aklol

[aklol]

Rest Easy liam. Take care bear.

[aklol]

Liam and nicole

imagine

so we're sitting in class right? i look to my right every now and then so discreetly, not paying any attention at all to the fact that miss helen is introducing main topics for the week.

shakespear, bronte, jane austen, blah, blah, blah.

i can see liams eyebrows crease in concentration from my peripheral. but now I feel like a creep because its only been 15 minutes and my eyes have not been aware of anything else.

so this is what it feels like to swoon. but I think I'm mostly reminiscing in the past, when things... were so much simpler.

i try so hard to concentrate in class, that the time literally zooms by. the bell rings and miss helen purses her lips at the sheet of things she forgot to say.

i know this because she always makes this face when shes out of time and the list goes on. at least she tries.

as i'm heading out, a voice yells out my name.

its been ages since, but still, i smile anyway.

[aklol]

Liam and Nicole

Imagine:

today is the first day of junior year, and i'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

my parents have been fighting again, and my mom was hiding her puffy eyes with a smile.

i mean honestly, does she think im blind? there was once when I asked her a year back whats going on. and she brushed it off saying its going to okay, and then blinked hard into empty space.

she said to herself more than me from the way her voice hushed to a whisper.

anyway. sure, things are weird. but its a new year, and im keeping the bar real high.

first period is always homeroom. miss helen has been teaching this class for the past 11 years. and I wouldn't have it any other way.

as i make my way over to my usual seat upfront, I see liam taking the one to my right.

woah.

its been all summer and maybe even more since I last saw him.

he looks jaded. but still not unkempt. his appearance gives away nothing. except his eyes maybe.

they look hollow, and the air on my arms rise. i imagined his home life.

his father really gave up after miss vic passed. everytime I look at liam, I just remember so much of the old him, and it breaks me to see him struggling.

but ever since he started pretending i don't exist, i took a step back..

miss helen walks in with deep shade of a caramel cardigan, and begins the class.

[aklol]

this is pov: imagine

liam and nicole have been neighbors for a long time. they are also family friends and they have history.

we used to be friends. liam and I. and then, once high school started, so much changed. i changed. and liam's mother passed away. i think that's the main reason we fell apart. i did try at first to get him to open up to me at first, but he wished to be alone.

so i respected his need for space, and kept my windows closed ever since. i feel for him. and I always have.. liam is the kind of guy who would never really overstep anywhere.

he is by far, the sweetest person, that I have ever come across. but I really think he doesn't know how to grieve. because I think in a psychology book, he's the type of person to completely close off, as it is the safest escape.

anyway, junior year begins in a week. i wonder exactly whats in store for me.

i do have friends, only bianca since first grade and lily who moved from san Francisco. 

the weather in Miami is starting to go from warm to cold. summer's over. which is a real bummer.

the one thing i never saw coming, was how wrong I was about this year being like all the others.

i never would have guessed

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

As the car went into park, Grayson got out swiftly, walking to my side, holding the door open for me. I knew his eyes were on me, but my eyes never met his.

He walked ahead, leading the way to the door, using his thumbprint to unlock it.

I silently followed him as he went further up. Unlike all the previous residences, not a single person seen here. Although, the maintenance was showed no compromise, sophistication dripped through every chamber.

The classic grand chandelier strung from the sky to floor structure.

The monumental interior I could admire later, for now, my focus and eyes were trained on him.

He trailed upstairs, I followed. Several eternities later, he made a left and opened the door. He left it open, and I forgot all formalities, coming straight in.

It would take hours just to see every corner of his chamber.

My eyes never left his movements. He walked to the bed side table, taking off his watch, pulling out his phone, wallet and keys, placing all those on the table.

He pulled off his shirt next, and then my eyes landed on his shoulder.

It was bleeding nonstop, and he was already taking out supplies from the connecting bathroom.

He cleaned his wound, but was having trouble wrapping it.

“Let me.” I whispered, walking over.

He huffed onto the mattress as I tried to gently wrap the gauze on his shoulder.

Tying the gauze, I threw the remaining into the box and rested my arms on the dresser. I had my fingers in my hair, trying to take in everything that happened in the span of 7 hours.

When I turned around, Grayson was already watching me.

I crossed my arms, my mind forming questions too scary to ask.

“Tell me what you’re thinking.” He rasped.

I couldn’t have, in my wildest dreams, ever imagined being in this situation.

“I’m thinking… I want to go home.” I hesitantly declared.

He rose from the bed and calculatingly, treaded in my direction.

“Are you sure?” He voiced.

He was waiting for an answer.

“What was that out there? What in god’s name is this place? And why were those men targeting you?” I breathed, finally letting everything spill.

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to freak out.”

I walked past him and began pacing the room.

Huffing onto the mattress out of breath, I brought my knees close to my chest.

He slowly made his way, and bent down to face me.

Reaching out, he took my hand in his, and softly spoke.

“I’m sorry I put you in danger tonight. I wasn’t expecting that. The men…. the men you saw in the safe house, the guards, and all the guns every one carried… it’s all what I’m part of. The work I do gains me enemies everyday.”

He paused, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles.

“What work do you do?” I questioned a moment later.

He answered a second later, locking eyes with me.

“I’m part of the biggest criminal organizations existing. I run the mafia.”

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

I had woken up when Grayson’s hand lightly grazed my elbow.

If whatever I thought was grand, what I’m seeing now would put that to shame.

It was a castle. A magnificent, white fairytale.

Grayson’s window rolled down, a blue device surfacing from the wall.

Grayson brought his face close, and the device scanned his left eye, and the gates opened to a robotic voice.

“Welcome to the ‘Romano Castle’ Prince Romano.”

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

I slid onto the hood and left a little distance. I’m still sticking with the ‘he’s not trustworthy’ vibe till proven otherwise. He doesn’t talk a lot. At all actually. I’ve always seen him listening and rather watching from the sidelines.

I wonder what the world looks like from his eyes. Would everything be dark and cold? Is he the type to enjoy the beauty of things silently?

We watched the sky. No words said, but I felt moments like these are better off with nothing said. The stillness of time only lasted a few precious seconds, before loud shots and alarms blared everywhere.

Grayson walked out with a gun in hand, his pack right behind him.

Gunshots ensued. A few guys wounded, falling to the ground.

My ears zoned out all voices, all I saw was Grayson’s shoulder getting pierced by a bullet.

Given the pain he must be feeling, he still ran to me, shielding me from harm with his body.

“LEVI, YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.”

With the orders he yelled to the rest of the men present, he grabbed my hand, and guided me to a car.

He held the door open for me and walked to the driver’s side.

Grayson ignited the engine and wasted not a second before using a safe route to escape.

Just as we made it to the road on an unbelievable speed, my breathing became shallow as Grayson said my name a little different.

Desperate.

That’s the look I saw and suddenly my survival instincts kicked in.

He gave me a gun and the windows went down as I positioned myself, aiming at the guys hot on our trail.

It was more in the moment kinda move.

As I stalled, Grayson sped up and to both our relief, we lost the said bad guys.

Grayson’s phone buzzed and he passed it to me, still focused on driving.

I answered and put the call on speaker.

“Levi, talk to me.”

“We got it under control. Only a few casualties.”

“Did you find out who was behind it?”

“No, but I know who this isn’t.”

“You sure it’s not him?”

“Lorenzo would’ve never done it like this. And he would’ve had a motive to come to the safehouse. He wouldn’t just come in and kill. I know that.”

“I don’t know anyone brave enough to do what just went down.”

“Gray, I have a feeling they weren’t after you.”

If the mood wasn’t tense then, it was the minute Levi said that.

Grayson and I exchanged looks.

Mine. Scared.

His. Angry.

His jaw ticked, and the playfulness I always seemed to find in his eyes was long gone, leaving something explicitly beast like in its place.

Grayson watched me as he said with finality.

“Then he made a mistake coming after what’s mine. Have the whole world know. We’re coming….to finish this all for once.”

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

Pain. The metallic taste of blood leaving a bitter taste on my tongue. I could hear the faint sirens nearing closer. Red and blue lights flash before I lose consciousness.

My eyes open as I breathe heavily. The same nightmare as always.  My throat felt tight. An arm was slung over my stomach.

Leading my eyes to the mysterious owner, I remembered whose room this is, and where I am.

Carefully placing Grayson’s heavy arm away, I walked out the room and headed to my own.

After I changed, I went down for breakfast not before bumping into someone.

I tripped bracing for the impact, but it never came. I opened my eyes to meet dark ones. I readjusted myself and began to apologize but the words were stuck in my throat.

Such a dark demeaner, a little voice whispering not to cross this one.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking.” I croaked.

The man held my stare. Well, now this is awkward.

I had to practically crane my neck upwards to look at him.

I could hear a door open and close but was distracted by this stare down I was having here.

From my peripheral vision, I could see Grayson walking out with a towel in hand, drying his hair.

He stopped walking when I’m assuming he saw us.

He walked over, still drying his hair.

“Well, you guys met.”

“Yep.” I smiled, still holding eye contact as the man with no name did the same.

“Levi… you okay man?” Grayson questioned.

So he does have a name.

I broke our little staring contest and headed down.

I followed the heavenly sent of breakfast as I entered the huge dining hall. Huge would be an understatement. All men were already present and rose as Grayson entered.

A little dramatic.

Grayson sat at the head of the table. As I headed to sit beside him, Levi did the ungentlemanly thing to take it.

What a jerk.

There was another seat available at the end, but that was beside a scary tattoo guy with more scars on his face than one can count.

Grayson cleared his throat and looked at the man beside him.

The man immediately rose and courteously headed to the other side.

I apologetically smiled as I went over.

Seated, I looked at the fine pastries and drooled. From pancakes and eggs to fruits of all kinds.

As I dug into the pancakes Grayson filled on my plate, I chewed the delicious batter of goodness and felt the room go silent.

Looking up, everyone was staring as I had a fork a few inches away from my lips.

I looked at Grayson to see him smiling a little.

“What” I mouthed.

He just shook his head and handed me a glass of orange juice.

  The freshly squeezed fruit to top of the delicious breakfast was more than fulfilling.

Although I could see Levi watching from time to time, I didn’t say anything.

Once, however, annoyed that he had no manners whatsoever, I held his stare and smiled as I ate the grapes.

That’s right Laura, kill em with kindness.

His expression was indecipherable as he looked back at Grayson and nodded to whatever it was they were saying.

…………………………………………………….

I was watching Tv in the lounge when Grayson came over. Hours later..

He managed to stay in his office for God knows how long and I began to wonder if I should go in there since I was bored out of my mind.

“Hey, me and Levi  have to go out and meet some new recruits.”

I stared at him, wondering why he was telling me this.

“Well, don’t you want to change before we leave?”

“Oh….right yeah….Okay gimme a sec.” I got up and placed the remote on the coffee table.

 Once I was wearing my summer dress, I walked out to the driveway finding Grayson and Levi already waiting.

…………………………………..

Sitting in the passenger seat of the car, I waited as Levi and Grayson went inside the gym. It had already been 30 minutes in the car when I huffed and walked out shutting the door behind me.

Heading inside, sweat and heat welcomed me.

I spotted Grayson almost immediately and sighed in relief.

I reached to where he was stood beside him.

Two men were inside the ring, beating the other up whenever the chance. The other boy who seemed to get most of the hits, seemed quite young.

The other player tackled the younger one, and now was giving punch after punch. The younger one began to bleed as I tapped Grayson’s shoulder lightly still watching the scene unfold.

The player was just mercilessly punching as the younger one took them all, unable to fight back.

“Grayson…”

The younger one was almost about to black out and the punches seemed to get harder.

“Grayson!!” I whisper yelled now aggressively tapping his shoulder.

The player kept punching as the younger one’s whole face was now bruised and swollen.

“GRAYSON!”

“Enough.” Grayson’s voice boomed through the whole gym.

The other player paused his fist in the air as others rushed over to help the poor kid.

He was carefully picked up, head swung low as blood dripped leaving a trail wherever they took him.

I did not know when it happened, but Grayson locked his fingers with my own and walked up the stairs. I silently followed.

We went up and overlooked the whole gym.

I loosened my grip, but Grayson held on tighter.

“Boys... As you all already know, Lorenzo had infiltrated our security. The man turned out to be someone we trusted and called family. Let our treatment to him be a lesson to all of you. Think about going behind my back to the enemies, and know that’s when you were a dead man…Welcome to the family boys..”

The guys’ clapped and cheered all the way to the end as we walked down the steps and out to the cool summer air. The sunset made the sky a beautiful mix of orange and purple colliding.

Grayson loosened his hold until his warmth went away. We sat in the car as the passerby’s went about their lives.

I spotted the ice cream truck and screamed, “STOP”. The car jerked to a pause as Grayson looked over.

“What happened?”

I smiled undoing my seatbelt.

“I want icecream.” I got out and slammed the door shut as I went over to the man in the icecream hat.

Grayson was already behind me as I stopped, eyeing the flavors.

“Can I please have a scoop of vanilla?”

“Sure darling.” A generous scoop was nicely given as I smiled and took it. I was reaching for my dress pocket when Grayson’s warmth heated my back. He stood behind me as he handed the cash to the icecream guy.

“Thank you.” I smiled. 

The rest of the drive was silent till it was dark out. We reached home and parked the car in the driveway. Grayson and Levi were in conversation, headed to the office as I went into the room.

................

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, I huffed getting out of bed.

From the window, I could see Levi sitting on a car’s hood, staring at the sky.

I walked out to the car and waited, contemplating whether to approach him or not. 

Seeming to hear my thoughts, he looked down from the sky and looked at me. Surprising me, he moved over a little making some space.

[aklol]

Grayson

Grayson’s POV:

I let the warm water run down my neck as I felt my tense muscles relax.

Lorenzo… the slimy rat implanted a mole in our security. This was just another level of low even for him. Our lab that was recently built had almost been exposed. The cops are suspicious and now their noses will be all up in our business for a while. Courtesy of Lorenzo himself.

No worries. I sent him a little surprise as well. Those slush funds and evidence of illegal bribery of him and his cute troop was sent straight to the police. His lawyers will have a blast.

I walked out the bathroom and walked over to the heavy sleeper on the bed, smiling a little. This one’s different.

I entered my office and huffed into the chair.

A knock sounded at the door as I piled the documents.

“Sir… uhh…Sir there’s someone in the house. He’s uhm..He’s asking for you.

“You know not to let just anyone in. Especially at this hour.” I sighed massaging my temples.

“No sir it’s… it’s Levi.”

I immediately got up and shot a worried look to William, the security manager.

I pushed past him and jogged downstairs into the lounge to find Levi casually sitting on the couch with a knife twirling between his fingers.

“Levi?”

………………………………………………………………………………..

Moments later, here we sat, in my office, with the man the whole world feared- Black Spear. People turned pale only hearing that name, and even the Italian mafia avoided to be on the radar of this assassin.

I cleared my throat. “As much joy this unexpected visit brings, I would like to ask to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Well Gracy baby, I just missed you.”

I practically winced at the squeaky tone and continued to silently observe the man before me.

He sighed seconds later dropping the antics. “I was given a mission..By Lorenzo to… take you out. A pretty hefty sum as a reward. He doesn’t know my relationship with you.”

I listened intently. Silence ensued.

“Well, looks like the old man wants to play.. So we’ll play. Just by my rules.” I tapped my fingers on the table, smirking for the fun soon to come.

Let the games begin...

[aklol]

Grayson

Surprisingly, I slept well. I woke up and got dressed before walking out.

The house was peaceful and quiet. Too quiet.

I had only got down the stairs, when I heard whispering. 

I walked to the room with the door left ajar.

I could see Uncle Antonio with that guy I had met last night. Remembering it again, I wanted to slap myself.

“Well, we can’t have that happening again. Kill him. Get rid of him. We have no place for people who break the omerta. He’s getting old anyways.”

My heartbeat quickened.

What in the name of-

A scream. A spine chilling scream.

Uncle Antonio stepped out, a look of worry etched on his face.

“ANTONIO!!”

He sprinted. My feet stayed frozen. The name unknown blue eyes came out next. He locked eyes with me.

“GRAYSON! CALL THE AMBULANCE.”

He didn’t waste a second and unlocked his phone calling help.

The next few hours went by in a blur.

Nonna Bella was carried in a stretcher with an oxygen tank.

“Grayson you and Laura come with the car to the hospital. We’ll see you there.”

With that said they got in the ambulance and the vehicle went into motion.

The siren started become fainter until the noise completely silenced.

My thoughts were a jumble. Nonna Bella.....

The beep of a car snapped me to reality.

The guy apparently named Grayson held the passenger door open as he looked at me.

I slowly walked and slid into the seat.

He shut the door and walked to the driver’s seat.

The car went into ignition and before I knew it, we were at the hospital.

We were told to go to the VIP ward. No words could describe what I was feeling when I looked at nonna Bella in that condition. Tubes and needles. Drips and a heart rate monitor. The beeping sound gave me sudden flashbacks of doctors right at my face while really bright lights flashed causing my vision to blur.

I held my palm to my head. What was that?

The doctors came in with papers in their hands and a solemn expression.

My heart dropped all the way down to the pit of my stomach.

Uncle Antonio and Aunt Isabella talked outside with the doctors as I watched nonna bella lay there. 

They came in with tired expression.

“Well?” I croaked.

“We are going to take her to Italy for treatment. She’ll be okay after recovery.” Uncle Antonio sighed.

My body felt eased once hearing that. Aunt Isabella had dried tears staining her cheeks. 

“We’re leaving in an hour.”

“An hour? We are leaving now?” I whispered.

“No tesoro, you need to stay here. We don’t know what the situation will be like.” Aunt Isabella sniffed.

Grayson walked in and looked at his dad. 

“Dad, the planes ready.”

Uncle Antonio nodded before standing on the side with Aunt Isabella as people came in to take nonna Bella away.

“But, I want to stay with her.” My voice cracking as I looked at Aunt Isabella.

She gave a teary smile.

“I know darling but I need you to be strong and stay here okay?” She kissed me on the cheek and then followed out.

Uncle Antonio was whispering something to Grayson as his eyes were locked on me.

I turned my eyes to the door where nonna Bella was taken and could barely even breathe. 

“Okay.” Uncle Antonio cleared his throat.

“Laura, you and Grayson head back home. Stay safe.” 

Uncle Antonio took out his phone and dialed a number before speaking in Italian and heading out. 

I stood there, still trying to process everything.

“Let’s go.” His voice deep and rich reverberated in the empty room. 

I followed.

We got in the black audi and went to the estate.

Atleast I thought. Where we ended up was not the estate, but a different location.

“Where are we?” I eyed the premises. A Dimly lit huge palace with guards almost everywhere.

“We are at the safehouse.” 

Grayson sighed removing the seatbelt.

He got out the car while I stayed put. 

He opened up my door sensing my hesitation. 

“Don’t worry, there’s a reason it’s called a safehouse.” 

I got out and the cars beeped indicating their lock. 

The door opened up to 50 soldiers stopping mid work and locking their eyes with Grayson.

“Boss.” A fit bulky guy walked over to Grayson. I looked around the huge place, seeing a lot of guns and tattoos. 

We had already walked up the stairs and away from the crowd when I think I breathed a little better.

“You have a strong grip.” Grayson breathed as we finished the steps.

Confused, I looked at his face only to see him with a pained expression.

I still didn’t understand what he was saying, until I saw my nails digging into his bicep. I immediately let go and gasped. 

“Oh I’m so so sorry.”

He had his jaw clenched the whole time as we went further inside. 

“We stay in the west wing. Only a few people are allowed up here. Your room is on that end. Here’s mine. Your stuff is already in there. Call me if you need anything.” He waited until I nodded then headed into his room.

I walked to the door seeming to be my room and got settled in. The bed wasn’t as fluffy as the old one but it’s still comfortable.

The sky got darker until it was pitch black. Rain started pouring and it was all okay until loud thunder rumbled.

I got under the blankets feeling the rumble get louder.

BOOM!

I shrieked and sprinted out the door. Grayson was already running to my direction and I jumped onto him wrapping my legs around his waist.

And I stayed like that until my breathing got even. While my face was buried in his neck, I suddenly realized the intensity of the situation.

Slowly, I got down and deep embarrassment creeped onto all parts of my body.

“Um, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I-... Sorry.”

All while I didn’t make any eye contact and stood there.

“Are you scared of thunder?” I looked up at him to find the same amused expression plastered and a little smirk making it’s way to his lips.

He had pretty lips, and his deep blue eyes held a little mystery to them, a sort of magnetic pull. He was handsome no doubt. So tall, broad shouldered and handsome. Those eyes...

“If you want to, you can sleep in my room tonight.”

I awkwardly smiled. “That’s not necessary. I’m okay.” I walked back until I heard another loud and shaking kaboom.

“If you insist.” I croaked walking back to the direction of his room.

He shut the door behind him as I made my way to the king sized bed. 

I heard the bathroom door open and close and then hear the water running. 

Who takes a shower at 2 am?

I got under the covers and sighed contently. I was extremely sleepy and almost seconds later, my eyes shut.

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

The room was white and classic with a huge bed in the middle with white duvets and a chester with a bathroom in the corner. 

The comforters looked really comfortable as if begging me to come test them.

I opened the bathroom and when I saw the huge bathtub, I was tempted to shower. So, I opened my luggage, got an extra large hoodie and some tights before heading to the bathroom.

After that relaxing warm shower, I came out once blow drying my hair. I had only put my phone charger in, when a knock came at the door.

“Miss, madam is calling down for dinner.”

“Be right there.”

I grabbed a pair of house slippers before heading downstairs.

The water forming smell of food led me straight to it. I came to the backside of the house, and before I even made it to the glass door, I could see everyone. 

Wow, it seemed like a lot of people- Family Laura. They’re your family

I slid the glass door, the BBQ smell assaulting my nostrils. I smiled as I closed the glass door behind me. Everyone’s eyes were on me.

“Ahh bambino, I was wondering if I had to come get you myself. Come come.”

She held out a chair for me and I awkwardly walked to it. As I sat down, Grandma bella introduced me to the rest of the members on the table.

“Figlio, you remember Laura right?”

Recognition passed the salt and peppered man’s hair.

“Oh si, Laura. Wow you grew up so fast. I remember holding you when you were just a baby. I’m your dad’s brother. Antonio.”

He was handsome. He even looked similar to my dad.

“I remember once I almost dropped you, and your dad Matteo had yelled at me before threatening to tell your mother. I never made that mistake again.”

I smiled before feeling slightly emotional. Wow, it’s weird to talk about my parents and not know anything.

“Yes, you’ve got your mother’s eyes.” A woman next to Uncle Antonio spoke.

“I’m your Aunt Isabella.” She gave a warm smile. I returned it.

“Oh tesoro, you remember when we took Laura to the park, and she got icecream all over her new dress? Then she gave you a hug and you got the chocolate all over you.” Uncle Antonio laughed.

I didn’t remember that. I really wish I did. 

I guess Grandma bella could see the tears in the corners of my eyes and put a hand on my knee.

“Okay, let’s leave the stories for later. The foods getting cold.”

I felt like I stuffed everything on the table. Grandma Bella kept adding more food on my plate and gave me a glare when I politely declined.

“Oh bambina, you need to eat. You are way too thin.”

And I respectfully obliged. 

Then dessert came along with more stories from Uncle Antonio about my many mishaps. I started laughing and began to snort.

Everyone noticed that. Force of habit I guess. 

After the delicious meal, everyone announced that they’re going to sleep.

Grandma Bella and I were the last ones.

“Well, do you want to take a walk with me?”

“Yes please.” I breathed feeling really full.

We went out the gates and began our stroll.

“I never sat down and had a proper conversation with you. How are you?”

I thought about that question.

“I’m doing good grandma bella.”

“Please darling, call me nonna.”

I smiled.

“So how’s school?”

“School is good. I have to start  applying for colleges soon.”

She gave a nod.

“Have you thought of applying here?”

“No, I haven’t. Aunt Cressida was saying to apply somewhere close.”

“LA is close. Close to me too. Why don’t you apply here?”

I pondered.

“I miss you darling. I just want you close to me.”

She gave a teary smile. 

“Nonna, don’t cry. Of course I will apply here too.” I side hugged her.

Soon we walked back and entered the large gates. 

I bid nonna bella goodnight before heading upstairs.

The whole house was dark so it was a little hard to find my room but I did.

I just took off my slippers and got around to get in bed. I liked the left side with the view of the balcony.

I don’t remember it being so huge.

Soon my eyes drifted shut and I fell asleep.

I didn’t know what time it was or how long I slept but I felt the comforter off me and it was cold. I draped the blanket over me and turned to the right side.

It was snatched back.

I pulled some to my side again

It was snatched again.

Me and the ‘other’ thing immediately jumped out facing each other.

A lamp was opened to reveal a tall- really tall guy in sweatpants. Only. sweatpants.

I grabbed the vase on the sidetable before aiming it at the man.

“Leave before I smack you with this.”

The deep masculine voice echoed through the room. 

“I’m not leaving MY room.” He gritted.

“Are you joking-” I looked around and realized I was in the wrong room.

I slowly placed the vase back down and awkwardly laughed.

“Right...umm. Sorry that was my bad. My room’s the next one.”

I stared at him for longer than I should have. 

Quit being a creep Laura.

I cleared my throat as the man had his arms crossed with a weird expression on his face.

Is he amused?

I made a really awkward exit after an apology and shut my room door.

“Crap.” I breathed leaning into the door.

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

I was hyperventilating. When the plane ascended, I thought nothing. But now, the reality of it is kicking in, hence my freaking out.

My nerves were all over the place as I carried my luggage and headed out.

As soon as I walked out, a man with sunglasses and a paper with my name written in bold stood broad shouldered.

I walked over to him and had to practically crane my neck upwards.

Even though he wore glasses, I felt like his eyes were on me the moment I walked out.

“Miss Davis?”

“That’s me.” I hesitantly spoke.

“Mrs. Romano sent me to pick you up. This way.” The guy had the deepest Italian accent I’ve ever heard.

He took my bags and led me to the black SUV parked outside. Someone was already seated in the driver’s seat. I stopped walking.

“Don’t worry miss, you’re safe.” The man with the italian accent spoke.

Not convincing but Uncle Mason had taught me a good few self defense moves just in case.

As he placed my suitcase in the trunk and sat down in the passenger seat, the car went in motion. 

I looked out the window and watched the busy roads.

A huge residence came into view. And I mean huge. The car went through the huge gates before the whole estate came to view.

I gaped. My jaw dropped to the floor.

The SUV stopped at the driveway. I slowly got out and closed the car door.

The man, whose name I don’t know, led me inside.

Almost immediately, I spotted Grandma Bella talking to a maid in Italian. More like yelling.

“Ti ho chiesto di prendere delle rose bianche. girasoli non economici. divinità.“

“Grandma Bella?”

“Oh mio Dio, piccola mia. Oh my darling, I waited so long for you.”

She had me in a deathly hug. When I saw her face after so long in person, I teared up. She reminded me of my dad from the very few pictures I have of him.

We talked as she took me by the hand upstairs to what I’m assuming will be my room. Her hand was so warm and soft.

“Now bambina, get ready, dinner will be soon.” She pecked me on the cheek and left me at the door of my ‘room’.

“Well, this’ll be fun.” I breathed

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

“THREE MONTHS?!! I THOUGHT IT WAS A WEEK OR TWO AT MAX BUT THREE??”

“Sweety, she’s usually the one visiting and she’s getting old. She misses you.”

“BUT THREE MONTHS IS- IT’S TOO MUCH. I’VE NEVER VISITED HER. HOW AM I GOING TO GO THERE ALONE FOR THAT LONG?”

“Oh Uncle Mason said he has to go there soon after you leave so he’ll pop in to see you.”

And I did what any emotional teenager would do. I hugged her. Probably a little too tight.

And just like that. I was in an airplane. Alone. Going somewhere foreign.  Surrounded by people I don’t know for 3 months. God have mercy.

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

I woke up the next morning in bed. I could hear Aunt Cressida And Uncle Mason talking downstairs. 

I opened the door and lazily walked out. 

“Who’s going to tell her?”

“I don’t know. But I don’t want to send her.”

“Mason, It’s her Grandma for God’s sake. She’s calling her there.”

“Why?”

“Maybe she misses her. She is getting old and we always gave an excuse about how Laura has studies and she’s busy. Mason, we can’t keep her away from them forever.”

“We can’t?”

“No Mason we can’t. They are her family and we’ve stalled long enough.”

I walked down stairs rubbing my eyes. I sat on the stool in the kitchen where they were and smiled. “Good morning.”

“Morning peaches.” My Aunt Cressida smiled. “I made pineapple upside down cake.” My mouth watered as she took it out the oven. She cut a piece and poured some milk in a cup before coming around the kitchen island and placing it in front of me. She gave me a kiss and looked at Uncle Mason. 

She cleared her throat.

Uncle Mason shot his eyes over to her and then me before uncrossing his arms and locking eyes with me.

“So Laura, honey, you remember your grandma Bella? Well, she’s sent tickets for you to go to visit her estate in LA... Today night.”

It was hard to swallow the piece of cake after that. 

“Grandma Bella? She wants to see me?”

They both nodded. 

Grandma Bella is my dad’s mom. We facetime once every few weeks and she has always egged me to visit. Guess she got tired of my excuses and took matters into her own hands. 

“So, you should pack your things and get ready since the flights around 6.”

My Uncle gave a weak smile. I didn’t know why he didn’t like Grandma Bella and the rest of my dad’s family but I never asked why.

So, I ate the rest of the cake and then went upstairs to pack.

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

I never thought that a school bell could make me feel so happy but it did. And just like that, my junior year came to an end. Boy was it quick.

I walked outside and felt a really weird feeling. As if I was being watched. I looked around but saw no one. The creepy feeling was dissipated when I left school and got in the car.

Me and Uncle Mason came home and started packing for the water park.

Swimming suit, extra clothes, shampoo, done.

“I’m ready!”

Summer time is in motion...

The slides were just epic. Had me feeling a little nauseous but that’s a given.

Then my eyes landed on it. THE LONGEST MOST EPIC ONE EVER. 

“Hey Uncle Mason.” I grinned and pointed to the slide.

He looked over, and the same wicked glint flashed his eyes.

Aunt Cressida passed looks at both of us and then to the slide we were smiling at.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!!” 

“Oh come on, who even goes on kiddie slides. Now that. That’s the real thing.” My uncle spoke and I grinned wider.

“Aunt Cressida, that slide screams epic. You just can’t miss something that awesome.”

My uncle and I exchanged comedic glances and practically dragged Aunt Cressida with us.

The moment it was our turn to get on it, I looked over to Aunt Cressida and saw the most horrified expression on her face. The situation was too humorous and to make things much worse, Uncle Mason put Aunt Cressida up first.

Her eyeballs were about to come out of their sockets. I was wheezing as the life guard helped her inside. AND BY WHEEZING I MEAN CLUTCHING MY STOMACH AND GASPING FOR AIR. She was absolutely mortified and it was insensitive of me to laugh at her for that but I couldn’t help it.

And when the water took her with it, I’m pretty sure her scream could be heard from outside the park.

As the sun began to set, we were heading home.

Only to be struck by another surprise. 

A huge box was in the driveway with a big red ribbon wrapped perfectly on top. 

Uncle Mason spoke as he stopped the car as he and Aunt Cressida looked back at me. 

“I have another surprise.” As he unlocked his seatbelt and got out.

Aunt Cressida smirked as she headed inside. 

I closed the car door and walked closer to the box. 

“Open it.

I removed the ribbon and the box opened up revealing the neon green dirt bike. 

“YOU DIDN’T” I gasped. 

“Yes I did.” 

I strangled him with so many hugs and kisses and the rest of the evening, we rode the dirt bike across the neighborhood.

Best Day Ever. 

We came home when it got dark and Aunt Cressida already had our movie night prepared. We munched on pizza and soda and watched most of the Harry Potter series.

I slowly started drifting to sleep until I blacked out completely.

[aklol]

Grayson

Laura’s POV:

 The metallic taste of blood. The deafening silence. A silhouette nearing closer. The scraping of boots against the road. Seconds before I could give a face to the figure. 

My eyes opened as I gasped for air. A dream. The same one I’ve been having for a while. I can’t understand the repetition. A little light peeked through the curtains indicating that it’s time to get ready for the last day of school. 

The only thing I’m excited about. 

My aunt yelled from downstairs announcing that breakfast is ready.

Sweet. I wore a pair of tights and a shirt before running downstairs. 

The fresh smell of pancakes and eggs hit my nostrils. Heavenly.

I ate away as I jot down my to do list for the summer. Check colleges, sleep, eat, and do all that on repeat. I washed my plate, kissed my aunt goodbye and drove to school with my uncle. I love them more than anything in the world. 

After my parents passed away, my mom’s sister, Aunt Cressida became the mother figure to me. And Uncle Mason become the father figure. They are the most loving and supporting people and I feel lucky to call them family. I would’ve been through hell without them.

“So darling, you excited for this summer?” My uncle excitedly boomed. It became tradition for me and him to have at least something planned for the first night of summer.

Seeing his suspicious smile had me. “Guess what?”

I knew it and now I really was excited. 

“I got us tickets to the water park!!” “NO WAY!”

“Yes way, keep you calendar free tonight. We gon partyy!”

Uncle Mason has always been the free spirit. I love him and aunt Cressida for their young and carefree souls.

“YOU KNOW IT ALWAYS IS!” I pecked him on the cheek before getting out the car and into the gates of my personal torture cell.

Last day Laura. You got it.

[aklol]

Part 10

Enemies to...Closer Friends?

Liam’s POV:

Flash back to days earlier.

(Boys locker room)

“Ayo for real tho, Amy is like another level of hot.”

I heard mark and spence bickering like two children. I usually zone out when I’m with them half the time. But something instantly snapped my attention back to them.

“Nah, but have you seen Sienna? She had an intense glow up this summer. I’m thinking to ask her out.” Spence, one of the best players on the team had spoken. Is he joking? 

Sienna ‘thinks’ I’m her enemy. I saw the perks of it, one being I would see her everyday getting mad over something I did. And I just liked the slight possibility of her thinking of me. Even if they’re murderous thoughts, even if she thinks of me for a split second during her day, I would take it. When spence spoke about her that way. I realized I needed to wake up.

Present Day

I sat in my car, my thoughts going back to her. Football practice was over a while back and I was at home when Sienna replied to my many messages. Excessive, I believe but impatience got the best of me.

The minute she said she was out, so was I. Concern was an understatement. I was in a bloody frenzy. 

As I neared into the neighborhood, I saw her walking down the footpath with-

 Peter. I’ll never pinpoint why the bloody hell he’s constantly on my nerves without even trying. It’s a talent, that’s for sure. And in my list, he was top 1 douchebag of the country. 

Hitting the headlights twice in their direction, my blood pressure had reached a maximum when I heard her laugh over something he said. UNBELIEVABLE. How much of an effort I made to make her even smile, only the Lord knows.

The proximity of the two was an extra whip cream and cherry on my bloody milkshake. Tasted revolting.

What made matters worse, was the reluctance her eyes showed, as if she didn’t want to leave the shmuffin and his idiotic company.

I drove with my foot pressing the accelerator to a maximum. I BLOODY SAW RED. 

I thought of all the stupid reasons why I was even waiting to confess. 

Bloody stupid of me to think that that was logical.

I drove home and took her with me. The thought of her being in my home was comforting. Screw formalities of waiting to bring her here. The word home and Sienna brought an instant soothe to the sour taste in my mouth.

I went straight upstairs with her hand in mine. It felt perfect- I thought

I took her to my room and locked the door.

How am I suppose to tell her she’s the subject of my dreams and the only person my eyes see?

 I need to make a clear declaration.

I believed her compelling eyes acted as a truth serum. Because the moment I looked into them, the containment bottle of my emotions unlocked.

Anticipation and butterflies transpired all over my insides.

The feeling subsided and was replaced with something far greater. The warmth of her fingertips across my skin. A trail of electric currents made a pattern under her palm.

I knew not much but that this moment shall be engraved of one as a precious treasure.