"I leave you alone for a day with him and you're back to your annoying self." Chris grumbles from besides me.

His words make a grin appear on my face, "Did I ever thank you for being an amazing friend to me this past week?" I ask him and he rolls his eyes.

"About ten times already!" He says as he drives us back to home.

Yesterday, Evan and I spent almost the whole day together, making up for the lost week. We talked about the randomest of shit, and it was safe to say, things weren't awkward between us. Although, I didn't tell Chris that Evan really isn't in love with Rose, because that's not my secret to spare.

Evan and I promised each other that we wouldn't tell anyone, well, apart from Breanna. Because I really need some girl advice now, and though I am not willing to talk about my feelings most of the time, I need my girlfriend.

"Don't pretend like you don't love when I say thank you to you." I swat his shoulder and he gives me a look.

"I liked it the first five times, after that it has been annoying the shit out of me." He says.

"Oh, will the two of you shut up already?" Jordan says from the backseat and I turn around to hit him on the head.

"Have we taught you nothing, Jordie? Never interrupt when two elders are talking." I say, holding in my grin and he glares at me, making Chris chuckle.

"I hate when you go into that fucking mom role with everyone." Jordan says, crossing his arms across his chest.

"And I love it when you play along with me like a baby." I gesture to his posture and he immediately huffs, making me laugh.

"We have to finish the paper today, tomorrow is the last date." Chris reminds me and I nod.

"I know, come over at seven? You can have dinner at my place." I shrug, and he gives me his rare and genuine smile.

"Why seven? What are you doing before that?"

"Going on a date."

"What?"

"Who's my unlucky father?"

Both Jordan and Chris snapped simultaneously, making me laugh. Chris actually looks horrified and it makes me smile that he isn't pleased with the idea of me going on a date.

Okay, so the physical attractiveness might be developing into something more as I spend more and more time with him. Especially when he's stuck by my side through so much. But it's not just because he's nice to me, it's also because he's so fucking different than anyone I have ever met, and he just.. he confuses the hell out of me.

I know it doesn't seem fair because I love Evan, but it's not like I am dating him, nor would I ever. But I can't help but develop feelings for Chris. I think I am just as confused about my feelings as Evan is, to be honest.

And it's not like I am acting on my tiny bit feelings towards Chris, and we definitely do not stand a chance. Because let's be honest, it's Christopher Jay Jones, and then there's me.

"Answer the question?" Chris says, impatient and I roll my eyes.

"It's no one you know." I shrug.

Actually, I am just shitting him. I have plans with Breanna, but that's just it. I think she has made herself clear a lot of times that she wants to be there for me, and I also promised her an intel into my boy drama, so that's what I am going to do.

"She has plans with Breanna." Jordan says from the back seat, wearing a smirk on his face and I narrow my eyes at him.

"How would you know that?"

"Because you don't have a date, I know you." He clicks his tongue.

"Are you saying I can't have a date, Jordie?" I ask, a little offended, causing him to grin.

"Nope, all I am saying is that you don't have a date this evening." He shrugs innocently.

"So, I heard you are thinking of dating again." I turn to Chris who just rolls his eyes at my comment.

"I am? I didn't know that myself, thank you for informing, huh." He plays innocent but I know better than that.

Melissa, I guess was the name of the girl whom I heard talking that she made out with Chris this lunch break, and I knew she was right because Chris wasn't there with us at the table. I shrug, trying to not let it come to me. I mean, sure, he can make out with whoever he wants. Who am I to say anything?

"Sure, Jay." I give him the most innocent smile I could muster up.

Jordan snickers from behind me and when his home is like two second away, he leans down from the right side gap of my seat and whispers in my ear, "Just make out with the guy already."

I gape and turn to look at him, but he just opens the door, winks at me and gets out. What the hell? He possibly cannot know that I am attracted to his best friend, and though I am not afraid that if he knew he'll tell Chris, because I know he wouldn't. But that doesn't make it better! Especially because I am so fucking confused with my own feelings.

I love Evan.

I like Chris.

Fucking great!

"What did he just say to you? You are blushing." Chris says, moving to drive again and I snap my eyes at him.

Am I blushing? Well, fuck you red skin! I clear my throat, fidgeting in the seat as I look over at him. His defined cheek bones are right into my view, and there's a small smile playing on his lips as he stares at the road. My eyes focus down to his body, and damn! I know he works out, paying him back awfully well as his defined muscles are detectable even from the thin shirt he's wearing.

"You done checking me out?" His voice snaps me out of it, and if possible, I start blushing even more.

"In your dreams." I roll my eyes.

He gives out a cheeky smile, "You mean it's possible for you to check me out in my dreams? You didn't say 'not even in your dreams'."

I stare at him, seriously? Change the topic, right now!

"Ohhh, speaking of dreams, what did you dream about me?" I ask, finally a sneaky smile on my face as I wait for his response.

"What are you talking about?" He asks.

"Oh, you know, the night you got wasted and slept in my guest room. You said something like, 'Am I dreaming about you again?' — which implies that you dreamt about me in the past. So, what was it?" I ask, curious to know his answer.

"Mmm, did I say that?"

Obviously, he remembers but the way he's talking, I would buy his act. But in this one month, I have come to known him, I have learned few of his tricks where he tries to play dumb.

"Yes, yes you did. C'mon, spill now. I know you remember." I whine like a baby and he turns to me, stopping in his driveway, giving me an amused smile.

"I don't think I can tell you what I dreamt about." He says, unbuckling his seat belt and leaning forward towards me. I suck in a breath, my eyes widening as I stare at him, "It'll be better if I show you."

Words die in my mouth as his face comes to loom over mine, and I stare into those gray eyes of his, trying to look for anything but I come up blank. His breath is fanning over my lips, and I gulp at the close proximity between us.

I hear a clicking sound, realising that he just undid my seat belt and he moves back into his seat.

"See you at seven?" He asks, casually and I grumble inside, shooting him a dead glare and he smirks at me.

"Sure." I say as I open to move the cardoor.

Just as I am about to step out, he calls out, "Hey Claire?" I look back at him, waiting for him to continue, "I promise I'll show you. One day." He winks.

I don't bother replying as I shut the door behind me and cross the street to go to my place.

Did Chris just flirt with me?

I am pretty sure that my cheeks are heated up, as I mumble out couple of curses to Chris while unlocking my front door. When I step inside, I grumpily get myself a bowl of rice and last night's garlic chicken before setting down in the living room to finish it.

After having lunch, I change into my pink shorts which are like four years old but by some miracle still fit me. I bought them back in freshman year, when I was in a completely 'pink-girly' phase. Evan still has a good laugh about it.

I must have dozed off on the couch while watching television because around five, my doorbell rings, I sleepily make my way to the door. Breanna gives me a hug before coming in, and I follow behind her.

"Soooo.." She settles down on the couch and I yawn loudly, "What's up with you?"

"Evan and I kissed." I blurt out.

Her eyes widen, and then her mouth falls open. She immediately closes it shut, but then opens it again to speak, but then closes it right back. Then, she lets out a really girly scream which makes me feel like I would turn deaf before I am eighty.

"Oh, fuck. Stop!" I throw a cushion at her and she grins at me, but thankfully stops screaming.

"You kissed him! You like him! I knew it." She jumps in her seat, making me narrow my eyes at her.

"He's with Rose, Bri. Let's mention that part as well." I say and her smile drops.

"Fuck, I didn't think of that." She pouts.

"Yes, genius."

"So, you really like him, huh? You are finally admitting?" She says, a little hope in her eyes.

I feel guilty for shutting her out so many times, but honestly, I was a little afraid to be judged in case I ever told her. But recently I have come to a realisation that if I want someone to be there for me, I have to let them in my life in the first place to begin with.

I scoot closer to her, keeping my head on her shoulder, "I am sorry for never saying it out aloud earlier." I tell her.

"Hey, I understand." She whispers, her hand patting on my knee.

"You do?" I look at her.

She shakes her head, "I mean, I understand why you didn't want to talk about it, you have always been like that. The part that hurt was that Chris knew. I mean, he didn't tell me but the way he behaves, I just know that he knows, and you talk to him about it." She says, and then continues, "It's just that, we have been best friends since freshman year, Adri. I thought that if you ever want to talk to someone about this stuff, you'll come to me."

The guilt just seems to increase after that. I have been so selfish regarding my feelings that I didn't realise that I was hurting the people who are so close to me while trying to protect myself.

"Bri, I am so sorry! And I never told Chris, he heard Dad and I talking. You know that I always tell Dad everything, right?" I say and she nods.

"It's okay. Now that I know, tell me from the beginning, alright? Everything." She commands and I smile, turning to face her.

I start from four years ago, when I developed a stupid crush on my best friend, but how with years the feelings just grew. I tell her about my attempt to move on from Evan with Finn. And I also tell her that the guy I dated after Finn, Adam.. who lasted only a month, broke up with me because he somewhat suspected that I had feelings for Evan. But he was one year elder than me, and also, he was an amazing person. Not at all like Finn. In fact, Adam was seriously good looking, like drop dead hot.

She knew about my dating life, just not the reasons behind them. So, I told her everything. Then I told her about things Rose said to Evan about me, and about the kiss we shared last week. I also tell her that I just don't like Evan, I love him but I might also be developing feelings for Chris.

Just like I thought, she listens to me patiently, adding a few comments here and there. She lets me cry when I spill a few tears and holds my hand throughout the whole thing.

"Soo.." I finish, "That's it." I give her a small smile.

"Holy Shit, Adri.." She trails off, making me chuckle.

"A lot to take in?"

She shakes her head, "I always knew you were this strong person, but this.. fuck! You forgave the douche so easily. I would have whipped his ass!"

I laugh, because that's true. She would have literally been on his case if she was in my position. But, both Evan and I are trying to sort out our feelings. I don't blame him, especially because I know blaming each other wouldn't get us anywhere.

"Also, you like Chris? I fucking called it!" She screams and I smack her head.

"Shut up."

She grins, "I know you wouldn't believe me, but that guy likes you too."

"Pftt. Right!" I roll my eyes.

"You are an idiot, Adri. But this, everything. God, it's messed up, and I know you are confused about your feelings, but everything will work out in the end, okay?" She hugs me and I nod, returning the gesture.

"Thanks bitch. I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off of me, I didn't know talking about feelings could make me feel like this." I tell her honestly and she grins.

"So, why haven't you told Chris about the kiss?" She asks.

I shrug, "Didn't feel fair to Evan." I tell her honestly and she nods.

We talk a lot more, and she tells me that things at her place have been a little rocky since she started dating Luke, because her step mother thinks she shouldn't date before college. I roll my eyes at that. I tell her about my mom contacting me, and me responding to her and she laughs at my reply. She said that I'll get a reply within a week, but I am not too sure about it.

Around six thirty, Dad comes home and Breanna and I set up the dinner table while he freshens himself. At seven, the doorbell rings so I tell Breanna to get it while I put out broccoli and beans. Yup, I made Breanna cook with me.

Chris comes strolling in the kitchen and keep his backpack by the counter before taking up the rice bowl and placing it on the table. After five minutes, Dad comes out and gives Chris an acknowledging nod and all of us settle down for the dinner.

Breanna sits besides me, and Chris across me while Dad is in the middle chair on my right.

"So kids, how's school?" Dad asks, immediately making me groan.

The conversation revolves mostly around Chris as he discusses sports with my father, and Breanna wiggles her eyebrows at me, making me kick her leg under the table.

"Scott, you know what she replied to Cassandra?" Breanna asks my father who immediately smiles.

Well, I thought it would be awkward talking about my mother with Dad, but he told me that I can talk to him about anything, so we discussed it openly in the house.

"You did what?" Chris asks, staring at me.

Oops. Okay, so I might have forgotten to tell him that I replied to my mother. He obviously looks pissed about the fact that I didn't inform him, but I try to play it cool as I shrug.

"I replied to her."

"When?" He asks, his voice on the edge.

"Yesterday." I say, almost afraid of his reply.

"Yesterday, when, Claire?"

I fidget uncomfortably in my seat, while Breanna and Dad are staring between the two of us. Oh, god!

"When I was with Evan." I say and my eyes turn to his knuckles where he's holding his spoon so tightly that they almost turn white.

I look into his eyes, and for the first time, I witness not only anger, but a hint of disappointment and hurt there.

•••

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