The Original Four

Chapter 9

Kate's POV

April 28, 2023

My eyes flutter open as the sun peeks through the curtains. I climb out of bed and make my way to the bathroom when I stop and look at my surroundings- only to find that I'm not in my room, let alone my house.

On the other side of the room, a knocked-out Daniel was peacefully sleeping in a bean bag chair. I walk downstairs, leave a note for the boys, and head back to my place to get ready.

As I climb into the shower, I can't help but wonder what happened last night. Why was I sleeping in Daniel's room? Where was Tori?

I push these thoughts to the back of my head and continue rinsing. Finished, I apply my makeup and get dressed for the day. Once I'm done getting ready, I let myself into their house yet again and see a fresh pot of coffee waiting for me on the counter.

"Thanks," I tell Nick and take a sip.

He nods his head and mumbles, "You're welcome."

I walk over to his side and touch his shoulder. "Is everything okay?"

Nick frowns, shaking his head. "Tori and I . . . We got into a fight last night."

I roll my eyes. They've barely been going out for two days and are already fighting.

"What was it about?" I ask, taking a sip of my warm drink.

Nick diverts his eyes from mine and looks down. "You," he says in a hushed tone.

"Huh?"

He shakes his head and leans against the countertop. "Tori thinks I have feelings for you."

Out of all the jealous girls, I never expected Tori to be one of them. Especially, since we got really close this past day.

"Oh," I trail. "Well . . . Did you tell her that you didn't?"

Nick runs a hand through his curly hair as he takes a deep breath. "I couldn't. At least, not when it's the truth."

Wait a minute. Did Nick just confess his feelings for me? This couldn't be any more awkward. My attention turns back to the blue-eyed boy looking at me.

I give him a quick smile and clear my throat. "Why was I in Daniel's room this morning?" I ask, changing the subject.

"Tori and I were fighting downstairs, so you guys just hung out in his room. You must've fallen asleep," Nick answers.

I nod my head and walk back upstairs. "Oh. You're awake," I say as I look over at a fully-dressed Daniel.

"Yeah. Did you see Nick down there?"

I internally groan. "He's in the kitchen."

Daniel starts walking toward the door, and I contemplate on whether or not I should tell him about what Nick told me. The guilt subsides as I realize there's nothing to worry about- as long as I'm concerned, Daniel is not my boyfriend.

I happily trot down the stairs behind him which earns a smirk from Nick. Oblivious to Nick's facial expressions, Daniel heats up three of the leftover pancakes from the other day.

"What do you guys want to do to day?" I ask.

"Can the two of us do something?"

I was about to answer yes when a realization suddenly occurred to me: Both boys had asked me the same question at the exact same time.

"Why don't the three of us hang out?" I tell the boys. "You can even call Tori to work things out," I suggest to Nick.

He gives me a confused look, as he had just confessed his true feelings for me. I look away, not making eye contact.

"Sounds good," Daniel replies, clapping his hands together. "Let's get going." He grabs my hand and leads us to the car, Nick trailing behind.

I wouldn't mind such simple gestures from Daniel if it weren't for his jealous best friend in the back seat. The ride over was awkward, uncomfortable, and I was praying it wouldn't be a long one.

.

We ended up going to Golden Gate Park. The scenery is beautiful. The sun is shining bright, the air is so fresh and full of life.

People are throwing their children into the air while others are having ice cream, or walking their dog. The loud, beautiful music from one of the local bands blares throughout the park which in return, earns a huge crowd.

"I forgot how nice it was here," I say.

Nick's hand brushes against mine as he holds onto it. Daniel notices and grabs my other one. "Guys," I say, pushing them away embarrassed.

"What?" Nick laughs, and I blush.

Daniel shakes his head at us, and I can't help but wonder if he's jealous.

"Kate?" he says.

I walk up to him. "Hmm?"

"We'll be back," he calls over his shoulder to Nick. Daniel takes my hand and leads me somewhere further away from his best friend and the rest of the crowd.

"What's wrong?" I ask him.

Daniel takes a deep breath and runs a hand through his hair. "You've only been here for eight days yet you've still managed to make your way back into my heart. You're selfless, funny, and so much more. I hate seeing you flirt with Nick, let alone talk to any other guy."

Daniel pauses. "I'm in love with you, Kate Mitchell. Will you be my girlfriend . . . Again?"

I chuckle at his last few words. "I'd love to," I reply and peck his lips softly.

"Thank god."

The two of us walk back hand-in-hand to find an angry Nick.

"I thought we were friends," he tells Daniel.

"Why can't you be happy for me?"

Awkward . . .

Nick rolls his eyes and walks up to Daniel. "I broke up with her so I could be with Kate. You knew I liked her, yet you still asked her out."

"Nick, Kate isn't just any girl. She's special."

Hearing those words make my heart flutter. Daniel really is one special guy, and I couldn't be any happier.

Eight years ago, I'd say there was no chance of meeting him again. Guess I was wrong.