Skyline

Chapter 22: Don't let the fire die

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*Embers by Owl City

Colleen's P.O.V.

 I was shaken awake by Alexei. I guess I drifted off during the drive. I tend to do that most times. I can sleep anywhere.

"We're here, shortcake." Alexei said when he saw that I was awake. He looked at me with an amused expression before getting out of the car to get our bags from the trunk. I sat up and stretched my muscles with a yawn, looking out the window. It wasn't a surprise to see a beautiful lake house surrounded by trees on either side. No wonder Alexei always go to the lake he showed me back at home. I got out of the car and stretched even more before helping Alexei with the bags.

We made our way to his grandparents' house and Alexei opened the door with his keys. After I've announced that I'm feeling better, Alexei asked me if I can go to his grandparents' house and I said yes. He was so excited about it like a little kid going to open his Christmas presents and I was happy to comply so here we are.

As soon as we get in, a girl with strawberry blonde hair that falls to her shoulders in subtle waves came bounding down the foyer and immediately hugged Alexei and smiled at him before biting his arm and hugging him again. My eyes widened but I didn't comment.

"Ow, you little monster," Alexei winced, retrieving the hand the twelve-year old girl bit with his unharmed one still wrapped around her. He inspected his hand then a smile formed on his lips when he realized that the girl was still clutching him tightly.

"I missed you too," he said and the girl looked up at him with a grin. "How are you? Have you been taking your medicines like you're supposed to?"

His younger sister rolled her eyes at him before nodding. She then turned to me when she realized my presence and tilted her head in question.

"Right," Alexei cleared his throat as he stood up. "Jules, this is Colleen."

"Hi," I said with a shy smile. I'm actually feeling nervous and I can feel the sweat on my palms. I mean, this is Alexei's younger sister and from what he told me, he loves her very much and cares for her deeply and besides, his family's opinion mattered a great deal to me even though he assured me that it'll be fine.

Jules didn't reply at first and only stared at me before biting her lip and bringing out a marker and a small notebook from her pocket. I watched as she wrote something on it then showed it to me.

"Hello. I'm Juliette but you can call me Jules. It's great to finally meet you. Alexei won't shut up about you." I read her handwriting then laughed.

"The pleasure is mine, Jules. Don't worry; he won't shut up about you either."

Jules raised an eyebrow at Alexei as if she didn't believe what I said.

"What?" said Alexei with his hands raised as if caught. "So, where's Gran and Gram?"

Jules pointed behind her and made a swirling motion. Alexei understood what it meant. I have a lot to learn here.

"To the kitchen, then." He slung the bags on his shoulders before leading the way.

When we got to the kitchen, his grandfather was arranging the table while his grandmother was busy cooking. Alexei greeted his grandparents with a "Hey guys!" and they looked up from where they are and smiled. Grandma Clarke has curly brown hair and thin, pointed nose but a smile that makes you trust her with all your problems and secrets and she'll be able to come up with an advice for you. While I'm pretty sure that Grandpa Clarke looked like a gorgeous man in his prime years.