Butterflies (A Before You Exit fanfiction)

Chapter 16

JENNA'S POV

Oh my gosh, I'm so excited! Thomas is taking me out on a date today to some fancy restaurant and Braiden is taking Kristina to a Boys Like Girls concert for their date! And yeah it's quality time for Maria to spend with the McDonough brothers. But don't worry, she's excited.

Now, we're out dress shopping. Both the boys said to wear dresses. Well, I have to wear a dress because I'm going to a fancy restaurant, but I do know why Braiden is having Kristina wear a dress. So, after the concert, he's gonna take her to the beach for the sunset. That's when Maria and the guys come into place. They're gonna sneak over, get a fan so it's like the wind is blowing their hair, and then when Braiden kisses her during the sunset, they're gonna take a picture. It's perfect, I know.

KRISTINA'S POV

Okay, Thomas is taking Jenna to a fancy restaurant for dinner, but I know the real reason. After they finish eating, Thomas is going to take Jenna to the beach, just in time for the sunset. Then, Maria and the guys are gonna take a picture of them kissing during the sunset. It's such a cute and sweet idea.

MARIA'S POV

Both the girls are getting their pictures taken today during the sunset, but they don't know it. Well, Jenna knows about Kristina, but not about herself, and Kristina knows about Jenna, but not herself. It's the perfect plan. Braiden and Thomas made it up by the way. So what's gonna happen is that Jeremy is gonna meet us at the beach. Him and Riley are gonna take Jenna and Thomas' picture, while Connor and Toby take Braiden and Kristina's. I'm on fan duty and making sure that the boys lead the girls to the right spot. I can't wait!

*

JENNA'S POV

"KRISTINA! JENNA! YOUR DATES ARE HERE! GET YOUR GORGEOUS ASSES DOWN HERE!" Maria shouted.

Kristina and I chuckled and walked down the stairs.

"Woah." all the guys said. Yes, including Toby, Riley, and Connor. They were staying here until Kristina and I got back.

"Thanks." Kristina and I said, then blush. God, we're picking up on Maria's habit of blushing at everything.

Thomas held his hand out to me and I took it. He lead me to his car.

-

Five minutes later we arrived at Lilac's (author's not: I made up the name). This place is like so expensive.

"Thomas, how can you afford this?" I asked.

"That, my beautiful date, is none of your business." He said.

I just shrugged it off.

We got inside and sat down. Almost instantly a waiter came over. Fast service, really fast service.

"Would you like a drink?" the waiter asked.

"Sure. I'll have diet pepsi." I said.

"And for you?" the waiter asked Thomas.

"Same." Thomas replied.

"Okay. You're drinks will be right out and I'll give you time to decide what you want." the waiter said then walked away.

The one thing that stood out to me on this menu is the veal parm. I love that.

"What do you want?" Thomas asked.

"Veal parm. What about you?" I asked.

"Same." He said with a smile. Of course, I smiled back.

"So, what don't I know about you?" Thomas questioned.

I thought for a minute.

"Well, maybe that my parents and little sister live across the street from us."

"Really?"

"Yeah. The didn't want ten people in one house."

"Ten?"

"Yeah. Maria's parents, Vinny, my parents, my sister Leila, me, Kristina, and Jenna."

"Oh. I forgot Vinny. Whoops."

I laughed.

"Why haven't we seen them around?" Thomas questioned.

I looked down and said, "Well, since we moved here they haven't exactly made an effort to see me. I had to beg them to stay with the girls, so I guess they're still mad. And Leila, well, Leila, puts on an act to make my parents happy so she can get clothes and stuff."

Thomas grabbed reached over the table and grabbed my hand. He whispered, "No family should treat their daughter like that. Especially you."

I smiled. "Thank you."

Then, the waiter came back with our drinks and he asked, "Have you decided what you want to eat?"

"Yes. We'll both have the veal parmesan, please." Thomas said, being the gentleman he is and ordering for the both of us.

"Okay." the waiter said and walked away.

We talked about everything and anything while we ate.

KRISTINA'S POV

Braiden is taking me to my first concert, Boys Like Girls. I love them so much! Well, most girls go to their first concert before 15, but since my family isn't the richest, we haven't gone. Neither has Maria and Jenna.

"Are we almost there Brai?" I whined.

Braiden chuckled and said, "Yes, Kris, five more minutes."

*

We're dancing around to their music. This is the perfect date for me!

MARIA'S POV

It's now 7:45 and the girls have been gone for 15 minutes.

We're watching Friends on tv. Riley was at the end of the couch with Toby next to him and Connor next to Toby. And me? My head is on Riley's lap, my waist on Toby's, and my legs on Connor's. I have to say, they make great pillows.

"You guys should be pillows. You're so soft!" I exclaimed.

They all started to crack up and through their fits of laughter they said, "Thanks I guess."

"I'm not lying! And if I lift my head, waist, or legs, and slam them down on you three, we all know where that's gonna hurt." I said, knowing that will shut them up.

And it did.

"You wouldn't dare." Connor said.

"Oh, Connie, we all know we would. Right boys?" I said.

Toby and Riley nodded.

"Okay, you win." Connor said.

I kissed them all on the cheek and said, "Guys, you know I would only do that if you do something that really pisses me off."

"Okay, but please, no kissing my brothers." Riley said.

"Fine." I pouted and he kissed me on the nose.

Toby hasn't spoken since I kissed him. I admit, I did feel sparks, but it's not meant to be. I'm with Riley and he's with Kaitlin. And that's how it's supposed to be.

But Toby really seems shaken up. He's beet red, hasn't spoken, and hasn't looked at anything but one line on the floor.

"Tobyyy? Tobsterrr? Tobss?" I said, trying to get him to move.

He didn't flinch.

I got up into his face and softly blew into his ear. That got him up. He literally jumped. But, he couldn't fall off the couch because I was on him.

He rubbed his ear and said, "Jesus. What was that for?"

"Well, you weren't moving and weren't speaking. You gotta do what you gotta do." I replied.

"Whatever." Toby said.

I smirked.

I have no clue what that was about. It seemed like he was shocked that I kissed him. Because Connor didn't react like that. He just laughed it off, probably knew that I was kidding around. Maybe Toby likes me back? I mean, his face was beet red. Nah, he was probably just in shock. And maybe he was red because he was thinking about Kaitlin...

TOBY'S POV

OH MY FUCKING GOD SHE KISSED ME OH MY GOD! Sorry for my language, I'm just freaking out! She kissed me! Well, on the cheek... And Riley wasn't that happy about it. He knows that I like Maria, and so does Connor. But luckily Riley didn't notice how red I got, but I know for sure that Connor did. Once Maria blew in my ear Connor gave me the 'I'm your brother and I know what you're feeling' look. I think that Riley is worried that I'll steal Maria from him. I'm his brother I would never do that. But, he is worried. I have to talk to Connor later. And when Riley asked her not to kiss Connor and I she turned red! Connor's too old for her, so maybe she does like me... No. She likes Riley...

*

Now it's 8:05 and we have to leave in 5 minutes to set everything up. The guys are bringing the girls at 8:30, and the sunset is at 8:45. So, they timed it perfectly. They both know where to take the girls. We set up different spots so they didn't notice each other. Braiden and Kristina's spot is farther away from the parking lot so Braiden is gonna bring Kristina at 8:27. Luckily, both places are close to the beach so the guys can time it well. Oh, and Jeremy Is coming over now because he's helping with it.

Connor and I are taking Braiden and Kristina's picture, and Jeremy and Riley are taking Thomas and Jenna's. Maria will be going around making sure that they're in the right places, and that both fans are on and working.

knock knock.

"I'll get it." I said and Maria moved over to Riley's lap so I could get up, then sat in the middle of Connor and Riley. Yes, she was still on our laps. She's so cute. Okay, moving on...

I opened the door and there was Jeremy.

"Dang, dude, you really know how to time well." I said as I checked my watch and it said 8:08.

"Yeah, well lets go. I'd rather be there early and waiting instead of late and rushing." Jeremy said while barging in.

"Chill, dude. We have my mom's camera, the stand, and two standup fans and Maria has her camera and stand."

"Okay. Let's get them in the car and go then."

"CONNIE, RI, SMILEY! JERRY WANTS TO LEAVE!" I shouted.

They all walked by and hit me on the shoulder. They hate it when I call them their nicknames. Well, Riley doesn't mind, he just likes hitting his little brother.

"Thanks for the love guys." I said while rolling my eyes.

"See, I would kiss you again but your brother, and my boyfriend, is the jealous type." Maria said while also rolling her eyes at Riley.

My heart started pounding 50 miles a minute.

"Yeah, but I don't want to lose you." Riley said while walking over to Maria, kissing her forehead and glaring at me. I just looked down.

Maria noticed and asked, "Uhm... is there something I'm missing?"

"No." Riley quickly said.

Maria just shrugged it off and walked away.

Screw you, Riley. I glared at him then followed Maria to the car.

MARIA'S POV

Oh my god! Toby does like me! Well, I'm pretty sure now! Wait.. maybe it was something Toby did to Riley in the past. Maybe Toby stole Riley's girl before I came? Well, they're close in age, it is a possibility. That means Toby doesn't like me. Well, what was I expecting? A boy like him would never like a girl like me.

Okay, pushing those thoughts out of my head. Anyway, now we're in the car driving to the beach. Well, Riley was supposed to drive, but he made Connor because Jeremy called dibs on the front seat which means Toby and I are in the back. I could tell because he wouldn't let me sit in the middle, so Riley sat between Toby and I. Whatever. As I said earlier 'you gotta do what you gotta do'.

KRISTINA'S POV

Braiden kept on checking his watch. Something's up.

"What's wrong Brai?" I asked.

"Oh, nothing. I just have somewhere to take you. I thought that the concert wouldn't end in time so that's why I kept on checking the time." He said.

"And where would that be?"

"That is for you to find out within... 6 minutes."

I laughed, "Precise, now aren't you?"

"Yes, very." Braiden said, laughing too.

We got into his car and I said, "I had an amazing time. Thank you so much."

"No problem. Anything for you, Kris."

That made me blush, extra hard, which just made Braiden smile, satisfied with his job.

Once we neared our unknown destination, I finally began to recognize where Braiden was taking me. The beach! I love the beach! One of the only things both the girls and I have in common is that we all love the beach!

JENNA'S POV

We're just paying and Thomas is literally the sweetest thing. I tried to pay, but he wouldn't let me. Then, he pulled my seat out for me, and held the door of the restaurant and to his car open for me. He is such a gentleman and is also funny, kind, and lets not forget, cute.

"Tommy where are we going?" I asked when I noticed that we missed our block.

"You'll see Jen, just hold tight." Thomas said.

Hmmm....

Wait, there's the beach! Oh my god he's taking me to the beach! I love the beach!

Once we arrived, he quickly unbuckled, and ran out of the car, just in time to open the door for me. See, I told you, anyone who's with him for a day will start crushing on him.

"Thank you." I said, smiling.

"Your welcome." He said, also smiling.

As we walked to the beach, I took my heels off and held them in one hand, while Thomas grabbed the other. I was smiling from ear to ear, and so was he. This night is absolutely perfect.

Time for a walk on the beach! Yessss!

MARIA'S POV

I was hiding behind a bush by the entrance to the beach. Braiden and Kristina came a few minutes ago so I texted Connor and Toby. We told Braiden to stop walking once he felt the second breeze coming from the bushes aka the fan next to Connor and Toby's camera.

Okay, I see Thomas and Jenna, so now I texted Riley and Jeremy. Thomas knows to stop in front of the first breeze he feels coming from the bushes aka the fan next to Riley and Jeremy's camera.

They both did what they were told, and perfectly. Now, I ran to Riley and Jeremy, and their fan was blowing directly at them, not to high, and not to low. Perfect.

Now, I ran to Connor and Toby. And again, their fan was set up perfectly.

Last, I ran to the middle and sat, my head turning from left to right watching both couples. I'm sitting in the middle because I don't want them fighting over who I chose to watch once we tell them the plan.

So, yeah. Now, I just have to wait. We told Thomas and Braiden to keep them there for 15 extra minutes because we need time to get home and make it look like we watching a movie, and Jeremy has to hide in the bushes, then come in after the guys and girls come. We also have to hide the cameras, stands, and fans. I was to run to Toby and Connor and take the camera since they were farther away from the exit.

Perfect plan, I know.

KRISTINA'S POV

It was amazing. Braiden and I were walking along the shore, holding hands, and our hands swinging in time with the waves. Then, Braiden lead me to a spot on the beach where the wind was blowing against us.

"Why here?" I asked him, curious of his answer.

He shrugged and said, "I don't know. This spot just makes me feel special."

"Cool." I said.

Okay, now he wouldn't stop staring at me.

"What?" I asked, worried that I have something on my face.

Braiden shook his head and said, "Oh, it's just that I've never seen a girl this beautiful, a girl this sweet, a girl this kind and caring, a girl this carefree, a girl this happy, living in the moment, and a girl as perfect as you."

"Braiden, that's the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me."

"Well, let's make it better."

Braiden took a step closer to me, wrapped his arms around my waist, and leaned in. Before I knew it, he was kissing me during the sunset. Perfect. Just perfect.

JENNA'S POV

Thomas stopped at a random spot. Uhm..?

"Don't you wanna walk a little more?" I asked.

"Uhm.. can we just stay here? We're right in front of the sun and it's just about to set. Plus, the lighting of the sun gives me a perfect view of your stunning face."

I giggled and said, "Okay, but that's only for the sweet and cliché complement. But, thank you."

Just then, Thomas pulled my hand so I swirled right into his chest, then he wrapped one arm around my back, the other still holding my hand.

Then, he whispered, "I've never met a girl as special as you."

Then, it happened. He leaned in and kissed me. This boy is the most romantic, and perfect, boy on the face of this Earth.

MARIA'S POV

I saw both the guys kiss the girls. It was the sweetest thing. Those boys won't break their hearts.

Well, now was my cue to run and help Connor and Toby. I ran over to them and said, "You got the picture?"

Toby nodded and showed me.

"It's perfect."

Toby nodded. Now, we were just staring into each other's eyes, getting lost in them. His eyes were mesmerizing, I could stare at them all day.

Then, Connor came over and said, "Okay. Remember that you guys are both dating someone."

Toby and I turned red and said, "Right."

"Now help me! We gotta go."

"Okay. What do you want me to take?" I asked.

"The camera." Toby and Connor said.

I nodded and grabbed the camera. Toby got the stand, and Connor got the fan. Oldest gets the hardest I guess. Then, we all nodded and took off running.

I'm pretty sure I got there a good 30 seconds before them. When Toby and Connor actually showed up, they were panting.

"Jesus, Kristina and Jenna weren't lying when they said you can run." Connor said while Toby nodded.

"They told you that?" I asked.

The boys nodded.

"What else have they told you?"

"Well, that, like them, you're a straight A student and also like them, a perfectionist." Toby said.

I nodded my head and said, "That's right. But we'll talk about that later. We gotta go. Riley and Jeremy are already at the car with the stuff."

*

We're finally home, the same position, with Jeremy outside.

I kept on thinking about what happened with Toby at the beach. He probably just thought I was Kaitlin. I just have to let it go.

Just then, Kristina and Braiden walked through the door, smiling, with Thomas and Jenna right after them, also smiling.

"WHOOOO! WE GOT TWO NEW COUPLES OVER HERE! WHOOOOO!" I screamed.

"WHOOOOOO!" The guys screamed.

The Jeremy walked in and screamed too.

When everyone stared at him he said, "What? I was walking over and I here Maria screaming so I came I and screamed too. Jesus, people are so judgmental these days." while taking his pants off.

We all laughed as he pulled them back up.

"OKAY ALL BOYS OUT OF MY HOUSE! I NEED TO TALK TO MY BEST FRIENDS!" I yelled.

"WE THOUGHT WE WERE YOUR BEST FRIENDS!" all the guys shouted.

"YOU ARE MY GUY BEST FRIENDS I NEED TO TALK WITH MY GIRL BEST FRIENDS ABOUT THE DATE! BRAIDEN AND THOMAS YOU GO TALK TO YOUR GUY BEST FRIENDS ABOUT THE DATE! SEE YOU ALL TOMORROW! LOVE YOU ALL! NOW GET YOUR ASSES OUT OF MY HOUSE! LOVE YOU GUYS! ILY!" I screamed.

The girls were laughing.

"What? How else did you expect me to get them out?" I asked.

They shrugged.

"So, tell me everything."

RILEY'S POV

"You guys can sleep over tonight." Connor told Jeremy, Braiden, and Thomas.

"Thanks." they said.

I looked over at Toby. I could tell he was thinking about Maria. But, he's a good kid. He knows that Maria is mine and he won't try to steal her from me. I hope. I could tell that he's trying really hard to get over her. Toby really is an amazing brother.

"Okay! Tell us everything!" I exclaimed as we walked inside.

Thomas and Braiden looked at each other then said, "Here goes nothing."

*

The guys just finished telling us the story and we planned to tell the girls tomorrow. We hid the cameras at Maria's so they won't be able to see the pictures tomorrow. Connor, Toby, Jeremy, Maria, and I got to see them in the car on the way back.

Well, now we all decided to call it a night. The guys and I are wiped.

TOBY'S POV

After Braiden and Thomas told us about their dates, we decided to go to bed. When I was just about to fall asleep, my door creaked open. I sat straight up.

"Dude, chill it's just me."

"What the hell, Connor. I was actually gonna fall asleep." I said, annoyed.

"Sorry, little, bro. But everyone's asleep, I checked, they're heavy sleepers, so it's just you and me. I think it's time we talked."

"Whatever. About what?"

"Maria."

I was getting nervous. I knew where this was going, and Connor does too.

"Stop the bull, Toby. I know you like her! Tell me what's bugging you though!"

"Fine. The minute I saw her at that dinner, I knew she was special. She's carefree, doesn't care what people think about her, she's beautiful, she acts normal around us, she's kind, sweet, and caring, and is never afraid to be herself. She's perfect. But, I saw the way Riley was looking at her and at that moment, I knew that he likes her too. And Maria didn't even notice. But, I guess I just gave up because I know that any girl will go for Riley instead of me, including Maria. She doesn't deserve me. She deserves better than me. Then, when I asked Kaitlin out, it was only to help me forget about Maria. I mean Kaitlin's beautiful, smart, funny, kind. But, she's just... not Maria. I can't get Maria off of my mind, and she's taken. I just don't know what to do." I just let it all out. Hopefully Connor won't tell anyone.

"Please don't tell anyone, especially Riley." I pleaded.

"I'm not gonna. It's just, you waited too long. Toby, you have to get more self confidence. No girl is too good for you! And just because Riley likes her doesn't mean that you shouldn't try and date her. She could've said yes, for all we know. Yes, most girls like Riley, but you should know this more than anyone, that she's not like the other girls. And it was a good idea to ask Kaitlin out. You don't know, maybe one day she'll be single again. But for now, control yourself because Riley thinks that you're gonna steal her from him, and I know that you want to but are not going to. And if Riley saw you two like how I saw you two a few hours ago, he'll think that you're stealing her or that she's cheating on him. And that will make her mad at you." Connor said.

"I know, that's why I'm trying not to. And I would never steal a girl from Riley. Wait, so what you're saying is that I had a chance and I missed it?"

"Yeah..."

"Great. Anyway, I just want you to know, that if she's happy, I'm happy, even if it means that she's won't be happy with me." I mumbled.

"Okay. Goodnight lil bro. If you need anymore help you can always come to me." Connor said while walking out the door.

"Thanks. And goodnight." I said as he shut the door.

I have to stop thinking about her. She's Riley's, not mine.

Now where was I? Oh yeah, just about here, on the verge of falling asleep....

---------------------------------------------

Hey guys! Sorry this took me longer to put up than usual! I just got really tired while writing. So, like, vote, comment, and Jenna and Kristina's date outfits are on the side.
I hope you're enjoying the story!

~Maria💕