Highschool Sweethearts ~BWS~

Chapter 25 - Domestic

"Emily come set the table!" I hear my Mum call up the stairs.

I pull away from my desk, removing the headphones from my head and closing my laptop, and move to the dining room. I open the drawer and take out the cutlery and placemats, enough for six, setting up the table. 

As I put the last spoon in its place the doorbell rings. 

"I'll get it," I say to the house. I open the door, beaming.

"Nana! Grandad! Dinner's almost ready," I tell my grandparents. They make their way in, removing coats and shoes as they do so. I lead them to the table whilst my Dad shouts for Charlie to come down. 

The whole family sit's around the dining table; enjoying the Sunday roast. My grandparents ask Charlie and me how well we're settling into our new schools and how we like the area; inquiring on our friendships and workload. 

Just as my Mum takes the last plate out the doorbell rings. She looks at me confused. 

"You didn't invite anyone did you?" She asks.

I shake my head, "Not that I know of. I'll go answer it though."

I get up from the family setting and open the front door, expecting it to be a cold caller or something similar. I stumble slightly at the surprising face. 

"Hey," Brad says. "You forgot your scarf yesterday and I thought I'd return it."

"Oh, thanks," I smile. "Er... Do you want to come in we're just about to have dessert, it's apple and blackberry crumble."

"If you're offering then yes please!" 

I let him in and close the door behind him. After he takes off his coat, I guide him into the dining room. 

"Um, Mum is it alright if Brad stays for pudding?" I request.

"Of course," she replies nodding.

I pull up another chair near my seat at the end of the table. Brad sits next to me and smiles whilst I introduce him to my grandparents.

"You're a very sweet lad," my Nana adds as we tuck into our crumble. 

It all seems cosy, homely; domestic.

***

We finish our desserts and Brad suggests a walk. I agree and we're soon both bundled in layers to withstand the February temperatures. We slowly amble around the street, the cold air biting at our exposed skin.

"I wish summer would hurry up," I comment.

Brad doesn't quite hear me, "Hmm?"

"I said I wish it was summer. It's so bloody freezing all the time. I want it to be warm so we can have barbeques and go swimming."

"Yeah, the cold is rather annoying," Brad notes. "Hey, I'm sorry I showed up today. I sort of barged in on your family dinner."

"Don't worry about it," I remark, chuckling. "My grandparents are fine with it, I think they're just happy to know I have friends." I pause. "I didn't have many at my old school, I was left out most of the time." 

I feel tears well up in my eyes but I hold them back. "My Nana has always worried about me. She likes hearing that I have you and the others," I pause again, trying to adjust my quivering breath.

After a few seconds, I regain my composure and joke, "So they loved you, you have nothing to worry about."

"Good to know I don't need to win their approval." Brad quips

"And what is that supposed to mean?" I inquire, prodding his side as I do so. 

He grabs my hands and pulls me towards him, picking me up by my waist. I squeal as I'm raised in the air.

"Wouldn't you like to know" He laughs. 

I squirm in his grip and manage to giggle out, "Stop, Brad. You're tickling me!"

He places me back down, not letting go till my feet are firmly placed on the concrete below. I look up at his face, a smirk spread across it. 

"Shall we start walking back?" I question.

He nods so we begin our short trek back through the icy wasteland. 

***

It only takes ten minutes to get back to my front door. I take out my keys and unlock it but before I open it Brad pulls me into a hug. 

It's tight and comforting, like a winter's blanket. I relax into him and hold on. His arms are wrapped securely around my shoulders and mine cling to his waist. I rest my head against his collarbone and draw a shaky breath. I didn't know I needed this hug until now.

I lift my head from his chest, placing my hand there instead, withdrawing from the embrace, his hands still resting on my shoulders. 

I look up to him and smile. He does the same. 

My eyes flicker over his face, from his lips to eyes. His do the same.

I move closer to him. He does the same.

Our faces inch closer, our lips almost touching. My heart races, pounding in my chest; beat thundering in my ears. I feel his hammering underneath my fingertips. Our noses bump slightly, I grin at the silliness. 

He gets closer and then I feel his lips brush against mine. They're soft and surprisingly warm in the cold climate. It's a simple peck on the lips. I move to continue the escapade, hoping to get even closer.

"Emily are you back?" I hear my Grandad call. He swings open the unlocked door.

Brad and I jump apart. Trying to hide what had been going on. 

"Come on love, get inside. You'll catch a cold if you stay out here." My Grandad beckons. 

I climb the step up to the house and turn to Brad. "Bye, I'll see you in school tomorrow."

"Mmhm, bye Em," He replies dazed and nodding. 

"He seems like a lovely boy, he better be taking care of you." My grandad comments.

I blush and fluster out, "He does Grandad, don't worry."

~AN: Woah, a kiss, this is next level stuff. Thanks for over 2k reads, it's insane to know I've got that many. Hope you enjoyed this chapter x ~