Dim-sighted

– She has something to do, obviously, but let’s just say that I didn’t want to be the classic heartless player that just to be popular and part of something gets the pretty girls for a date or two and then luckily a one night stand once in a while to then move to another one and another one never caring about what they might feel when I pushed them out of my life and when I met Aly, I don’t know why but I started thinking that I didn’t want to be that kind of person, you know? I decided I want to be so much more

  – But why?

  – I think it’s because she can’t see the monster that learned to explode his features to get some and hurt girls, she only hears my voice and yet it’s like she could see through my soul – the thought of her vibrant amber eyes made him lose track of what he was saying –. Never mind – he shook his head as he parked –. I just know that I want to make it right with her because she deserves all the good things you can wish to a person, she’s too good and doesn’t deserve a broken heart

  Aly was sitting in her bed, hearing Terrence opening her drawers in order to prepare her bag since she didn’t want Briar in her room.

  – Okay so, towels check, sunscreen check, a spare outfit just in case check, and your vacuum bottle check. You want to keep those sandals for the return or want something else?

  – These are okay

  – Then I think that’s all – he put the mentioned things inside a zipper bag –. Want me to pack a book? For the ride or something

  – Sure – she sighed –. Can’t you and Ariana come instead of Briar?

  – Maybe next time – he frowned –. She’s just trying to protect you, don’t be so mean

  – I know and I’m grateful because she took the responsibility of taking care of me since day one but Bastian proved he’s not a bad person and I think she should stop testing him

  – This is hurting her

  – Not as much as it hurts me that she doesn’t respect my decisions

  – Just talk to her, okay?

  – Yea

  – Great, it doesn’t occur to me if there’s something missing so let me call her

  – You do that

  – Ready Aly? – Briar asked as soon as she passed the doorway

  – Ready Bree – Aly nodded

  – Okay, bro. Let’s see how much you have learned – the girl with the blue eyes opened the bag and examined its contents –. The sweater is missing

  – I knew it though

  – Yea, right – Briar rolled her eyes and went to get something warm for the ride back home

  – Do you have everything in your bag? – Aly tried to make conversation

  – Yea, and now we’re ready to spend four hours in the beach – Briar threw a knit cardigan in and zipped the bag to then hear the bell –. Just in time – she looked at her watch

  – Seems like that guy is trying to make a good impression – Terrence pointed out as he walked to the door with his sisters following close

  – Finn, Bastian – he greeted

  – Good afternoon, Terrence – Bastian nodded

  – Be careful if you plan to get in the water

  – Don’t worry about it, they’ll have it all under control, right guys? – Aly asked on her way out and patted her brother’s shoulder

  – Right – the former lacrosse players agreed

  – Okay. I’ll see you girls later

  – We love you, bro! – The twins expressed at the unison

  – Love you too – he replied and walked back into the house closing the door behind him

  – You look lovely – Bastian took Aly’s hand to help her get in the passenger seat, he had to admit she looked a little bit different without eye makeup but nonetheless, she looked beautiful

  – Thanks – she smiled lightly

  – You look lovely too Briar – Bastian felt he had to say something to her as a compliment too, no matter how much she started to dislike him since their white dainty floral dresses were pretty much the same just the flowers were in different colours; Aly’s were pink and Briar’s orange

  – How kind – Briar forced a smile –. It was our birthday gift from Terrence, we’re 17 and still following the old cliché of identical twins wearing identical clothes – she tried to wave it off

  – He has always liked to see us like that

  – It’s adorable

  * * *

  Once parked near the beach, Bastian took Aly’s arm.

  – So what’s the plan?

  – Let’s gather here before it gets too dark

  – Deal

  Bastian saw Finn taking Briar’s hand as they walked away and shook his head. “Naughty,” he thought.

  – Ready to get wet, Aly?

  – Are you serious? – She uttered alarmed since when he suggested Briar on Friday to help her pack an extra outfit, she didn’t think it was to get in the sea with the waves and the salt and the sharks

  – Completely

  – I don’t think it’s safe

  – I promise that nothing will threaten your life as long as you’re with me

  – Very well – she blushed –. Let’s go then

  – Great – Bastian tightened his grip in her shoulder a little bit and looked at her expecting to find a grimace of pain since he might have pressed more than the necessary, she walked guided by him unaffected because, with him, she could feel as protected as if she was with Terrence and she liked that

  Bastian stopped Aly in an empty spot.

  – You don’t have something of value in your bag, do you?

  – Sentimental only

  – Good because we have to leave our bags here, I’m asking just in case

  – Okay

  – Step out of your sandals and take off your dress – he requested since he could perfectly see the neckties –. Would it make you feel less uncomfortable if I turn around?

  – It’s not necessary – her hands went to her knees where the end of her dress could be found and took it off from her head, Bastian smiled at the sight of her navy blue boyleg one-piece swimsuit as he took the white and pink floral dress in his hands

  – Just give me a second and we’ll go – he opened her bag to throw the dress in there

  – No rush – she stepped out of her sandals and he took his shirt off and then placed his sandals and backpack next to her stuff

  – Come – he took her arm and led her to the water –. Ready?

  – Not really

  – I have a plan, trust me

  – Tell me about it

  – We’ll walk slowly until our feet can touch and then… – he broke off, wanting to surprise her –, Yea

  – Okay – Aly replied doubtfully at his lack of explanation

  – You’ll be fine, I swear – he helped her move across the water

  – I can’t touch the ground anymore – she could feel the water in her shoulders

  – Come – he took her hand and moved her so she could be in front of him –. Don’t get scared if you feel my hands, okay?

  – What are you… – he let go of her hand –. Bastian?

  Then, he took her hands and put them in his shoulders.

  – I’m here – he opened his mouth but felt nervous all of sudden because he never had her so close to his face –. Now would you mind to… – he cleared his throat

  – Yes?

  – Put your legs around my waist – he winced in pain in advance waiting for her to slap him because of his boldness, she was pretty taken aback by his request

  – If it’ll help me to stay alive then I don’t mind – she did what she was told

  “She’s so perfect.” he thought as he realised that his idea of protection only pulled them closer physically. Being the man he was he couldn’t help but have indecent thoughts. Truth is that their bodies were so close and her amber eyes looked like if she was looking at his lips, and he simply couldn’t think so straight.

  “Behave, she’s decent and innocent, don’t make gross comments, make her realise that y
ou’ve changed!”

  – Do you feel comfortable? – He caressed her back

  – Comfortable and safe, thanks

  – Happy to help you feel that way – he was about to say “my pleasure” but managed to bite his tongue and say something else pun intended free –. Is it just me or the car was full of tension? – He changed the subject before he could mess up, thank goodness

  – It’s not just you, I’m hardly even speaking to Briar because I hate it when she’s more overprotective than the usual and necessary

  – Don’t be mad at her, I can’t really blame her for wanting to make sure I have good intentions – he bit his bottom lip –. Actually, I would like to apologise to her and Terrence for what they heard in Finn’s phone

  – Can’t we just sink that recording thing …?

  – Aly – he interrupted –. I was like that, sadly, I used to play with girls and I didn’t care but I’ve changed and I want to talk to your siblings and get rid of that impression they have of me because I really want to deserve you

  – Bastian – she moved her right hand to his face and traced his cheekbones to realise that they weren’t swollen anymore, and then went to his lips and ran her thumb across his bottom lip, he looked at her amber eyes and resisted the urge of pressing their lips together –. I want you to do something for me

  – Anything – he swallowed hard, trying to stay calm

  – Forget about Briar and Terrence and focus on me, okay? They’ll see you’ve changed based on the way you treat me and there won’t be awkward conversations needed – she traced the shape of his lips with her index finger. “Damn, she’s on fire,” he thought –. Prove them wrong through me – she moved her hand back to his shoulder –. Can you do that?

  – I’ll try – he uttered after clearing his throat, mesmerised

  – Good – she smiled lightly and Bastian looked at her parted lips, unable to resist

  – Did I mention that I fancy you so much it’s starting to hurt? – He noticed a little red trace in her cheeks behind the sunscreen

  – Why me? Among all the other beautiful and completely healthy girls there must be in our school

  – Because you’re special and I don’t mean special because of your condition

  – Then what do you mean?

  – No other girl has made me want to get closer in so little time, I swear that when Briar tried to make me stay away from you it inspired me to change my ways in a hope she’ll let me reach you and honestly, I feel a better person thanks to that decision

  – She was so wrong about you

  – Give her some credit for her cleverness, she made me realise that what I feel is stronger than my need to be respected in school

  – She didn’t do it with that intention

  – I know, but still

  – You’re so courteous

  – I’m trying to be, this is new to me I never needed to be courteous with a girl before

  – Then I’m delighted to be the first girl you try to be courteous with – she smiled and again he couldn’t help but feel weak at the sight of her pink lips parted

  Since they met, he knew he wanted to be her friend but Briar made him realise that he needed to be more than that, and now that he seemed to be so close of a chance, he couldn’t hold it any longer.

  He leaned in, eager to touch her lips.

  “Come on, kiss her! At least a tiny peck but do it”

  He was about to make his lips meet hers when her stomach made a sound, he chuckled.

  – Hungry?

  – Maybe – she blushed and again, the need of having contact increased. She was so cute!

  – Same here, let’s go get something to eat

  Bastian holds her by the waist as her feet landed in the sand.

  “Maybe later,” he thought as he guided Aly through the water trying to prevent her from running into people or having an accident.

  – Here, let me help you – Aly was soaking wet and even if it was a great vision, he wanted to be nice

  – Thanks – she smiled as Bastian dried her arms and legs and wrapped her body with the towel

  – What would you like to eat, salad, pizza, hamburger?

  – What’s easier and fastest?

  – I think they must be in the same range of waiting time

  – I don’t know – she bit her lip

  – You call

  – What about hamburgers? – Her reply surprised him since she always ate sandwiches with gluten-free wholegrain bread and low-fat ham or turkey and water in the lunch

  – Sure – he smiled –. I’ll be right back, I left my wallet in the car

  – Okay – she nodded and opened her bag to take her book out, he spotted the lilac bottle

  – Let me grab your bottle to fill it with a drink

  – Please

  – Okay, I won’t take long – he took his sandals and t-shirt and made his way to the restaurant

  – You need more sunscreen in the back, let me move your hair – Aly heard a couple of minutes later and closed her book

  – Where are Bastian and Finn?

  – Bastian ran into us on the way to the hamburger place and asked me to come here so you wouldn’t be alone

  – How thoughtful

  – Yea so thoughtful– Briar said forcefully and rolled her eyes as she spread the white cream all over her sister’s back and shoulders – He’s been nice to you so far?

  – Very and I can tell you that you were wrong

  – Really?

  – Yea, we’ve been talking and…

  – Let’s dig in, girls – Finn came back with a plastic bag in his wrist to take a seat in front of Briar

  Bastian sat down cross-legged in front of Aly and took her hamburger out along with a foam container of French fries and her bottle filled with soda

  – Here – he half unwrapped the burger and took her hand to hand it over

  – Thanks

  – No problem – he saw her taking a bite with the fries and the vacuum bottle in his hands

  – Tastes good

  – I’m glad – he smiled –. If you want chips or soda just stretch your hand – he rested the bottle in his knee and put the container in the space between him and Aly

  – Won’t you eat, Bastian? – Briar said realising he was only making the container and the bottle reachable for Aly

  – In a minute – he waved it off

  Judging by the way he sat there paying all his attention to her sister’s needs, Briar could finally realise that Bastian changed and his feelings for Aly were genuine.

  Finn told her all about his conversation with Bastian on their walk around the beach and no matter how much he tried to assure her that those were his exact words, she couldn’t buy it because she knew a guy of his type, Tobias, and for the experience she had with him she could say that Bastian only spoke some charming and cute words so Finn could believe his story and try to convince her to stop being so cruel because of the good intentions Bastian claimed to have.

  She couldn’t buy his story until she saw it with her own eyes.

  * * *

  The quartet got on the way home with the last minutes of the sun.

  Once in front of the Brighton house, Bastian parked and took Aly’s hand after Briar helped her sister to get out of the car.

  – I’ll catch you on Monday – Bastian uttered trying not to use the word “see” as they stood near the door

  – Yea, thanks for today

  – Oh, don’t mention it! I should thank you, I love spending time with you – he intertwined their fingers as her cheeks turned red

  – How benevolent

  – I mean it

  – I know you do but I can’t help but think that I’m not a very active companion

  – That’s not true! And even if it was, it’s not your fault

  – But…

  – But nothing – he interrupted softly –. I love being around you and I hope Briar won’t have trou
ble with me being closer to you on the breaks or with playing the chaperon if you let me take you out

  – I’m sure she won’t have a problem, right Bree? – Aly called and her sister hmm-ed

  – Okay then

  – We should get in – Briar intervened –. Terrence was clear and sharp about the time

  – I’m aware of it, just a second– Bastian rolled his eyes at her –. I had a great time and I also hope your brother won’t mind to give me his permission more times

  – I’ll talk to him and he’ll be okay with it, you’ll see

  – Then I better go, I don’t want you to get in trouble

  – Until Monday then – Aly nodded and again, Bastian melted at the sight of her amber eyes that seemed to be looking up at him even with her grey pupils

  – If you need anything just call me and I’ll be here, I promise – he couldn’t hold it more and took advantage of her small smile to finally, make their lips meet in a peck, then he took the hand of a blushed Aly and guided her to Briar to put her hand in her sister’s shoulder

  – He kissed you! – Briar exclaimed as soon as they crossed Aly’s doorway –. Did you feel it?

  – I did feel his lips against mine

  – But you felt the sparks or anything?

  – I don’t know

  – Oh – she frowned –. It was probably because of the quick moment

  – Yea, that’s probably it

  – I’m sure there’ll be a next time so don’t worry about it, now let’s get you in the shower

  24

  – Hey – Jesse walked in the classroom and then sat down behind Aly

  – Hey – Aly and Briar replied at the unison

  – How was Saturday?

  – Pretty entertaining, but we missed you

  – I missed you girls too, so much I’m even thinking about skipping the practice this Saturday because I seem to be missing a lot of fun – he nodded at Aly when Briar looked at him asking what he meant wordlessly. Then she understood, Finn told him

  – There wasn’t a lot of action, to be honest – Briar waved it off

  – Then I must definitely tag along