His Little Amelia

|66| • Amelia

I intertwined Everest's hands in mine, holding it tight.

I liked the feeling of his large ones covering mine.

Humming to myself, I let my eyes trace the veins which branched out from his wrist to every finger.

He had his other hand on the steering wheel, his head bobbing to the music which oozed from the radio.

Everest and I agreed to visit Papa today, much to my hesitance — seeing as I hadn't spoken to him in a long while.

In my own little world, I lifted my finger, beginning to trace the veins on his hands. I found it beyond attractive, was that weird? I wondered how it'd look trailing all over my body— I mean...never mind that. Shaking my head from the incoming red thoughts, I glanced over to him.

Last week, when he told me how he felt about Raul and I's friendship, I felt a bit bad.

It was like a replay of Darrick's. And he was right then too.

Did Raul not want to be my friend? Was he being flirty because he wanted to be much more than a friend to me?

On countless occasions, I'd told him about Evie being my boyfriend and he acknowledged it.

Hence, I guess I kind of deemed all his remarks as being cheesy or playful.

I knew some people liked to touch their friends when talking, so I didn't mind when he put his hands over my shoulders. But honestly...if Evie put his hands on another woman's shoulders, I knew how uncomfortable I'd feel. My lips pursed in a frown. Was I being inconsiderate of Evie's feelings?

I didn't mean to.

Was it so hard to have a guy friend who'd just want to be my friend?

Just like Preston!

Oh, how I missed Preston and the others in Margret's Delight.

I wondered how they were all doing. Recalling how adorable Hugh and Ava were, I found myself smiling.

Perhaps they had gotten together now. Maybe I could go see them today!

It wouldn't take a while, just to say hello to them! Oh and Mrs. M too!

"If you keep staring I'd have a hole in my head in no time.

" I heard Evie say, turning to me with a sideways glance.

Blinking away from my thoughts, I realized I was staring in his direction with a small smile on my face.

That would have definitely felt awkward for him.

Letting out a nervous laugh, I looked away.

"I happened to be staring in your direction, not at you," I say with a hint of sass, shrugging my shoulders.

Everest smirked, squeezing my palms. "That's so? "

"Yep, rightly so."

"Someone has a mouth today." He muttered, smiling to himself.

I turned to him while raising my eyebrows.

"I always have a mouth, silly." Evie hummed, caressing his fingers slightly above my knee, hiking up my gown.

I was wearing a knee-length casual Victorian dress today, it was white and had a dainty effect to it, the sleeves puffed slightly at the shoulder blades.

Evie was the one who got it for me, he said it'd fit me, and it did.

"I remember when you'd stutter nearly every word out as if you were scared of me."

I huffed, trying not to focus on his hands.

"I wasn't scared of you! You just made me nervous."

He smirked, "And why's that?" It was because I liked him of course.

Goodness, I couldn't imagine a more mature man like him, handsome and so, say he had feelings for me, would come to my house basically breathless, apologizing for standing me up on a date, a date!

Gosh, now here I was, holding his hands and him calling me baby.

"Because...I found you weird." I decided to say, sticking out my tongue.

He breathed out, feigning shock. "Oh, now I'd love to hear that story.

" How dare this man caress my lap going higher each time and feign innocence this way?

I cleared my throat, not wanting to seem affected by his touch.

I could tell by the subtle smile on his face and the way his index rubbed feathery circles on my skin that he knew what he was doing.

But I liked it.

"Well, you were nice, and you kept acting like such a gentleman.

Just when I tried to tell myself that it was just because you wanted to be my friend, you up and said you had feelings for me.

Who even is that bold?" I scoffed, looking away.

I couldn't tell him how much those words warmed my heart.

Even when I turned him down, he said it was fine and he just wanted to make his intentions known.

I wasn't used to that.

Perhaps that was why I felt so giddy whenever he came up or whenever we were close. "And that made me weird? Then I'll take that as a compliment." He cheesed, sparing me a glance. I chortled at his expression, he seemed to like what I said, like calling him weird was the greatest compliment ever.

"You showed me how a man was supposed to act with a lady, so...thanks for that," I whispered at the end, chewing on my bottom lip. Everest let my lap go, bringing my hands to his lips with a soft kiss.

"I'm trying to be a better man, I assure you that," Everest uttered what seemed like a promise. A better man? He was already such an amazing person. I smiled, not wanting to ask him to elaborate. I didn't want him to change the subject again.

"And I'll try to be a better woman..." I said this but do I know how to be a better woman? Everest smiled against my hands. He looked rather handsome today. Why did he always look so attractive when driving? All I could do was ogle like some sort of fan girl.

"So we'll both become better, yeah?" He said, dropping my hands. I nod at him.

"Yeah."

"Abel! It's so lovely to see you again!" I squealed, running up to hug my big brother.

When we arrived, Papa and Abel were outside on the porch, discussing something.

Abel's arms held mine steadily as I threw myself on him in excitement.

How long had it been?! I wasn't used to not seeing him for this long.

He laughed, tapping my back in comfort. "Someone missed me," He cooed, rubbing my neck. I giggled, nodding profusely. "I missed you so much! I especially missed your nagging." My teasing words made him snort, flicking my forehead with his finger. I hissed, backing away. "That hurt!"

He stuck his tongue at me. "I missed you too, sis."

Backing away, I looked towards Papa, he had a thin-lipped expression on his face.

Walking to him, I nervously waved. "Good afternoon, Papa.

" He smiled, pulling me into a hug. "I thought you'd forgotten about your old man.

" He squeezed me tightly, I hugged him as well appreciating his hug.

We didn't hug very often, but he gave one of the best hugs.

"I'm sorry for not coming home, Papa. It slipped my mind and, I was a bit nervous when I did forget.

" I admit, putting my head down in shame.

He chuckled, tapping my shoulders with his heavy hands.

"As long as you're doing well, that's what matters.

" I almost teared up at this, but put on a big smile instead. "I am!"

"I see you brought the boyfriend." Papa acknowledged Everest with a nod.

I looked back with a grin, pulling him closer.

Evie met my dad, extending his hands in a handshake.

I looked between the two of them, hoping they'd get along well this time.

Papa took his hand in a firm handshake, a somewhat approving smile on his lips.

"Nice to see you again, Joseph. It's a pleasure."

"Same here, Everest Simon."

Gosh, even I felt a shiver when he called Evie's full name.

Clearing my throat, I clapped my hands. "Anyways, he told me he wanted to come so the two of you could speak, but he doesn't want to tell me what about!

" I glared playfully at Evie who returned it with a wink, snaking his hands around my waist.

"Oh? Is that right?" Papa hummed, shifting his gaze from me to my boyfriend who stood a head taller than me. "Yes, I do. In private, that is." Huffing, I rolled my eyes at the two. Papa seemed to have an idea, the way his eyes narrowed before he nodded.

"So how've you been Papa?" I questioned as we entered the house.

My nose whiffed a delicious scent coming from the kitchen "You cooked something?

" I asked, intrigued. I was hoping the pair wouldn't live on takeouts when I was gone.

Good to know one of them could finesse something this tasty-smelling.

Abel sniggered, puffing his chest in pride.

"I followed Ramona's recipe and made us Mexican rice."

He explained I followed him to the kitchen, curious to see the look of his dish.

"Oh, how're you and Ramona?" Opening the lid of the pot, my eyebrows went up.

I was impressed, to say the least. "We're fine, I'm thinking of proposing to her.

" Picking out a spoon, I washed it while listening to him. Wait, did he just say proposing?

I gasped, looking up excitedly. "For real?

That's so sweet!" Scooping a spoon of rice from the pot, I blew on it.

Abel chortled, "Yeah, I mean, what else are we waiting for right?

" I loved Ramona, I didn't see her much but she was such a good woman, I could tell.

Abel was also much happier with her. Before he met her, he was rather. .. straight-faced most of the time.

"Okay, this is delicious. Who knew you could cook this good." I complimented, giving a thumbs up, "Well, I guess it is Ramona's dish. She's going to feed you fat when you two get married." He threw his head back with a bellow of laughter. "Woah, slow down, she hasn't even said yes yet."

"She will."

He beamed. "I hope so."

"Okay, stop shoving your face before we have dinner." Abel scolded, taking the spoon away. "Hey! One more..." He snorted, shaking his head. "No."

"I'm curious, what's it like living with Everest?

" Closing the lid of the pot, we sat down at the dining.

I hummed, tracing circles on the glass table.

"He's honestly the sweetest man I know. He cooks before I even wake up, he cleans up after himself, and.

.." I flush a lighter colour with the beam on my cheeks.

Abel didn't seem to share my embarrassment, he stared curiously, listening to me.

"It feels like living with the best roommate ever," I concluded, turning my head so he wouldn't see how bad I was cheering.

Even though we were both busy sometimes, he'd still prepare a little breakfast for me, kiss my forehead and offer to drive me to school when he was free.

Everest Simon was honestly the best man I'd ever been with -- even though he was the only man I'd ever been with. But still!

"Hmm, sounds to me like my little sister is not so little anymore.

" Abel's words made me grin. "Honestly? I wish I was more.

..what's the word? Mature." Abel arched an eyebrow, "Mature?

What do you mean?" He asked, leaning in.

I looked around, not seeing Evie or my dad anywhere.

Perhaps they were already having their conversation that was so private.

"I mean, there somethings Evie sees or how he thinks, but.

..I guess I just don't see it in his perspective and I start to feel so childish after.

" His frown made me continue, "It's not like Evie scolds me or anything, he's just..

.so mature and I feel as though I couldn't level up to him even if I tried.

" I sighed, tracing irregular shapes on our dining table.

"Why do you want to level up to him?"

"Because I want to be...a woman he can lean on.

.." I trailed off, flustered to admit it.

He said he trusted me, but I wanted to be someone he could lean on for support, someone he didn't have to hide things from for a reason I wasn't aware of.

Abel held my hand, stopping me from tracing the table so I looked up.

"If you think he doesn't 'lean on you' perhaps you should just give it time. Sometimes it's about that person and not you." I pouted, narrowing my eyes. Was this way of telling me there was nothing I could do about it? "I'm just saying, try not to be too hard on yourself."

"Thanks." I meant it, those words managed to calm me down just a little bit. Abel's lips stretched into a smile. Sitting up from the table, I looked around to see if they were back, they weren't! Huffing, an idea came to mind.

"Hey, Abel, do you think I could go see my friends at my former workplace for a quick second?"

"I doubt it'd be a quick second, Amelia." He was right, Margret's Delight was a good half an hour from here, but I wanted to see them before going back! Since Papa and Evie were still talking, they probably wouldn't even notice my absence. "Please...?"

"Fine, I'll drive you and wait in the car then, but make it quick."

Perking up, I nodded hastily. "You got it!"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's go then," Grabbing the keys from the bowl on the counter, he tossed them in the air.

I trailed behind him quickly, with a car, it was sure to be in and out!

Pulling out my phone, I decided to text Evie, telling him I was going to Margret's Delight to see Preston and the others.

He read the text and sent a thumbs-up, that was enough for me.

"When are you going to learn how to drive anyway?" Abel asked, shifting the gear before driving out of our neighbourhood. I guess never really considered driving because I was so used to Everest driving me. When he couldn't, my friends offered to. Perhaps I'd have to learn sooner than later.

"Passenger princess," Abel taunted with a scoff. Giggling, I turned towards him, falling my legs for extra effect. "I don't think I want to learn just yet." I teased back, bobbing my head from side to side.

"You better learn, Don't expect 'Evie' to be driving you everywhere.

" His emphasis on the nickname I gave him made me holler out a laugh.

"Don't call him that! It sounds so weird!

" Only I was allowed to call him that! It was my nickname for him, no one else's. Abel hummed, clacking his tongue at me.

"And I don't, I take transport sometimes. But yeah, I'll ask him to teach me soon enough."

As expected, the drive to the bakery doesn't take that long. Abel parks at the side of the bakery, in the parking slot and I slide out. "I'll be fast, I promise!" He waved me off, "Get me a muffin while you're at it."

Seeing the bakery again brought back memories. I used to work here...it felt nice to be in the neighbourhood again.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door, the bell ringing. The bakery was buzzing a bit today. Most of the seats were occupied, it remained the one in the middle and a few more. I couldn't help the sad smile that drew up my lips.

I missed this place.

Knowing the drill, I sat down at a vacant spot, grabbing the menu to cover my face so I wouldn't expose myself just yet. My heart was thudding hard, I was nervous to see them. The move was abrupt so I couldn't have a proper goodbye party with them. Would they be happy to see me?

Gee, I hoped so.

"Welcome to Margret's delight, I'm Preston. What can I get for you?"

That familiar rehearsed lines made my heart thump in excitement, setting down the menu quickly, I plopped up to scare him. "Boo!" I guess it worked because his eyes widened and he stumbled back. The shock which was written on his face morphed into a smile, then a wide grin.

"Sunshine!" He squealed, slapping his hand over his mouth.

I giggled, squealing with equal excitement, jumping into his arms. I missed him so much!

He hugged me back tightly, not saying a word.

I could almost cry, this reunion was too much for my little heart.

Pulling away, He held both of my shoulders, as if observing me.

"Sunshine, it's really you! W-what are you doing here?" He breathed out in shock.

"I came to visit my dad and I thought to come here so I could see you guys. I missed you so much!" I hugged him again, squeezing him tightly. He squeezed back.

"I think we should go inside the kitchen, People are starting to stare." He whispered in my ear. I tensed up, my cheeks flushing.

Oh right.

The shop was buzzing a bit today, oops?

I let him lead me into the kitchen; a huge smile on my face. Before I could process what was happening, a nearly defeating squeal sounded before a body was launched at me. I squealed, knowing Ava's stature anywhere. I hugged her back, jumping with her as we continued to giggle.

"Lia! You came to see us! I've missed you!" She was more excited than me -- dare I say. I laughed, holding her tight. If felt good to be loved, I'd tell you that. Grinning from ear to ear, "I did! I missed you too!" I responded, giggling. We were probably causing a ruckus here.

"Nice to see you again, Amelia." I looked towards Blossom with a grin, "You too Blossom." It was honestly good to see them again.

"I almost ran out when I saw you, she tried to scare me even," Preston said, tapping my hair. I growled at him, my hair took a while to do! He raised his hands in surrender. "My bad, it slipped my mind."

"We're doing good, the shop has been coming up you know?

Mrs. M is actually on her leave this week.

I wish she could've seen her best staff today.

" Ava teased, poking my side. "Hey! I'm offended.

" Preston scoffed, folding his arms. I snickered.

"I wasn't even close to that." Ava rolled her eyes playfully when I said that.

"But you were determined. Look at you, soon-to-be professional baker!

What's it like in the culinary school? I heard some professional bakers are taking you guys.

" Ava inquired with a sparkle in her eyes.

I beamed, it sometimes lipped my mind that I was really schooling in Gaston's culinary Dream. How surreal was that?

"It's honestly an experience. I got to meet the infamous chef Gaston and we've learnt some amazing recipes and plating skills. I'll come to show you when I graduate." I said jokingly, Ava nodded eagerly. "You better!"

"Where's Hugh?"

I asked with a smirk, watching her expression.

Ava blushed, suddenly finding her hair so interesting as she twirled the strands.

"He's good, didn't come today. He's caught a cold.

"

Preston sniggered, "You should have seen how worried she was when she told us this morning. Oh yeah, they're dating now."

"Hey!"

"Really?!"

Ava and I said said in unison. That was amazing! "Aw! Congratulations!" I squealed. Ava covered her cheeks, shaking her head. "Stop! You're making me blush!" I laughed at how she reacted. "I was rooting for the two of you."

"Right? Me too!" Preston peered in. "Me three," Blossom yelled out from the other side of the kitchen.

Ava groaned, covering her face even more. "You guys!!!"

I couldn't help but burst into fits of laughter. I missed this...I missed them.