You All Over Me [BxB]

Fifteen

"What was that, Stella?" Theodore grunts as they step out of the house. They stroll along the front yard, surrounded by a beautiful garden brimming with vibrant roses, the scent of freshly cut Bermuda grass mingling in the crisp air.

Stella feigns innocence, her eyes dancing with mischief. "What do you mean?"

"What was that smile?"

He pushes the metal gate open, which lets out a high-pitched squeak that makes them both cringe.

Stella throws her arms up in mock surrender. "Doesn't mean anything."

"Don't toy with me."

She throws him a leer. "Why are you so bothered?"

"Did he... Did he say something?"

"Who?"

"You know who!"

Even without discussing it, Theodore and Stella head to the playground where they used to hang out back in high school. The familiar pathway fills Theodore with nostalgia, and he smiles at the memories of their youth.

How nice it is to be reunited with his best friend again. While she was away, no one ever really replaced her.

If only she wouldn't push his buttons!

She bursts out laughing. "Oh my! He confessed!"

Theodore's cheeks turn an even deeper shade of red.

"What did he say?"

"It was... it was a whole thing. I kind of ticked him off, and he suddenly declared that he likes me out of nowhere," Theodore explains.

Stella squeals, nearly jumping. "He really can't keep his feelings to himself, can he? What happened? How'd you upset him?"

The playground is empty of children. Stella and Theodore sit across from each other on the rusty see-saw.

"I... I actually thought you liked each other," Theodore murmurs, gripping the handle tightly.

"Huh?"

"He asked if you were my girlfriend and when I said no, he was so happy... And then you also said that you like him."

Stella narrows her eyes. "Is that why you were making us hang out?"

"Yeah?"

"You're so funny! I don't like him for me, idiot. I like him for you."

Theodore grimaces. "That's exactly what he told me."

Stella pushes herself up, her feet dangling in the air as Theodore stays grounded on the opposite side.

"So, what do you think?"

"Of course, I said no."

She scowls. "What? Why?"

"We don't know each other that much, Stella. And he obviously disliked me for as long as I can remember. And now he wants to date? I can't wrap my head around it."

A memory flickers. Theodore was ten years old, attending a crowded birthday party. Jacob had been there, too. Theodore distinctly recalls how he said hi to him... only to be ignored.

"It's because neither of you gave each other a chance before!"

"Fair enough. But this is Jacob. While I'm kinda the favorite in the circle, everyone thinks he's... difficult? I don't even know what word to use. Anyhow, we don't seem compatible," Theodore remarks as he pushes off the ground, lifting himself into the air.

"What's gotten into you? You were the one who told me to suspend my judgment. Why are you suddenly pessimistic? Besides, you can't really tell what's going to happen until you go out with him. Come on, Theo! When was the last time you dated anybody?"