Kiss in the Rain

The following day, they all woke up early, packed up, and headed home. While walking through the thick forest Alice and Mark never talked nor did they even glance at each other. Alice gave up on apologizing and Mark is too stubborn himself. Their friends were all worried but it's not something that they can meddle on. Fixing this will be all up to Alice and Mark now.

"I'll walk from here," Alice said with a sad smile once they reached the bus station.

"Do you need some company? I can accompany you home," Grant offered but Alice just shook her head.

"Take care," everyone except Mark said.

As soon as Alice disappeared from their sight, it started raining. "Do you guys think Alice brought an umbrella?" Jayne asked.

"No, she usually forgets about it." Josh muttered.

The rain gradually got stronger as the minutes passed by. It was eventually followed by lightning and thunder. They all flinched as they waited by the shed. "Oh gosh, she must be soaking wet by now." Joanna gasped.

"Isn't Alice afraid of thunder? Will she be okay?" Angela worriedly asks.

Without saying anything, Mark suddenly started running to the direction that Alice just went to. They all looked relieved as they watched Mark's retreating figure.

"Well, that's Mark to you. I know he won't be able to resist Alice." Lance said.

"I guess everything will be alright now." Alex said in relief.

Alice ran as fast as she could but she wasn't able to find any shelter. Then much to her luck, she also happened to slip on a puddle. She fell on the ground, it was a good thing that no one was around to see her. She quickly stood up and hid under the nearest tree for shelter. The rain got even stronger and she heard loud crashes of thunder. She covered her ears as she shook in fear and coldness. She bit back a sob, she can't believe her luck. Everything is just so bad right now. Things just keep getting worse for her.

Mark ran across the streets, he asked every person and searched every corner. His last resort was the park. He looked around then he saw a huge tree and there was a figure of a girl there. He ran towards it and he saw Alice. Worry was evident in his eyes, he saw her shaking in fear.

"Hey," he said once he approached her.

Alice opened her eyes and relief was reflected on them the moment she saw Mark. "You'll be okay now," he patted her head. Tears flowed from Alice's eyes, she wrapped her arms around Mark and she leaned her head on his chest.

"I'm so sorry Mark, it's my entire fault. I'm sorry you got hurt." she sobbed.

Mark rested his head on top of Alice's own. "It's okay, I'm sorry too. I was too harsh." he said gently. Alice sobbed and she looked at him.

"Thank you," she said, her voice was shaky.

Alice released the warm embrace. Mark wiped off Alice's tears. "I'm sorry Alice," he whispered, and for the first time since the night before, Alice smiled. Mark leaned down, his fingers tracing a path from her cheek to her chin and Alice didn't pull away. Mark leaned down and their lips met.

Alice's lip hinted of strawberries, and for a moment Alice responded and Mark was beyond surprised. They broke apart and their eyes met. Shock, it was the only thing Alice showed, a shade of red appeared on her cheeks.

"T-that was..." she gulped. "Oh my God, what did we just do?!" The panic slowly rose on her expression.

Mark chuckled. "Now don't tell me it still doesn't count, you totally liked it."

"Don't act smug with me," she threatened though it lacked venom.

"You're cute," Mark chuckled.

"And you're an idiot," she glared.

"And you like me" he teased.

Alice looked completely flustered. "Do I have to kick you to get it through your thick head that you're an assuming moron?!" she asked in an annoyed tone.

"Should I walk you home?" he suddenly asked.

"Leave me alone," she groaned.

"I'll take that as a yes," Mark said playfully as he grabbed Alice and swung her over his shoulder. "On second thought, I'm bringing you to my house," he said,

"What?! Let go, Mark! Bring me down!" she shouted but Mark laughed.

"My mom will make hot cocoa," he said.

"It won't work on me," Alice huffed.

"Ivan's there," he told her. He didn't want to use his brother but it's proven to be the best way to convince Alice.

"Fine but it's only because of Ivan," Alice replied.

"Are you sure it's not just to hang out with me more?" Mark teased.

"I should have not apologized to you, it only made you arrogant." Alice sneered. Mark laughed in amusement, he knows she didn't mean it. He puts her down once he's sure that Alice won't run off. After that, they both headed to his home.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at his residence. Mark rung the doorbell and his mother answered the door. "Oh dear, you're both soaking wet! Get inside it's still raining." she gasped as she ushered them inside. "This is why I always remind you to bring an umbrella! You might get sick!"

"I'm so sorry to disturb you once again," Alice slightly bowed.

"Oh no no no, it's okay as long as it's you sweetie," she chuckled.

"Mom, where's Ivan?" Mark asked.

"He's with your father at his office," she replied. Mark internally grinned goofily.

"Now you should go and change and I'll prepare some hot cocoa for you two." she ordered.

Mark and Alice proceeded to the living room. "Oh no, all of my clothes in my bag are all wet." she exclaimed.

"Well, that's not really a problem. Wait, I'll get a shirt for you," Mark said as he went to his room. He came down not long enough and he handed Alice a shirt.

"It's too big," Alice said once she unfolded it.

"Sorry, it's mine. Most of my mom's clothes are blouses and dresses, I'm sure you won't like those." he chuckled.

Alice sighed in defeat. "Well I guess this is better than catching a cold." she shrugged. Alice went to the bathroom to change. Minutes later she went downstairs and she was fully changed. Mark's eyes widened the moment he saw her.

"Oh, oh wow... I guess it really is too big on you." he stammered.

"Yeah I know but it is better than wearing a wet shirt," she chuckled. The shirt was indeed too big for Alice. Mark could see Alice's other shoulder since the shirt was too loose. Mark slapped himself in order to not be tempted to stare at her.

"Are you okay?" Alice asked, sounding completely oblivious.

Mark slightly nodded. "Y-yeah I'm fine,"

"Here are your hot cocoa," Mark's mother came with a tray filled with cookies and two mugs of hot cocoa.

"Thank you, auntie." Alice smiled. Mark's mother suddenly hugged Alice tightly.

"You called me auntie, you're so cute." she squeezed her.

"Mom, let go of her." Mark ordered.

"Oops, sorry are you jealous?" she teased.

"Mom!" Mark whined.

"Sorry dear," she giggled as she left.

"Sorry," Alice said.

"Why?" he turned to face her.

"You're jealous because your mom hugged me," she apologized.

Mark facepalmed. "It's the other way around idiot," he muttered.

"I don't get it, why would you be?" Alice whined.

They spent the rest of the afternoon watching a movie. They didn't talk about the incident during the previous night since it was already done and there was no need for it since they have already apologized to each other. The rain finally stopped after a few hours and by that time, Alice had fixed all her stuff including her clothes since Mark offered to put them in the dryer.

"I think I should head home, my parents are probably looking for me now. I told them I'll be home by lunchtime," Alice said.

"I'll take you there," Mark offered.

"No thanks, I'll go home by myself. It's still pretty early so I'll be fine," Alice declined.

"Are you sure?" Mark asked.

"Yeah, definitely," she said proudly.

"Okay then, goodbye. Send me a text once you're home." Mark waved.

"I will, goodbye." Alice said as she left.

Mark waited until Alice reached the end of their street. Once Alice was gone, Mark saw his mother right behind him and she had her usual motherly smirk. "You're such a coward Mark," she said.

"I know mom," he grunted.

"You better hurry up. You don't usually see a girl that your parents would gladly approve since the first day they met her you know," she mused.

"Oh please just let me be," Mark rolled his eyes.

"Suit yourself, if you don't end up with her it's your loss and I'll be that annoying mother that would bring her up at every chance I get," she giggled.

"Mom please," Mark groaned in disbelief before laughing it off.