The One in the Middle

Chapter 5- I Can't Let Either Of You Go

The more I think about it, all we want is someone who would choose us. Over everyone else, and under any circumstances. And I know for a fact that both Mo and Robin would choose me in a heartbeat. Here's the thing: Some days I choose Robin without a doubt, but I don't want to lose Maurice either. Other days, it's the other way around. How am I going to make the decision when the time comes? I know I can't keep hiding this from them...

*** 

(After the car ride home) 

Mom pulls into the driveway and both boys are still asleep on my shoulders and I can't help but smile. They're both so cute when they're sleeping. 

Mo likes to cuddle, clearly since he's been holding onto my arm since he fell asleep. And I've noticed that Robin's mouth will occasionally open and I'll hear a slight snore. Nothing too loud, but it's just enough for you to hear. Of course, I'll have to close his mouth but I don't mind. 

I lean over to Robin and kiss his cheek lightly to wake him up. I blush madly immediately after. 

He smiles and opens his eyes. "You missed." 

I raise an eyebrow and say, "No I didn't..."

"Yes you did," he adds and leans over and kisses me on the lips for a quick second. 

Robin gets up, but Mo is still sleeping and clinging to my arm tightly. I lean my head on top of his and smile, whispering, "Wake up, we're home." 

I can tell he's startled because he immediately lets go of my arm and is flustered. "Oh, sorry... I guess I didn't realize I was holding your arm like that." He chuckles and gets up and out of the car. 

"Don't worry, it was kind of nice." I look him in the eyes and give him a sweet smile. 

Robin had already walked back to his house. We were left on the sidewalk underneath the dark, night sky and the shining street lamps. It reminds me of the night we confessed our feelings to each other. Look at me acting as if it had happened so long ago. 

"Hazel, may I ask you a question?" He looks at me intently and seriously. 

"Always, what's up?"

He is silent for a moment before taking a step towards me and placing a hand on my arm. His hand is slightly cool to the touch. And that's also when I noticed that he's the slightest bit taller than I remembered. 

"Why do you like me?" he implores, his gaze not leaving mine for a second. 

I must say that his gaze was curious and it made me nervous on the inside. But I didn't want to look away. "Well, you're so sweet and kind, but there's a different side to you that hardly anyone gets to see. It's the side that's so funny and humorous and bold... I love that side of you," I explain. 

His eyes have a glimmer of happiness after I said all of those things about him. But to be perfectly honest, I wasn't aware that I had said anything because it felt like the words just automatically poured out of me. 

"Have you ever wanted to kiss someone but were too afraid to do it...?" Mo asks second, a different sort of look in his eye than with the first question. 

I giggle and reply, "If you really want to kiss someone, then what's stopping you?"

Not another moment was spared after my statement and directly after, he leans on with a hand on my cheek and kisses me softly. 

My heart skips a beat and I feel it flutter, and my palms become clammy and sweaty. I didn't know what was going on for a second, and then we melted into each other. His lips were so soft... 

"Hazel? Mo?"

Oh dear God. We both pulled away from each other and saw Robin standing before us with a horrified yet sad look written all over his face.  

A familiar pit in my stomach formed and it made me sick to my stomach. I don't like this feeling and it makes me feel nauseated. 

"Were you- You were kissing and-" Robin trips over his words as he walks closer to us. 

I look between him and Maurice helplessly. "I, um, I can explain." I stop myself, taking a deep breath to stop myself from crying. "I think there are some things that need to be said between all of us." 

We all give each other uneasy looks. Both of them are still confused about the current situation and I can't blame them. Robin caught Mo and me during our first kiss... 

"Well. Both of you need to know that I like you both. A lot. And, Maurice, Robin and I have liked each other since we first met and we've even kissed before. No one except us, and now you, know because they all assume we're just that close of best friends. 

And Robin, I've been made aware that Maurice has liked me since we first met. Apparently, everyone knew except for me, and I newly figured out a few days ago and, well, learned about my feelings for him. What you just say was our first kiss."

I stopped to let all of this new information soak in. God, I wonder what they must be feeling right now because I'm feeling pretty lousy. I know it's not, but I can't help but feel that this is my fault and I'm to blame. I let a few teardrops out, and they slide down my cheek as I look down at my feet. 

Without another second passing, both Robin and Mo engulf me in a big hug. 

"Don't cry, because I'm not mad at you. I will admit that I'm surprised that you and Mo have feelings for each other, but I know that feelings are something you can't control," Robin states, never letting me go. 

"Same here, Hazel. We're here for you. Always."

a/n- I know this was on the shorter side, but OMG it has a lot going on! Feedback is always appreciated too <3. Thanks for reading :D