🌹 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 🌹| 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘞𝘰𝘰𝘥

🌹 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥 🌹

F L A S H B A C K

Chris grumbled as he saw Evelyn holding hands with Steven. They were all at the pool to enjoy the last week of summer. After this they'd all start their first year of high school. Except Dana and Ben.

They'd be sophomores, and celebrating an anniversary. Chris had liked Evelyn for a while now, he just hasn't told her. What no one knew- not even Evelyn herself- was that she liked him as well.

She ignored whatever feelings were there and went out with Steven. He was dreadfully boring to Chris. But he was a little biased since Steven was dating the girl that he liked.

"Hey guys." Steven waved with a small smile.

"Hey Steven." They all said, not really paying attention. They were currently watching a kid try his absolute hardest to hold his breath for ten seconds under water.

Chris had his eyes locked on Evelyns hand interlocked with Stevens tho. As Ramona made a bet with Ben on the kid, Chris stormed away to the bathroom.

Evelyn laid a head on Stevens shoulder. In her head she wondered why Chris looked to upset.

N O W

Evelyn walked into her apartment to see Chris, Lily, and Augie, along with his boyfriend Shawn. Lily was watching tv with the boys and Chris was trying to nap on the couch.

"You people don't live here." Evelyn said in a grumpy mood.

"We know."

"Do you not have lives." Evelyn plopped on the couch so Chris' feet went on her lap.

"Jeez who put the stick up your butt?" Augie asked.

"Orin." Evelyn said with disgust in her voice.

"Ooh." Augie, Lily and Shawn said at the same time.

"Who's Orin?" Chris asked, trying to sound like he didn't care.

"Another one of Ramona's co-workers. I swear to God if I go on a date with another guy who talks about only his interests and then insults how many drinks I have because he's dreadfully boring- I'm going to kill somebody." She laid back on the couch.

Chris made a silent groaning sound as he turned his head and closed his eyes. Shawn looked to him and slowly turned back to the tv.

"That sucks Lyn." Lily said. "I thought Ramona was going to find you the 'love of your life'."

Chris squeezed his eyes. "Some of us are trying to sleep."

"She did." They all ignored him. "I'm serious, one more bad date and I'm done."

Chris slightly turned his head at this. Shawn noticed again, yet said nothing.

Evelyn retired to her room, Chris fell asleep on the couch. Eventually Lily went home, as well as Shawn and Augie.

The next day, Chris went out real early for a string of auditions. As to avoid Evelyn, who had yet another date.

When she arrived at the breakfast place she sat down and sighed. Already hating whoever was going to arrive.

A handsome man came through the door, she noticed him and turned her head to the side slightly. He made eye contact with her and smiled. She widened her eyes as he walked up.

"Evelyn?" He asked.

"Mateo?" She smiled slightly.

Mr Santiago was the new history teacher as Ramona's job. She noticed how cute and dorky he was and figured he'd be perfect for Evelyn. Also figured Chris would be jealous enough to finally do something. She needed those two to realize how stupid they were being. All these dates might push Evelyn into Chris' arms.

"It's so great to meet you- may I just say you're way prettier than how Ramona describes you." He said with a shy look about him.

She laughed lightly, "Why thank you. You're also very pretty." She joked- although it was true. Mateo was a handsome man.

The two sat and began to talk about their lives. She loved that he didn't ask anything about her career. Besides how she fell in love with acting. Talking about it all the time tired her. Instead they talked about future hopes, favorite foods and colors, and made fun of passing people. One of her favorite things to do.

When they finished eating they realized they'd been there a while. Neither one wanted the night to end, so Evelyn led him to the park.

"Beautiful night." He looked up at the stars, as nighttime had fallen.

"It is. Parks at night are so nice aren't they?" She said as she walked.

"Especially with you here." He said as he grabbed her hand and twirled her around. "Corny but cute right?"

"I won't lie- it did work." She put her thumb and finger close together. "Maybe just a little."

The two laughed as they sat on the swings. They both looked back at the stars, their hands barely touching.

Evelyn looked to her watch, "It's getting a little late for a school teacher."

Mateo also looked to his watch, "Unfortunately yes it is. Any chance I can see you again?"

"I'm free, tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday." She said as she looked up in thought.

"Do I have to choose just one of those days?" He smiled.

"Not in the slightest." She shook her head and the two leaned closer. He kissed her lightly, pulling back after just a shirt while.

"Then I will see you tomorrow." He smiled.

**

Back at home, Evelyn smiled and looked off as she took off her shoes and jacket. Not really paying attention to where she threw her things. She put her hands to her cheeks giddily, and walked to the kitchen.

"Jesus! The hell are you doing?" She exclaimed when she saw Chris sitting on the counter with ice cream.

"Sorry." His mouth was muffled. "How was your thing?"

"Really really good." She tried to hide a small smile and all the fear a couple seconds ago faded away as she remembered her date with Mateo.

"That's great." He smiled tightly.

"I'm off to bed." She smiled widely at him. "Goodnight."

"Night." He kept that smile at her, then immediately dropped it when she left. Even though when she smiled, his heart did a little backflip.

He sighed and got off the counter, pulling out his phone and dialing the number he swore he'd never call again.

After a few rings, "Hello?"

"Daisy. Hey. What are you doing right now?"

*+*