Between Two

Chapter 11

"Welcome to my house..." I stepped out of Chris' car as he held the door open for me, eyeing his house while holding the bag of food in his other hand.

It was a small, Spanish style craftsman house. There was nothing wrong with it, it just seemed cozy, something a family like his fit. Chris looked embarrassed, his cheeks flaming a bright red as he led me up to the front door.

"Be careful of that step..." He pulled me to the side, his cheeks deepening in color at the cracked step that looked like it was about to fall apart.

He opened the door for me, grimacing while it squeaked, "You know you don't have to be embarrassed, Chris. Your house is cute." He only clenched his jaw, the embarrassment not leaving his features.

I stepped in, admiring the pictures that were up and smiled seeing one of a younger Chris, "Aww, you were so cute." He rolled his eyes, calling for his mom.

My eyes slightly widened as a woman with short, brown hair quickly walked into the living room from down the hall, holding a little girl's hand. That's obviously his sister.

"Oh, you have a girl... friend?" Chris shook his head, walking up to her.

"Just a friend." He muttered, gently taking his little sister's hand.

I admired the little girl, noting their differences. She had blonde hair, but the same tranquil hazel eyes.

"Well, it's nice to meet you..." She held her hand out towards me and I walked closer to her, moving to shake her hand.

"Aviana." She smiled, shaking my hand firmly.

"I'm Bianca, Christopher's mom." He groaned, covering his face while I raised an eyebrow at him.

"I can't stay long and talk, but come over for dinner sometime." She patted my arm then kissed Chris' cheek before quickly walking out.

"So... Christopher..." He didn't say anything, shoving his little sister towards me.

"This is Grace... Gracie." She looked up at me with expressive doe eyes, curiosity on her features.

"Hi, Gracie." She didn't say anything, moving closer to Chris.

"She doesn't really talk, she's shy." I nodded, staring down at the little girl as she offered me a small smile.

"She's smart though..." He motioned for me to follow him into the kitchen, Gracie quietly trailing behind me.

Chris started pulling food out of the bag, setting it on the kitchen counter before turning towards Gracie.

"Gracie, I got you a cupcake." I admired him fondly, watching as he lifted her up and placed her on the counter causing her to giggle; she was adorable.

He handed her the cupcake and she happily grabbed it, murmuring a quiet thank you. Chris pointed towards my food, nudging me in the side, "Gracie is really smart, but she has an adorable lisp." Gracie uncomfortably moved, licking the frosting off the cupcake.

"That's cute, I remember you had a lisp too." He glared at me and Gracie smiled, motioning me towards her.

Chris checked his phone, laughing a bit before texting the person back, "Jonah is coming over." Gracie's eyes widened, turning towards me.

"Do you know Jonah?" She asked adorably, and I nodded while Chris paused, tilting his head to the side as he studied Gracie.

"Can you help me down?" I shrugged, grabbing her by the hips before putting her down onto the floor.

"Gracie has a little crush on Jonah." She narrowed her eyes at him then proceeded to take a large bite of the cupcake.

Chris got a mischievous glint in his eyes then out of nowhere he picked up Gracie, throwing her over his shoulder causing her to squeal and drop the cupcake. I caught it, setting it down on the counter then moved to wash the frosting off my hands. She yelled my name as he ran into the living room, her loud laughter filling my ears. I followed after them, not being able to contain my smile as he dropped her onto the couch, proceeding to tickle her.

She yelled my name again and I went to pull Chris away but instead, he turned towards me while Gracie giggled, quickly moving off the couch.

"Chris, don't you d-" He moved to tickle my sides and I squirmed, covering my mouth to keep from laughing.

He pushed me down onto the couch, tickling my sides as I gasped for breath, I noticed Gracie had joined in on torturing me too. I shoved at his arms, feeling tears form in my eyes from how hard I was laughing.

"Stop, Stop, you're going to make me pee!" He pulled away, a triumphant smile on his face while I tried controlling my breathing.

Gracie flung herself onto me, wrapping her arms around my waist while giggling. Chris just stared in astonishment, then walked away when there was a loud knock on the door.

I sat up along with Gracie, brushing away wayward strands of hair that were in her face. Jonah yelled Gracie's name and she jumped off me, immediately running up to him. He picked her up, planting kisses across her face. Chris smiled, walking back over to me.

"Told you she has a little crush." Jonah walked over to us, still holding onto Gracie.

"There's that candy shop around the corner and I was wondering if you wanted to get some with Gracie." Chris nodded, slightly glancing my way before taking the money Jonah had handed him.

"Alright, Gracie and I'll be back then. You two, not in the house." Chris winked and I rolled my eyes while Jonah laughed, plopping on the couch next to me.

"Fine, we'll do it in the pool." I sighed, shaking my head at him.

"I don't have a pool." Jonah only shrugged, wrapping his arm around me.

"We'll be creative." I made a face and Gracie furrowed her eyebrows.

"You guys are gross." I said, causing them both to laugh, Chris grabbed Gracie's hand and pulled her after him towards the door.

"We'll be back in a bit." Right as he left, Jonah turned towards me.

"So, let's start getting to know each other."