'Moonlight'

4

I'm woken up by music downstairs. I listen for a second, and realise its Fleetwood Mac. I jump out of bed excitedly, skipping down the hall and taking the stairs 2 at a time, slipping a little in my socks.

"Careful," Sharon giggles. She's sat at the table with Lori and surprisingly, Stevie. "you're a happy chappy today."

"Yup," I chirp, sitting down across from Lori, who is currently spreading a lot of jam on her toast.

"Easy with the jam, Lori." Stevie says, disgusted.

Lori rolls her eyes, closing the jam and sliding it along the table towards Stevie. She ignores the jam, too interested in her reflection in Sharon's spoon.

"Too much jam just drowns the toast," I say, raising my eyebrows as Lori takes a huge bite of her toast.

"'Drowns the toast'? It's jam, not water." Lori scoffs. I shake my head as she continues munching on her dripping toast.

"Nah, that toast is drenched," I mutter. I look over at Stevie, as the corner of her mouth twitches slightly. I smile to myself, till i notice Sharon watching me over her cup of coffee.

"What are you grinning at?" She says, stirring her coffee for the millionth time. I shrug, as Lori finishes her food.

"Right, i'm going out for some fresh air," Lori announces, turning to me. "you coming?"

I hesitate for a second, glancing at Stevie. She's already getting up and heading off to her study. I sigh, nodding.

"Yeah sure, why not."

"Okay!!" Lori squeals, skipping off to get her shoes on. I follow her, suddenly wondering why she would ask me to come with her on a walk, and not Sharon. Strange.

"Alright, cmon!" She says, dragging me outside.
It's not too cold outside, but there's that crisp October feeling in the air. It feels nice, almost refreshing.

Lori pauses to tie her laces again, and i turn to face the house and watch Stevie writing at her desk through the window of her study. She's so pretty, i can't stop staring at her whatever chance i get.

"Catch up, P." Lori says. She's already started walking ahead, i was too distracted with Stevie to notice.

"So, how are things?" she asks after a few minutes. "How are you finding it?"

"What dyou mean?" I say, frowning. "I've barely done anything."

"You know what i mean," she smiles knowingly as i raise my eyebrows. "how is things with Stevie?"

"Stevie?? Well, uh- she's great," I splutter stupidly. "she's amazing, yeah.."

"Cmon, Pierre. Me and Sharon noticed what happened last night."

Last night? Oh no. Did she see Stevie come in my room??

"Last night...?"

Lori nods, staring right into my eyes. It's kinda freaky, actually. I blink rapidly as she continues talking. "Mhm, she let you sit right down beside her after dinner," she smiles slightly. "What were you guys talking about? I've never seen her smile that much after a conversation in a while."

I hesitate for a second, confused. "I just.. i told her how much i appreciate her. Was that a bad idea?"

"No, not at all. It's strange, though," Lori says, now focused on a heart-shaped cloud in the sky.

"How is it strange?" I ask, tentatively. I'm getting kinda anxious.

"Usually she's never shy like this," Lori says, turning back to me. "i think she's got a little soft spot for you, Pierre."