Cole's POV

I watched as Shawn drove out of the driveway and onto the street. It touched me how he was in love, really did.

I smirked, little Shawn is growing up. What's strange though is he's the youngest brother and I'm learning from him. He should be learning from me, but instead the I'm learning from my two minute younger brother. Strange right.

I looked back at Tori and Suzie, "Wanna have a Nerf war?"

"Oh your on!" Tori yelled.

Suzie smiled, "I'm gonna kick both of your butts."

I laughed, "Last one to my room gets the small gun."

I raced up the stairs but Tori came from behind and tripped me, Suzie ran past me and they both reached my room as I was slowly getting up.

"Cheater." I grumbled. That was so unfair.

Tori laughed, "If you can't handle my racing, then you definitely can't handle my Nerf."

I smirked, "I can handle your Nerf."

"Enough talk! Let's play." Suzie smiled and I chuckled walking to my closet. I grabbed a blue bin that I had and inside were hundreds of foam darts, with the guns and vests. I even had safety glasses so no one would gets hit in the eye. And let me just add, it hurts getting hit in the eye. When I was done passing everything out, we all headed to the backyard.

"We'll play one on one," I said, "We don't have enough players for teams."

Tori and Suzie nodded and we went our separate ways. We had put a little oven timer on the porch so we had a minute of truce. But when that timer rang, it was sudden death.

Shawn's POV

I was looking around for a nice spot to picnic at and that's when I found it. It was right under the small willow tree and we had a perfect view of the lake. It was just far enough from the park so we could only hear the children playing. I set up the blanket and put the basket down in the middle. Then I kind of just layed on my side and watched the ducks and geese.

The small wind rocked the tree in a peaceful manner. And the children playing in the distance set a nice scenery too. But the view of the lake was nothing that could be topped. The way you could see the reflection of trees and clouds on the surface. Or the little ripples the yellow ducks made, or the slightly larger ones the geese make. I even saw a swan out in the water. Rubbing its head on its white feathery side. I smiled to myself because I really need to thank Tori for this idea.

When I was younger mom and dad would bring my brothers and me here. We'd feel the ducks together, throwing bread out at them and watching them eat it. I remember having a birthday party here, under the small tarp where there are tables. But when dad died the only time we came here was if someone had a party, or someone had invited us. Truth be told, I missed coming here. It was always peaceful and quiet. The only sounds are the small shouts of laughter of the children, or the raspy quacks of the ducks. Maybe a few honks here and there from the geese, and a small cry if a child has fallen off the slide. But other than that, everything was peaceful.

"Shawn?" It was a quiet vocie. I almost couldn't hear it with my thoughts going in motion. I turned my head and there stood Emily.

"Hey Em," I said smiling at her.

She gladly smiled back and took a seat beside me. She was wearing a red see through shirt with a white tank top underneath and a pair of dark skinny jeans. She sat down indian style and looked out towards the lake.

"Wow," she muttered. I followed her gaze out the lake and smiled.

"It's a nice view right?" I asked.

"Yeah it's beautiful," she whispered, "You picked a really nice spot."

I turned back to face her and smiled, "Thank you. Took me forever."

She laughed, "Really? I thought you would have just picked a random spot and think that was ok."

I shook my head, "No I actually looked for a place. I wasn't going to have you sit on bird poop. And the birds don't really seem to poop under this tree."

Em nodded, "Uh huh. I see."

I tried not to but I laughed.

Em faced me with a confused smile, "What's so funny?"

I shrugged, "Nothing."

I looked back out to the lake and I could feel Em's eyes on me. When I turned to face her she didn't even bother to turn. She just kept looking at me.

"What?" I asked.

She shrugged, "Nothing."

I grinned and sat up, "So how about some sandwiches? Please tell me you like Nutella."

She laughed, "I do like Nutella."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding, "Good. Cause I have Nutella sandwiches, lemonade, oranges, grapes, and strawberries. Oh and some extra bread to throw to the ducks."

Em smiled, "Sounds perfect."

I grabbed the basket and pulled out the sandwiches, handing one to her. She unwrapped the sandwich and started to nibble on, never taking her eyes off the lake.

"So how about a game of twenty questions?" I asked.

"Sounds great," she said, "You first."

"Favorite color?"

Em rolled her eyes, "Really? That's the best you can come up with? Favorite color?"

"Yes I'm not clever like that, now come on favorite color?"

She chuckled, "Purple. Yours?"

"Green."

"Favorite book?" Em asked.

"Green Eggs and Ham," I answered. Honestly I haven't read a book since the eighth grade, I don't know anything about reading right now, only that I can read.

"Yes that was a favorite book too, in like kindergarten." Em said lightly shoving my shoulder, "Come on there has to be a better book."

I shrugged, "Haven't read in a long time. It's just not my thing. But seeing your a book worm, what's your favorite book?"

"I am a book worm. And my favorite book? I can't tell you because I love so many." She answered.

I laughed, "I'm just curious but are you carrying a book with you right now?"

She nodded pulling out a small book, "I always carry a book with me."

"Dear god what did I do to deserve this," I muttered as I looked up at the sky.

Em's mouth was hanging open and she scoffed at me, "Well then."

I laughed and we kept playing twenty questions. After we finished the sandwiches I grabbed the fruits and brought them out so we could just snack on them. I grabbed one of the oranges and started to peel it while Em looked up the hill where the children were screwming and yelling.

"Orange?" I asked as I showed her a piece.

"Thank you," she said sweetly grabbing the piece and biting on it. I chuckled and slowly ate my orange. Me and Em had splitted th orange in half. There was peaceful silence between us, but it felt calming. Relaxing almost. Then my eyes fell on the container of grapes.

"Watch," I smiled and opened up the container. Em watched me with an amused look. I grabbed a grape and showed it to Em. She rolled her eyes and chuckled. I grinned and threw it up in the air, catching the grape in my mouth. I raised my hands up in triumph, "First try! Whoo!"

Em laughed and clapped her hands, "Amazing job. Just splendid. But Mr.Shawn? Is it possible you can catch two?"

She talked like a reporter with a deep British accent. I smirked and grabbed two grapes. I threw them in the air and opened my mouth wide. I thought I was going to catch them, I was positioned and everything. But instead of the grapes going into my mouth they hit my nose at the same time and flew in opposite directions.

Em covered her mouth to contain the giggles and laughter from spilling out. She tried to put a serious face and as she talked a couple laughs escaped, "That was...uh...interesting."

I started to laugh and she joined in.

"So," I said chewing on a grape, "What's New York like?"

Em shrugged, "Loud, noisy, lots of car exhaust. Dangerous in some alleys. I mean it was interesting."

"I've never gone." I muttered. I remember how mom is always talking about wanting to go to New York. But she never gets around to it. Mom has all these different dreams of traveling. Venice, Parris, London, Australia, New York, Los Angles, Hawaii, and so many more. Any tourists trap really. She wants to go to all the places other people want to go to. But for some reason New York is at the top.

Em smiled, "We should go sometime. I'd make a killer tour guide." She took a strawberry and bit into it giving me a confident smile.

I chuckled, "Sounds like a plan."

We ate the rest of the strawberries and grapes. When we were done we grabbed the loaf of stale bread and walked to the edge of the lake. I handed some bread to Em and we threw it out to the ducks and geese.

I ripped the bread into pieces and threw them into the water. The ducks swimming after it ahd fighting over who gets it.

"You know," Em said, "I've never fed ducks before."

I grinned, "I used to come here all the time with my family. We'd play on the playground and feed the ducks."

"Why'd you stop?"

I glanced at Em. She had a smile and was looking out to the brown ducks swimming after the bread. When she noticed me looking she stopped and smiled at me.

"What?" She asked.

I shrugged sitting down on the grass, throwing another piece of bread. Em looked down at me before sitting beside me.

"After dad died. My whole family went through changes," I explained never making eye contact. I could feel her eyes on me, like she was waiting for a reaction.

"Shawn," Em said softly that I could barely hear her. I turned to face her and she continued, "I know you already told me not to say sorry. And I know it means nothing to you because they're just words. But I do want you to know that your dad would be proud, he'd be happy to have a son like you. You're funny, sweet, kind. And that's what I like about you."

I smiled at Emily and she looked down with a blush. I lifted her chin with my finger and leaned over placing my lips on hers. Never in my life had I had a kiss like this. Which means so much coming from me. Em's lips were softer and instead of being my usual heated kiss, it was a light kiss where out lips moved in sync. I was about to ask for entrance when I felt something tug at the end of my jeans. Then a bite at me ankle.

I broke the kiss and jumped up to my feet when I saw a goose biting my foot. Em laughed but then the goose bit her foot.

"Ow!" She yelled jumping up beside me, "God what's it's problem."

I noticed more geese and ducks climbing out of the water.

"We're being attacked!" I yelled sarcastically. Em laughed at me but then I picked her up swinging her over my shoulder.

"Shawn put me down!" She screamed. I laughed at her and started to slowly back up from the geese, who seemed to be following me.

"Um....Em?" I asked confused, "Why are they following us?"

"I don't know," she said, "Now put me down!"

"Not until the close is clear," I added.

"Gee my hero," Em muttered.

For some reason that made me laugh. Now I just had to figure why they were following us. Then I felt it, the last piece of bread was in my pocket. I quickly grabbed it and threw it out to lake. The geese honked and the ducks quacked and they all ran back in the water. I placed Em on the ground and grabbed her hand.

"Quick. Before they come back." I said. She laughed as I dragged her to our picnic area. We folded the blanket and put everything in the basket and then ran up the hill to the playground. Parents were starting to take their children home for dinner and me and Em put the blanket and basket under the tarp with the tables.

I looked over at the playground and back at Em. She smiled at me.

"Race you to the swings," I said.

She chuckled, "Go!"

She started running and before I could intercept what was happening Em was already half way there. I shook my head and ran towards the swings. By the time I reached them Em was already sitting in a swing and was rocking back and forth.

"Come on Mr. Sports, are you going to push me or what?" Em smiled at me and I smiled back. I walked behind her and started pushing her on the swing.

I had to drive her home after the park. She told me her mom dropped her off and asked if I could take her home. And of course I agreed. So right now I was driving Em back home. There was a silence between us, not a bad silence but a peaceful one. The only thing that broke the silence was the radio which I had on low volume.

The sun was already down and the moon was the only supply of light outside. Except for the streetlights and the headlights of my car.

"Right there," Em said pointing at a house.

I turned onto her driveway and parked, "We're here."

Her house was a two story house. There were white shingles and what I thought was pretty unique was the door. It was a pure red and it stood out in the house. The small lamps on the door illuminated the color and the winows leaked out light.

Em laughed, "Thank you Captain Obvious."

I shook my head and got out of the car walking to Em's side and opening the door.

"Thank you kind sir," Em said.

I frowned, "I thought I was Captain Obvious."

Em smirked, "All of the above."

I chuckled and walked her to her front door. Em pulled out her keys and opened the door.

"Wait here," she said turning to me, "I have a present for you."

I raised an eyebrow while she went into her house. I waited outside and kept thinking, 'Shit was I suppose to get her something?'

It was a chilly night, but I didn't mind staying at the front.

Em's door was still open and when I peeked inside I saw a stairway and a hall. With a small desk and a mirror over it. Then I saw a women walking towards me. She had hair that looked like a combination of red and brown hair. Her hair was up in a bun and she had the same eyes as Em. She looked at me and then up the stairs as if expecting Em to come down. She came to the door and leaned on the door frame.

"Hi I'm Shawn," I said stretching my hand out.

She took it and shook my hand, "Melissa."

She had a small smile but for the most part looked confused as to why I was here.

"You must be Em's mother," I said politely.

"Mother?" Melissa asked, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion.

"Um...yeah. Em said she lived with her mom, I just went to take her on a date. I figured you were her mother." I was so confused right now. It was obvious that Melissa lived here. Then she looked at me as if it just clicked.

"Em hasn't told you yet has she?" Melissa said. I cocked my head to a side, and frowned.

"Tell me wha-" I was cut off as Em bounced down the stairs. She was smiling until she saw me and Melissa talking.

Melissa looked up at her and walked back down the hallway. Em walked towards me closing the door behind us.

"That was my aunt. My mom's sister," She explained then looked down at her hands.

"Oh," I muttered. Melissa was going to tell me something but she stopped. I'm still wondering what she was talking about.

"Anyways I got you this," Em handed me a rectangular shaped present. It was wrapped in blue wrapping paper and it was heavier than it looked.

"What is it?" I asked like a child. I was probably smiling like an idiot and I shaked the present but it didn't make any noise. I forgot about Melissa, and whatever she was talking about. I was just happy Em got me something. Maybe I should have gotten her something, but I didn't know.

Em giggled, "Promise you won't open it until you get home."

I raised an eyebrow, "Alright."

Em smiled, "I had fun today."

I smiled back, "Me too. We'll have to do it again."

"Promise?" Em asked.

I chuckled, "I promise."

"Good." Em moved closer and got on her tip toes pecking my lips. She blushed but I just grinned.

"I'll see you at school Em." I walked down the steps, the small gift in my hands.

"Bye Shawn." I heard Em call after me.

I walked to my car and drove out of the driveway. I saw Em go back in her house and I smiled to myself. I really did have fun. And I learned a lot about Em and we played around and had fun. What confused me was Melissa. What was she talking about? I shrugged it off and kept driving home.

When I got home I walked through the doors to the kitchen. Everyone was sitting around the living room, watching tv when I walked in.

"Romeo is back!" Cole shouted.

I rolled my eyes at him and put the blanket and basket on the counter.

"What's that?" Suzie asked looking at the present Em gave me.

I shrugged, "No idea."

I ignored all their looks and confused faces and headed upstairs to my room. Once I closed the door I started unwrapping the gift. I stared in shock of what I saw. A book.

'Wtf,' I thought.

'It's a book Shawn. Letters that are words. Words that are sentences. Sentences that are paragraphs. And paragraphs become a story and a story is a book.'

'Shut up! I know what a book is.' I muttered to him.

Why would Em give me a book? She knows I hate books.

The book was a light brown with black swirls across the cover. It was hardcover and the title was written across the front in gold letters, 'A Journey to the Center of the Earth. By Jules Vern.'

I sighed and threw the book on my bed. As it landed I saw a piece of paper fall out. I frowned at it and walked over pulling the note.

'I know you don't like to read. But this book is really good, please read it. It was the first book mom gave to me. Hope you like it. -Em ♥'

I read the note over and over. I groaned and walked to my closet changing into some stripped pajama pants. I stayed shirtless and the only reason I had pants was because it was starting to get colder outside. And my room just happens to be above the garage, there's no heat system in the garage and it practically freezes in winter. Later in December I'll have to sleep in sweats or I'll freeze. I even experimented one night, I had a glass of water on my nightstand. The next morning it was frozen.

When I was done getting changed I went to my laptop and surfed for different things. Music, sports news, and more.

'What are you going to do when Em asked if you like the book?' The voice asked.

'I'll say I read it,' I answered, 'I mean I saw the movie.'

'Whatever Shawn.'

I looked over my shoulder and at the book on my bed. Slowly getting up I walked over and plopped on my bed grabbing the book. I flipped through the pages and saw there were some pictures. What shocked me was they were in color. I kept flipping through the book. Finally I sighed and opened the book to the first chapter, and started to read.

'Chapter One: My Uncle Makes a Great Discovery. Looking back to it all that has occurred to me since that eventful day, I am scarcely able to believe in the reality of my adventures.'

I grabbed a pillow and positioned it on my back and kept reading.

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I hope you guys liked it!!! I think the date was kinda funny, the ducks attacked them. Haha lol. Anyways comment pleeaasseeee!!!!!! And what is Em's secret? Oooooooh. Dun dun dunnnn. Anyways please vote. Please vote and comment.

I love you guys!!!!

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