Their Time.

Chapter 22 - Pizza night.

"He carried me the entire distance to Holden's house while knocking on every door we passed. I was in so much pain and had lost too much blood by the time we arrived that I was on the verge of passing out. Before I closed my eyes, I questioned why these individuals were helping us when no one else was. I didn't have anything to live for. I battled valiantly because I was determined to pay them back for their generosity before I passed away. I underwent several operations before starting to recover. During that time, we all drew closer to one another and stopped being complete strangers. We became family."

"Sayer, you're a good man, and I'm glad Eden found and got help for you. We don't really know one another, but I've always been skilled at reading people, so I always know when Vera is telling the truth or withholding information from me." Before I finish, I laugh.

"I appreciate you sharing that with me. I know it takes guts and strength to overcome and share with someone else." I tell him with honesty.

We continue to converse for a little while before realizing that it is far too hot outside and that we should find the others.

The air quality is increasing throughout the day due to the extreme humidity.

As we get closer, we mention the weather warning and come across them seated beneath a gazebo.

They agreed that we should go, so we proceeded to our parking spot.

I always knew I loved her, but I never imagined I could say it. I didn't believe I could tell her the truth, though I'm glad I did.

I've never been able to communicate my emotions or even express them in a healthy way.

I typically don't tell anyone.

My youth was spent grieving the loss of my parents, making plans to get revenge, and preparing to take on the role of the Russian Don.

Driving back home I realize my mother and sister were right. I'll never let go without a fight.

*
"Holden, one day you're going to meet someone that makes you smile, laugh, cry, and appreciate. Never, under any circumstance, let them leave without a fight. True love is an extremely rare experience that not everyone can have. Don't attempt to suppress your feelings for the person if and when you do. Embrace him or her, show them your love and care you feel for them." As we sat on the swings, Tia started talking.

"Have you met your soul mate, Tia?" I questioned, puzzled.

"Yes, it's a little scary, I suppose. Mom advised me to express my feelings to the boy, despite the possibility of his rejection. But I'm not gonna let that keep me away."

As she jumped from the swings, she spoke with enthusiasm in her voice and commitment in her face.
*

I put the car in park and switched off the ignition. As we entered, I checked my watch to see what time it was and informed the others that it was 4 PM.

"Do you guys want to do anything after I change out of this skirt?" Nadia asked.

"I am rather hungry." Sayer said.

"Could we cook something together as a group?" We agreed to Vera's suggestion.

We three went into the kitchen and started talking about what we could easily make. And wouldn't be very difficult as Sayer, and Nadia aren't very skilled in the kitchen.

We ultimately settled on homemade pizza. Making the dough first allowed us to chill it for an hour before bringing it to room temperature.

Making sure the meat toppings are cooked before adding them to the dough because they won't finish cooking before the pizza.

Sayer finally agreed after we argued with him about the fact that we shouldn't need to.

Nadia entered the kitchen wearing what appeared to be shorts underneath a large t-shirt.

Sayer and Nadia are in charge of getting all the pizza ingredients and toppings together. While me and Vera did the dough and cooked the meat.

We decided to let the girls finish the job before we messed everything up after two more arguments between Sayer and I.

When the dough had finished cooling, Nadia pulled it out of the refrigerator as we sat on the island and observed the girls at work.

"I'm unsure of how to mold it into a pizza." Nadia claims as her face shows perplexity.

"Separate the dough into two balls, flatten each one, and stretch them out into a circle." Vera replied.

"Have you done this before, Vera? You appear to be very knowledgeable in making pizza." Sayer questioned.

"Yes, I volunteered to assist in a pizza shop during a staff shortage. Honestly, it was a lot of fun." She answered.

Sayer and Nadia began to brush oil over the top of the dough round after Nadia had completed shaping the first one.

While Sayer and Nadia decorated the other, Vera and I decorated the other. Once the pizza was in the oven, we began cleaning up the cluttered kitchen.

"While we eat, we should watch a movie!" Everyone liked Vera's suggestion after she voiced it.

Due to its size and ability to accommodate more people and food, the theater room on this floor was our choice. Nadia and I went to set up a bed/couch to place the pizza and drinks on.

To prevent spills and falls, we spread out areas to arrange the food and drinks. And then covered the cushion with a sheet.

Sayer set up the television and projector and prepared it to choose a movie to watch. Vera gathered various drinks and brought them in.

I removed the pizza from the oven when it had finished cooking and left it aside to cool.

We chose Grown Ups since it sets a good vibe and has a second one in case we finish it and want to watch something more.

I brought the pizzas inside and placed them on the table. Vera and I chose to sit together on a couch while Sayer and Nadia chose to do the same.

When everyone was seated, I pressed play and started eating the scrumptious pizza.

🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

Pizza, movies, and with your best friend, and bf? Damn, I wish.