Whispers of Havenridge

XIII

Chapter 13 - Growing Closer, Growing Taller

Because Feelings are Like Bamboo, They Just Keep Growing

Amid the semester break, the gang reunited for a much-needed vacation. Aurora, Lily, and Chloe gathered, their laughter echoing the shared memories of the past.

Aurora grinned, "Guess who almost missed her flight because she thought it was an hour later?"

Chloe playfully nudged her, "Classic Aurora move. Time zones are a mystery to you."

Lily, shy but not really, confessed, "I may or may not have left my suitcase at home. Had to go back and get it."

Laughter erupted, filling the air with a sense of camaraderie that only true friends could understand. The vacation promised goofiness, adventures, and the joy of being reunited.

Amidst the goofy conversations, I suddenly felt a familiar pair of strong arms enveloping me. Ambrose, with a mischievous grin, whispered, "I missed you so much, Miss Evergreen."

A burst of laughter escaped me as I replied, "I wanted to send you something to make you happy; unfortunately, the mailman said I wouldn't fit in the mailbox. Sad!"

Ambrose feigned sadness, "Aww, that's sad," and then, true to his nature, he proceeded to kiss my nose, cheeks, and forehead. His playful gestures always melted my heart.

As he teased, "Please stop being so adorable. I'm falling for you all over again!" I couldn't help but blush, feeling the warmth of his affection and the undeniable connection that had only deepened over time.

I blushed, "Well, I can't help it if I have the charm, Mr. Blackwell."

Ambrose chuckled, "You know, your charm is the reason I'm always smiling."

Amused by the lighthearted banter, I teased Ambrose, "Are you some kind of a drug? Because I have been feeling high when I'm with you."

Ambrose, with a playful glint in his eyes, responded, "Well, they do say laughter is the best medicine. Guess I'm just your daily dose of happiness." His words, accompanied by a gentle smile, added another layer of warmth to our playful exchange.

With a chuckle, Ambrose quirked an eyebrow and said, "Wait, did you get taller, Miss Evergreen?" His comment filled the air with a light-hearted and affectionate vibe, playfully acknowledging the changes, both real and metaphorical, that time had brought to our relationship.

In that moment, as I shyly smiled, I closed the distance between Ambrose and me. My heart fluttered with a mixture of nerves and excitement. "I don't know about getting taller, Mr. Blackwell," I whispered, "but my feelings for you did get stronger." The admission hung in the air, revealing the depth of my emotions and the unspoken longing that had grown during our time apart.

Ambrose grinned, his eyes reflecting a playful spark. "Well, Miss Evergreen, looks like we're both growing in our own special ways." He gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the affectionate gesture sending warmth through me. The connection between us felt even stronger after the time apart, as if the distance had only fueled the intensity of our feelings.

In a playful tone, I shared my quirky credentials with Ambrose, holding him closer. "I'm an unemployed girl with a diploma in cuddling, a certificate in caring, and a degree in kissing. Do you have a job for me?" The words lingered in the air, filled with both humor and the underlying warmth of our connection.