Camilla and it will drive me crazy!" I added.
"Well anyone with eyes and brains will know that 'it' will happen. Trevor is just a jealous, selfish prick that deserves to be thrown into a lion's den." Alan said.
I scoffed at that and he chuckled.
I sighed and stared at the ceiling.
I'm usually the type that knows what to do at any situation. I have plans, I have principles, I have maps to navigate my way through. But now, my brain is not even in the right condition.
All I can think of was the way Camilla glowed when I cupped her cheeks at that perfect moment, how right it felt when I hugged her and how soft her lips was when it came in contact with my cheeks.
She has an effect on me alright. And she is definitely leading me to a path I don't want to cross. I need my virtue of discipline right now, I need my sense of reasoning and my high sense of control right now.
"I think the first thing to do is to accept the fact that I don't see Camilla as just a patient anymore." I said.
"Yes. You're getting it." Alan agreed.
I sighed.
"And to avoid any situation that can make me compromise my values." I said.
"True. Wait, what?"
"If things get tough, I would have to transfer her to another Therapist for her sessions." I said.
That way I would not be able to see her often. Just like they say, out of sight, out of mind.
"Oooh. That's brilliant Toby. That way she won't be your patient anymore so you can date her since she's just a girl you like." Alan said.
What?
Now that's a line of reasoning I've never thought off.
I threw a pillow at Alan and stood up, walking towards my room.
"Goodnight Alan."
"What do you say to that you rascal!!"
"Sweet dreams."
-
Cleo's POV.
Wow. What a movie. Yvonne and I exchanged glances as soon as the movie was over and burst out laughing.
"That was.......overrated." Yvonne said.
"Hey. I love it." I defended.
She popped a popcorn in my mouth.
"It's just basic yunno. I guess I just expected more." She said.
Turns out that The Great Ghost was actually about a ghost who has been wandering for a while on Earth after his death. He doesn't like humans nor does he know how to get to the Ghost world.
He finally met Tyler, played by a guy I don't know. The ghost was shocked a human could see him and they didn't like each other at first. But they later clicked off and became friends. Tyler introduced him to his friends, now that's where Army and Paige comes in.
Together, they showed the Ghost that humans aren't all that bad, had fun, found out how and why he died, and helped him get to the ghost world.
"Army is a great actor isn't he?" I gushed.
"You're right about that. But then again, even if he was not, you would think otherwise." She teased.
"Be nice." I said blushing and she laughed.
The door opened and Sylvain walked in holding his camera.
"Say cheese."
I posed for the camera and he took the picture.
"Hey there best friend stealer." Sylvain greeted referring to Yvonne who rolled her eyes.
I giggled at that.
"Hey Cleo. How have you been? I hope Taekwondo hasn't been tough?" He asked me.
"I've been fine. And Taekwondo? Urgh! It's bittersweet." I replied.
"It won't be for the next few days. Army and the seniors would be training with us until their hall gets refurnished. I'm sure it will be sweet all through, right Cleo?" Yvonne teased.
"Seriously?" I asked, my cheeks literally on fire.
"Yeah babe." She replied.
I squealed.
"Gosh that will be so awkward. How will I be able to concentrate when I know he's in the same room as I am?" I asked Yvonne.
"Maybe it's fate. Maybe you guys are meant to be. You could fall down flat on your face and he would notice you and help you up. Sparks will fly and romance will begin." Yvonne said.
"Geee. Fall down flat on my face, that would be so embarrassing. Let's say my rag fell and he helped me to pick it up and recognizes me as the girl he bumped into at the coffee shop. Then the conversations starts and the sparks fly." I said.
"Cute and sweet. I like that." Yvonne said and we high fived.
"Whoa, whoa. Who is this guy you met at a coffee shop, and in your Taekwondo training and who you want sparks to fly with?" Sylvain asked.
"Army." I replied.
"Army who?" Sylvain asked.
"Army from the Hendrix family." Yvonne said.
"Oh. We had dinner with his family some months ago. Cleo, he is not the guy for you. He's reserved and ugly and--"
"--ugly?" I cut Sylvain short.
"Someone's getting jealous." Yvonne teased.
"Shut up Yvonne. I just want Cleo to be with a guy who is gentle, and sweet with a large heart. Who stares at her pictures to sleep, adores her, captures every beautiful moment with her into his camera and memory and maybe be years younger." He said.
I laughed and Yvonne did too.
"Yeah. And that someone is lemme guess, you?" Yvonne asked.
"I didn't say that. But the person might not be far away." Sylvain said.
"You're so cute." I said and ruffled his hair. My phone beeped and I checked who the text message was from.
Fabian❤: Where are you? This is 7 missy.
"Oooh. I gotta go guys." I said and stood up.
"Thanks for everything Yvonne. I really appreciate it." I thanked Yvonne.
"No problem babe. I have a matter to discuss with you but not now. Someone might grow two heads full of jealousy." Yvonne teased referring to Sylvain.
"Urgh, I hate you Yvonne." Sylvain yelled and ran out.
"Be nice." I said she laughed.
"Bye." I waved and we hugged.
"Bye."
-*-
I got out of the taxi while giggling and thinking of Army in the movie, Army at the party and Army at the Taekwondo centre. I walked into the house and squealed happily.
"Geez. Cleo!" Clauda complained.
"You're way past curfew and you're squealing?" Fabian asked.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry." I apologized and walked up the stairs.
"Dinner will be ready soon." Clauda yelled.
"I'm not hungry." I yelled and entered my room.
I removed my backpack and fell on my bed happily. Then I rolled about laughing and giggling.
Gosh, I have a lot of things to prepare! I have to comb my hair, or-or wash my boots. Urgh! This driving me crazy!
But in a good way.
I gushed and sighed smiling.
For the first time in my life, I can't wait for Monday to come.
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And that's a wrap. Phew. My thumb hurt😁😁😁😁. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Okay, I know you want to crucify me for not making the smooching happen but just calm down. And be patient😉
So, what do you think?
Alan and Dorothy?
Camilla and Toby?
Do you want Trevor in a Lion's den too? I don't, he's too goodlooking to be chewed. Hehehehehe😁😁.
And what about Cleo?
Her friendship with Yvonne?
Yvonne?
And Sylvain? Personally, I love this little guy.
Please I wanna hear and know your heartfelt ideas and thoughts, so please comment💬 and don't forget to vote⭐.
Thanks for reading guys😇.
Love,
Peejay❤.