First Love

<15> Astonish

Days passed by and Alex, Toni, and Vince got busy helping prepare the upcoming school event with the student government. As they got so busy, they sometimes couldn't get a glimpse of their two friends — Steven and Josh— for the whole day, not until they all had to go home.

"My parents won't be home for a month and my siblings are you know, so.. can I crash into your place for a while? I promise to become a very very helpful and responsible step-sister. Can I?" Alex pleaded as the three of them were on their break from the preparation. 

"I'll be happy to adopt you for a while but, I've got to ask my parents. I'll just update you, alright?" Toni replied and smiled.

"Yes!! You're the best!" Alex exclaimed and pecked Toni's cheek and danced in joy.

"Don't you get along with your siblings?" Vince asked as he bit onto his bread as he watched Alex do a silly dance.

"Nah. It's not that. We good 'n all but, they're also not home most of the time since one is staying at his dorm while the other one already has a family and my parents are taking the youngest with them," Alex explained and took a sip of her juice as she continued to dance. 

Toni shook her head and just continued eating.

After a while of silence, Toni spoke.

"Vince.." she called.

Vince looked at her and waited for her to continue what she's about to say.

"Just a question... uhm, does Steven or Josh have any problems with us or something?" she asked and stared at Vince.

Toni and Alex frown as they saw how Vince bit his lip, trying to hold himself back from smiling.

He tried to cover his mouth with his hand as he looks away.

Vince sighed and shook his head, still with a small smile on his face. "They don't so don't worry, alright? I know how you both miss them but, there's no need to worry. They're too busy to even flirt with other girls," Vince teased and smirked as he saw how Toni's eyes widen and avoided eye contact while Alex rolled her eyes. 

"But, like.. do you have any idea what they're up to? I'm sure you do, I mean you know they're busy but, with what?" it was Alex's turn to ask as she was dying to know what their two friends are up to.

Vince shrugged. "Honestly? I don't. I've been too occupied with the preparation and the student government stuff. All I know is that they're busy with something. That's it," he replied and smiled.

Alex sighed in defeat as both of their shoulders dropped. 

'So much for asking' she thought and chuckled.

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"See ya! Call me, babes, okay?" Alex exclaimed and waved at her best friend as they parted ways going home.

Toni nodded and smiled as a reply and started walking.

Steven kept on jogging his way a little bit to match her pace.

"Hey, what up!" she heard Steven called which made her realize that she was walking too fast. 

She didn't know why but, she felt upset.

As she slowed down, Steven was finally able to catch up. 

When they've arrived at Toni's house, Toni was about to enter without saying goodbye to Steven when he spoke.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked and looked at her. 

Toni unexpectedly scoffed. "Yeah. I am," she replied.