His Little Amelia

|81| • Amelia

When Frank and Evie went into the kitchen to talk, I turned my heel into the living room. Being here again felt nice; the homey aura was still here. I was simply the one being eaten out by guilt. It felt like I was on the verge of running what I and Evie had built. All because I was the way I was.

Shaking my head, I plumped down to the couch with a sigh.

"It's okay, you're fine," I told myself, hugging my knees in thought.

I am fine now; I am getting better. But we're things between us, okay?

I knew it would take some time to get to where we had stopped before, but I didn't mind.

I wanted us to grow stronger. I wanted to be better.

Who knew my heart would fall this hard for him?

With a sad smile, I tried to control my breathing just as Dr Jones advised whenever I began overthinking, or else it would lead to a panic attack.

Chewing the bottom of my lip, I thought of other ways to show him I was willing to do better, and I guess the best way was actually to do better, huh? Chuckling to myself, I stretched out.

"You okay?"

The sudden presence made me gasp, my heartbeat speeding up as I jumped out of the couch I was sitting on, ready to serve hands to the intruder.

With a glimpse of red bouncy strands, my guard went down, and my hand slapped over my chest. "Saffron!

Hi, oh my days, you scared me." I huffed, taking deep breaths. When did she sneak up on me?

Saffron grinned, waving innocently like she didn't just scare the living lights out of me.

"My bad..." Was her singsong reply. Huffing, I straightened up, offering my hands for her to shake.

I was pretty sure she knew what I'd done, but what I didn't know was if she'd be willing to hug me after hurting her big brother.

Saffron smirked, pulling me into a hug, much to my surprise.

"I was starting to think you'd gone MIA.

" She whispered. Too stunned to speak, I hugged her back.

They were all still so welcomingthat my eyes began to burn with a fresh round of salty tears.

It took all in me not to let them fall; I didn't want her pity because I let a few drops fall.

I was ready for her to scold me, even shun me.

"L-let's sit." I stuttered, my voice nearly giving the tears away. Clearing my throat, I broke away from the hug before settling down on the couch, this time turning to face her. Saffron pursed her lips, moving the wild strands of hair out of her face and behind her ears.

"I'd ask how you are, but I can already tell." She uttered cautiously, leaning into the couch with her eyes resting on me. "I heard you're in culinary school. How's that going?" Saffron inquired.

"It's...it's actually really nice. I've met some amazing friends there; I've already learned many recipes, which is also great, considering I'd love to set up a bakery of my own sometime in the future.

And it's honestly so surreal that I get to see some legends like Chef Gaston and the likes!

" I was rambling on, wasn't I? Clearing my throat, I brought myself back.

"I'm so grateful I get to have this kind of opportunity. " I meant that.

I was incredibly grateful for this; never did I think I'd even get a job at a bakery.

Now, I was in one of the best culinary schools ever, without even paying a dime for my tuition.

How wonderful was that? I honestly felt like I didn't deserve it.

I didn't deserve to be blessed this way.

I thanked God for Evie every day. What kind of man would offer to pay my tuition and not ask me to sleep with him?

We were dating, but that wasn't obligated to do that for me.

He was a godsend, I'd tell you that.

"When Dad told me Everest was paying for your culinary school, I could hardly believe it.

I know my big brother is generous, but that was a huge step, even for him.

He really loves you, you know?" She responded quietly, placing her head even so gently on the headrest. I did the same, looking at my fingers.

"Yeah...I do. And...and I love him so much, too."

There was a pause between us.

"I also want to apologize. Abel — my older brother, told me Evie was really sad these past few days, and I know he stayed here, so...I can imagine you noticing that. What I'm trying to say is...you know, right?" Why was it so hard to ask her this? Perhaps I didn't want to know.

"He did, but in the shortest way—and snappiest, may I add. He said you cheated, and he was pathetic. At least that's all I remember about that." I nearly flinched at her words; I honestly didn't like being reminded of my mistakes. Who did?

"I admit, I'm hella pissed at you for that.

Why would you even do that to him when he's basically obsessed with you?

I asked that several times. But...I have this friend, Ivy.

She cheated on her boyfriend about a month before this.

I was equally as pissed, so I stopped talking to her. " She began; her story made me sit up.

"When I did get over the anger, we spoke, and she broke down, telling me how much she regretted it and how she wanted to take back the time.

I just...I could see how broken she was; it wasn't any better, seeing as I was cool with her boyfriend, who was also broken about it.

Seeing them so torn up but not doing anything about it made me sad.

So I told her to talk to him, and when she did, he forgave her.

" She continued. "Perhaps that was why I wanted Everest to forgive you too.

Because I knew it would stop the hurting, at least to a degree. "

Oh.

Her words touched my heart; I didn't know when the tear dropped, making me flinch at the warm liquid.

Quickly, I wiped it off, looking away. She spoke with so much sincerity I almost felt like she was older than me.

"I didn't want him to get super depressed, like how he was years back.

My dad always says to forgive selfishly; I guess I wanted him to do that so he'd be better. "

"Oh..." I mumbled, not knowing what else to say.

Saffron sighed, glancing towards me with a severe expression.

Her eyes showed no humour, and her eyebrows inched closer to each other.

"I want you to promise me something, and if you can't, just say so.

But know that if you can't promise me this, you might as well be a stranger to me whether or not you and Everest go on dating. " She seethed, almost glaring at me.

Oh goodness, a chill just sprang through my spine. Sitting up, I nodded hastily. "W-what is it?" I could tell that her words weren't just empty threats; she meant every syllable.

"Don't ever do something like this again; if a stupid jerk is going to make you cheat on Evie, then run from that jerk.

And don't hurt him this much ever again.

I know couples argue. I argue with Rivers sometimes but don't do anything that makes him depressed.

You know he loves you, and from what I see, whatever you do gets to him. "

Don't cheat on him ever again; that was a darn given. I wouldn't do that ever. I never wanted to. I also didn't plan on making him this hurt ever again. Nodding to her words, I put my hands to my heart. I knew how much a promise meant to me, and I didn't plan on breaking it.

"I promise."

There was a moment when she stared as though trying to decipher if I was pulling her legs off being serious, so I stared back with as much determination.

It seemed like this satisfied her because her serious expression faded into a grin before she leaned in, pulling me into a hug.

This warmed my heart; it felt like our minds were in sync. We both cared deeply about him.

A groan made us both jump, turning to see the man we talked about a few seconds ago.

He looked handsome today, had I told him that?

His hair was gelled up, but the day's work gave it a bit of an unruly — yet mighty attractive look.

His brown iris sparkled as it reflected with the chandelier which hung from the ceiling.

"Oh! You're back!" I said, my lips couldn't help but draw up into a smile; being here made me happy.

Evie smiled as well, a dashing smile as he walked towards us.

I couldn't wait to be alone with him and hug him all I wanted.

Blinking away the thoughts, I felt his hand weigh in on my shoulders, pulling Saffron and me together as he shoved his head in as well.

This made me giggle a bit; which championship were we playing for that called for this team huddle?

"So, what did you make my woman promise just now?" He asked curiously; this time, I giggled out loud. Saffron huffed, rolling her eyes. With how she acted, you'd be surprised how dearly she held him to heart.

"None ya' business." She sassed, sticking out her tongue. "Hey!" Saffron squealed when he ruffled her curls, shaking them with his palm.

"That took time!" She scolded, wiggling out of his grasp, her bouncy hair even wilder than before, sticking out above her head and covering a bit of her vision.

"That's for being rude." He snorted, pulling me closer.

I blushed, liking the warmth that came with being close to him.

Saffron blew upwards, her light curls moving away from her eyes so we could see she was glaring.

"I hope she didn't intimidate you," Everest said in a whisper, making me giggle.

"She's fine."

Evie pulled me up, never letting go of my hand. "I'd love to stay and chat, but we both need some alone time." He teased, gazing at Saffron as he gently kissed the back of my palm. Saffron snorted, waving her hands.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll see you later, Amelia!"

"Goodnight!" I greeted back, walking out of the living room and up the stairs. As we made our way to his room, my heart began to pound; it'd been a while since we'd been together.

"After you." He said teasingly when he opened the door.

I smiled, feeling timid under his gaze. I didn't want to let go, so I kept our hands together.

Was I the only one getting excited? Nibbling on my lips, I walked into his dark room, squinting my eyes to take a look around.

It was just how I remembered it, neat too.

"Nice place," I commented with a slight grin, making him laugh.

"You should see my apartment." He played along, his hand slipping around my waist as he closed the door.

"I'd love to. Would you take me there sometime?

" Evie hummed as though he was thinking of it, pulling me closer.

He pecks close to my lips. "If my woman wouldn't mind, then of course. "

I gasped, hitting his chest.

"Scandalous much?"

"You started it." He replied with sass; I laughed at this.

"How about you go have a shower first? Then I'll go." He offered, going to his wardrobe to pick something out, "Is this okay?" He brought out an oversized polo, which would most likely reach slightly above my knees if I put it on. Smiling, I nodded.

"Take your time." He mused, kissing my forehead before heading for the bed. He plopped onto it, turning on the television to keep himself busy.

Quietly, I walked into his bathroom, undressing.

There were so many things I still wanted to say to him; I didn't know how to put it.

I wanted us to go out more, to have times where it was just the two of us talking through our hearts.

Between going to culinary school and him going to work, we rarely had our night talks again.

It was kind of my fault for not attempting to crawl into his bed as usual and snuggle into his arms.

I loved having conversations with him.

The hot beads of water relaxed the stiffness in my body; I hummed, gently moving my head so the bun I tied wouldn't come undone in the shower.

Squirting a bit of his body wash into my palms, I rubbed it over my body.

The oud scent was strong and stayed even when I rinsed the foam.

The scent reminded me of him. I let myself soak in the warm mist while trying to clear my head.

Every once in a while, I thought, how did I end up here?

Why was I so blessed to have good people around me even though I wasn't a great friend?

It seemed like considerable time had passed because the air was getting cooler than warm, so I stepped out of the glass cubicle, looking around for a towel.

After opening the drawers, I spotted a neatly folded set of extra towels and grabbed one.

"It's so big," I whispered to myself, smiling like a silly being.

Trying to keep it firm under my armpit was quite a sport as my legs wobbled carefully towards the door.

"I'm done!" The words came out louder than expected, which made Evie cock his head ever so slightly, his gaze training on me.

Okay, my legs didn't just get more wobbly.

Perhapsit was because I was only in a towel, my bun almost unravelling.

Everest was still sprawled up on the bed when he looked at me.

"Uh, the shirt you gave me was still in here.

" I felt the need to explain, my head becoming hot.

I wasn't even naked, but I felt so bare with this towel on!

He hummed an 'okay', making a swift move to my side, "You're fine." Evie mused, his words making the goosebumps rise again, especially with his palm cupping my neck.

"See you in a bit." We're his words before making his way to the bathroom.

When the door closed, a breath came out of my mouth.

"Phew, why am I being so awkward?" I muttered to myself, facepalming.

Was it because we weren't on good terms a little over two days ago?

Or because I was in his room? No, that couldn't be it.

"Calm down!" I shushed my beating heart.

Huffing, I put on the polo, which, as expected, fell to my lower thighs.

Raising my arms, I took the rubber off my hair, deciding to repack it into a low bun.

Seeing as it was long, the tips of the braids reached my waist. When I was done dressing up, I sprayed some of his deodorant on my armpits, gasping at how cold it was.

"Okay, let's straighten this up." His bedsheet was rumpled from where he laid down on it, so I walked over to straighten it.

I guess my nerves were talking because I began arranging his side table, then his vanity table, wanting to keep myself busy.

When I was done with that, I put my hands on my waist, grinning in satisfaction.

The shower turned off, which was my cue to jump in my mind, pulling the covers over my body.

Winter was coming pretty soon and it showed in the drop in temperature, the heater was on yet the room still felt cold, at least cool enough to snuggle up.

Wiggling to the side, I shook my head at the thought.

As the door opened, I couldn't help but peak from my peripheral view to see him.

Everest strutted out with his usual confident walk.

He had a pair of shorts on already but was still bare-chested, his hair wet and limp on his head.

I heard him let out a sigh, ruffling the hair so it'd stay away from his face.

Geez, I most definitely looked creepy, watching his every move behind the covers.

I couldn't help it! He was really good-looking.

"Are you hungry, baby?"

I jumped at the question. Oh gosh, did he catch me staring? What did he mean? Was I hungry? Hungry, as in ogling his way? Oh, my days! My cheeks heated up; I wanted to throw the covers over my face and pretend to be asleep, but since he asked, that meant he knew I wasn't asleep, right?

"Baby?"

"H-huh? No, I wasn't staring. I was, but that doesn't give you the right to call me hungry!" I scoffed in fake frustration, looking away.

Hearing his footsteps tensed my shoulders when he climbed into the bed, I wanted to sink in and not return.

"What are you talking about? Hm?" Everest asked lowly, a smirk rolling up his lips.

Both of his arms were caving me to the bed, his head tilted.

I could still see how damp his hair was, but it seemed to be a bit drier than before.

"I meant, do you want to eat? Since we didn't have anything when we came back." He explained further. My eyes widened, "Oh...that's what you meant." Everest looked confused before a look of realization came seconds later.

He pushed himself on the bed, laughing. "Oh, you thought I meant— hah! So that's why you got all flustered. Someone's hot and bothered." He teased, laughing even more as my cheeks got hotter. Rolling my eyes, I nudged him away, but his hold wouldn't budge.

"Who knew your mind ran miles." He continued his teasing, poking my sides. Pouting my cheeks, I tried to wiggle away from his grip but just ended up in his arms. "Whatever," I muttered, embarrassed.

"Well, are you?" He asked with the same low tone.

"No, I'm quite full, thank you very much." He snickered.

"I'm just teasing, baby." He pulled me closer, rubbing the back of my neck. "I know," I responded quietly, moving my hand to snuggle closer to him. We both scented the shower gel, the duvet hiding our bodies in it. From how close we were, I could hear his heart's calming beating.

"I missed you." The words flowed out of my mouth without much thought, and I did miss him. So much so. Evie's hand held my waist, drawing circles on it. Moving back a bit, I inched my head up so we could see each other's faces well. He hummed, the sound vibrating his chest.

"Did you?" Everest had a lazy smile on his lips.

Was it too soon to have this conversation?

"What did you miss?" He asked after a moment of silence.

Resting my head on the pillow, I stared at his defined chin, my gaze trailing until it reached his long lashes and brown iris, which flickered to my faded green ones.

Did he think my eyes were weird? The people I met during my high school days believed I wore contacts to fit in with them; only after a few years did they believe those were my eyes.

"Well, these past free days made me realise how much I depended on you and how much I loved depending on you.

I missed the conversations we had, and I missed how you cared about me without asking for anything in return, I missed how you taught me little things along the way, I missed your stories, I missed your smile, I missed.

.." My voice began to croak; it was then I realised the reason he was getting blurry was because tears were welling up in my eyes.

His hand had trailed up to my head, petting my head. "Why am I crying?" I laughed, wanting to wipe them away. "It's alright, crying is normal." Everest cooed, using his free hand to wipe it off.

"I realised how much I love you, and...I honestly don't want to let you go.

I guess that was why I begged you to stay that day.

Sorry for being so pathetic." I was sniffling a lot now.

Whenever I thought back to that day, I cringed hard.

I didn't want to be so dependent on a person, but I couldn't help it.

Even though I wanted to be dependent on him, I understood the amount of burden that could put on him.

I want to be independent, so I'd be capable of supporting him as well.

His index cocked my chin up, and he was smiling.

"And...and I don't want to be a burden, Evie.

I-I want to be able to support you, t-to help you as well.

Emotionally and mentally." Being a little patient of Dr Jones, I knew it was possible being naive and vulnerable all the time could be turned over to being strong.

"This kinda sounds like a confession." He teased, making me laugh with tears in my eyes. "It does, doesn't it?" Sniffing away the tears, I cleared my throat.

"So yeah...I am working on it. So...would you wait for me to get stronger?"

Everest wiped my tears away, placing his head on my chest as he pushed my body towards his. I'm sure the rhythm of my heartbeat sounded in his ears as the silence between us swelled.

"Only if you'd wait for me to get better too." He muttered ever so gently. My hands found their way to his hair, playing with it. Of course, I would wait for him. I didn't plan on going anywhere. A tear fell from my eyes when I thought of this.

"I will," I told him.

Everest took in a breath, raising his head to look at me. "I was always going to wait for you, my dear." He worded gently, my heart fluttering with every word.

We stayed that way, hugging each other. He was going to wait.

That had to be the best words I'd heard all week.

Everest was going to wait for me to be better.

I wanted to change for myself so I wouldn't constantly hate how vulnerable and dependent I was.

I also wanted to change because he was making an effort to do so as well.

"Thank you..." I trailed off after a while.

His chest vibrated with the words, "You don't have to thank me; you're waiting for me too, aren't you?" I nodded, and then he smiled.

"I didn't hear you say you missed my lips,"

His words fanned my ear. This made me giggle, budging his chest. He knew how to lighten up the mood. "I missed them so very much," I whispered back, gazing at him. He hummed. Feeling bold, I cupped his neck, pulling his face close to mine.

"I missed the way you kissed me," I teased in a low tone, biting my lips.

Evie squinted his eyes, smirking. "Look who's being scandalous now.

" My man sassed, licking his lips. I couldn't help but laugh; if I were being honest, I'd thought about kissing him way too many times for just a few days; now, here we were, together as I imagined.

"So...can I?" Why did I even ask? Okay, maybe I was a bit nervous.

"You don't have to ask, darling."

When he said this, I moved closer to him, gently placing my lips on his with an open kiss. He let me take the wheel, so I did, kissing him as though he'd disappear the very next second. As we did, it felt as though we were becoming one, and I loved it.

I loved him.