My first crush (COMPLETED)√

PART 2:Chapter 69: Apple pie

"A pillow? Are you kidding me?"

I stared down at the neatly arranged bed, the single pillow tucked carefully beneath the sheets like some cheap stage prop. The curtains swayed lazily with the evening breeze, rain tapping against the window like mocking applause.

Of course.

I wasn't even surprised.

⸻

I walked back into the living room slowly, folding my arms.

"I knew you guys were lying," I said flatly. "Care to explain? And where exactly is my sister?"

Carly leaned against the wall, twirling something in her hand.

My car keys.

"You're back home," she said, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "And there's no escaping this time."

"What?" I blinked, confused. "Escaping what?"

"Yeah. You heard me."

Before I could respond, the bathroom door creaked open.

"Sharon!"

Tori came flying out, her small feet slapping against the tiles. She threw herself at me so hard I nearly lost balance.

"Tori," I breathed, holding her tight.

She buried her face into my chest. "Why did you leave us? Especially me? I cried every day waiting for you."

My heart clenched.

"I'm here now," I whispered, smoothing my fingers gently through her soft curls. "I'm not going anywhere."

I pulled back slightly and knelt to her level. "So... are you sick?"

She shook her head innocently. "No."

Slowly, I lifted my gaze toward Carly.

"What?" Carly shrugged, pretending innocence.

I forced a tight smile. "That's good. I just wanted to make sure."

Tori tugged at my shirt. "You're not leaving me again, right?"

I hesitated — only for a second.

"No," I said finally. "I'm staying. For you."

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Carly's satisfied grin. She knew I was trapped.

"Is Dad around?" I asked, standing up.

"No. He traveled," Carly replied casually.

"Good. I don't want to see him."

I picked up my bag and headed to my room.

⸻

My room still smelled faintly of vanilla and old memories. Nothing had changed — except me.

"Sharon!" Carly followed. "There's a lot of gist."

"Yeah?" I tossed my bag onto the bed. "Like what?"

She lifted her left hand dramatically.

A diamond ring sparkled under the ceiling light.

My mouth fell open. "Oh my God. Are you serious?"

She squealed. "Mike proposed!"

I rushed toward her. "Tell me everything. What was it like?"

Her eyes lit up. "I was about to drink champagne at his place when I saw it written in big letters — 'Marry me, Carl.' I froze. I thought I was dreaming." She pressed a hand to her chest. "I literally had tears in my eyes. He got down on one knee and said, 'So... are you taking my proposal?' And I said, 'That's a freaking yes!'"