Searching For Love

2

"I think this is an amazing idea, it's been so long since you've all hung out together." My mother says as she packs my picnic basket.

We have all decided as a group to get together this Sunday morning and have a picnic with each other. It's great that we can all hang out again like we used to except we're much older and more mature.

"Madison tried to invite herself when she overheard us in the courtyard the night of the ball," I tell her, laughing at the thought.

Maddison also grew up with us but was never as close, she always tried to pick fights with Mia and me. When we would play castle together she always insisted on being the princess so that she could be close to Alexander and Darren, whilst we were always stuck being the maids. She was very stuck up that's why we never considered her a part of the group.

"You guys need to be nicer to her, she's a kind girl."

Wrong

I just ignore my mother's comment, heading back up to my room to get ready. A part of me wants to try to look nice for Alexander but I have a feeling Mia will call me out for it and embarrass me. So I decided a nice white summer dress will do the trick.

I tie my long wavy ginger hair up into a ponytail, wrapping a white ribbon around it. Then put on my tan color sandals. No makeup, I don't wear it unless there are occasions and again I don't want Mia to think I'm trying too hard—not that she is the type to be like that I just fear she may drop a comment.

I make my way outside to see all my friends under the white gazebo waiting for me, the outside of the gazebo was covered with all my favorite flowers. My dad had this made for me when I turned sixteen and it's my absolute favorite place to go for reading when I want alone time. 

"Good morning" I greet, sitting down on the green blanket that is laid out. 

"Something smells delicious," Anastasia says as Darren wafts his hand to get a better smell. "I believe it is lemon tart." He says and I gasp pulling it out of the basket. "You know me so well." I smile at him. Of course, he knew what it was! Lemon tart is my favorite thing to exist. 

"Did you make this?" Alexander ask whilst chewing his first bite, he was never one for manners. 

"Slow down buddy, and yes." I chuckle. 

"Yeah, she makes amazing lemon tart so I don't blame you for nearly shoving it all down your throat in one bite," Mia says, handing him a napkin to wipe his face. 

"Sorry for making such a mess, where are my manners." He takes the napkin and pats the sides of his mouth. "But thank you, it's amazing." He says flashing a smile at me. 

I look over towards Darren who has been silent, only to see him staring at Anastasia eating. Kinda weird but it's cute. I haven't seen him so happy in such a long time. He was really upset when they left the country, he didn't come outside to play for a whole month. 

"Anyone care for some tea?" I ask everyone who is still stuffing their faces with my lemon tart. "Me please," Anastasia says, kindly holding up her hand to get my attention. 

Before I could get up to go get it I was stopped by Alexander, "Let me come with and help." He starts to get up, patting the crumbs off his lap.

"You look very lovely." He leans over to say into my ear, giving me chills. I hide my face to the side to not let him notice my bright red cheeks. Why is he being so kind to me, when we were younger he didn't ever compliment me like this. Everyone once in a while would joke and say I look like an oger with my big nose so where is all this kindness coming from? 

"Thank you and so do you." He looks himself up and down, laughing. "I have tart crumbs all over me, you can be honest." He jokes. 

Tart crumbs on him or not, he's still so handsome. Stop, why am I thinking like this? He's my childhood best friend, I can't ruin our friendship because I've been feeling horny lately. But if I got the chance to kiss those perfect lips of his I would. 

"Thank you for your help," I say carrying back the pot of tea as he carries the cups. "It's no worries but I do feel bad for leaving Mia with those two love birds over there."

Oh, so he sees it too. I guess Darren is making it very obvious. I raise my eyebrow at him, trying to act oblivious. "What? You don't see it? Darren is basically drooling over my sister." I mean he is right, he was doing the same at the ball when we saw them. "You don't like it?" I ask and he shrugs, "I don't care for it but if he can help my sister change then I would really appreciate it." 

Maybe if I can convince him to help set them up I can spend more time with him.