The Styles Triplets

Chapter 7

After school, Marcel and I walked out together, weaving through the crowd of students pouring into the parking lot.I noticed the looks immediately. Whispers. Double takes. Curious stares.

Why are people so shocked I'm hanging out with him and Edward?

It wasn't like this used to be strange. We'd grown up together. For years we were practically inseparable. So why did it suddenly feel like people were watching a story unfold?

"You know," Marcel said as we reached his car, unlocking it with a soft beep, "today actually wasn't that bad."

"Hey," I laughed, climbing into the passenger seat, "forcing you to do things has been my job since 1998."

Marcel chuckled as he started the car. "That's definitely true."

I grinned. "Man... I was kind of a bitch back then, wasn't I?"

"Was?" he laughed.
I hit Marcel on the arm.
"Ow! I was kidding!"

The easy comfort between us settled in quickly — familiar, warm, effortless. Talking to Marcel had always felt like breathing. No pressure. No pretending.

When we pulled into his driveway, excitement bubbled up in my chest.Anne was already home and I couldn't wait to see her again.
"Mum, I'm home!" Marcel called, "Alex is here!"

Anne came strolling into the living room with a smile plastered on her face, "Alexandra?"

"Mrs. Anne!" I laughed, stepping forward to hug her.

She pulled back, holding my shoulders as she looked me over. "Oh my goodness... you're all grown up. And absolutely beautiful."

I felt my cheeks warm. "Thank you. You look amazing too."

"It's been far too long," she said warmly. "Where are the boys?"

"Harry has practice," Marcel answered, tossing his keys onto the table. "Edward has detention."

"Detention? Again?" Anne sighed dramatically. "What happened this time?"

Marcel tried to stay serious but failed. "He refused to participate in P.E."

Anne scoffed. "That's a ridiculous reason for detention."

"There's more," Marcel added.

She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Of course there is."

"Coach Carr called him lazy," Marcel continued, barely containing his amusement. "So Edward called him a fat lard and asked when the baby was due."

I tried to contain my laughter!
Fat lard?! When's the baby due?!

"I don't blame him, Coach is a jerk." I commented, holding in my laughter.

Anne shook her head, though I could tell she was fighting a smile. "I'll speak with him later."She turned back toward me, her expression softening."And how have you been? How's your mother?"

"She's doing okay, she's still married to Dave. And I guess everything at the office is alright, she doesn't talk about her work much." I replied, "I've been taking photography classes actually. I really like them."

"Photography! How wonderful! I remember when you were little, you used to love stealing your mum's phone and camera and snapping pictures." Anne laughed at the memory, "You should come over again sometime, but next time your parents should come. I'd like to speak with them again."

"Yeah that'd be great! Hell, you guys could even come to ours! I've been spending a lot of time here, so it's only fair if you spend some time at my place." I suggested.

"Yes, we'll have to plan with them some time." Anne smiled.

"Definitely!" I exclaimed.

"Why don't you guys go upstairs for a while while I get cooking." Anne suggested to us.

"Okay, mum." Marcel replied and lead me upstairs with him.

His room was just like I remembered! Soft light filtered through the windows, giving everything a relaxed atmosphere. It felt peaceful — like stepping into a memory frozen in time.
I wish my room was like this.
"Oh!" I gasped, spotting a framed photo on his dresser. "You still have this?"

We were all at the playground and were just having a blast! All four of us. Harry and I were hugging and posing dramatically for the camera. My hair had been dark and wildly curly back then, tied back with a giant bow I probably refused to take off.
Marcel lay dramatically across the grass in front of us, grinning like a total goof. And Edward stood behind everyone making bunny ears.
"Wow, that was...a long time ago. How old were we here?"

Marcel stepped closer, peering at the date. "2001."

Shaking my head I replied, "7 years old. Wow. That was 11 years ago."

"Time flies," he said quietly.

I nodded. "I still remember when we met."

Marcel laughed softly. "You were sitting alone in Mrs. Patek's class because you didn't have a partner."

I turned toward him, surprised he remembered. He remembered every detail.

"I didn't have one either," he continued. "So I sat next to you. You had this huge pink bow in your hair. You wore one every single day."

I laughed. "I loved bows."

"You were shy," he said. "But when recess came, we all played together. You, me, Harry, and Edward. After that... we were inseparable. Everything feels different now."

"It's not that different. I mean sure Harry's a dick now, but I'm still here aren't I?" I smiled.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "You are."

Something unfamiliar settled between us — heavier, warmer. Suddenly I became aware of how close we were standing. Marcel stepped closer, his hand resting gently on my lower back.
Oh god oh god oh god.

My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. My palms grew warm, my thoughts racing faster than I could control.
Our faces were inches apart now and my breathing was increasing by the second. His eyes flicked to my lips.

My thoughts were out of control!

What's going on?
God just kiss me already!
Did I really just say that?
Do I want this?
Yes!
No?
Yes!
He's your best friend!
Who cares?!
You do!
I just want to run my fingers through his luscious curls and-
What am I saying?!
What am I thinking?
You're not!
Fucking kiss me already!

Our lips brushed against each other, making my heart skip a beat. My hands lifted almost on their own, sliding around his neck as my fingers brushed through his curls. His breath hitched.
We were so close together that I could feel his heart beat. It was racing like mine.

Finally, I could tell something was about to happen. I closed my eyes and....

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(A/N:)

Ahhhhhh cliff hanger!! what do you think ;) comment! Vote!

Sooo...what would Marcel and Alex's ship name be? ;D

Hope you're enjoying so far! Thanks for reading, I'll update....soon ;)

-Bree

XOXO