RECAP:
"Don't worry about that," Joshua cut me off. "I'll pick you up at your Gram's house."
"That sounds fine," I said, although I was leaping inside me. I smiled at him and he smiled back, and for a moment, I saw the boy was playmates with ten years ago.
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Chapter Seven
"Oh my goodness, look at you!" Mrs. Chandler pinched my cheeks. "You've grown so much!"
We've all had those situations when you see a family member or a family friend for a long time, and all they talk about is how you've turned into a beautiful lady or man. Having to be in the Chandler residence was one of those situations.
I smiled, embracing her. The funny thing is, she hasn't changed at all. It was as if time had not effaced her. Mr. Chandler welcomed me next. It was him who looked stressed. His brown hair had almost faded to gray, but he still had his charming grin. Joshua left us alone for a moment only to find tell Ron that I was here.
"How are your parents?" Mr. Chandler asked as Mrs. Chandler set up the kitchen table. Pork loin steak, Mrs. Chandler's specialty, was for dinner.
"Oh they are wonderful," I lied. I didn't want to bring up the point that the reason I was here was because of them and their unfair judgement. That would only make me seem like I am the bad guy, when really I'm not.
"ELLIE!" Ron rushed downstairs andhugged me tightly. I giggled at how bigger he became that his bear hug almost suffocated me. He grinned at me and did our secret handshake. "You still remember it!"
I laughed. "I do!"
"You know," he said, eyeing his younger brother, "Josh can't stop talking about you--"
Joshua blushed, and punched him in the arm. "Shut up! No I don't..."
My jaw dropped open and Josh saw.
"Okay maybe a little," he admitted.
"Oh cut it you two," Mrs. Chandler said. "Don't make her uncomfortable than she already is." She looked at me knowingly, "Poor girl. You must be having a hard time trying to adjust from city to a small town by the sea."
I shrugged. "At first I was, but with the help of Grandma, her workers, and Joshua, of course, I feel somewhat adjusted." I glanced at Joshua, whose cheeks were still red from embarrassment.
The rest of the afternoon went smoothly. I ate lunch with a whole family for the first time in many years. My family was always so busy that my parents usually ended up eating dnner in their own offices. It felt weird having to sit together, actually talking about each other's day. It was comforting to know that your family would be there to listen to you. Ron talked to me about college and how he was planning to be an accountant. Ron also showed me pictures from when he was at Las Vegas. All three of us "children" played pool in the basement. I didn't know how to play, but luckily I learned quickly. After a couple of games, I told Joshua that I felt that it was time to go.
"Leaving already?" Mrs. Chandler asked.
"Yes.. Unfortunately Joshua is my ride home, and I'm sure my grandma will be worried about me."
"But honey, it's only 5. Why don't you kids have fun? Josh, why don't you show Ellie around town since she said she doesn't have a car."
Actually I do. It's just not with me at the moment.
I looked over at Joshua who nodded at me, letting me know that he has the stuation under his hand. "Don't worry, mom, I'll make sure that Ellie has fun."
Bidding the Chandler family goodbye, I promised that I would visit them again multiple times before the summer ends.
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"Sorry about my family," Joshua said as we got in his car. "They just really missed you."
"And you're not sorry about yourself?" I teased him.
I've done it. It was such a risky and flirty response. He stared into my eyes as if reading my mind, the air between us intense. I bit my lips as he inched his face closer to me. The prelude to a kiss. I looked at his mouth, wating for his lips to touch mine, but it never came. "Excuse me," he whispered. "I need my sunglasses."
I broke away from my daze and realized that he was trying to reach the compartment under the dashboard. Embarrassed, I opened the comparment and handed him his Ray Bans. I sighed. What was I thinking? Was I really desperate to wish that my friend would like me? Confused about my own intentions, I looked out the window, wishing that I watched my words more often.
"You know you really don't have to show me around town. You can just drop me off at my gram's house if you want." My words said one thing but my mind completely wished for another.
"It's fine," Joshua said. "Good evening, Ms. Cotwell. I will be assisting you around town. Now where to go, my dear Elle?" He grinned at me, the corners of his eyes wrinkling.
I blushed, catching myself staring at him again. "Um.. wherever you wish."
"Good choice."
