𝔗𝔥𝔯𝔬𝔲𝔤𝔥 𝔗𝔦𝔪𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔗𝔞𝔩𝔢𝔰 ✓

First Dates

The next morning, I was woken up by a knock at the door. I turned to the other bed, but it was empty. Ariel must've gotten up already. I was hoping that she was bonding with Eric instead of Eaton.

Checking myself in the mirror, I made sure I looked at least a little presentable, tying my messy hair up in a ponytail. When I opened the door, I was surprised to see Eaton.

"Good morning," he greeted. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out to the beach this morning."

"Actually, I promised myself I would stay by Ariel's side until I was sure she was better," I declined.

"Ariel is alright now," he promised. "In fact, she's going to take a canoe ride with my cousin soon."

"She is? Oh well I'll just watch her from afar," I answered, wincing. That sounded extremely stalker-ish. I looked up to see Eaton absorbed in his own thoughts while he stared directly at me.

"What?" I asked, feeling a little self-conscious.

"Your care for your new friend is extremely admiring," he answered truthfully. "I was told that you just met her yesterday, but you treat her like you've known her forever."

I didn't say anything to his response and let my eyes wander on the floor.

"Alright then. I'll go on the canoe ride as well," he decided, turning to leave.

"Wait!" I shouted. "I'll go to the beach with you."

"Great!" Eaton replied, beaming. "I'm planning a picnic. We'll leave in an hour."

"Great..."I repeated, trailing off as I closed my door. I didn't want to interact with him, no matter if he knew or not, but going with Ariel meant there could be a chance he would fall in love with her and I wasn't about to let that happen.

Hello Mina, Ariel greeted as she opened the door.

"How is your quest to fall in love going?"

I can't help but fall for him more and more. It seems like he's starting to like me as well.

"Thank goodness," I sighed. "As long as I keep Eaton away, you should get your happy ending."

It's the 2nd day, I thought. Only one more until I could go back home.

Dressing in a white sundress, I let Ariel brush my hair and add an orange lily behind my ear. We both left the castle together. The beach was right next to it, so I opened the gates to see both Eric and Eaton waiting for us.

Ariel quickly took Eric's hand as they headed down to the beach front where the canoe awaited. Following them with my gaze, I could only hope that their ride went well enough to make him fall in love.

"Don't worry Mina," Eaton spoke up, grabbing my attention. "Ariel is safe with Eric."

He nudged his head towards a spot closer to the water where a blanket was already set up. I followed him as I walked slowly, enjoying the breeze and soft sand under my feet.

"You look beautiful today," he commented, sitting down as he grabbed my hand to help me down too.

"Thanks," I murmured.

"I didn't see you at breakfast so I figured you would be hungry," he informed, handing me an apple.

I couldn't help but wonder why in the world he stared at me all the time. It was especially creepy when I was eating.

"Why do you always stare?" I asked, taking a bite out of the apple.

"Because you're always doing something that attracts my attention."

Sometimes I hated how blunt these fairytale characters were.

"I don't see how eating is interesting," I said.

"Just watching your sweet lips doing anything is intriguing." (A/N: Never again. That was the most embarassing thing I've ever written)

That was when I choked on my apple. Coughing and sputtering, it took me a moment to recover from inhaling a piece of apple.

"Never say that again," I croaked, taking a water bottle from the basket.

"Your blush is adorable," he teased. I rolled my eyes. Well I was done asking questions now.

"I don't really know much about you," Eaton suddenly said. "Your family life or your likes and dislikes."

I contemplated on whether I wanted to lie or not before I answered, "I live with my dad, step-mom, and step-brother."

"That must be nice," Eaton replied. "I've never had siblings, but Eric and I have always been close."

Did Morgana really have the heart to give him fake childhood memories? I thought. That actually made me feel sorry for him.

"Yeah. Lark is the best little brother I could ask for. He's such a sweet little boy," I sighed, realizing just how much I missed him.

"Where's your family now?"

"I...I decided to take a break from my regular home life. I just went to visit the beach for peace and quiet. They know that I'm going to be gone for 3 days. Neither my dad nor my step-mom are on good terms."

"I'n sorry to hear," Eaton replied sincerely. "I hope you can work it all out. Sitting down together to talk seems like a good plan."

"If only he would sit down and listen for once."

"If he won't when you ask, then find a way to make sure he has to. Tell him sternly that you will talk and won't take no for an answer."

"That's actually a good idea," I told him. "I've always just left when I saw that he was busy."

Usually drinking, but I didn't reveal that to Eaton. I noticed that he was staring at me again before we heard a deep voice.

Looking up, I saw Eric and Ariel walking towards us soaking wet, but both were beaming.

"You look like you had fun," Eaton commented. "Come join us."

"So how did it go?" I whispered to Ariel when I knew the boys were indulged in their own conversation.

Amazing, she said in my mind. We almost kissed, but the canoe tipped over before I could. It was still a magical ride. How's your picnic?

"Good," I answered. "Too good."

I shouldn't be involved with him, I kept thinking to myself as he made eye contact with me and smiled. But we had such a good time.. snap out of it Mina! You are not loving this time together. Your thoughts are not filled of him and you certainly are not falling in love.