Flame of Hope

Chapter Four: Sad Backstory

I was abruptly brought out of my amazing dream featuring Zac Effron working out with me watching happily from the sidelines when I heard a door slam shut. "Wow, I can't believe she's still asleep," I vaguely heard Justin say as I desperately tried to go back to sleep. I wanted to watch Zac finish his push-ups.

I heard a smack. "Well, I doubt she is now, what with all the noise you're making," someone whisper-yelled. It sounded like Tiffany.

"Are you sure we shouldn't wake her up? It's almost nine thirty." That one sounded like Brooke.

I tried harder to go back to sleep, but gave up when someone else answered Brooke's question. "No, let her sleep a little longer, she had a big day yesterday," Aiden said. Jeez, was everyone in here watching me sleep?

A few more moments passed and I stayed still, hoping that I would get one last chance to fall asleep. That hope died when I heard Caden speak.

"Is it just me, or does anyone else think that it would be fun to pour water on her?" Caden said. It took me a second to actually realize that it was Caden who said it and not Justin.

I heard someone smack him then a minute later, "I think it would be fun," Justin replied. My ears perked up and I immediately became alert.

"Dude, I wouldn't, you don't want to face her wrath. This is coming from experience," Aiden said, warning Justin.

I could feel the presence of someone behind me move closer to the bed. "Oh, what harm could little ol' Livi do to me?"

I could feel him take a step closer. "Justin, you take a step closer and you won't live to watch your fiancee walk down the aisle," I threatened him and rolled over so that I was facing him and everyone else.

Justin froze like a deer caught in the headlights. I raised one eyebrow, daring him to make his move. He stood there for a moment thinking over what to do then sighed in defeat. "Fine, guess I won't do it this time. I don't have the energy to run from you at the moment," he said and sat back down.

I chuckled and shook my head. This was coming from the guy who was the star of the football team back in high school. I rubbed my eyes and sat up in bed. "How long were you guys watching me sleep?" I asked curiously.

Aiden got up and strode towards me. "All night long," he said and winked at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Just because Edward Cullen does it, doesn't mean it's romantic. It's creepy," I told him.

"Not if it's someone you love," Aiden whispered and kissed my cheek.

"Okkaaay, do we need to give you guys the room so you can have some privacy?" Tiffany teased, interrupting our moment.

My cheeks turned a light shade of pink in embarrassment. "No," I said while at the same time Aiden said, "yes." I turned to him and lightly smacked his chest. "No, we don't," I clarified.

"Are you sure, cause I heard a 'yes' in there somewhere," Caden teased, winking in our direction.

I glared at him. "How is it that in the span of four years you have managed to inherit the personality traits really similar to that of Justin's and Aiden's?"

"Is there something wrong with our character traits?" Aiden asked me, smiling.

"No, but I liked his quiet and humble personality. It was refreshing to know that not every male had an ego the size of a whale," I explained.

Justin laughed. "Why a whale?"

I shook my head. "That's not the point, I just liked that he was . . . well, humble and modest," I explained.