when loving lies // h.s

chapter 3

I had my fingers and toes crossed as I entered the chilled grocery store, hoping I wouldn't see anyone I knew. My mother had sent me in to pick up the cake she had ordered for tonight's dinner. I sighed in relief when the store was empty, other than workers buzzing around and restocking. The bakery was close to closing before I sprinted up to the small counter.

"How may I help you miss?" the young man behind the counter questioned, in a mockingly cheerful way might I add. I showed him a smile before answering his question.

"Umm, do you have a cake for Sandra Tucker?" I replied with a shy smile and he made his way to the cooler. He rushed out of the back, a cake box in hand. I smiled in relief before I took it.

"Thank you so much!" I called, making my way down the aisle towards to front of the store.

The cake my mom had picked out was white with almond slices, along with light pink, edible flowers, all screaming Sandra Lynn Tucker.

As I placed the cake box on the checkout counter, the cool outside air flooded through the automatic doors. I looked up from the counter, my eyes being met with a boy, tall in stature, his grey hoodie pulling over his head, some hazelnut wisps of hair sticking out. I immediately looked down for just the thought of someone from school seeing me in this hot mess of a dress made me cringe.

Unfortunately for me, I was unable to see the boys face as he disappeared into the store. I remained with my eyes faced down as I paid the elderly lady behind the counter.

"Thank you for shopping with us, come and see us again soon," she exclaimed with a smile.

"Will do, thank you," I simply replied as quiet as possible. I scurried out to the car, the cold wind slicing my bare legs, I slipped into the car with a sigh.

"Did you get it?" my mom questioned. What did she think? I just went and got an empty cake box and that's all? I would never actually say it but my god, did the woman think i was stupid?

"Yes," I simply huffed, handing over the white box.

"Amelia!" she exclaimed, causing me to jump.

"What?!" I called back, fear causing me to shout.

"You've stuck one of the flowers to the top and now you've ruined the cake," she scoffed, showing me the mess on the top.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize," I apologized, nibbling on my bottom lip in angst.

"My god child, have I taught you nothing in the past seventeen years. After all the parties i've hosted, i've raised you to not tilt the box full of cake!" she rolled her eyes, trying desperately to fix the mess.

"It's not even bad, just stick it back in," I explained, leaning over the seat the help. My hand was smacked away as she fixed it herself. I gritted my teeth hard, chewing on words i'd like to use on her.

"We're going to be late," my dad sighed once more, putting the car in reverse, backing out of the parking space. I sat back in my seat, not saying a word the whole ride.

...

The James's house was oddly large for the neighborhood. Tall roof, large windows, and an enormous yard. I was in utter amazement at the outside, I could only imagine the inside.

As we walked up the long walkway to the large oak door, a lady came out to the front yard, waving at us. I showed her a smile as we approached her.

"I'm so glad you guys are here Sandra, come in, will you?" my eyes widened at the language barrier between us. Much more proper than my own.

"Thank you for having us! Oh, this is my daughter, Amelia," my mother smiled, matching her tone to the lady in front of me.

"Oh heavens, she's quite a lovely one, isn't she?" she smiled, touching my forearm. We followed her inside and not much to my surprise, it was even more beautiful on the inside. The floors were marble, the ceilings high with hanging chandeliers, and a beautiful staircase, leading to more of this paradise of a home, I assumed.

The lady whose name I had yet to learn led us through the house to the dining room. I gazed upon the long, dark wooden table, filled with food. At least this place was better than therapy. A man with pepper colored hair stood from the table and shook my dad's hand.

"Good afternoon Rocky, how are you?" he politely questioned, I zoned out as they engaged in conversation. We were told to sit and that's what I did, sat and ate, waiting for when we could leave. My mother and father were involved in their own conversations as I sat in silence, shoveling peas into my mouth.

My plate was empty in not too long, leaving me to sit awkwardly as I waited on my parents. As far as I was concerned I was there for dinner and that was all.

I sat waiting, waiting, and waiting. Suddenly, the slamming of the front door echoed through the house. I shuttered at the loud noise, finding myself growing anxious.

"Were in here, love!" the woman called, forking her last piece of chicken into her mouth. The room was quiet for a few seconds as we awaited to see the source of the ruckus.To my surprise, now leaning against the door frame was the boy in the grey hoodie with beautiful hair from the grocery store.

"Well, who is the handsome thing?" my mom called with a smile, I was still too humiliated to speak.

"Come and greet the new guests!" she called as he tried to escape, just like I had wanted to. A huff left his lips as he turned to face us once more.

"I'm Harry, here's your sauce mum," he stated, turned, and walked away. I was in awe, his deep voice had a strong British accent. I had since noticed so did his mother's.

"I'm sorry about him, he's not the most social fellow," she sighed, wiping her mouth with a cloth napkin.

(Hey guys !!!:) love you all xx)