it had been nearly two days since her and carlos's thing and she hadn't seen him since. it was almost like they were avoiding each other, but cordelia refused to believe it meant anything to her romantically and he was the one hiding from her.
she sat under a tree on the serene campus park, the calm breeze allowing for the leaves to rustle overhead. the peace giving cordelia a moment to think to herself, about not only the event that occurred two days ago but the past week or so.
out of all the new auditions to auradon prep, carlos stood out the most to cordelia. although he was not only a kind and gentle person, there was a depth to him and it really intrigued cordelia. she found herself drawn to him in a way she struggled to explain, but it was reflecting in her recent drawings.
or maybe it was the intensity of his gaze or the way he dresses, or the way he laughs. she was drawn to him and being away from him this past day felt wrong. as cordelia continued to sketch she found herself lost in a world of creativity.
"what do we have here?" the familiar voice made the blonde girl jump but upon looking up she discovered it was only ben.
"hey benny" she smiled, putting her book down flat to avoid ben spotting the many sketches of carlos playing turney. after their conversation in ben's dorm and her telling him, she didn't have romantic feelings for the boy it would only make it more unbelievable.
"what you drawing, blondie?" ben asked, taking a seat down besides his best friend. but in true best friend style, before she could respond ben had grabbed the book. his eyes widening at the many, many sketches of carlos. "is that carlos?"
"uh. no?" cordelia smiled, grabbing the book back and holding it tightly. "we need to talk to belle about getting you some new sleep medication."
"i knew you like carlos!" ben ignored her previous statement and turned towards the girl. "after our conversation a few days ago i thought you-"
"-i know what i said ben." cordelia joked, with a small eye roll.
"so, do you like carlos? i mean, if you admit it you won't have to hide it from yourself anymore and live in potential denial?" ben explained, begging for the truth.
"i do not live in denial. i like to say i'm rather, open minded and optimistic." cordelia smiled, officially closing the book and placing it besides her.
"i don't know why your finding this so difficult, it's a simple yes or no question." ben teasted, shrugging his shoulders. if he knew anything, he knew cordelia hated when anyone would doubt her smarts.
"will you take a maybe?" the blonde smiled with pleading eyes, which just caused the boy to laugh again.
"you like him so much, he's completely taken over your mind. you once told me you sketch whatever is on your mind." ben spoke, bragging about his impeccable memory.
it was in this moment cordelia realised there was really no point in fighting it, she likes carlos and whether or not he feels the same is out of her control. everything about him intrigued her, his smile, laugh and the way he goes a little shy when first around her but warms up closer to the end. it was also at the moment cordelia realised she needed to stop telling ben small details like that, they always came back to bite her.
she breathed out sharply before turning to ben. "yes. i like him." she admitted, now hiding behind her hands to hide her bright pink cheeks. "but you can not tell him, or anyone for that matter."
"why?"
"why?! ben, if he finds out he will think i'm some weirdo." cordelia sighed, slumping against the tree behind her. "i've known him for less than a week."
