Priceless

Chapter 7

Days passed slowly with Sebastian and I getting closer and closer. I could actually call him my best friend now. I had filled him in on everything wrong in my life, leaving out the specifics of Hunter, and he had told me his. Currently, we were in the backyard near the fire he had somehow lit, roasting marshmallows.

"I've never been able to keep my marshmallow on the damn stick." We laughed as I attempted to stab a marshmallow on the stick. It was off center but I didn't care. I carefully placed it in the fire and waited. Sebastian was already on his third while I was still roasting my first. Once again, the marshmallow melted into the fire and dropped to the bottom. I pouted and Sebastian laughed, stealing my stick.

"Let me show you how."

I watched him carefully place the marshmallow in the fire. We waited for a little bit before he pulled it out. It was golden brown and was still on fire when he shoved it in my face.

"Blow on it."

I did lightly and the fiery marshmallow died. Sebastian put it between two graham crackers with Hershey inside before handing it to me. I took a small bite and nearly died at the mix of flavors.

"Roast all my marshmallows." I mumbled through the food and laughed. Sebastian chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

"It's not that hard to learn. Just don't leave it in for too long and don't stick it all the way in the fire." He got up and sat back down in his chair. I finished the s'more he made and decided to try to make my own. Thankfully, this time it had worked. It wasn't nearly as good as his but it was way better than the ones I had previously made.

I wasn't sure how long we were out here but it must have been awhile. All the lights in the house were out meaning Lily and Tim had gone to sleep. Sebastian and I crept through the house quietly, trying to find our way to our rooms. I was trying my hardest to be quiet but Sebastian made it hard by making me laugh. He continually made weird faces in the dark and poked my sides, knowing I was ticklish. We finally made it to my room in a fit of giggles but Sebastian stopped to be serious enough to look me in the eyes.

"I'm going to my dad's tomorrow. I'll be there for... Awhile." His face dropped in sadness and I felt mine do the same.

"Well that's good. You do live with him anyways." I tried to sound positive but I knew it didn't work.

"Well that's the thing... You should come with." Sebastian smiled small and I scoffed.

"No, no I can't. I have to look for my 'dad'." I air quoted and shrugged. "We'll meet again."

"Wait, are you leaving?" Sebastian sounded worried but I shook my head.

"No I'll keep in contact probably. But I need to move on."

"But I want you to meet my dad."

"Why?" I squinted my eyes to see his face clearer in the dark. He wasn't looking at me and stood awkwardly.

"I don't know... I want him to meet my best friend." He coughed lightly and I heard him swallow.

"I'm sure he'll be fine without meeting me." I began to walk to my room but Sebastian stopped me.

"At least keep living here. Until I come back." His face looked hopeful but I shrugged. "You can work at the mall! That way you'll have a job and everything." Sebastian continued to urge me and I chuckled. It sounded like a wonderful idea but this wasn't my home nor were they my family. Although they had taken me in, I couldn't just continue to live here.

"Sebastian... I don't know."

"Just think it over. Okay? Make a decision by noon." He laughed and pulled me in for a hug. I smiled and hugged him back and we separated to go to our rooms. Through the walls, I could hear him packing his bags as I laid in bed and honestly, it made me upset. Sebastian would be leaving. For who knew how long. What was I to do then? After all, he was the reason I had stayed this long. But what did this mean for me? Did I like him?

Noo. I mentally disagreed with myself and shook my head against the soft pillow. No way.

I mean, how could I? I was a tiny, pathetic little ginger who had no family who cared and who was homeless with not a penny to her name. He was tall, dark, and handsome with everything he wanted in the palm of his hand. Family oriented and rich. We didn't even compare. This wasn't some fairytale where a the poor girl got together with a rich man. This wasn't Cinderella.

I sighed and turned over on my side. I wished I could stop thinking about him. I didn't want to- I didn't want to have feelings for anyone. No one cared about me, why should I care for them? Besides, everyone always leaves me anyway.

-

I awoke the next morning and did my daily bathroom routine. I walked to the living room where Sebastian, Lily and Tim all sat quietly.

"What's going on?" I piped up and grinned. Lily smiled softly and pointed towards the kitchen.

"Breakfast is waiting for you."

I glanced at where she was pointing and saw a lone plate waiting for me. I looked at Tim and Sebastian's faces but saw nothing. I shrugged it off and sat down to eat my breakfast alone.

I was involved in tracing the cabinet's pattern with my eyes when soft footsteps approached me from behind. I turned around to see Sebastian standing in the doorway. He leaned against the frame and smiled softly.

"Hey." He nearly whispered. I smiled back and waved small.

"What's up?" I turned around in my chair and watched him.

"I'm, uh, leaving. Now. Soon. Very soon." He stuttered over his words and frowned. I got up and went over to hug him. He wrapped his long arms around my fragile body effortlessly and pulled me close.

"I hope you come back soon." I mumbled against his shirt.

"Me too. But hey, promise you'll stay here?" He smiled down on me and my heart skipped at the dimple in his chin.

"I do." I laughed and punched his stomach lightly. He pushed me away but pulled me back in for another tight hug. Tim entered the room and cleared his throat. My face filled with embarrassment and Sebastian waved before walking away. Tim winked and followed, leaving Lily and I alone in the house.

I held onto the last of Sebastian I would have for a long time. His scent lingered on my shirt and his touch left chills on my skin in the autumn weather. The truck doors slammed shut and the roaring engine started, making me jump. I wanted to follow, to run outside and say no. But I couldn't. My ears listened to the truck's sound fade away and soon I was surrounded by silence. Even Lily had left me alone as she went to do the laundry.

I washed my dishes quietly and my mind ran over the possibility of the things I would do without him. I'd stay up late, alone. I'd be making shitty s'mores, alone. I'd be doing everything all alone.

I sighed and sat down at the table. Lily finally came back and placed her hand on my arm.

"I know it feels quiet without him but he'll be back. You guys are best friends, he won't forget you." Her words soothed my rough thoughts and I smiled.

"Thanks, Lily." I said and wished she would have been right.