Almost Lover

A Night of Surprises : 4

Jules' P.O.V.

Max found his way up to my couch while I got us a few drinks.

Non-alcoholic of course.

The news was on and he seemed so interested that I couldn't help but smile at his concentration. He was leaning forward, elbows on knees and his hands holding eachother. His brow showed his intense concentration and his soft lips were perfectly placed together. You couldn't help but smile.

"You smiling at me, Julsie?" He said smiling while staring at the screen.

Ugh.

"I have never met a 16 year old who's this interested in the news. You're pretty lame." I said with an even bigger smile.

"And you're attracted to my lameness" He said shoving my arm.

"Tell me another joke!" I laughed.

But there was no joke. It was true. Yes we had always been friends except for this one time...

We were both 13 in our year before high school. On the last day, he told me he had always liked me and I did too. We kinda 'dated' but I made him keep it a secret. I couldn't believe it. My crush liked me back? It was amazing but only lasted for three months. It was more than amazing. Every girls dream. Three of the best months I'd had. I loved it. From the 3AM early morning chats to the long warm hugs. We never kissed though... and I kinda preferred it that way. It would have made letting go much harder, but sometimes my thoughts wonder and heart yearns for that one moment... sometimes.

"You didn't even laugh at my joke! Is the rug really more interesting than I am?"

I realised that I had been staring at the ground (rug) while reminiscing.

"Mmn kinda," I said rubbing my chin.

"Take that back!" He started.

"Nah,"

"Take it back!" His eyes showed a glimpse of determination as he moved closer to me.

"Nope!" I persisted.

The more we argued, the closer he crawled towards me. My legs were crossed on the couch. I leaned back as he started to almost crawl over me. It wasn't anything unusual for us - we were usually playful.

"Just give up Jules and take it back," He whispered. His voice was low and husky. At this point I could feel his air after every word he said.

I giggled, "Over my dead body,"

Then his hands got hold of my body and ...

He started tickling me!!!!

Being that I am an extremely ticklish person, this was not good. I tried to fight it but eventually I gave up.

"Okay alright I take it back!" I cried.

"Let me hear you say it again"

He so knew how to get me to surrender.

"You, Max Colton, are slightly more interesting than the rug in the floor." I said recovering from my former laughing state.

"Slightly more! Slightly more?"
You could hear the threat in his voice.

"Okay fine you are way more exciting than that rug! You're so much more amazing!"

He looked at me with a rather satisfied smile and continued to watch the news. He wasn't as interested as before but still showed some concern in current affairs.

"Are your parents home?" I asked.

"Are they ever home?"

His parents were into business and travelled all the time. His gran stayed with him most times. It wasn't the typical 'my parents don't love me' thing. His parents genuinely loved him but travelled and honestly wanted to be this him.

"Well it's 21:00"

"So?" He asked. "I'll just crash here."

It wasn't unusal but the last time he slept over was about a year ago.

"Okay well I'm going to go get ready for bed. You can sleep on the couch." I firmly stated.

"What? Don't you love me anymore?"

"Never did, sweetie." My response shocked him briefly.

"Ha.ha. Funny." He responded.

I made my way upstairs and got ready. I brushed my teeth, wore my pj's which consisted of and oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. I checked my phone and noticed Franki sent me a cute goodnight text.

Crowned Jules - sleep like a queen. This year is going to be amazing and especially because I'm here! And you of course. Hope you are finally going to learn to free your thoughts and run wild!
Love you my friend and goodnight!
Franki Rae Lawson ♡

I sat on my bed smiling like an idiot. I was so lucky to have a friend like her. I sent a reply and made my way down stairs to give Max a pillow. He wasn't in the lounge. I looked around and found him in the kitchen. He was buried in the fridge. Of course.
My eyes quickly noticed that he wasn't wearing a shirt - his back facing me. I had seen those back muscles my whole life but it seemed as if this time, they had a sort of effect on me...

I shook it off and took a deep breath and walked over to Max.

"Staring at me again, Julsie?"

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