Never and Never

2. Hello Darling

I wake up to the groans of Gemma nuzzling further into her pillow. I should have forgotten to turn off the heater last night. My body is sweating like anything and Gemma is pushing the duvet off of her body.

"Happy Birthday Gem" I wish my best friend and a curve forms at the corner of her lips.

"Thank you Darle" she rubs her eyes to get rid of her sleep.

I need to buy a present for her. Thank God, if Gemma hadn't reminded me of her birthday last night, I swear I would have forgotten. I would have been the worst best friend ever. I internally sigh and push my body out of the bed. I turn off the heater and go to kitchen to make coffee.

I sip on my coffee as I hear the soft footsteps. Gemma reaches for her cup and makes her coffee. She plops herself in a chair next to the kitchen island. She drops two sugar cubes into it and stirs gently.

"The welcome party starts in the evening" she mumbles as she gulps the hot coffee. "If you are not okay with that, it's fine. We can stay here".

"No Gem. After all it's a birthday party too. You should be glad that you are seeing your twin brother after a long time" I reassure her even though my heart pains at the thought of seeing him. My family will be there so, I will be fine.

Moretz's and Styles's family have been friends since generations. My grandmother has told me that the parents of our great grandfather had met the parents of their great grandfather during World War I. I came to know that their family saved my family during the disaster. Since then, both the families are inseparable.

I dress myself with a green blouse and a pair of light blue jeans. I go for shopping to get a gift for Gemma. Since the snowfall is heavy, I decide to go by walk. Neither of my scarf nor my jacket helps me get rid of the freezing temperature. I haven't passed my driving test yet. That is the foremost reason why I didn't take my or Gem's car. Also driving in snow isn't in my bucket list.

I select a Bremont watch with simple design and a basket full of muffins and dark chocolates. I ask them to gift wrap it and check out of the store. Before I reach our flat, I open the trunk of our car and place the gifts in it. I don't want Gemma to know that I bought her a gift.

By the time I reach our flat, Gemma has changed her hair color to pink from the nearest parlor. They are dark at the top and faded at the bottom with a mixer of her blonde hair and pink.

"Where have you been? We are running late. It's almost evening" she fumbles with her words. "Mum is calling me frequently. Your parents just came by".

"Okay. Give your bag, I will carry" I say and carry the bag to the car. Within a few minutes, she joins me. She drives, while I watch the passing streets through the window. She says that she is so excited for the party where as I'm on the other hand, is not sure of myself whether I am excited or worried.

The ride to the Styles is one of the most nerve wrecking incidents in my life. My palms begin to sweat as soon as we reach the Styles driveway. Gemma, as usual enters the house through the back door which leads to their kitchen.

"Mum" Gemma squeals once she notices her mother. She is wearing a navy blue full length gown. She looks charming and stunning like she always does.

"Gemma, my baby. Happy Birthday dear" Anne wraps her arms around Gem's body. I watch them with much happiness. Their interaction is always warm and welcoming. "Oh Darlene, sweetheart" she hugs me like she did with her daughter. "You look so gorgeous" she shows her dazzling smile and I blush in return.

"Hello Anne" I greet her once she release me from her embrace. She shushes both me and Gemma once we begin to taste the recipes that she has been preparing for the party.

My mom and dad enter the kitchen and I give them a family hug as I always do. They wish me good luck and tell encouraging words that I am doing well with my business. Gemma asks me to meet her in her room as she takes her dress along with her to get ready. I go to our car to get the gift that I bought for Gemma.

Once I enter the living room, there is a man with long hairs in a suit talking to Gemma's father. Since I am facing his back I can't able to see him. Maybe he is a guest. They are talking seriously, is what I guess, because Gemma's father is listening to the stranger. Her father's frown deepens with every nod he is giving the stranger.

I stroll up the stairs and reach Gemma's door. I look behind me across the hallway to see the other door which has been locked out for 5 years. I wait patiently for some time and look for any sign. I internally huff when I realize I have been standing here wasting my time on my never ending imaginations.

"Can you please help me with this?" Gemma asks me to put her blush when she finishes with her eye liner. I take the brush and spread it across her cheeks. When I finish she takes her dress out of its cover.

The dress is black with lace material around the waist region. The sleeves are short, the dress is long. The cloth is so soft when I touch it. When she comes out wearing that dress, my mouth agape in astonishment. She is fantabulous in her Birthday dress. I change into a simple white knee length gown.

We both saunter downstairs to meet our parents. As soon as we reach my eyes begin to search for him. An internal battle starts between my mind and heart. The voice of my mind tells me to avoid him for any cause. The voice of my heart tells me to forgive him. Now I have only two options. Either I avoid him or I forgive him. The thing is, could I?

"Hello Darling" a voice whispers from behind my back into my ear. The air knocks out of my lungs and chills run down my spine. "Are you looking for me?" the deep voice calls me out.

Butterflies begin to erupt in my stomach at the thought of the boy who gave me my first kiss. The boy who made me fall in love with him and crushed my dreams. My cheeks turn scarlet at the thought of the boy who took my virginity, yet ran away for one reason.

*******

What do you think the reason is?

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