It’s only ten in the morning but I’m feeling the heat already. Worse, I’m sweating like a pig and it doesn’t help my situation that an old lady literally crinkled her nose in disgust at me before walking out of the store.872Please respect copyright.PENANAmlJXUTlhHC
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“Well, try having to stand in front of the oven retrieving freshly baked pies and we’ll see who-“872Please respect copyright.PENANAe2XH0x2R8t
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“Are you talking to yourself again, Frances?” someone said next to me.872Please respect copyright.PENANA1aYjCXJ1JG
872Please respect copyright.PENANAJpOGK6PvYM
I jumped in surprise and turn to my left only to find my boss, Bass looking at me disapprovingly. I sighed inwardly.872Please respect copyright.PENANAqNbH982sXX
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My employer, Bass Graham doesn’t like it when his employees slack off during their shift or talk to themselves, although I’m not the only one who does this. Jenny, our cake artist do this quite frequently as well. She claims she’s having a pep talk and I totally believe her. Our boss probably doesn’t even like us breathing but oh well, that’s just Bass when he gets grumpy or anxious about something. But he’s also responsible and passionate about what he’s doing and I know this because I’ve been working here the longest, besides Jenny and two other co-workers at Bass Bakes for almost two years. Still, that doesn’t mean I’m not intimidated by him, especially with his burly physique and quick temper.872Please respect copyright.PENANAYrcZEcxzFR
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I stuttered out, “S-sorry, Mr. Bass.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA6DZq8bRu1E
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“Sorry doesn’t get you anywhere , Francesca. And why are you standing in front of the oven? No wonder you’re sweating.” he barked before walking off to probably scold some workers in the back.872Please respect copyright.PENANAV5xXlCIMpe
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What? You literally told me to go retrieve some bloody pies, you oaf! 872Please respect copyright.PENANAMz6E1yuIEf
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Sighing, I look at my watch and noted that it’s already my break time so I walk out from the store and stand outside, breathing in the fresh air. It’s also slightly windy and cooler and I really don’t want to go back inside anymore.872Please respect copyright.PENANA0bIqUwWQJE
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Fridays never seem so dull to me right now. Usually the store gets busy with customers and orders but today seem to be an exception. The bakery looks dead and with Mallory and Jake on leave, the other two co-workers who have been working here before I did AND were part of the reason why the bakery gets so busy and going, the boss might as well close it down for today.872Please respect copyright.PENANAJ0VumcmuJG
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But then again it’s only ten something in the morning.872Please respect copyright.PENANA1vwgP81NmW
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The air started to get more cooler and I really appreciate this ‘cause I needed to dry off the sweat. I thought about going home to change but I doubt Mr. Bass would even spare the thought of it. Doesn’t he care about his employees’ well beings?872Please respect copyright.PENANAwavLQdE2VC
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Not only is it very uncomfortable but it’s also unprofessional of us to work in environments like this. Sometimes I wonder why I can’t even utter something to defend myself without quaking in my shoes.872Please respect copyright.PENANAG2VvT11ho9
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Oh yeah, it’s ‘cause the money that he pays, despite the brute he is, is pretty good. And as a broke college student, I really have no choice in this matter. That, and the fact that the cakes and pies are so delicious. For real.872Please respect copyright.PENANA0T2985RVfJ
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I was brought out of my trance by the sound of an open, creaking door before my boss yells at me. “Frances, what are you doing out there? Get back in here!”872Please respect copyright.PENANAfApwd6vbdf
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Ugh. “I’m coming.” I muttered reluctantly.
I changed my clothes that evening.872Please respect copyright.PENANAVb1B4lkgwi
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Thankfully, the boss had to run an errand elsewhere and Jenny brought some extra clothes from our dorm. Did I mention that we’re dorm mates? No? Well, there you have it.872Please respect copyright.PENANALJcKxiYrJT
872Please respect copyright.PENANAwzncA4Ucwf
We tied an apron around our waist and get to work. Since Robbie, our delivery guy is out on an errand, there’s only Jenny and I in the bakery now. While Jenny is working on arranging the pies and cakes neatly in the display, I started on washing whatever’s left in the sink. Since the kitchen and the front that consists of the little oven, a cashier counter top and cake showcase are just beside each other, I could see what Jenny is doing while we converse. An hour after cleaning and tidying up the place, I swept the floors before arranging the tables and chairs properly. Jenny was halfway on telling me about her date with some guy two days ago when we had a customer.872Please respect copyright.PENANAkOGLv9wCpI
872Please respect copyright.PENANAKVAx0Axo36
A guy with tousled brown hair walk into the bakery wearing a button up flannel and skinny jeans. He looked up from his phone and I caught his gaze. My breath got hitched in my throat because it’s Kyle Samson. My crush.872Please respect copyright.PENANAqlu7r5NCtK
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Oh boy.872Please respect copyright.PENANAa7zCrHr3wL
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Kyle was in one of my classes and I had noticed him the moment he decided to grace us with his presence in class. Remember that slow-mo scene that happens whenever you’ve caught someone that interest you and suddenly you felt like melting onto the floor? Yeah, that happened to me. But I did not, however, melted onto the floor. Or fainted at the sight of him. Jenny knows about my crush on him and as I glance to where she stood, I saw that she had a wide grin plastered on her face. I roll my eyes at her (I could feel the heat creeping up my neck already) before looking at the object of my affection.872Please respect copyright.PENANAyr9olT0AxU
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Kyle.872Please respect copyright.PENANAR1IpJONUK5
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With his soft and wavy hair, his beautiful green moss-coloured eyes, dimpled cheeks and crooked teeth. Not only is he one of the talented kids in school and captain of the archery club, but he also had the warmest smile that could melt anyone.872Please respect copyright.PENANA7tB2l5yOaI
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He smiled at me. “Hey, Francesca.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAIuvZe3VvWJ
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I was glued to my spot and in that moment, my mind went into a frenzy.872Please respect copyright.PENANAyabgGpT99v
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He knows my name. How does he knows my name? I’m pretty sure I haven’t talk to him before, much less say my name to him. Unless-872Please respect copyright.PENANAaKjIHW378T
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Three fingers were slowly waving in front of me and I was brought back to the sudden reality. I blinked. “Huh?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAoz3BXoQSR8
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Kyle looked concern. “Are you alright? You kinda spaced out there.”
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Putting on my best attract-the-customers-smile , I beamed at him. “No, I’m fine.”872Please respect copyright.PENANASiAbvgNg0l
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He look skeptical but I convinced him. “Really.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA5QjIWFRQEv
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With a courage that I could muster (I seriously hope I won’t stutter), I ask, “So what are you doing here, Kyle?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAt01t8yUoRA
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I didn’t stutter! I did a mental victory dance at that.872Please respect copyright.PENANAqIeGzNbeee
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I’m such a loser, I know.872Please respect copyright.PENANAmLVdx51dAK
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He tilt his head confusingly before letting out a chuckle. “I’m here to get some cake?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAOhFk8ozLfL
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Oh. Of course.872Please respect copyright.PENANAW6vwqlLKYN
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“Right, right! Okay um, you can go and choose some on the displays over there or if you want a newly bake one, then Jenny can-“872Please respect copyright.PENANA3152j0RuyC
872Please respect copyright.PENANAmZjyKp7ogp
I glance to where Jenny was only to find her smirking at me. “Actually, I think I have to go deliver some cake. It’s Robbie. He forgot about the other cake. Again.” She laugh before walking to the kitchen.872Please respect copyright.PENANAuclbM3p1mO
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Kyle just smiled politely and said okay.872Please respect copyright.PENANAXNHCywpHYz
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“Uh, just a moment please.” I said and excused myself from him before going after her.872Please respect copyright.PENANAfRhWI7th4X
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I managed to get to her as soon as she got on her motorcycle and put my hands on the hip, giving her my best glare.872Please respect copyright.PENANAeAkO9mlRLG
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She rolled her eyes. “Oh please, you and I both know you can’t look menacing with that glare. Besides, I can see the way you look at him so you should totally thank me for this opportunity.” Jenny flashes me her charming grin. Then she said, “You better get in there quickly before he finds another bakery.” Jenny revved her engine and took off, but not before I heard her say above her laughter, “Not that there’s another bakery in this town anyway!”872Please respect copyright.PENANAF3O2ZPmECI
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I shook my head at her as she turn around a corner. Well, that part is true.
He didn’t want any newly baked cake and that’s okay because I can’t bake to save my life-all the best bakers were on leave today. Isn’t that suspicious?872Please respect copyright.PENANA86FHYk8WI6
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“So for today we have an orange cheesecake, blueberry black forest, red velvet vanilla, ice cream fruitcake, vanilla pudding ice cream cake and coffee cheesecake. Which one do you prefer?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAP4X9o7Ro5Q
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He looked at all the cakes that I mentioned before pointing at the one he wanted. Kyle grins at me. “I love orange cheesecakes.”872Please respect copyright.PENANACMZT4H3fxz
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Those dimples are going to be the death of me. “Yeah, me too.” I smile back.872Please respect copyright.PENANA3CRL8zsXpm
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Putting his hands in his pocket, Kyle smiled that dimpled smile at me. However, he looked nervous and before I know it, I opened my mouth. But as luck have it, he opened his too.872Please respect copyright.PENANAfnifBkTRhG
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“Hey, are you-“872Please respect copyright.PENANAyG1ippdRqv
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“Francesca, are you free tonight?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAYjjM0ccQBD
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Silence.872Please respect copyright.PENANAxHGgd3EVL6
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It took me ten seconds to process that. Did he just asked me what I think he did? Is this it?872Please respect copyright.PENANAErTxLn1Zf7
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IS KYLE SAMSON ASKING ME OUT?872Please respect copyright.PENANAx2YdXVhRdU
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I must have looked alarmed because he’s getting red faced and at the verge of a breakdown. Stuttering out the words hastily, he said to me, “No, i-it’s my birthday today and I’m having a birthday party so what I’m saying is, do you wanna come to my birthday party? I mean please come-WAIT, I MEAN YOU’RE WELCOME TO COME.” He yelled out in frustration. After realizing what he did, he became flustered and look away. “I’m sorry about the outburst.” Kyle apologized sheepishly. I nodded mindlessly as my mind contemplated what just happened.872Please respect copyright.PENANAvyiTIeEyEQ
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Okay, so he’s not asking me out. And that’s okay because he’s invited me to his party and that’s better than anything. As of now.872Please respect copyright.PENANAPiJCMcfeKp
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Kyle was about to say something and because he looked like he felt stupid and almost regretting what he said, which I’m hoping might not be the case, I beat him to it.
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“Yes, I would love to.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAadVTVe4BMX
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In that moment, I thought his smile couldn’t get any bigger as he was practically grinning from ear to ear.
After buying the cake, he left and I immediately called Jenny. Turns out, she’s just riding around the block, that little witch. I told her about what happened and we both couldn’t stop grinning as I shrieked in excitement.872Please respect copyright.PENANAcSj02B79Xt
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“I can’t believe it! I just got asked out.” I said in a daze.872Please respect copyright.PENANAWFqX5Z1In1
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Jenny laughed and said in a matter of fact tone. “Technically, he asked you to come to his party.”872Please respect copyright.PENANANK10RNMKa9
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I laughed and dismissed it with a wave of my hand but the excitement was soon short lived as I realized something important.872Please respect copyright.PENANAAm3LjoRAzb
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I have a full shift tonight.872Please respect copyright.PENANAx7XQM4pmrk
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I voiced my concerns to Jenny, panicking. “What do I do now? Here’s a chance where I get to be with the guy that I really like and now…now there’s this.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAKgsg6GORyy
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Looking over to her for help, I was quite surprised and annoyed to find her grinning and shaking her head at me like I’m the world’s biggest idiot.872Please respect copyright.PENANAHxud8OuUXu
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“What?” I frowned.872Please respect copyright.PENANA1opDhIu0Rt
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Putting her hands on her waist, she raised an eyebrow at me. “Do you realize that your shift is only until nine? And what time is the party anyway?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAb07Gb6fjUe
872Please respect copyright.PENANAH5Zk6wyu46
Before Kyle left, he told me the time and address to his place. “…Ten o’clock.”872Please respect copyright.PENANACgIIe953jh
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Now that the realization has dawned on me and I have all the reason to feel like a complete dolt.872Please respect copyright.PENANAyZuoLyw2z9
I must have looked sheepish because she slapped my shoulder before pointing to a clock.872Please respect copyright.PENANA1bP6sActrE
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8:57 P.M.872Please respect copyright.PENANAGBMHxWeZsa
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I nodded vigorously and went back to grab my things when I remembered something.872Please respect copyright.PENANAjlFQQJZ0Fs
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“Wait, Jenny. Will you come to the party with me?” I asked with a hopeful expression.872Please respect copyright.PENANA4XqjPFxiGj
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“Sorry, but no.” Jenny answered casually.872Please respect copyright.PENANAeLoHo9JhgX
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I was about to counter why when she continued. “My date’s coming over later. You know, Robbie.” She grins at that.872Please respect copyright.PENANAMOxhzGCMk5
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I got confused. “Wait, Robbie the delivery guy?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAfzcCyxd9ys
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She made a face. “No, it’s a different one. The guy whom I had a date with two days ago.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAJKS5rT8wWb
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“Oh, okay. Well, I hope your date goes well.” I nodded and smiled as I gave her two thumbs up.872Please respect copyright.PENANAvmz2ZoCVD1
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“Thank you for that and for the invite, Frances. Now, get your cute little butt out of here. You’ve got a party to attend-AND please don’t wear that hideous top we bought as a joke to each other to the party!” she slapped my bum as I got ushered out of the bakery.872Please respect copyright.PENANAyDzwTEMHlu
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Ah, the green strapless blouse. Of course, I would never have considered it.872Please respect copyright.PENANAhFY5oUTPgT
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Really.872Please respect copyright.PENANAcFEJPOLl56
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I stopped in my tracks and gave her a hug. “Thanks Jenny!”872Please respect copyright.PENANA6yKYumckmT
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She laughed. “Not a problem.” And before we parted ways, she added with a grin. “I hope the party goes well too. You know, with him.” She winked.872Please respect copyright.PENANAHitx9gzWOL
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I rolled my eyes but grinned back. I hope so.872Please respect copyright.PENANAobA9FX1J7r
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His house is huge.872Please respect copyright.PENANAeBifBiSNRM
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Not like a mansion or a castle on a hill but huge as in I could hardly tell the difference whether it’s the building itself or the people milling in and out of it. Man, I knew he had so many friends and acquaintances but this is like having a party for celebrities. I thought it was going to be a normal celebration with some friends from high school or things like that but I guess that’s not happening here.872Please respect copyright.PENANAZlpsosXRPf
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I’m starting to feel insecure now because everyone’s dressed up for the occasion and then there’s me with my tattered jeans and long sleeve striped shirt. Also, I don’t see why I should even feel like this. It’s a birthday party for music sake, not a gala or something! Perhaps I could back now and he won’t even know that I came here….but on second thought, that would be a totally shitty move considering how I said I would come. And I just love the way his smile lights up his face. He would probably be bummed.872Please respect copyright.PENANAfWvmjXtUCL
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Gah, I’m hopeless. 872Please respect copyright.PENANAsgWbLewhZI
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I’m totally blaming it on the atmosphere here.872Please respect copyright.PENANAXlZfZwRMMK
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I must have stood in front of the house for quite sometime now because a guy looked at me weirdly. “Are you gonna come in or…?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAE7pviAF1Mt
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I flash him a smile and nodded. “Yup, right about now.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAK9q3poTUx6
872Please respect copyright.PENANAC0iDT8g4h0
It’s just a party with people having fun and my crush is inside there. No big deal, Frances. You’re going to go find him and wish him a happy birthday even though you already did earlier and it’s gonna be fine.872Please respect copyright.PENANAMbshHnpxGZ
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There’s people everywhere. It’s literally a room full of people grinding on the dancefloor to the upbeat hits. Flashlights beaming everywhere. People making out passionately and impatiently at each and every corner. I started to feel the traitorous blush creeping up my neck so I looked away and pushed my way through the crowd. I spotted a line of table at one corner where there’s cool drinks, snacks, sweets and a huge bowl of fruit punch. Since the music is so loud and my head is starting to throb, I took a cup and poured myself some drink before heaving a sigh.872Please respect copyright.PENANAzQyJfhD9Qs
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“You came.” Came a voice from behind me.872Please respect copyright.PENANAe7YB8UILVZ
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Startled, I almost drop the cup but managed to get a grip on it before turning around…..872Please respect copyright.PENANAlbbaJ1AC35
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…and boy am I glad I did because it’s Kyle Samson.872Please respect copyright.PENANAThULMrDlIf
872Please respect copyright.PENANAxuU8eQtijk
Dressing up real nice with a long navy blue sleeve shirt that’s rolled up to his elbows and new jeans (at least I thought it looked new), I didn’t think he could look any better than he already did, not to mention he also smelled good. Was it something akin to vanilla? 872Please respect copyright.PENANAgbqIZlucUN
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Kyle also looked relieved as his eyes lights up and his smile widened. Or maybe he’s just happy because well, it is his party after all.872Please respect copyright.PENANAc7SDl7s4rG
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As if I have lost all thoughts as my mind tries to get them to work in order, the first thing I blurted out is, “Happy birthday, Kyle!” with a beaming smile.872Please respect copyright.PENANAju6BXbu24q
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Chuckling, he nodded. “Thank you, although you’ve already wished me that earlier, Francesca. You look good, by the way.”
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Feeling a sudden heat of blood rush to my cheeks, I stutter out, “You can c-call me Frances.” I mentally slapped myself and added as an afterthought. “And thank you. You look good yourself.” I smiled.
He lean against the wall with his arms crossed, smiling that gorgeous dimpled smile of his. Kyle was about to say something when his attention shifted to another as someone called out to him.872Please respect copyright.PENANAhzlbPAHzwL
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“Hey Kyle! Sorry man, but something came up and we need your help.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAxQy01mOKvD
872Please respect copyright.PENANAopVdT5NMjd
He nodded at that person before looking back at me, reluctant as he excused himself from me. “Uh, sorry but I need to go check what’s up. I’ll be right back.” And with one last smile, I watch as he walk towards a group of guys as they discuss something before heading upstairs.872Please respect copyright.PENANA8cN3PMyay7
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Figuring I should probably busy myself so I won’t look like a friendless person, I tried engaging some people into a conversation but that only lasted for about five minutes before they found some better things to do. So I walk away and into another room to an empty couch. The place is pretty vacant as most of the party going on is in the main living room and the room I’m now in is mostly for people who wanted some privacy with their partners or whatever.872Please respect copyright.PENANAaRb15KJTYH
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Minutes turn to hours (okay, maybe not hours because I’m pretty sure it’s only been twenty minutes but it sure does felt like it) and I couldn’t sit there on the couch watching two people making out enthusiastically so I got up and decided to walk around. There’s at least four rooms, a dining room, a huge kitchen which overlooks the backyard with a swimming pool and a balcony, that I’ve counted.872Please respect copyright.PENANATSwLYP6fHm
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So far I’ve amused myself with people’s antics especially the piss faced ones but all of that has to come to an end anyway as I was forced to realize that Kyle is nowhere to be seen. Maybe he ditched me. Maybe he forgot about me, I don’t know.872Please respect copyright.PENANAiioGvBNf9J
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But what I do know is that I’m not going to sit around and wait for him to come back. I mean, yeah the party is great but I’m not and I feel like I do not belong here so what exactly am I waiting for now? With a mission set in mind, I walk towards the stairs that I last saw him at. Standing at the last top of the stairs, I noted that there’s a huge but long hallway that has rooms on almost every sides. The hallway ended with a different and spacious room around the corner. As I walk through it I thought I heard some faint music but the closer I got to the room, the louder the music became. And finally I came across it….872Please respect copyright.PENANApK5Ievhv63
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….only to abruptly halt in my steps.872Please respect copyright.PENANAljvwUxJ75n
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I had to blink my eyes several times and as I did so, I felt hot tears started to pool in my eyes. Is my eyes deceiving me? 872Please respect copyright.PENANA1A2q5YVdNo
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In a room full of guys and girls (I supposed this is one of those lounging space where people play video games and such), there stood Kyle who seemed to be passionately making out with one of the girls there on the couch. His lips moved slowly against hers in a sensual way as everyone cheers them on. I also spotted several bottles of beers.872Please respect copyright.PENANApTCdLOcGkB
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Huh. So this is where he had been. Great. 872Please respect copyright.PENANAuVrANHgl7R
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I know I shouldn’t harbor any jealousy towards him because he’s not even my boyfriend and he can do whatever he wants but still, it hurts because only now do I feel like an absolute fool who’ve been making a fool out of herself with foolish thoughts and notions about him. Funny how things got real so quick the moment you’re heartbroken. 872Please respect copyright.PENANAMMSL7uPlnl
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And I couldn’t get over the possibility that what if he had planned that encounter slash moment with his friend as he excused himself earlier because “he had to go check what’s up”. If so, that’s a great play right there. 872Please respect copyright.PENANAcYkP6IHrzk
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I must have let out a loud sob because several people turn to look and were alarmed at the sight standing before them. I don’t know how I look at this moment but I’m pretty sure I would be alarmed as well. Kyle too looked over and what I saw broke my heart even more. He looked at me with such indifference that I wonder how this guy could be the same Kyle that I met earlier. I guess some people are just good at pretending.872Please respect copyright.PENANAia2JEVP5tc
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Too embarrassed to even utter a word, I let out another sob before racing through the hallways….and tripped myself. As if that wasn’t enough, I had to crash into one of the doors in the hallway.872Please respect copyright.PENANA2EySaiHuKY
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As soon as I landed on my rear with a thud, everything went pitch dark.
I don’t know how long I’m stuck in this dark and enclosed space that I assume is a room. All I remember was the shock of finding out about Kyle and his indifferent act before running off and falling. I tried feeling up the wall for any switch and banging on the wall but to no avail. All of these feelings and what’s happening now is too overwhelming for me as I started to panic and cry silently. I don’t know where I am and I’m pretty sure no one else does too because I just had to run and fall into this dark room. Hugging my knees to my chest, I thought of Jenny; about how her date would have gone well and she’d probably tried calling me but because I was getting ready in a haste, I forgot to bring my phone so now I’m contact-less. What time is it now? Is it three in the morning? Did anyone saw me in the hallway? Did-872Please respect copyright.PENANA4uVWkU7ZWY
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The sound of heavy footsteps shook me from my stupor as I listened to any sounds or where it’s coming from. I’m desperate for any form of help as I need to get out of here so in hopes that someone would hear me, I started screaming, banging on the anything to make sounds so that I could be heard. And before I know it, a very bright light was shone to my face. On instinctive act, I shield my eyes from the glaring light as I tried to search the face of the knight who saved me. But relief quickly turned into horror as my mind tried to process who the person standing before me was.872Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2ENigljaL
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It’s Kyle. And I wouldn’t have reacted as I did next if it weren’t for a carbon copy of Kyle Samson.872Please respect copyright.PENANAGhlxCowaOY
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And because of the events that happened tonight taking its toll on me, I screamed.
They looked stricken by my reaction as one tries to calm me down while the other muffle their ears and glare at me. “For goodness sake, shut her up or I will!” The carbon copy of Kyle Samson said.872Please respect copyright.PENANARu8ZZManY6
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“What do you think I’m trying to do here, brother?” Kyle said in a tone of annoyance at the other guy. I’m not sure if that tone was directed at me but it looked like it was aimed for the carbon copy one.872Please respect copyright.PENANASAwb7RjBN2
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I would have kept screaming if it hadn’t been for that one particular information.872Please respect copyright.PENANAlhmKPcFOtw
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“Hold up! Brother?” I asked, astonished. I didn’t know he had a brother.872Please respect copyright.PENANAOUHePv7k9I
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Kyle nodded while Kyle look-alike narrowed his eyes with an indifference at me which, come to think of it….looks similar to the one at the lounge area earlier. The realization dawned on me now that the guy whom I thought was Kyle is actually his brother…..and by the way he’s narrowing his eyes at me like he’s beginning to piece two and two together doesn’t help either. By the glint in his eyes, I think he recognized who I am now.872Please respect copyright.PENANAouR3j2fx9P
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The real Kyle chuckled, unaware of my discomfort. “This is Len, my twin. He’s older than me by two minutes.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAtx8thQtdxJ
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Oh. My. God. Twins.872Please respect copyright.PENANAdfiFc6UqL2
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“H-hi, I’m Francesca.” I wave awkwardly, feeling like I should at least introduce myself even though I just completely humiliated myself in front of him because I mistook him for Kyle.872Please respect copyright.PENANAxJfiRnOpIk
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Len smirk as he look to his brother and back at me. “Francesca, huh. Interesting.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAtbGsAOifIP
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He still hasn’t stopped glancing back and forth from Kyle to me and that made the former feel a big uncomfortable as he rubbed the back of his neck. And I’m not sure if I’m imagining it but I think Kyle’s cheeks just went red a little bit.872Please respect copyright.PENANA1rzxrwMbWM
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Kyle looked at me as I look away. It’s like we’re playing a game here.872Please respect copyright.PENANAzMAIsRCYIU
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I brought my gaze to them both back and forth while they’re arguing about something, scrutinizing and finding some similarity or differences that could validate it and concluded that despite the height, hair colour and physical attributes, one difference that I noticed is their eye colours. While Kyle’s had been green, his twin were blue. Heck, their outfit isn’t even the same! Kyle wore a navy blue long sleeve shirt whereas Len wore a black fitted t-shirt with some band’s name on it.872Please respect copyright.PENANAkylnNsTbag
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And I needed to know something that’s been bugging me.872Please respect copyright.PENANARXOV6iVIPv
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“Hey, could you guys smile? Don’t ask, just do it.” I said in all seriousness.872Please respect copyright.PENANAEF5s1Ufs61
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The twins gave each other puzzled looks before complying-although Len seem to be quite reluctant to do so that it looked like a grimace. But as they smiled, I concluded that while Kyle has dimples on both his cheeks, Len had a dent only on his right cheek.872Please respect copyright.PENANAHx3xILFuqm
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“Okay…you’re both brothers. I believe you now.” I said with finality.872Please respect copyright.PENANAggWM3iLuRh
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Len Samson gave his brother a disbelief look and said, “Is this chick for real?” Then looking at her, “We’re identical twins, for goodness sake! You must be pretty dumb not to put two and two together.” He smirked.872Please respect copyright.PENANAPOqdEGpYwy
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Kyle protested at his brother while I huff indignantly. “Hey! I just happened to be slow okay…pretty slow to piece things up sometimes so beat it.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA6WfiytBvh5
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“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” Len said as he walk away. But before that, he cast us a mischievous look. “By the way, Francesca, you could just ask around about Kyle, you know.” Then he pointedly look at his younger twin. “The poor thing. She saw me kissing and thought it was you.” And just like that, the older blue eyed twin cackled as he walk way, leaving Kyle frozen to his spot and I to deal with the disaster Len has unraveled. I was stunned and speechless as my jaw went slack.872Please respect copyright.PENANAPzHBFQ0I91
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I hate this guy already.872Please respect copyright.PENANAdXX32hqPo4
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So there we are, both of us standing in front each other, looking away as we ponder on how to approach this properly. I was thinking of ways to escape this awkward situation when Kyle spoke.872Please respect copyright.PENANA6prT0Bt0uF
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“So…you were crying.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA9lqDYbM4Ds
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I’m afraid to speak right now ‘cause I don’t know where he’s going with this. It’s quite the moment of truth, really because he probably knows how I felt for him now and it might be a yay or a nay. Either way, I think I’m prepared by whatever he’s going to say so I just nodded.872Please respect copyright.PENANAVHhg7KLgFs
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“And you were looking for me?” He asked, this time meeting my gaze.872Please respect copyright.PENANAB6Fa07VwBR
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I nodded again.872Please respect copyright.PENANAGaM1xuyCwC
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“Why?” What do you mean, ‘why?’872Please respect copyright.PENANAlaEZfPf8jv
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“Why what?”872Please respect copyright.PENANA5yN2B3Ssln
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“Why were you crying? Did someone hurt you or something?” He looked genuinely concerned yet a bit stiff. 872Please respect copyright.PENANA5DVXoDkbXm
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Oh boy. I might as well say it now. If Jenny were here, she’d probably locked me in a closet or something with the guy that I like as she guards outside, whistling jovially as we demanded to be let out. My lips twitch at that mental image.872Please respect copyright.PENANA9FJgcisUPC
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I took a very deep breath along with the risk. “No, I…the truth is, I like you.”872Please respect copyright.PENANALo8lDVK0Gn
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Is it just me or he let out a relieved exhale?872Please respect copyright.PENANAZPYUUfL7B8
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Kyle’s eyes widen slightly as he opened his mouth but I beat him to it.872Please respect copyright.PENANA6bnD0EUiYk
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“And I guess I thought you wanted to ditch me when you said you had to do something. Perhaps I was boring.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAmMoKujX9O8
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Kyle looked affronted. “Boring? You’re the coolest and interesting girl I’ve ever countered. Sure, you’re pretty quirky and all that but that’s what makes you who you are….Frances.” He was grinning.872Please respect copyright.PENANAYFypB3f0B0
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I noticed he called me Frances and not Francesca and I feel like there’s butterflies fluttering in my stomach right now. Squeal internally.872Please respect copyright.PENANA2vlfQUazTA
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“Besides,” he continued. “I was looking for you too.” I didn’t realize that we were actually making our way towards the balcony until I saw that the party was actually over and there are some people that were either passed out or too drunk to care, loitering around on the mowed lawn.872Please respect copyright.PENANATIJ3uWSzFC
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“You were?” I asked as I look at him, leaning against the balustrade and him, looking over the houses.872Please respect copyright.PENANAdpoz4VKXlB
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He glance at me before humming, “Mhm.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAxmnrMkPmsv
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The atmosphere were beginning to feel pleasant and ease as we chatted about things for a while. Just then, he asked me, “What were you doing in the closet earlier?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAvDy4UAfQDv
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I blinked. Ah, so that space was a closet. And remembering that incident earlier was enough to make my face turn a little red. “I-uh…I tripped and crashed into it.” But come to think of it, right after Kyle helped me up, I noticed that the door was still intact as there isn’t any damage to it.872Please respect copyright.PENANAQqR6ANKpf3
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My face must have looked puzzled because Kyle let out a low chuckle before saying, “That was a closet and the door is spoiled. See, we’re still trying to fix one of the doors because while it has some trouble opening, it's pretty easy to get locked out. I was taking some things out earlier before the party and I completely forgot about it.” He sheepishly said.872Please respect copyright.PENANAgQ0Km6k0IG
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I glare at him. “So technically, you’re the one who caused me to get locked in a damn closet for who knows how long.”
He laughed but apologized. I think the sound of it melted my heart a little bit but I kept I straight face, even though my lips were about to twitch.872Please respect copyright.PENANArKGMTIhEfM
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“That’s really menacing, Frances. Real cute, though.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAgKaC5mvj7X
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I rolled my eyes but giggled a little. We look at each other with smiles that reached the corners of our eyes and we couldn’t look away. Tonight has definitely taken a turn that I did not expected at all but somehow, I was kinda glad it did. And because of the mistaken issues earlier, I felt bad for saying mean things, being the weird person that I am. When I mentioned and apologized, he had laughed and told me he appreciated it, that I was forgiven-in a mock seriousness that he could muster.872Please respect copyright.PENANAeS22KZKldd
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“You know, it’s a shame you missed out on eating the cake though. We did that at eleven just now.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA992caSDsSu
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I gasped. “For real?”872Please respect copyright.PENANAwScX31KlQD
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Kyle nodded gravely. “For real.” Before bursting into laughter. “Nah, I saved some for you.”872Please respect copyright.PENANA84ADUN4eXY
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“For me? How do you know that I haven’t gone home already?” I asked, quirking up my eyebrow.872Please respect copyright.PENANAmNr7yNbHmq
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He nonchalantly said, “I don’t. I figured if you did went home, I’d just come over to the bakery next time and give you your share.”
I laughed. “How thoughtful of you.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAvyA7jTmYQ8
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“Very.” He nodded vigorously, laughing as well.872Please respect copyright.PENANAASQMGRyWEl
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Laughter starts to fade and smiles starts to dim as Kyle and I held each other’s gaze. His eyes seek my permission to proceed while mine slowly starts to drift away from uncertainty. Body languages shifted as we got closer. And closer.872Please respect copyright.PENANAy4LHbRLT6h
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Neither of us knew who leaned in or made the first move to kiss but we’re both aware of the change that’s about to happen between us as our lips touched. But before it did, Kyle murmured those eight words that made my heart skipped a beat as I smiled into the kiss.872Please respect copyright.PENANAWvr1H0tmNc
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“By the way, I like you too, Frances.”872Please respect copyright.PENANAzoHeBaH6pg
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A/N : This is a bit longer than I had anticipated, sorry! Also, I was hoping that I did not make any obvious or terrible mistakes but if there's any, feel free to tell me what it is or what you think of this story in general and every aspects as well :)872Please respect copyright.PENANA6zRyGMz43J
Enjoy!872Please respect copyright.PENANAwHeX4ZRkKb
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