Still Thinking

Chapter 2

It's Stella's second summer break in college and, as always, she is spending summers at Evergreen, Denland. This is the place where her father and her ancestors grew up. This is also where she and Tracy grew up and spent most of their childhood. This has been their home since she can remember. This place has been named The Weiss Manor. The Manor is set in the country side.

It is the 2nd week of Summer break when Stella met Albert "the-hand-kisser" Charleston in the garden while she was reading a book.

Edward and some of his friends are about to spend the summer at the Manor preparing for the wedding that is happening a month from now. Tracy and Edward decided to have the wedding at the Manor. Due to some personal reasons, some of their friends are not coming over until the week before the wedding.

Lucky for Stella (note the sarcasm here), this summer will not be a peaceful one with all of these guests roaming around the house and the grounds.

And there's Albert Charleston. Unfortunately, he is the best man, which means he will also be staying at the Manor until the wedding. There is something about this guy though, that makes Stella feel - different.

Stella's dad, mum, granny Tess, Tracy, together with Edward and Albert, are at the dining area sharing dinner together the night after her encounter with Albert at the garden.

"Stella dear," her mum says just when Stella starts on her steak, "what are your plans for Summer?"

She looks up. "Plans? None at the moment mother."

"Maybe you could enhance your archery skills," she says looking at her husband for approval.

"Archery? But I already had it few years ago," she pouts like an 8-year-old child.

"I think that is a nice idea," her father approves.

"You know Albert here," her sister says looking at Albert, "he is good with archery. He is the best shooter I know."

"Taking it from Tracy, that means you must be very good," Mr. Weiss says before putting a chunk on his mouth.

"I'm okay Sir," Albert blushes.

Did he just blushed? Stella thought.

"He's more than okay Daddy," Tracy states with glee. "There was this time we went shooting, he did not miss an arrow. Not even one," she says without blinking an eye.

"Well Albert, maybe you can teach our Stella here some of your secrets. She is a very bad shooter. One time, she almost hit me with an arrow on my butt!" Mr. Weiss exclaim.

Laughter fills the room with Edward's. Tracy, on the other hand, stops herself from bursting, and Albert, is actually drinking from his glass when he almost chokes with Mr. Weiss' statement. Granny Tess covers her mouth, laughing.

"Dad!" She complains.

"William!" Mrs. Weiss spank his hand lightly. "Our Stella is Okay!" She emphasize the word okay. "Your okay dear," she tells her with a comforting look.

"C'mon honey," Mr. Weiss says to her wife apologetically, "let's be honest here."

"What?" Stella squeaks.