Ready to Run - z.m. / a.g. || au

CHAPTER 1: HIS EYES

Ariana

September 28, 2014.

I peeked outside of my window from my room. The moonlight perfectly shines bright. The breeze of cool September night embraced me and I crossed my arms, constantly rubbing it with both hands to produce a little heat. I closed my eyes. What a beautiful life I had, I thought. Yes. My life is almost perfect. Just how 'almost' perfect that you could have ever imagined.

"Ari! Come down!" Frankie yelled. My brother is a bit annoyed by now because he is been waiting for me up to this moment to come down. We are having a family gathering down there and here I am, getting a lone time inside my room.

"Okay! I'm coming!" I shouted back. Being with other people (even with my aunts and cousins) is not really my thing. I know that I am a bit friendly and all, but not really to the extent.

I went down and I am not surprised that I saw Aunt Carly together with Uncle Drew, with Andrei and Redd, of course. I also noticed that my Uncle Finn was also here but his wife, Aunt Sharry was not. He also brought his ten-year old child, Xristian (pronounced as Christian) with him. Oh well, it's gonna be a long night with them, I thought.

"Hi everybody!" I said lively while possessing a warm smile. I kissed the cheeks of my aunts and uncles, except for cousins, of course. I also kissed the cheek of my brother Frankie, mom, and dad. After that long "kissing of the cheeks" scene, I finally took a seat at the dining table. We are getting ready for dinner.

"You know what Ari, everytime I look at you, you are getting more beautiful," my aunt Carly said and smiled. I smiled back and bowed down my head, feeling the hotness on my cheeks. I am really not used to compliments, I tell you.

"T-Thanks Aunt Carly," I mumbled.

"Let's go eat?" Uncle Drew said. Everybody was excited to eat so the dinner began. As we were eating, Andrei (which is also of the same age as me) broke the silence and asked me a question.

"So Ari, what are you doing lately?" He said and put a spoonful of salad in his mouth. I cleared my throat and looked at him.

"Well, uhm, I am doing great in school," I said then smiled to him. I met his deep, ocean blue eyes and I cannot read his expression. He just nodded and smiled a little bit. I am sure that I noticed those cute dimples on his cheeks. I immediately diverted my attention by asking Uncle Finn a question.

"Uncle Finn..."

"Yes Ari?"

"Where's aunt?" I said as I sipped my tea.

"She's on a work, honey. And she cannot come back home until next year," uncle said.

"Oh... That's quite sad," I said softly. Uncle Finn just smiled to me.

I just continued eating until I am finally done. I excused myself from them. I am about to return to my room upstairs when Andrei, Redd, and Xristian followed me upstairs. I am shocked on what they acted so I turned around. Okay... I chuckled on what I am seeing in the face of Xristian and Redd right now.

"What are you guys doing?" I said with an eyebrow raised.

"Uhm... Can we stay in your room for awhile?" Redd said lively.

"What do you mean, Redd?" I asked and now both of my hands are on my waist.

"Nothing. Maybe we can grab some popcorns, watch movies, and fell asleep there! It's fun!" Redd said. Andrei is just behind him and he is smiling to me. Okay? What was that for? I thought. Xristian was on the side of Andrei, with his little innocent face staring at me. Gosh, those faces are so irresistible to reject. Oh well, it is our first time this year so I nodded while smiling.