The Lake House

Chapter 17: "I've missed you so much..."

Chloe's POV

"You're kidding me right?" I snap at Ash. He was put in charge of doing this week's grocery shopping but he forgot all the important stuff. "Ash, you had one job."

He rolls his eyes, "what's the big deal baby sis? Can't we get them on our next run?"

I take a deep breath in and try not to flip out, "Ashton Blue. I am trying to make mom's famous cookies and I can't make them if I don't have any of the ingredients."

"And you have to make them today because..." he drags on as my mouth gapes open. He stares at me like some freak. I can't believe he forgot.

"It's dad's birthday!" I shout as he was dumb founded. "Mom always made her cookies on dad's birthday because he loves it when she bakes. How can you not remember?"

He lets out a sigh, "it's been a tough couple years," he responds. "I don't even remember my own birthday... Isn't yours coming up?"

"Two months," I respond as he nods. He then moves his butt off the couch to put more wood into the fireplace. Tomorrow is Christmas and I cannot wait until it's over.

I don't have anything against Christmas; it just that it hasn't been the same without mom or dad. Ash is here this year but still, I would like for us to be with our whole family.

Our plan for tomorrow is to open presents in the morning and chill for the rest of the day. But I'm pretty sure Ashton has something in store for Bonnie so I'll probably be laying on the couch watching Elf. I don't care if it's an overrated movie; it's my favorite.

"Hey Chlo," Bonnie says, walking into the kitchen. She tiredly rubs her eyes and leans on the fridge. My poor baby has a cold. "Can you feel my forehead? I think it's a little hot."

I roll my eyes before pressing the back of my hand onto her forehead. It was burning up. Burning up, for you baby. Why is my head like this?

"Go lay down next to Ashton," I tell her as she nods. She walks over to him as they cuddle up on the couch. Why can't I have that?

"I'll be at the store, getting the things my lame brother was supposed to get," I announce before leaving.

When I got out the house, Shawn was in his front lawn digging something up. I didn't question what he was doing so I got into the car. He still hasn't given me an explanation about New York but I don't think he really cares by this point.

As for me, I haven't talked to him much. And I really hate how he's being so secretive about everything. I probably shouldn't be as worried as I should be but I'm a teenage girl, what do you think is gonna happen?

During the drive into town, a bunch of pop songs plays on the radio. That, of course, includes Shawn. I can never escape the guy.

"Welcome to the Elvis Duran morning show," Elvis Duran says on the radio.

"Thank you, it's nice to be here again," Shawn replies. Why am I not surprised it's him?

"So, I have to put this out there," Elvis cuts in. "What is going on in your life right now? And I mean your love life."

He chuckles nervously, "uh, it's pretty much a normal love life, I guess. There's someone who I've been keeping my eye on."

"Rumors have been spreading that it's Lauren," Elvis says.

"No, no," Shawn clarifies. "Lauren and I are great friends. We ended our relationship on good terms."

"Ohh," Elvis drags. "Then who's this mysterious girl? Care to share?"

Shawn chuckles again, "I'd rather keep it to myself. But uh, she's wonderful. Just like all of my fans that I adore."

I shake my head before turning the radio off. I pull into an empty parking spot and exit the car. As I'm walking to the grocery store, there was a grand opening sign on one of the buildings. I take a look at it.

Devyn's Studio is officially open! It reads. Want to dance? Come in and check us out!

A dance studio? That's amazing. It brings back a lot of memories. Some that I will never forget.

"Chloe Blue?" A girl's voice says to me. She held the door open for the studio as I look at her. "Oh my god."

"Devyn?" I giggle before giving her a hug. "God, I haven't seen you in forever."

She chuckles, "I've missed you so much Chlo, you have no idea. What're you doing back in a small town like this?"

"My parents have a lake house here, remember?" I ask as she nods. "Wait a second. Is this your studio?"

She happily grins before nodding, "saved up my money and with the support of my parents, I finally got it opened... Are you considering dancing again?"

I shake my head, "I haven't danced in ages Dev. I think I'll fall and break my neck if I put pointe shoes on."

Her face saddens, "I think you should reconsider. This studio could use a talent like yours. But we really need to catch up soon. I'm always here if you're willing to talk."

"Of course Devyn," I smile before giving her another hug.

"Also, did you hear that Shawn Mendes is in town?" she asks as I mentally roll my eyes. "That's crazy if we see him walking around. He's so cool."

"Aha, he sure is," I sarcastically comment. "Anyways, I should get going. But you still have my number, right?"

She takes her phone out and shows me my contact name. She had me saved as: Ballet Goddess. I let out a giggle before saying goodbye.

The two of us part ways as I continue walking towards the grocery store. Devyn has been such an amazing friend to me. We met each other through ballet lessons when we were little and then we stuck with each other ever since.

Her living situation hasn't been the best though. She's been in-and-out of the foster system ever since she was two. But thankfully, she was adopted at 13 and she's been living with her parents for six years now. I'm so happy for her.

But maybe I should reconsider dancing. I mean, it was my passion. And I gave it up. It's better late than never to dance again. Who knows?

{ Author's Note: Ahh sorry for this filler chapter. I've been so busy with school & colleges. Bear with me!! }