The Original Four

Chapter 5

Kate's POV

The moment Nick and I walk through the front door, Olivia and Daniel come running down the stairs, trapping me.

"Excuse me," I say, trying to move past them and into the kitchen.

"I'm sorry," Daniel tells me, ignoring my request. "I shouldn't have ruined your day with Olivia when I knew it was something you guys were really looking forward to."

I smile at him, turning my attention over to Olivia. "You were excited for today too?"

"Yeah," she mumbles. "I mean, we were best friends. Being with you today reminded me of when we would sneak out and have sleepovers."

I laugh, recalling the many times we snuck out . . . and got caught. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too. God, I was such a horrible friend. I'm glad to have you back though."

"Me too."

"Best friends?" she asks with a smile.

"Best friends."

Olivia sticks her pinkie out. "Promise?"

I sigh, remembering the day of our eighth grade graduation when we made a promise to one another, a promise neither of us were able to keep.

But times have changed, and so have we.

"Promise," I reply, latching onto hers.

And this time, I meant it.

"So," Daniel says. "Am I forgiven or . . . ?"

I laugh, shaking my head at him. "Come here," I say and pull him into a hug.

Nick and Olivia join in, and I find myself smiling. Nothing can replace the happiness inside of my heart.

Actually, ice cream sounds really good right now. That would definitely do the trick.

.

April 23, 2023

The following day, I walk over to my next door neighbor's house, knocking gently on the door as I do so.

"Good morning," Daniel yawns and lets me in.

"Morning."

"Coffee?" he asks, pointing to the pot on the kitchen counter.

I nod and sit on a stool, the island in front of me. "Thanks," I say as he leans over and pours me a fresh cup.

He looks toward the stairs and then back at me. "It's just the two of us today. Liv has work, and Nick is looking for a new job."

"Oh. That's fine. What are we doing?"

"I'm taking you out to lunch," Daniel replies with a smirk plastered to his face. Oh god, what does this boy have planned?

But for some odd reason, I'm really happy that it's just the two of us. It's been awhile since we've gotten to hang out on our own . . . with no distractions (Olivia) or interruptions (Nick).

Daniel walks over to my side and trips. I wrap my arms around his neck and catch him just as he's about to face plant onto the ground.

That would've been really funny.

"T-thanks," he stutters.