Chapter 7

ALEX

We were on our way to the house when Sam put her arms around my waist, drawing herself closer. I was thinking if I should ask her about that incident, but I decided against it.

We rode in silence, slowly, trying to savor every moment we spent together as if it were our last—at least, that's what I was thinking.

"Is everything alright? You haven't said anything since we left the house," Sam asked, breaking the silence.

I kept quiet.

She moved her hands from my waist to my hands and intertwined them.

"Stop..." I murmured.

She flinched behind me but then relaxed again.

"Alex, please, if there's something bothering you, tell me. I'm really worried seeing you like this," she said.

I noticed how her voice softened when she said it, and I felt like a fool for making her feel like that. I heard sobs behind me, and that's when I couldn't hold it anymore.

I stopped and turned to face her, still on the horse. She looked at me, her eyes moist from the tears.

I moved my hands to her cheeks to wipe off the tears.

"I'm sorry," I said.

She looked into my eyes. I saw the emotions behind those golden eyes of hers.

"Alex, why are you treating me like a stranger? We've known each other since the day you saved me. Or is it because of something I did?"

I didn't know where all this was coming from, but I didn't want to keep her in the dark any longer. My heart just broke anytime I saw her like this, even though this was the first time.

I sighed.

"It's not you, Sam. It's me. I'm scared of something that's way bigger than me, and I fear that if that thing overpowers me and I end up getting disappointed, I won't be the same," I said, sighing again.

"And what is that thing that you are scared of?" she said, holding my gaze and still holding my hands on her cheek.

"My feelings. I love you, Samantha. Since the first day I saw you. I guess I just didn't have the guts to admit it because I thought you didn't feel the same way, and that's where the disappointment comes in," I said.

Her eyes widened at my confession.

---

SAM

I didn't expect Alex to have feelings for me.

Although I had dreamt about this, it turned out better than I imagined.

I wore a shocked expression on my face. I just couldn't believe it.

"I...I...I love you too. Always have. But I didn't think you'd be interested in someone like—"

I couldn't finish my words because Alex had already smashed his lips on mine.

I was shocked but remained still as he kissed me passionately.

I was starting to get engrossed in his lips, so I hugged his neck and returned his kiss.

He kicked Spirit lightly, and he started moving.

We were still kissing and were almost out of breath, so I shifted back, but he didn't want to let go.

So, I just let him.

But he let me go after I left him.

"Wow, I hadn't imagined my first kiss to be like that," I said, looking at Alex, but then I looked away, feeling my face turning red.

He looked at me and smiled.

"Neither did I, but I'm glad it was with you."

I looked at him and smiled, saying, "Me too."

He turned around, holding Spirit's leash and rubbing his neck.

I held my arms around his waist, placing my head on his shoulder, inhaling his scent.

---

ALEX

We reached home, and Chelsea was already waiting for us.

"Oh my gosh, they're here!" she said, squealing.

As we came down, she ran and hugged me.

I kneeled and hugged her back.

"Is that her?" she asked, looking over at Sam.

I nodded and moved to her ear.

"She's your birthday gift."

Her eyes widened, and she jumped in excitement.

"Really?" she asked.

I nodded, and she jumped up, screaming, "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

She ran over to Sam and looked at her.

Sam kneeled while I stood up.

"Hi, I'm Sam. What about you?" she said.

"I'm Chelsea, and I'm glad to finally meet you! I wanted to come with my brother to see you, but he said you'd come. I have a lot of things to tell you," Chelsea said.

Sam giggled, and my heart did a backflip.

I was glad I finally got over my fear and confessed my feelings to her.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched her and my sister talk.

"Come on! I have a lot to show you!" Chelsea said as she dragged Sam along.

Sam followed, looking at me.

I held her gaze, still smiling, and she followed Chelsea all the way inside.

I took Spirit to the stables and fed him.

He neighed and snuggled closer to me.

I smiled.

"She's perfect, Spirit. I'm glad she's mine."

Spirit neighed again and kept eating.

I patted him and left him.

---

SAM

I met Alex's sister. She was so cute—I thought she was an angel.

She was excited to see me.

I looked at Alex as she introduced herself, and I caught him smiling.

I followed Chelsea to the house and met Alex's parents.

They were nice and treated me like I was their own daughter.

I smiled at the thought.

I helped Alex's mother bake the cake.

My mum taught me how to bake, so I assisted Alex's mother in baking.

Alex's father came into the kitchen once in a while to check in on us.

Chelsea was with us all the time, doing most of the talking.

It was a girls' moment, kind of like a girls' night out.

We finished the cake, and Chelsea dragged me away, saying she wanted to show me around.

Alex's mother thanked me.

I told her I was happy to help and followed Chelsea.

She showed me around the house—the rooms.

I got to Alex's room and stayed there longer than I should have.

Chelsea noticed this and asked, "Am I missing something, Sam?"

Sam, shocked, looked at her and nodded.

"You like my brother, don't you?" Chelsea said.

Sam blushed and nodded.

Chelsea squealed and jumped on her.

"I'm so happy! Does he know?" she asked.

Sam nodded again.

"Did you...?" Chelsea asked.

Sam, seeming to understand, stood up.

"You're too smart for someone your age. How do you even know all of this?"

Chelsea stood up with Sam.

"I read some books, and noticing how often my brother talks about you, I kinda figured it would happen."

Sam, looking surprised, asked, "How old are you again?"

"Eleven today!"

Sam smiled and lifted Chelsea.

"Well, happy birthday to you, my dear Chelsea!"

Chelsea hugged Sam and said, "Thanks, Sam."

They explored the rest of the house together, even the stables.

Sam saw a horse she liked and told Chelsea about it.

Chelsea said that they all have their own horses, and Sam nodded, wishing that she too would have hers someday.

Her mind went to Alex, and she felt her stomach flutter.

She remembered their kiss and hoped she would get to spend some time with him again—just the two of them.