Chapter 6

Letter six: June

—

Lily couldn't ignore it any longer – the truth was undeniable. She liked Marcus.

Her heart was in turmoil, emotions swirling like the raindrops falling outside her window on that gloomy Monday morning.

The weather matched her feelings, with the rain and fog creating a serene atmosphere that she found strangely comforting. The sound of raindrops tapping against her windowpane provided a rhythmic backdrop to her thoughts.

In the past few weeks, Lily and Marcus had been inseparable. They ventured into new territories together, exploring each other's interests. Lily introduced Marcus to the world of painting, and in return, he opened her eyes to the beauty of poetry.

They shared laughter, confessions, and dreams, and with every passing day, Lily found herself falling deeper in love.

But uncertainty clouded her heart. Marcus's claims that he couldn't like anyone, left her grappling with doubt and confusion.

Their closeness fueled rumors at school, whispers of a blossoming romance that Marcus constantly denied. Those denials, though well-intentioned, began to weigh on Lily's heart more and more.

As she arrived at school, the absence of Marcus caught her attention. He seemed to be getting sick more often lately, and it worried her.

Lunchtime arrived, and Lily found herself following the same routine of sitting alone when Marcus wasn't around. It had become a familiar solitude, and she had grown used to it.

Despite Davina's multiple attempts at apologizing, Lily knew she needed more time to process everything that had happened between them.

As she settled at her usual spot for lunch, she noticed Davina approaching once again, likely to offer yet another apology.

Lily, however, wasn't ready to face her just yet. She needed a breather from the constant apologies and the reminder of the fractured friendship.

In a spur of the moment, she decided to change her surroundings and sat next to a girl from her class, Charlotte.

Lily had never spoken to her before, but she hoped that striking up a conversation might help distract her from the emotional disturbance she was going through and make Davina go away.

"Hey," Lily said, mustering up the courage to initiate a conversation with a relative stranger.

"Hi," Charlotte replied, her focus still on her food as she continued eating.

Charlotte was known for her reserved and introverted nature, keeping herself distant from most people. Her brilliance in academics, consistently achieving the top grades, had been a source of admiration until Marcus arrived and dethroned her.

Rumors whispered that her mother's high expectations were the cause of her closed-off demeanor. Once, she had been a ray of sunshine, but the pressure to excel seemed to have dimmed her spark, shutting out the world.

Although Lily's initial motive for sitting with Charlotte had been to escape Davina's constant apologies, she now saw an opportunity to know her better and perhaps offer some support.

After struggling with how to start a conversation, Lily decided to bring up the recent presentations in class.

"You did great on that last presentation," she praised her, hoping to strike a chord with Charlotte.

However, Charlotte's response was far from encouraging, and Lily found herself grappling with the difficulty of connecting with someone so reserved.

"I really liked how you liked your topics," she tried again, her words awkwardly phrased, "I mean, how you presented them..."

Feeling disheartened, Lily let out a soft sigh, unintentionally vocalizing her frustration, "Even the kitties are easier to talk to..."

Surprisingly, Charlotte's eyes lit up, and she spoke up with enthusiasm. "Oh, you're the new volunteer? And you're with the kitties?" she asked, seemingly delighted.

Caught off guard, Lily managed to nod in response, about to affirm her love for animals when Charlotte's excitement took over once more.

"I love kitties too! They're so cute! When I was little, I dreamt of becoming a veterinarian, you know? But, well, parents being parents, they said no and got angry. But secretly, I still fed stray kittens and puppies, trying to help them while hiding it from them and..."

Lily watched in amazement as Charlotte, who had been so quiet before, turned into a lively storyteller, sharing her passion for animals without reservation.

It was a side of Charlotte that Lily couldn't have imagined before, and it made her feel a sense of connection.

A few minutes slipped by with Charlotte's animated tales of animals, captivating Lily's attention.

An involuntary chuckle escaped Lily's lips, surprised by the unexpected revelation of Charlotte's hidden passion.

"What?" Charlotte queried, her confusion etched on her face.

Lily's smile widened, "It's just that I never knew you'd be like this. It's a pleasant surprise."

A hint of amusement blended with a tinge of sadness crossed Charlotte's features, "You thought I was the boring Charlotte, always studying, never talking to anyone?"

Lily nodded, understanding the weight of parental expectations all too well. "I get it, the pressure to meet your parents' standards and feeling like you're never good enough."

"I guess I never invested much in friendship to avoid disappointing them ," Charlotte confessed.

"Don't worry," Lily reassured, "You've got me now. I think you're super cool, and I'd love to get to know you better. What do you think?"

Charlotte's face lit up with a genuine smile, "Sure!"

With that, the two of them spent the entire afternoon bonding, sharing stories, and opening up to each other. Lily sensed the seeds of a friendship taking root, a connection that might endure the test of time.

Emotions swirled like autumn leaves, a mix of excitement and hope, savoring the possibility of this newfound friendship.

As the day gradually dipped into evening, Lily found herself immersed in the moment, her thoughts consumed by her interactions with Charlotte.

It struck her that she hadn't thought of Marcus during their time together, which surprised her. But now, as the sun descended, her concern for him returned with a fervor. Was he unwell again?

Without a moment's hesitation, Lily grabbed her phone and dialed Marcus's number, her heart pounding with worry. But there was no answer on the other end. Troubled, she headed straight to his house, knocking anxiously on the door until his mom appeared.

"Oh, hello, dear," his mother greeted her warmly.

"Hi, is Marcus home?" Lily inquired, her concern evident.

"No, he went out a few minutes ago," his mom replied.

"Okay, thank you," Lily replied hurriedly, her thoughts racing as she dashed away from the house.

She knew exactly where to find him – the bench, their special place where they had shared countless memories.

And like magic, there he stood, the golden sun kissing his face as it neared the horizon.

The day had been warm and radiant, with a hint of nostalgia in the fading light. Yet, despite the beauty of the day, Lily couldn't silence her worries. She gazed tenderly at Marcus, her heart filled with concern.

"Were you sick again?" she inquired softly, her eyes searching his face for any sign of discomfort.

"Just a cold," Marcus replied quickly, trying to dismiss her worries.

But Lily knew him too well, and she could sense that something lingered beneath his confident facade. She took his hands gently in hers, their fingers entwining like the interlocking pieces of a perfect puzzle.

"These are not the hands of someone with a cold," she playfully teased, hoping to lift the weight from his shoulders.

"Are you doubting me?" Marcus smirked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Just worried," Lily admitted, a touch of sadness in her voice. "Sometimes I feel like you're not telling me everything."

Marcus remained silent, as if their unspoken agreement was to let the matter rest. But he knew Lily was right; he wasn't telling her everything.

He felt torn, keeping his secrets to protect her, yet growing ever closer to her, which seemed just as dangerous.

"You know you have to grant me a wish now," Lily chuckled, trying to distract herself from the worry gnawing at her.

Marcus stopped fidgeting with her hands, realizing he had forgotten their little agreement. Whenever one of them suspected the other wasn't being entirely truthful, they had to fulfill a wish.

"There's a poetry contest," Lily's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "I think you should join."

He hesitated, knowing his poems held secrets, emotions he kept hidden from the world. "Lily, you know my poems are... personal." 

Her tender gaze never wavered, and she replied softly, "I know. But I believe you have a real chance. Remember when we met in January, and I found that note on your desk? It feels like an eternity ago, yet it's only been six months. I think you should submit that poem."

Marcus couldn't refuse her. Their wish pact was something he couldn't break.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow upon the world, Lily felt her heart beat quicken in anticipation. Marcus's touch sent a thrill through her, and she found herself drawn even closer to him.

"Fine," Marcus said with a hint of reluctance, his arms encircling her gently, "but you have to do something for me too."

Lily's breath caught in her throat as she looked up into his eyes, searching for the unspoken desire that seemed to shimmer just beneath the surface.

She had noticed in the past few months that Marcus was surprisingly blunt about what he wanted, not just with his words, but with every gesture and action. The intensity in his gaze, the tender way he touched her, all hinted at a passion that he dared not fully reveal.

"What do I have to do?" Lily asked, her voice a soft murmur, her heart fluttering like the wings of a delicate butterfly.

Marcus held his gaze, his eyes tracing the contours of her brown hair, like cascading waves, shimmered in the golden light of the setting sun, giving her an ethereal glow. The soft tendrils framed her face like a halo, emphasizing her delicate features and highlighting the rosy tint that graced her cheeks. 

Her mesmerizing green eyes, like the depths of a lush forest, held a world of emotions. In them, he saw kindness, understanding, and something that made his heart skip a beat

"You..." he began, his voice faltering for a moment, "you have to promise me something."

Lily furrowed her brow, a mixture of curiosity and concern crossing her features. "What is it?"

A bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of Marcus's lips. "Promise me that you'll keep being the amazing person you are, that you'll keep shining like the brightest star in the night sky."

Lily's heart swelled with affection, sensing that Marcus had something important to say but couldn't find the right words. "Marcus," she whispered softly, "I will always be me, and you'll always be you."

He chuckled, his laughter like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. "You always know how to make me feel special."

"That's because you are special," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Marcus's eyes softened, and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "You see right through me, don't you?"

Lily smiled, her heart pounding with the knowledge that she was getting closer to understanding his feelings. "I see the real you, Marcus, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

For a moment, they stood there, the world around them still and quiet, and in that precious moment, they both knew that something special had bloomed between them, a connection that defied explanation and transcended the boundaries of time and space.

"I should go," Marcus mumbled, his voice tinged with embarrassment, stumbling slightly as he took a step back.

Lily nodded in agreement, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, I should head out too."

After their encounter, Lily approached her teacher, and together with Marcus, they submitted the poem he had worked on.

However, the disappointing truth was that the results wouldn't be revealed until mid-October.

Nevertheless, as June rolled in, Lily's excitement couldn't be contained – her birthday was just around the corner, on June 31st, and Marcus had hinted at a surprise he had planned for her.

Amid the constant barrage of assessments and school tests that left Lily feeling drained, she found reassurance in her newfound friendship with Charlotte. They supported each other in their studies, lifting each other up during the most stressful times.

For Charlotte, this bond meant more than Lily could have guessed. The lack of physical affection and emotional support from her family had left her starved for the warmth of a hug or a reassuring touch.

One evening, after Charlotte had followed Lily's advice and opened up to her parents about her struggles, she seemed visibly upset. Tears welled up in her eyes as she recounted how her parents had reacted by sending her to her room without a word.

Lily embraced Charlotte tightly, comforting her. "You're not alone, Charlotte. I'm here for you, no matter what."

Charlotte leaned into the hug, allowing herself to feel the comfort she had been yearning for. It was a stark contrast to the days she had spent in isolation, and it made her realize the true value of friendship.

"Thank you, Lily," Charlotte whispered, her voice quivering. "But let's not let this ruin this special birthday month!"

Lily's eyes lit up with excitement as she remembered the upcoming celebration. "I'm really excited for this one!"

Charlotte chuckled, a knowing glint in her eye. "Oh, come on, Lily. We both know why you're this thrilled."

Lily playfully nudged Charlotte. "You're such a tease!"

"Ouch," Charlotte pretended to pout, her humor infectious. "You're brutal!"

Their laughter echoed through the school corridor, their carefree mirth a testament to the blossoming friendship they had cultivated in such a short span of time.

Lily felt grateful for the presence of Charlotte in her life – someone who understood her struggles, shared her joys, and stood by her side no matter what.

—

"Close your eyes and trust me, Lily," Marcus playfully instructed as the June 31st evening enveloped them.

He had arrived at Lily's house as he had promised earlier.

Uncertain about the surprise Marcus had in store, Lily had dressed in a simple yet charming attire – a white t-shirt paired with blue shorts.

Her casual outfit received a touch of elegance with a golden flower necklace and matching earrings. While Marcus maintained his usual appearance, dressed casually – definitely not a suit-and-tie occasion.

As Lily inquired about their destination with a growing smile, Marcus responded with a teasing suggestion. "Close your eyes."

Her surprise evident, Lily questioned, "What?"

"I'll be your guide," Marcus replied, a hint of playfulness in his tone.

And so, with closed eyes, they ventured into the unknown, Lily's curiosity piqued and her anticipation building.

"How much farther?" Lily's impatience began to show in her voice as her feet grew weary.

"We're almost there. Didn't know you were such a complainer," Marcus quipped, his lively banter continuing.

"I'm not!" Lily retorted, though her laughter betrayed her true feelings.

Marcus's playful mood persisted. "I know what you secretly desire."

This proclamation led to Lily suddenly finding her feet lifted off the ground, held by Marcus in a bridal carry. A surprised scream escaped her lips, soon giving way to infectious giggles.

"Marcus!" she exclaimed between laughs, "What on earth are you doing?"

"Just fulfilling your wishes!" Marcus replied, laughter dancing in his voice. "Reading your mind, you see."

Lily's giggles persisted. "You're doing a terrible job of it!"

"Just a bit more, and we'll be there," Marcus assured her, his feet moving rapidly.

Then, abruptly, Marcus halted their progress. The sound of water reached Lily's ears, filling her with a growing sense of excitement.

"Open your eyes," Marcus invited.

Gazing at the scene before her, Lily marveled at the sight of a canoe in the water. Her delight was evident as she turned to Marcus, hugging him in gratitude. "Are we going canoeing?!"

Ta-da!" Marcus struck a triumphant pose. "You've always wanted to go canoeing, right?" 

Lily's face lit up. "You remembered? This is amazing! Thank you!"

However, Marcus's response hinted at something more. "This is just the beginning, Lily. You haven't seen anything yet."

With a gentlemanly gesture, Marcus extended his hand to Lily, inviting her to join him in the canoe.

They set out on the water, the rhythmic sound of their rowing filling the air. The setting sun cast a warm glow on their faces as they navigated the river. The tranquil surroundings – the trees, the occasional rustling of leaves, and the gentle murmur of water – painted a serene backdrop to their adventure.

The sun's reflection shimmered on the water's surface, creating a symphony of glistening ripples.

Curiosity gnawed at Lily. "What are you touching in your pocket? Is that my birthday gift?" she asked teasingly not expecting anything.

While Marcus remained silent, his fumbling response and subtle demeanor shift exposed his secret. It was evident that her birthday gift was nestled within his pocket.

Lily's excitement was palpable. "It is, isn't it? You've got something for me!"

"Not yet," Marcus replied with a playful grin, his eyes dancing.

"Oh, come on! I'm dying of curiosity!" Lily's anticipation made her lean forward in eagerness.

Their canoe shifted as Lily leaned in, and suddenly, the balance was thrown off. Marcus, caught off guard, moved backward, their movements setting off a chain reaction. The next thing they knew, there was a resounding splash, and the cool touch of the water.

Their laughter echoed in the cooling air as the setting sun cast a warm glow over the water.

Drops of water glistened on their clothes.

Lily grinned, playfully splashing water toward Marcus. "Oh, come on, admit it – you're the one who started this!"

Marcus sputtered, trying to dodge her splashes, his own laughter filling the air. "Hey, now, that's a wild accusation! I'm innocent!"

Their playful exchange continued until they finally waded out of the water, Marcus carrying the canoe with practiced ease. The transition from wet to dry was a welcomed relief, the breeze carrying the faint chill of approaching night.

As darkness settled around them, Marcus gestured to their final destination – a setup illuminated by a small lantern, casting a soft, romantic glow.

Lily's heart swelled as she took in the picnic arrangement he had prepared.

"Marcus, this is amazing," Lily whispered, her eyes shining with gratitude and affection. She couldn't help herself – she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, feeling his warmth and the steady beat of his heart against hers.

They sat down, the atmosphere both intimate and serene. The night was beautiful, stars sprinkling the sky above them.

Nearby couples engaged in their own romantic moments, creating an ambiance of shared affection.

"Actually," Marcus murmured, moving behind Lily, "there's one more thing."

Lily turned to him, curiosity dancing in her eyes. A soft box opened, and a gentle touch brushed against her skin. She felt the cool clasp of a delicate necklace being fastened around her neck – a golden chain with a heart pendant.

"Happy seventeenth birthday."

"Marcus," Lily breathed, touched by his thoughtful gift. She turned to face him, her heart fluttering at the sight of his bittersweet smile.

Their gazes locked, and the air seemed to shimmer with unspoken emotions. Around them, couples shared stolen kisses, lost in their own world of romance.

And yet, Lily had a surprise of her own. With her heart pounding, she reached out, placing a hand on Marcus' cheek, and then, unable to resist any longer, she leaned in and kissed him.

It was a soft, tender kiss, filled with the unspoken feelings that had grown between them.

In that fleeting moment, the world around them seemed like it was fading away.

The night was theirs, a canvas painted with stars and love, and as their lips met, they both knew that this was a memory they would forever treasure.

A/N: The awaited first kiss! Hopefully, many more will come ;)

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