Lucas’s POV:
I sighed, nodding in encouragement.
“I’m not going to give you a lot of information because she’s my sister,” I said to Sterling sternly (and yes, I said that on purpose). “Anyway, Ashley’s right. Give her some time. She’s just trying to come terms with what she’s feeling. She’ll come around, but she just needs some space.”
I had a feeling why she was being like this. I guess it was because I was her twin. We grew in the same closed space for nine months. I knew her better than anyone, even at times I felt like she was covered in mystery. Eden tried resolving everything with her fists. She fought fire with fire. This wasn’t something that required her to use her fierce nature. It wasn’t something she could kick and be done with. It was something that she needed to resolve using her brain and her heart. It was an inner struggle.
I desperately hoped she knew which path she should take. I wish she wouldn’t choose the wrong path.
In short, I wish she chooses Sterling, because even though I wouldn’t admit it out loud, every time that boy looked at her, it was like he was seeing something extremely precious. He treated her like a normal girl, not like someone who could handle carrying her own weight. Sterling was, I guess, good for her.
I only hope she realizes it before time’s up.
Ashley’s POV:
I saw the way Sterling looked at her just as much as Lucas did. He honestly looked sad to see her go, but he covered his longing well. Like Lucas, I sincerely hoped that Eden would choose Sterling.
“So, which ride should we go on first?” I asked, easily changing the subject.
Sterling’s gaze came back to us, a smile flitting in his lips. “The tallest one here. If you’re okay with that, of course.”
I shrugged, glancing at Lucas. “It’s fine with me.” Tall rides I was fine with. It was the dark I wasn’t too fond of.
Eden’s POV:
Ten minutes later, with my ice cream finished and mind cleared, I decided to find my group again.
Walking slowly and looking around, I managed to catch sight of my brother’s hair. They seemed to be happy enough, and although a pang of hurt went through my heart, I also felt a little glad that they could have fun without me.
I slowly walked over to them, my fingers crossed behind my back. I kept my gaze on Lucas, knowing I wouldn’t crack if I looked at him. Sterling was a different problem. I always ended up showing vulnerability.
(Agh, sorry. I was told to put my phone away…)
Sterling’s POV:
I chuckled at something the other two had said and glanced around. My smile widened when I caught sight of Eden, and I raised my hand in greeting.
“Welcome back, Miss Stray! How was your walk?” I called teasingly.
Eden’s POV:
I forced myself not to grin at Sterling’s teasing comment. It was hard, but I managed a small smile instead.
“It was pleasant,” I replied smoothly, smiling as I continued walking towards them. When Sterling shifted, however, I caught sight of something I wish I didn’t. I froze entirely, as I always did whenever we crossed paths.
He had dyed his hair and changed his hairstyle, but I never failed to recognize him. That smile on his face, the lone dimple on his cheeks—I could recognize it anywhere. I could feel blood pumping in my ears, my heart hammering wildly in my chest.
Even after so long, this heart of mine never failed to beat for him.
This time, however, I noticed something different.
It beat in rage.
“Eden?” Lucas raised his eyebrows, turning around and finally realized why I’d stopped. He turned towards me fiercely. “Let’s go. We can go to dinner quickly. It’s better that way, right? We can simply drive.”
(Also, it’s okay! Totally understandable.)
Sterling’s POV:
The tension in the air appeared suddenly as the others saw something and moved closer to Eden, as if they were shielding her from it. I glanced around, not seeing anything besides the rest of the people at the amusement park. It must have been one of them the others were so protective from.
“That sounds fine to me. I know of a good place to eat, if any of you are interested,” I suggested, keeping a careful eye on Eden as I gauged her reactions.
Eden’s POV:
I gritted my teeth as Lucas and Ashley stood in front of me, as if they were trying to form a barrier. I didn’t need protection. I didn’t, not from him.
Still, I smiled tightly, pretending nothing was wrong.
“Right,” I nodded, turning around to walk away when his cool voice reached my ears.
“Oh, Eden, what a pleasant surprise!” My name rolled off of his tongue smoothly. I turned around slowly, finding my expression hardening. I didn’t want to see him, but it seemed like I couldn’t avoid it. He was smiling brightly like he hadn’t broken me into pieces. What hurt more than ever was the girl clinging on his arm. He’d gotten over me so fast. Then I remembered he’d never fallen for me in the first place.
I sighed, staring at Aaron a little before I turned my attention to my twin.
“Let’s go,” I said to him briskly, turned around first.
Sterling’s POV:
Oh, so that’s what this was all about. I remembered seeing those two together sometimes. This must be Eden’s ex. I couldn’t recall why they stopped seeing each other, but if the look on Eden’s face and the stance of her twin and best friend was any indication, then it must not have been good.
“I think that’s a great idea. Why don’t you guys go ahead, though. I’ll just be right behind you,” I said, taking a small step closer to Eden.
Eden’s POV:
I narrowed my eyes at Sterling as he stepped closer to me a little. I didn’t know why he wanted to stay behind, but no good reasons came to mind. My thoughts flickered to Aaron, and I immediately dismissed the thought. Why would Sterling have anything to say to him?
I didn’t want to leave him behind, but the look on his face made me think otherwise.
“All right,” I said softly. “We’ll wait for you. Don’t take too long.”
Sterling’s POV:
I nodded and gave her a quick smile before turning to face Eden’s ex. Making my way toward him, I raised my hand in a friendly greeting. Let’s see if we can’t do this the easy way…
“Hey, man! You an old friend of Eden’s?” I asked as I approached him.
Eden’s POV:
I kept looking back at Sterling as I walked away, my eyebrows furrowed. What did he need to say to Aaron? Lucas suddenly stopped from beside me and cleared his throat.
“I uh… I need to use the restroom,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, shifting from his right foot to his left. “You both hurry to the car. Here, the keys.”
I raised an eyebrow but said nothing. I was more curious as to why Sterling stayed back.
Nevertheless, it wasn’t any of my business. It might be one of the people he knows. I nodded at Lucas and turned around to walk away.
Third Person’s POV:
Aaron raised an eyebrow, the polite smile still consistent on his face. It seemed to be mocking Sterling.
“No,” he replied smoothly. “She didn’t tell you?”
Sterling’s POV:
Keep your cool, keep your cool…
“No. What didn’t she tell me?” I asked, feigning curiosity. I was sure I knew, but… I wanted to get to the bottom of this…
Third Person’s POV:
Aaron raised an eyebrow, the smile on his face twisting into a smirk.
“Ah, of course she wouldn’t tell you,” he shook his head slowly, chuckling. “She wouldn’t want to embarrass herself. Listen, a piece of advice; that girl thinks she’s better than anyone. With her, you’ll only feel inferior. It’s not fun at all, so there’s no point in trying to pursue her.”
Sterling’s POV:
“That’s not how she is,” I couldn’t help but say, my jaw clenching a bit. “Maybe you just didn’t see her for who she really is.”
(Aw, Sterling!)
Third Person’s POV:
“Me? Ah, surprising you’d say that,” Aaron sighed loudly, running his fingers through his hair. “I guess you don’t know her as much as I did. She’s no fun. You’ll only get bored. Once you knock down her walls, you’ll realize she’s really a coward.”
He locked eyes with Sterling, pulling a knowing smile.
“This is merely an advice from a friend to a friend. It’s best you set your eyes on someone else.”
(He really, really likes her.)
Sterling’s POV:
I clenched my fists, my nostrils flaring a bit. “Not gonna happen. I like her, and I know that’s not who she is.” And even if she is scared underneath her fire, that’s okay.
Third Person’s POV:
Aaron shrugged as best as he could with the girl clinging to his arm like glue. She glared at Sterling, hoping he’d go away.
“Oh, well, I tried warning you,” Aaron said dismissively. “When you realize it for yourself, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Let’s go, Sherry.”
Sterling’s POV:
“Sure. Later,” I muttered, turning around and heading towards the group.
I sighed. I really needed to clear my mind. Maybe hanging out with the others would do it.
Lucas’s POV:
I’ve never been in a fight. In all the eighteen years of my life, I’ve never been violen with another living being. Today, however, I desperately wished to kill that worm. I held myself back, of course, because I wanted to see how Sterling would react.
It was good. He was good.
I walked up to Sterling with a sad smile on my face.
“When they got together, Eden was really happy,” I said, falling into step with him. “It’s really easy to tell when she’s happy. Although she tries to keep her face blank, it’s her eyes that give away everything. She never stopped talking about him. He was her first boyfriend, after all.” I clenched my fists, taking a deep breath. “When he left her, she became far more reserved than she was before. She changed, a lot, and for the worse. Anyway, I have a feeling why he left her, but I’m not sure because Eden stopped confiding in me. Although it makes me bitter, I hope she confides in you.”
I didn’t wait for him to reply. Instead, I walked faster, taking long steps. Eden and Ashley were near the car, Eden sitting on its hood while Ashley sat inside the driver’s seat with the door opened.
Sterling’s POV:
Oh… Poor Eden… I was sure she wouldn’t appreciate the thought, though.
Ashley’s POV:
I raised my eyebrow as I saw Lucas heading back. What had he been doing, really?
“Hey, babe. How was it?” I asked as he approached.
Lucas’s POV:
I gave Ashley a shrug.
“I wish I could ruin his life,” I said to her softly, quietly so Eden wouldn’t hear. “At time’s like this, I can be sure we’re twins. At that moment, I wanted to do nothing more than to punch him. I didn’t, though. Sterling stood his ground, I guess. He really likes Eden.”
Eden’s POV:
I looked up to meet Sterling’s eyes before disappointment took over me. It wasn’t directed at Sterling, though. It was at myself. I was disappointed because I practically ran away. I was disappointed because I didn’t listen to my aching fists.
My heart had calmed down at this point, but I didn’t care. I hopped off of the car, dusting the non-existent dust off of my clothes.
“I’ll ride with Sterling,” I said, my voice loud, turning my attention to my twin, who was talking to Ashley. Upon hearing me, he looked at me with a raised eyebrow. I didn’t have to pay attention to know he was fighting off a suggestive smile. “I’d rather not stay in the car with you both. You flirt like there’s no tomorrow. It makes me sick.”
Sterling’s POV:
I couldn’t help the smile that grew on my lips when Eden said she would ride with me. Even if she was just riding with me to get away from the other two. Ashley looked sheepish, like she knew her best friend’s words were true.
“That’s fine with me. I’m just over here,” I said, nodding my head in the direction of my car.
Eden’s POV:
I nodded at my best friend and brother before turning my attention towards Sterling. I felt proud of myself at that moment, although I didn’t understand why such a little thing like this made me feel both happy and nervous at the same time.
In reality, I hadn’t said this to get away from the couple I was third wheeling. Technically, it was true, but I also wanted to tag along with Sterling. I knew I didn’t deserve him, but sometimes I couldn’t help myself. I knew I wasn’t in love; I wanted to be closer to him. It was a different feeling.
I followed Sterling to his car, trying to match his pace. His long legs gave him an advantage, but I managed to walk alongside him. I figured it was because he noticed and slowed down, but it didn’t matter.
“What did you say to him?” I finally asked Sterling, looking at him with an eyebrow raised.
Sterling’s POV:
I blinked and glanced over at her. “Say to who?” I asked, feigning oblivion.
