On Saturday, I heard nothing from Kevin. I spent my day studying and doing all my homework, as well as cleaning for my aunt. Nothing, not even an arrow shot into my yard.
I figured I shouldn't think about it, knowing it'd be childish to assume he would even make the extra effort. We only spoke when it was conventional for him, and it'd be dumb for me to think otherwise. So I held back from painting at night, just drifting into the room to grab some supplies and catching sight of nothing in his window, before heading into my room to sketch.
Still, my Aunt Lara persisted on Sunday morning, when she was up at the crack of dawn. It was normal for her to be as chipper as ever, so waking up that morning to smell of baked cookies didn't surprise me.
I jogged downstairs, my mouth watering and my hair as messy as ever. I was in silk button-down pajamas, the type that befitted a child. When I didn't have to impress boys, aka my annoying-neighbor-turned-possible-boyfriend, I wore whatever was comfortable to sleep, even if it didn't look as pleasing as form-fitting leggings and a hoodie.
I headed into the kitchen, catching her by the coffee machine as I greeted her warmly,
"Good morning," I said brightly, glad I had nothing to do today except relax. With the lack of Kevin in my schedule, it also helped to recognize that I didn't have to entertain him. For the first time since we got to town, I could spend a whole day to myself, doing exactly what I wanted.
"Someone's chipper," She added calmly, passing me a mug already filled with warm coffee, "Did you sleep well, birdy?" I rolled my eyes at the small nickname, one she gave me when I was a lot younger, but thanked her for the mug as I nodded,
"First time I slept early in days, I got all my work done yesterday, no distractions." She hummed brightly, turning to me as I grabbed some almond milk from the fridge and poured it into my coffee, passing it to her.
I moved for a cookie, about to grab one when she pulled the entire plate away. I frowned, turning to her as she smiled even more,
"Perfect, because I need you to go give these cookies to your friend and his family, and invite them over for dinner." My eyes widened, remembering what happened on Friday. This was a terrible plan, and I couldn't even tell her why,
"But Aunt Lara!" I whined, about to create some inane excuse, only for her to cut me off,
"You have no choice. Either you go and tell them or I do. Plus, you have nothing to do today, it's perfect. You can help me prep." I sighed loudly, leaning on the counter as I tried to come up with excuses.
With a smile, she grabbed the sugar from behind me and put some spoonfuls into her cup, before raising her brow at me,
"Come on, it's the perfect way for me to meet your new boy toy." I rolled my eyes at the statement, a small laugh leaving me, "Sugar?" I nodded, sighing and she put three teaspoons in and stirred. I grabbed my mug, taking a sip and finally speaking,
"Fine, but you can't embarrass me. Or talk too much about why we moved. I don't want to deal with the questioning." I added softly, closing my eyes and massaging my temple as I realized how annoying Kevin would be about it if he even got a whiff of why I left New York.
Wether it came with teasing or him suddenly seeing me as some weaker thing, I didn't want to deal with it. I didn't want Kevin to think I needed him to protect me.
My Aunt raised a brow, looking at me with a small grin, before nodding as she took a tip of her drink,
"Alright, fine. I can abide by those rules," She sat on a stool beside the kitchen counter, looking at the fresh cookies and then to me, "You should go get changed, you don't want those to get cold before you head over there."
I stuck my tongue out at her, earning the same response as she mimicked me. I rolled my eyes, not helping the grin that was on my lips as I chugged the rest of my coffee. I was lucky to have Aunt Lara, especially since she was so chill. Thankfully, I wasn't a bad kid either.
At least, nowhere near how Kevin acted. I knew his grades were okay, but the way he acted towards his family was so much worse than I ever did. I knew better, and I know that he did as well, it's just he preferred the asshole method. And clearly, Eva must've gotten used to it as well.
I sighed, deciding to ignore it as I headed up. I changed into a pair of ripped jeans and a grey t-shirt. I put on grey adidas sneakers, deciding to at least even out the outfit a little. I brushed my hair and left it down, washing my face and brushing my teeth before going back downstairs. I didn't look like a mess, thankfully, and realized this outfit would probably help me win Eva back over.
As I returned to the kitchen, Aunt Lara was busy paying bills, wishing me a quick good luck before I grabbed the plate of cookies and headed out the door. My mind wandered to Eva on Friday night as I closed the door behind me, wondering if she was still shaken up from the incident.
It was obvious there was some hidden tension in the family, all clearly because of Kevin. I knew he must've loved it, especially when he caused his mother's hair to stand up on end when he walked into the room, but a part of me hoped he'd be on good behavior today. At least enough for my Aunt to like him.
I knocked on the door, waiting a few seconds before the sound of locks being turned were evident, and Eva appeared in the door way. She looked a lot calmer than she had the night before, but there was curiosity in her eyes, as if she was shocked that I had returned.
Still, I tried to look welcoming. I knew it couldn't be easy for her, and knew my charm had to be at the max,
"Hey, Good Morning Mrs. Khatchadourian." She gave me a small smile, making my anxiety lessen. She wasn't upset with me for making out with her son, thank god,
"Hello Dove, uh... Kevin's in the yard right now." She said, pointing behind her at the closed screen door, I caught just a quick glimpse of him before he moved out of view, my heart skipping a beat for a second, but I mentally shook it off. I wasn't here for just Kevin, I needed to remember that,
"Oh no, that's uh, not why I came. My Aunt wanted me to come and give these to you, since we just moved in she decided to make something for the neighbors." Understanding and slight joy erupted onto Eva's face, looking at the fresh baked cookies and smiling like she was pleasantly surprised,
"Why, that's so nice of her," She opened the door wider, taking a step back, "Please, come in. I'm sure those are heavy." I laughed softly, nodding and following her inside as I placed them onto the counter. She moved towards the kitchen, grabbing a mug and taking a sip as her eyes went to me,
"Thank you so much," I said, watching as she gestured towards the fridge,
"Do you want anything?" I shook my head,
"I'm okay, I already had breakfast." She nodded, tucking a short strand of hair behind her ear and tilting her head,
"So, sorry for me to suggest but, other than the cookies, you seem like you have something on your mind." I nodded, exponentially glad she asked as I nodded,
"Well, yes. My Aunt, she wanted me to invite you all over for dinner tonight. She loves cooking, especially for others, and wanted to get to know you guys better." I laughed nervously, running a hand through my hair, "And personally from me, the cookies are a peace offering? I'm sorry for what happened on Friday, I didn't meant to cause you any panic-" I didn't even full know what I was apologizing for, but Eva shook her head, a muted grin on her face,
"It's alright Dove, I was overthinking. You shouldn't even have to apologize. You took amazing care of Celia, and I was just shocked by how quiet the house was." I smiled shyly, shockingly on edge. I guess when you're being complimented by your sorta-boyfriend's parent, it's a whole new experience, "Thank you for that. And tell your Aunt that-"
As she spoke, the sound of the sliding door opening caught the attention of the both of us. We turned our heads, and I met eyes with a shirtless Kevin. My cheeks warmed slightly, watching as his eyes went to me before going to his mother. There was a confusion in them, but also a smugness, as if he thought I made some excuse to be here.
"Hey, Cooper." He said bluntly, his eyes going to the cookies on the counter and then his mother, "What's up?" He asked pointedly, making me sigh quietly and bring my gaze back to Eva, who looked like she was sinking. This felt like a trap, and I knew she realized it as well.
I decided to save her from his gaze for a second, producing a calm smile,
"Well, me and my Aunt are inviting your family to come over for dinner tonight," Kevin's dark eyes showed a bit of amusement in them, only emphasized as he raised a brow and smirked, "and your mom and I were talking about wether she wanted to go, Kevin."
My voice had the same tone as his, earning a small chuckle from him as his expression entirely shifted. It turned into a mocking innocent curiosity, and he looked at his mom,
"Well then, are we going, mummers?" Her eyes went to me, a sense of relief in them as I nodded softly. I knew Kevin was hard to handle, and I figured I might as well help. She looked grateful, giving me a slight smile as if I understood her plight.
Now, out of the foggy state I was when Kevin had me wrapped around his finger, I could see it. He was impossible, and she still dealt with it. It was bound to drive anyone mad,
"Yes, we are. Dove even brought some cookies that her Aunt made. It'd be hard to decline such a kind invitation." I could help but smile proudly, glad I had completed the mission. I still felt Kevin's gaze though, watching as he placed his bow beside the door and walked up beside me.
I turned to face him, the same smug smile on my face as I looked at him,
"I'm sure you'll love the cookies." I said mockingly, before taking a step back as he eyed me carefully. He was trying to understand what game I was playing, and frankly, I was just having fun.
"And you as well, Eva. I have to get going, so please tell Celia I said hi. We'll be expecting you at seven." I gave them both a slight wave, turning to leave when Kevin grabbed a cookie, suddenly speaking behind me,
"Please, let me walk you back." I glanced, catching him wink at me as I smirked. I looked at Eva, who was incredulous. I thought it over for a second, before shaking my head,
"No, I need to go help out. Plus, you look busy." He stood there stiffly, his playful look turning into a glare as he took a rigid bite of the cookie. He nodded slowly, our eyes meeting for a few seconds before I opened the door behind me,
"My Aunt can't wait to meet you all, especially you, Kevin." I smiled, daggers shooting as he and I glared at each other, managing one last wave before leaving the house.
Whatever that was, I didn't know where it came from. Maybe I was upset about not talking to him, but at least I turned it into a good warning. If Kevin messes up tonight, there's no chance we'll talk again.
Which at this point, was something I didn't really know if I was happy or upset about.
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Woah, is Eva starting to really like Dove? Probably lol. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter!! Thank you so much for reading.
- j.j