Under the Stars

Chapter 24

~CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR~

   As Carl's car pulled away from my house, I felt a lingering warmth from the sweet kiss he had placed on my forehead. Clutching the bouquet of flowers he had given me, I turned to the door, hoping that everyone inside would already be asleep.

  I carefully unlocked the door and stepped inside, holding my breath as I shut it softly behind me. The house was dark and silent, and I let out a small sigh of relief. Slowly, I made my way up the stairs, avoiding the creaky steps, and reached my bedroom without a sound.

  Once inside, I closed the door and leaned against it, letting out a silent scream of joy. My cheeks were burning as I replayed the moment Carl had kissed my forehead. I felt a giddy excitement bubbling up inside me, and I couldn’t help but smile widely.

  I placed the two bouquet on my desk and sat down on my bed, hugging a pillow to my chest. My heart was still racing from the evening's events. Carl’s thoughtfulness and the way he made every moment feel special was something I never expected. I could feel my walls slowly crumbling, brick by brick, because of him.

  Lying down, I stared at the ceiling, thinking about how Carl had asked me to prom in his uniquely cheesy way. Despite my initial grumpiness, his genuine affection and effort were slowly winning me over. I realized I was starting to look forward to the future, a future where Carl and I could create more moments like tonight.

With a contented sigh, I closed my eyes,
feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The memory of Carl’s kiss lingered, and I fell asleep with a smile on my face, dreaming of what was to come.

---

  Saturday morning arrived early, and I groggily rolled out of bed, stifling a yawn as I reached for my workout gear. I had a shift at the fitness center today, and I knew it would be a busy one. Carl’s mom, Sophie, had recently taken an interest in yoga classes offered at the center the first day they visit this place, and today, Carl texted me that he was joining her mom for the first time. I imagine Carl doing silly yoga poses and it made me smile.

  After a quick breakfast, I made my way to the fitness center, the morning air helping to wake me up. When I arrived, the familiar buzz of the gym greeted me. I clocked in and headed to my station, preparing for the influx of members.

  As I was setting up, I saw Carl and Sophie walking in. Carl gave me a bright smile, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.

“Hey, pumpkin,” he greeted, leaning over the counter to give me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Ready for a busy day?”

“Always,” I replied with a grin. “You two ready for yoga?”

Sophie nodded enthusiastically. “Absolutely. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

Carl chuckled. “I’m just hoping I don’t embarrass myself too much.”

“You’ll do great,” I assured him. “Elysia is a fantastic instructor.”

  They headed to the yoga studio, and I returned to my duties, checking in members and helping with any questions. Despite the busy atmosphere, I couldn’t help but steal glances at the yoga studio, smiling as I saw Carl and Sophie stretching and following Elysia instructions.

  Time flew by, and before I knew it, the yoga class was over. Carl and Sophie emerged from the studio, both looking relaxed and happy.

“How was it?” I asked as they approached the counter.

“Fantastic,” Sophie replied, her face glowing. “Carl did really well.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Carl said with a laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. “It was actually pretty fun.But embarrassing.I mean I was the only teenage boy there”

I laughed at his honest reaction,I mean me and Sophie did.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I said. “Are you two heading out now?”

“Yeah, we’re going to grab some lunch,” Carl said. “Do you want to join us when your shift is over?”

I shook my head. “I’ve still got a few hours left. But you two go ahead and enjoy yourselves.”

“We’ll bring you back something,” Sophie promised with a wink.

“Thanks,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me at their kindness.

  They headed out, and I returned to my work, the rest of my shift passing quickly. I heard other co-workers murmuring. I just let them be and act like no one is around me so I don't get distracted. When it was finally time to clock out, I felt a sense of satisfaction at a job well done. I cleaned up my station and grabbed my things, when I heard someone coming in.

...

  After the yoga class, Mom and I eat on cozy café nearby where she works. We chatted and laughed over lunch, and I felt grateful for this time together. It wasn’t often that we got to do things like this, and I cherished these moments.

“How do you feel about yoga now?” Mom asked, smiling at me over her cup of tea.

“It was actually really relaxing,” I admitted. “I might have to join you more often.”

She beamed. “I’d love that. And I think Lyla would be happy to see you taking an interest in something she’s involved with.”

“Yeah,” I said, thinking about how much Lyla meant to me. “She works so hard. I’m really proud of her.”

  Mom reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “You two are good for each other, Carl. I can see how happy she makes you.”

“She does,” I agreed, feeling a warmth in my chest.

  After lunch, we stopped by the café again to pick up something for Lyla. We chose her favorite pastry and a coffee, knowing she’d appreciate the gesture. We made our way back to the fitness center, and I felt a sense of anticipation at seeing Lyla again.

When we arrived, she was just finishing up her shift. Her face lit up when she saw us, and I handed her the pastry and coffee with a smile.

“Thought you might like a little treat after your shift,” I said.

“Thank you,” she said, her eyes shining. “You two didn’t have to do that.”

“It was Mom’s idea,” I said, nudging Sophie playfully.

“Just a little something to show our appreciation,” Sophie said with a wink.

  We drive Lyla home, enjoying the warm afternoon sun. When we reached her house, I pulled her into a gentle hug, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

“See you later, pumpkin ,” I whispered.

“See you,” she replied, her voice soft and full of emotion.

  I watched her go inside, feeling a sense of contentment. This day had been perfect, and I was grateful for the bond we were building, not just with Lyla, but as a family.

...

  As I walked into the house, I was relieved to find everyone not home without me again but I don't mind. I tiptoed to my room, a smile playing on my lips as I replayed the day in my mind. When I closed the door behind me, I let out a silent scream of happiness, blushing at the memory of Carl’s kiss on my forehead.

  Today had been perfect, and I couldn’t wait to see what the future held for us.