Picture Perfect

Chapter Sixteen: Just a Friendly Kiss?

Sabrina Daniels
I aroused early the following morning by the clanking of pots and other kitchen utensils. There was also a fresh smell of food just feet away from where I was resting. It reminded me of my mother a lot. She used to be functioning at five o'clock AM, even though we didn't have school, just to arrange a delightful meal, or as dad enjoys calling it, 'Mom's Morning Feast of the day'. I moved my hand, brushing the hair that covered my face and yawned. I propped my eyes open and viewed Francis arranging a plate for me.

"Good morning Sab." He said with a sweet smile.

"Good morning."

He thrusts my legs gently and takes a seat beside me on the white couch.  He balances the plate of bacon, eggs, pancakes and fruit on one hand, bringing it closer for me to hold. I clutched the plate, making sure not to let go of it.

"I thought you'd get going faster when breakfast is proper. You know not just cereal."

I may melt anytime at this moment. "Thank you. That's so sweet of you."

I am currently flattered and couldn't help but smile. I looked at him straight in the eye and he begun to lean in for some reason.

"W-what are you doing?" I say nervously.

"A kiss duh," Francis replied, leaning in again.

"What? Why? We're not together Francis."

He raised an eyebrow and stubbornly folded his arms on top of one another. I am officially bewildered about this. I felt my heart thumping faster. I wanted to kiss him but it wasn't right when we weren't together. He belongs with Olivia, they would be Mr. and Mrs. Perfect.

"I thought we had it," Francis hissed, assuming I didn't hear it.

I felt guilty and hurt at his angry response. Hot tears surrounded my eyes for no apparent reason and they were threatening to fall. I am easily sensitive when I hurt others and I end up tearing up before they do. Guilty over small incidents has been a major setback inside of me, and I couldn't ask any help from dad or even Sebastian who's closest to me.

"Francis what do you mean?" I ask shaking.

He must've noticed my anxiety and loomed at me, only inches apart from my body. I tensed. I started having flashbacks of my ex. He seemed genuine, just how Francis appeared in the glare of the morning sunlight. But he left and cheated on me. I vowed that it would be my first and last relationship, because love is okay at first but in the end it crushes you like you don't matter anymore.

"Last night, we kissed, don't you remember?" He questioned, evidently upset.

I was petrified. I considered that 'moment' as a dream that was fairly actual. But it was actually real. "Oh yeah I-"

"See." Francis continued, cupping his hands on my face.

I push his hands away gently and see him frown. "This isn't right we're not a couple Francis."

"So you mean the kiss doesn't mean anything to you?"

I try to think of a reason to deny him. "It's like a friendly kiss I guess? I mean it happens in the movies right?"

He scowled. Before I could argue once more, he drew me softly in his arms and kissed me. I settled my hands on his neck and kissed back. That's when the two noisy girls entered my apartment. Why did I even bother giving them a duplicate of my key? We jolted apart, blushing as the girls stared at us.

"I guess you didn't need our help at all Francis." Avery commented, smacking her hand against his arm. He cringed and I can imagine how hard that hit was.

Meg sat upon the couch; she was on the point of robbing a bit of bacon when Francis ran up to her and slapped her hand away.

"That's for Sabrina, cook your own!" He said.

"No its okay let them eat."

"But I made it for you and you decide to give it away!" He moped.

"Such a drama queen," I muttered.

"What was that?" Francis questioned. I shook my head. And then he chased me around like we were kids and tickled me.

I guess pop stars do have a soft side.