Closer - A Connections Sequel [Ongoing]

Four

Sommer P.O.V.

Ignoring a stupid text from Xav, I proceeded to hop in my cute VW hatchback and headed to the store. Four long years I've known Xavier, and he's been the biggest pain in my butt still, to this very day.

He told me he loved me once.

It happened a year and a half ago.

I completely froze in fear at his admission. I didn't understand how he could- it was crazy because we drove each other nuts. I always thought he was a teeny bit too young for me- we had a two year age difference, which wasn't much, but it had mostly to do with his maturity level. I think he needed more time to grow. So I told him, honestly, that I cared alot about him, but only as a friend. I think I broke his heart a little. He didn't speak much to me for a month, and I was scared that I had lost his friendship- though it may not seem like it, I did value him.

Another month passed, then all of a sudden- all was fine, and he was back to his annoying self. I could admit as the years passed... he grew attractive. He seemed to transition into a man, and not the silly 18-year old teenager I first met.

So many fans shipped us together. So. Many. It was because Xavier had this long-running joke where he would flirt and ask me out constantly, and now it's stuck and become a thing. The fans loved it. I went along with it sometimes, it was fun to play around and give them what they wanted. But the thing is, in this world, and in this place, you have to keep reality seperate from fantasy. Half the things on media and entertainment aren't true. That was always in the back of my mind.

I grabbed a bunch of sunflowers, a dozen Krispy kreme donuts before driving over to Valerie and Carter's. Apparently there was a serious situation at hand involving Ell.

Code: boy troubles.

I swung by Jess'and Alexys' on my way over before finally making it to the loved up couple's cute two-story home. It was a quaint little building with character and wasn't too lavish.

"I wonder what's happened?" Jess murmured quietly as we waited for the door to open.

"Yeah, Valerie sounded pretty shaken." Alexys agreed.

"Must be Kean. Ugh, boys. I'm so glad I'm currently happy with my girlfriend." Jess sighed.

"Yeah yeah, ever since you've come out as bi, you don't need to rub it in our faces how you've already landed someone." Alexys huffed. "Single life forever." She posed with the peace sign and a ridiculous side pout.

We cracked up laughing at her twelvie-like pose. Finally, the door swung open to reveal Valerie in a tank and sweats. She had always been a unique beauty with those curiously-coloured blue-grey eyes and dark long hair. Almost exotic. "Come on in girls," she smiled, giving each one of us a welcome hug as we stepped inside.

Rounding the corner from their little foyer area, we were met with the sight of a living room taken over by numerous pillows and blankets. Ell looked thinner than usual as she was sprawled out across the mess on the floor, her head deep into a book. She had one of Calerie's merch hoodies on, and her hair tied up into a messy bun. I slid off my shoes and popped them to the side before climbing into her little nest.

"Hey Ell," I smiled, handing her the flowers.

"Sommer!" She exclaimed, taking them from me. "Thank you for these. You guys are too good to me."

"You're welcome, I also got donuts." I said, popping the box on the table.

She smiled softly, but the expression didn't reach her eyes. They didn't crinkle at the corners, and twinkle like they usually did when she was genuinely happy. "Thankyou, I appreciate it."