Evie was running late again. She rushed down the stairs, picking up her glittery clutch from the couch. Abel was in the kitchen talking to her mother, leaning against the counter casually.
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" She almost slipped down the stairs before standing before her parents and her date, angling her arms outwards in a "ta-da" motion and giving them a twirl.
"You look amazing!" Her mother gushed, putting down the bowl in her hands to give her a hug. Evie looked shyly at Abel, who still had not opened his mouth, but was looking at her with wide eyes.
"Come on, Bel, it's not like you've never seen me in a dress," she teased. He shook his head subtly, as though shaking himself from a stupor and took her hand in his. His palm was calloused from all that basketball practice, but each gentle stroke of his fingers on her skin sent a warm tingle up her arm.
"You look beautiful, Evie," he said, before pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. He was so handsome, his dark hair fell perfectly across his forehead, it was almost unfair, as she knew he never did anything for it to behave that way. He'd swapped out his usual t-shirt for a black suit, and a crisp white shirt. The outfit seemed to enhance his athletic build, and she fought the urge to brush her hands across his broad shoulders.
Realising how long she had stared at him, Evie blushed furiously and tried her hardest not to meet her parents' gaze.
She smoothed down her dark emerald green dress. "We'd better get going. Tommy's been there since 5 sorting out the decorations," she said, pulling a face.
Tommy, of course, had been elected as a prefect that year, which Evie and Abel constantly teased him about. But secretly, Evie was very proud of him.
Their school auditorium had been transformed into a wild, overgrown enchanted garden. Fake vines and floral installations in mossy greens and vibrant violets dangled from the ceiling and windows. Fairy lights were strung across the hall from corner to corner, illuminating the room and creating a warm, cozy atmosphere.
"Wow," Evie whispered. Abel grasped her hand and tugged her gently into the hall.
"Tommy's outdone himself this time," he agreed.
Evie felt her heart thump loudly his hand pressed gently against her back, ushering her towards the dance floor. When had she started to feel this secret crush for him? They had been best friends for years. But when Abel had shyly asked her to attend the dance with him, she had been delighted.
Now, looking up at him, she couldn't help but blush at how handsome she found him. How had she never noticed it before? She knew other girls often gossiped about Abel but she never seemed to think of it herself.
"What are you smiling about?" Abel asked, he was looking at her with a strangely adoring look. The only reason Evie recognized it was because she had seen it on her own father's face often when he looked at her mother.
"Nothing," Evie said, looking away with flaming cheeks.
He pulled her close, placing his hands on her hips. Evie instinctively smoothed down his lapels, before sliding her arms over his shoulders. They swayed gently to the music, a slow jazz tune to accompany the new arrivals entering the hall.
"Happy Birthday, Evie," Abel said quietly, twirling her once. Sixteen. They'd been friends for eight years now. He was watching her again, in a way that made her feel warm and soft inside.
A feeling of boldness overcame her, and she pressed her lips against his.
YOU ARE READING
Growing Pains
Romantizm"You left me. You. left. me. You ran away. How do I know that you won't do it again the next time something goes wrong?" As kids, Evie, Tommy and Abel were best friends. Kind-hearted Evie brought Tommy and Abel under her wing. Until one horrible da...
