Eden’s POV:
I didn’t want to let go of Sterling’s hand. Instead, when he turned to me, I allowed myself to rest my forehead on his chest, taking deep breaths. I didn’t stop to think what he’d think about it. I didn’t stop to think Ashley and Lucas might see this.
I was just so exhausted and tired that I wanted nothing more than to just stay there, close to him because as much as I hate to admit it, it made me feel protected.
Sterling's POV:
She was just full of surprises tonight, wasn't she? Not that I was complaining… No, far from it. I was incredibly pleased with this surprise.
"It's okay… You're okay…" I murmured gently, though I wasn't entirely sure why she was doing this. I tentatively wrapped my free arm around her, holding onto her tightly.
Eden’s POV:
I sighed deeply, losing myself to the tight embrace. I knew I should pull away, but I didn’t want to. I knew it was dangerous, but I wanted to be stubborn. My heart hammered wildly in my chest and I welcomed the feeling. It was like I wanted to torture myself, having him so close but not knowing whether I wanted him or not.
Lucas and I usully never went to the haunted house. Whenever we came to the amusement park, we’d avoid it because Ashley feared them. I don’t think Lucas knew I did, too. That was one fear I wanted to conceal from him, because he always felt the need to protect me all the while making sure I could face the world on my own. I wasn’t sure why we decided the haunted house today, but I didn’t think I hated it. Not while I was this close to Sterling.
“Let’s go find Luke and Ashley,” I forced myself to speak, not wanting to be caught in that vulnerable position. Letting Sterling see me like this was one thing, but letting two of my most important people see me being weak was another.
Sterling's POV:
I didn't want to let her go. I didn't want her to leave me to overthink all of this. I just wanted to keep holding her, to pretend she was really mine for just a moment longer…
"Sure " I sighed as I let her go and pulled away, slightly disappointed, though I wouldn't let her know that.
Lucas’s POV:
“Do you think they made it out by now?” I inquired, looking over at Ashley, squeezing her hand tightly. We decided to go get ice- cream, and even got one for the other two. I wasn’t sure which flavor Sterling liked, so I hoped whatever we picked was satisfactory. Eden liked strawberry-vanilla ice-cream, so we got that one for her. Hopefully she’ll forgive us for ‘lying’ to her once we give her the ice-cream.
Ashley's POV:
I glanced up at Lucas from my ice cream and smiled. "Probably. I'm sure they'll be out soon, if they aren't already. The ice cream was a good idea, babe."
(Sorry for the really late reply! ): )
Lucas’s POV:
I shrugged.
“Hopefully the haunted house gave them a moment to work on their relationship,” I added. “Unless we failed and they realized what we wanted to do.”
(It's okay! I'm just glad you're here now!)
Ashley's POV:
I nodded in agreement before pausing. "Wait… What we wanted to do? I was rooting for them to get together… What did you want to happen?"
(Yas!)
Lucas’s POV:
I rolled my eyes.
“The same reason as you,” I pointed to my girlfriend. “I thought about what you said and observed Sterling before we made this plan. He seemed like someone who could take care of our Eden, so I guess… I’m in?”
(And then my wifi got turned off. Lol.)
Ashley's POV:
I grinned and leaned over to peck him on the lips. "Good. I'm glad you agree. I think this will be good for her, don't you?"
Lucas’s POV:
“I hope so,” I nodded. “Oh, there they are.”
Both Eden and Sterling stood off in the side, completely silent. It would have been normal for Eden had she not been standing there looking stiff.
(My fingers aren’t cooperating with me for some reason.)
(Oof, sorry. I was out with friends and then I had supper…)
Sterling's POV:
I saw Lucas and Ashley in the distance and raised an hand in greeting to them. It looked like they were eating ice cream…
"It looks like your brother and best friend ditched us for ice cream," I chuckled, pointing them out to Eden.
Eden’s POV:
I sighed, rubbing the back of my head. It wasn’t a surprise that they would—and honestly, I knew what the ice cream was for.
“Hey guys,” Lucas grinned as they reached us. He held out a vanilla-strawberry cone to me. I raised an eyebrow. “This one’s for you!”
I sighed again. I couldn’t refuse it, and I wasn’t really mad at them for ditching us. It was understandable.
(I realized I’m making Lucas a little bit out of character.)
(Lol. Well, he's your character…
Also, I was on my way to North Dakota, which is why I'm so late…)
Sterling's POV:
"So… How's the ice cream?" I asked, shoving my hands in my front pockets. I wasn't surprised if they didn't buy me a cone; they didn't exactly know me very well. Plus, I could just buy one myself. They didn't need to buy one for me.
(It’s okay~)
Lucas’s POV:
“Oh, we got one for you, too,” I looked at Ashley, who passed Sterling’s ice-cream to him. “We didn’t know which flavor you liked, so we settled for this.”
Sterling's POV:
I raised my eyebrows as I took the cone. "Oh. Thanks, guys. You really didn't have to do that," I said before tasting it. Mm… Cookie dough… "This is actually my favorite."
Lucas’s POV:
I raised an eyebrow.
“Really? Well, lucky us,” I shrugged before looking over at Eden. “You guys want to do something else? We could go on a rollercoaster, or just roam around. We’ve got some time to kill.”
Sterling's POV:
I shrugged. "Doesn't matter much to me. Roller coaster sounds fun, though."
Eden’s POV:
I felt like an annoying child. I’d been to the amusement park a thousand of times and never failed to take part in a ride. I enjoyed the thrill, the sharp intake of breath and the sudden decrease in oxygen every time the ride went up and down. I felt free every time the wild blew heavily in my face. This time, I didn’t feel like riding anything. Why had I agreed to come along? I felt so conflicted. I missed the days I didn’t feel miserable about my feelings. I missed the days I was mostly by myself because there was so sudden longing of the unknown. I missed being the one Lee and Luke talked to when they were stressed out, not being the one going to them when I was in distress.
“I’m going for a walk,” I said instead, taking a small bite out of my ice-cream. I knew it would dampen their mood if I stepped back, but I didn’t know what else I should do. It was better that they enjoyed by themselves without having to constantly worry about what I’d like.
I sneaked a glance at Sterling.
Especially him. I promised Ashley I’d give him a chance. I wanted to, but the longing burns me. The ache just keeps getting stronger and I’m not sure I deserve someone like him. I’m not sure if I can survive this. Not when all I want to do is cling to him for the rest of my life while the other part of me pulls me away because I’m not enough to make him happy.
“I’m not up for any rides. You guys go on ahead. Don’t worry, though, I’ll meet you when it’s time.”
(Oh. Oof. Wow…)
Sterling’s POV:
She didn’t want to come with? What about earlier? I thought we were getting somewhere…
“Are you sure?” I asked gently, giving her a worried look. “Maybe I could come with you…”
Eden’s POV:
I pursed my lips, standing on my toes before setting my feet back on the floor. I hated it when he looked at me like that.
I gave him a small smile regardless of what I wanted to do.
“It’s okay,” I said to him gently. “I’ll finish my ice-cream, use the restroom, and meet up with you guys in a while. I won’t take long.”
I felt Lucas burning holes my face but I ignored him. Sooner or later, he’d realize it. I wasn’t observant, but he was. A trait he had dominated while I let mine weaken.
Sterling’s POV:
My eyes searched her face as she spoke, looking for anything that would tell me otherwise. Her eyes betrayed her. I could see something behind them that wasn’t just a lunging to be alone. But I wouldn’t press her for the truth. She’d talk when she was ready.
“All right… If you’re sure,” I said softly as I nodded my head a bit. “Meet you back here?”
Eden’s PPV:
I was finally able to breathe when I walked away. My heartbeat steadied and I took deep breaths to calm myself down.
I still remembered the way he held me tight as if he was afraid I’d disappear if he let go. The thought made my heart flutter. I shouldn’t keep doing this to him. Giving him hope and then taking it away. Giving myself hope and then snatching it away like a thief. There were still two weeks left. Fourteen days. Or maybe even less than that? I wasn’t sure anymore.
It hadn’t even been a minute and I was already longing to be in his presence.
Sterling’s POV:
I watched as she walked away, unable to tear my eyes from her retreating form until she was swept up by the crowd and I lost sight of her. I should really stop hoping for her so much. At the rate things were going, it didn’t seem like I was going to succeed in my venture.
My thoughts were interrupted by a gentle hand on my shoulder, and I turned around to see Ashley giving me a soft smile. “Just give her some time.”