❝ The little girl just could not sleep, because her thoughts were way too deep

Her mind had gone out for short stroll and fallen down a rabbit hole ❞

"What the fuck did your sister said to her?" I whispered, gritting my teeth, in Ethan's ear. A forced smile made its way on my face as I stepped inside the gorgeous house, wanting to run away.

"Unfortunately, I don't know. I am just as confused as you are" He muttered glancing at me sideway.

Ethan's mom and Emma beamed at me happily as if Christmas has arrived before it's even time.

"I am really glad that you all came" Emma burst out cheerfully, watching us all standing there probably with worn out expressions after a seven hours drive.

"And I am really glad to be here" Nate chimed, giving her a big cheshire grin. Oh please.

"You must be Winter" Ethan's mom spoke up coming towards me, her auburn hair tied into a tight bun. I looked at him anxiously as he gave me an amused expression, then motioned at me to say something.

"Uh yeah" I let out awkwardly. Way to go babe.

Before I could say something further, she engulfed me in a big tight hug. For a whole moment, I stood there frozen in my spot and saw Maria looking at me wide eyed, while Finn was smirking for some reason.

"You are so pretty" She gushed, pulling away and looked at me with a warm smile. I could see Ethan's honey eyes in her beautiful orbs.

"Thank you, Mrs Keyes"

"Nonsense, you can call me Margaret" She told me, waving her hand dismissively and let out a giggle.

"Okay then Margaret" I nodded unsure, looking at everyone anxiously to help me to get out of that awkward and plain weird situation.

"Mom I am here too, ya know? Did you even miss me?" Ethan's voice rumbled as I mentally thanked him for being my savior. Mentally.

"Oh sush! Of course I did my baby boy" She smiled and chuckled to himself. Ethan walked towards her lazily and wrapped her in his arms as if she was something very precious, something to cherish.

"I missed you too. Very much. Very very much" Ethan mumbled quietly in her shoulder, keeping her close. I stood there in awe, feeling a strange tugging at my heart.

There was something about that moment that felt so pure, so beautiful. The way she was hugging her son, after not seeing him for so long, the happiness on her face. I could feel the affection Ethan had for his mother, their love, all in that just one hug.

Unfortunately, I never felt that before, never experienced it.

An ugly feeling settled inside me as I felt my stomach suddenly drop after recalling those unpleasant memories in my head.

"Everything is your fault"

"I think we should leave them for a while" Emma's suggestion caused them to break their embrace and brought me back from my lonely kingdom.

"You are just jealous" Ethan rolled his eyes, sticking out his tongue at her.

"Sure I am," Emma snorted.

"Stop it, you two! Behave. Come on everybody, you all must be tired" Margaret ushered us inside the living room.

The room was really pretty, peach colored walls with a bit of sparkly royal touch. It looked comfy, homely but so elegant at the same time. I could live there my whole life, just admiring the peace.

"Have a seat, make yourself home, I'll tell Peter to take care of your luggage"

After Margaret excused herself, we all sat down, settling comfortably. Finn smirked coming towards me and took a seat beside me.

"Shut up" I muttered under my breath harshly.

"But, I didn't even say anything," He chuckled, still smirking and leaned back against the couch, comfortably.

"Don't care, shut up!" I bit back coldly.

"You are Kate right? Theodore has told me so much about you" Emma exclaimed looking at Kate in recognition.

Theo groaned loudly "Ems! Really you are allowed to pry in Ethan's business and his relationships, but not mine. Also stop calling me by my full name, I have told you so many times" He pouted, making me roll my eyes.

"Shut it! besides Ethan isn't even in a relationship, buzzer" Emma snorted.

"Oh! we can work on that" Suddenly Finn perked up from beside me and moved forward to sit on the edge. Reaching forward.

Emma turned towards him furrowing her brows, then slowly smirked, a glint of sun shining brightly in her eyes "Who are you wise man?"

"I am Finn" He grinned and raised his arm, sharing a high five with Emma.

I ignored all of their conversations as they introduced each other, shared a laugh and looked around the well decorated room. Lot's of family pictures were on the wall, telling a story of a beautiful memory. The fun and happiness they had shared.

Turning my head I caught Ethan's eyes which were fixed at me.

I raised my eyebrow at him silently asking what? As he slowly shook his head nothing his eyes told me.

A sound of throat clearing broke our eye contact as I turned towards the intruder "Huh?" came out of my mouth, confused.

"Why are you so quiet?" Emma asked, frowning as everyone turned towards me. Not good.

I glanced at the ceiling not sure about what to say and muttered "Well I guess I am pretty tired" It wasn't a lie, in fact I was craving some sleep.

Realization flashed her face as she gave an apologetic look "Oh sorry, I should've known. Come on, I'll show you guys your room. There's still some time left before dinner, you can rest" She grinned getting up.

~~~

The delicious smell of Meyer lemon pie and the loud laughter and chirping mixed in the air, witnessing a beautiful scenario as we all sat there on dining table enjoying our dessert.

"This is soooo amazing" Nate moaned satisfied, closing his eyes as he filled his mouth with pie. How could he eat that much?

"Thank you Son. I am really glad that you liked it" Margaret smiled brightly, her whole face lit up.Of course, after all she had put lots of effort into it.

"It's been so long, Ethan. You look really tired, How's your college going? are you over working?" Mr. Keyes remarked gazing at the dark haired guy with his deep green emeralds. There was no doubt from whom Ethan got his devilish looks.

"It's alright and Of course not Dad! I really take care of myself" Ethan chuckled, taking a bite of the pie and gave his dad an innocent smile. Devil with an angel's features.

"What about you Theodore? Why do you look so exhausted?" Mr. Keyes inquired looking at Theo in a strict manner, causing him to let out a groan.

"He is right Theodore! You do look really exhausted and thin too" Margaret spoke up as Finn and Alex tried to stifle a laughter, though Ethan didn't bother to hide it

"Come on Mama Keyes, I am perfectly healthy and fit" Theo reasoned and quickly shot Nate a glare, when he snorted.

"You kids have a weird meaning of fit" Mr. Keyes muttered, shaking his head.

"Why does it feel as if I am in some boring family drama show" Maria whispered leaning towards me, not paying attention to people glancing at her on the table.

Shaking my head at her, I muttered under my breath "What's your problem? Sit still"

"Well, you see I apparently have behavioural issues and I am too defiant" She grinned at me pulling away as I rolled my eyes. That chick was crazy.

"Well you all continue, I am going to take care of dishes" Margaret announced getting up from the chair.

"I'll help you"

"I'll help you"

Emma and I spoke up at the same time, then she looked at me and giggled "You are guest here Winter, I'll help Mum"

"No it's fine" I shook my head forcing a smile, then looked at Margaret and added "I insist" Let me get the hell out of here

Collecting all the empty dishes and leftovers, we walked towards the kitchen leaving everyone behind talking and enjoying.

"You can just leave them here, I'll take care of it" Margaret assured me as I put down the dishes in the sink.

"Are you sur-" I began to speak, turning around, but she interrupted me in between.

"Of course honey! Go have fun with them" She chuckled giving me a soft smile, the corner of her eyes crinkled giving her a sweet welcoming look.

There was something about the way she called me 'honey' and urged me to have fun. Fun.... Something I had forgotten so long ago.

It gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. And for some reason her motherly nature made me want to hug her and seek all the comfort from that tender embrace.

"Thanks" A faint whisper left my mouth as I left the kitchen tangled in messy emotions.

I walked inside the living room and saw everyone sitting on the couch or on the floor, a complete mess and chattering loudly.

"Come on Snow! You've been missed" Ethan smirked at my direction, when he saw me coming.

I gave him a bored expression, settling down on the floor beside Finn, crossed legs and folded my hands in my lap.

"We were just talking about Emma's huge collection of lipsticks and her first time meeting Dave. It's so adorable" Kate told me, eyes lightening up with fascination. I mean..

"Must be" I nodded half heartedly, pressing up my lips together in a thin line.

"And also we are going shopping tomorrow. Emma is taking us to her favorite shop" Sharon announced clapping her hands.

Seeing my lack of enthusiasm, Finn chimes "You know what I think?" wrapping an arm around my shoulder, but quickly removed it, when I threw him a deadly glare.

"Not like that I care, but what?" I sighed, muttering under my breath and rubbed my temples. Control. Breathe.

"Maybe you should wear less black" Okayyy, where did that come from?

"Maybe you should breathe less air" I instantly retorted, looking at him with a neutral face

"Burnnn" I heard some one cheered from behind as I turned around, frowning.

A boy with slightly long bronde hair, probably not older than fifteen years, was lazily standing at the doorway in skinny jeans and a sweatshirt with a big grin on his face. Are you lost?

"You are late kiddo, we already had dinner" Ethan reported, trying to look mad, but his teasing smile gave him away.

"Broski!!" It happened all in a flash, one moment the boy was standing there and in another moment he was jumping on Ethan.

"Yeah yeah I missed you too lil guy" Ethan laughed as the boy clinged onto him as if his life depended on it.

"Aww how cute" Sharon and Kate cooed in unison.

"So, how was your day?" Emma asked, ruffling his hair, just as he pulled away from Ethan and stood there with a boyish smile.

"Other than boring, tiring, hectic, it was fine" The boy replied sassily, then his eyes fixed on me as he quickly straightened his posture, more alert.

"Who is she?" He asked, looking at me wide eyed.

"She is our friend, Winter" Finn introduced me grinning, then turned around to wink at me.

I looked at Maria confused as the boy slowly came towards me, cautiously and took my hand in his "Hello, I am Evan. Nice to meet you. You have a really pretty smile"

What the fuck dude? I didn't even smile! I am pretty sure, my expression showed my feelings, when Maria burst into laughter, clutching her stomach.

"Nuh uh you are being too obvious. Act little more natural" Emma instructed as the boy pulled away disappointed, his face falling.

"What the hell is going on?" Ethan asked bemused, looking back and forth between his sister and the guy.

"Our cute little brother here wants to impress a girl in his class, so I am helping him" Emma beamed at us while Evan stood there grimacing. Poor kid. I was sure he would never forget this embarrassing moment.

Emma, Ethan, Evan. Hmm.. their parents certainly had a weird sense of humor.

Everyone laughed out loudly as Ethan looked at his young duplicate, amusingly and asked "Really kiddo? and you had to ask Emma for help?"

Evan gave a sheepish smile looking at everyone with worried look and shrugged "A boy gotta do what a boy gotta do"

~~~

I tossed around in bed restlessly as my head filled with thousands of unwanted memories. The room was so quiet yet it felt so loud with my screaming thoughts.

"Why don't you die and leave us all for good"

Her voice shouted in my head as my heart let out tears, like loud tormented cries of a old vinyl, echoing in a lonely prison.

I buried my face in sheets, hiding below the pillow, trying to ignore her voice and stay sane in all that insanity.

"I hate you"

Letting out a deep breath, I rolled over and stared at the ceiling, filled with small bright lights.

"Would you know my name, if I saw you in heaven? " The lines came out of my mouth like soft faint whispers as I began to sing.

"Would it be the same, If I saw you in heaven?"

"I must be strong and carry on" I tried my best not to let the memories affect me as they played havoc inside my brain.

"Cause I know I don't belong here in hea-"

The lights went off and sheer darkness came my way, to strangle me. My breath hitched as I jolted up in bed scared and looked around anxiously, hurried, I got out of the bed.

Stumbling, I quickly stood up. "Okay Winter, here's the thing. No need to freak out, just walk straight towards the door's direction" I calmed myself down.

"Are you even the slightest bit guilty?"

Her words made me freeze in my place. Yes! I wanted to yell, shout, scream until she could hear me, see how terrible I felt. Repeat those words continuously, till she feels satisfied, feels that I've had enough now.

Keep walking. Keep walking. I chanted in my mind, walking towards the room door, careful of my steps.

The sensation of darkness tingling on my skin, made me want to hide in a corner and cry, waiting for the light to come back.

I felt the hard wood door under my palm and in an instant of unlocking the door, I sprinted out the hallway. Run!

Soon, my body collided with another dark body, causing me to let out a yelp.

"Snow?" I heard, no actually I felt his husky soft whisper dangerously close to me. Oh so close to me.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I muttered quietly, rubbing my forehead. He seemed to pop up everywhere.

"Playing hide and seek?" He whispered in an amused tone.

We were standing close, too close. I could feel it, the warmth of his body pressed close to mine, his strong arms wrapped around me and his fresh smell of cologne lingering in the air.

"Are you kidding me?" I half whisper-yelled incredulously.

"Yes. I was actually going to check the fuse box" I felt his warm breath fanning my face as he chuckled lowly.

"Oh..." I whispered in a hush tone.

"What about you?" He asked, I couldn't see him because it was too dark, but I could make out his silhouette. Never have I ever seen a silhouette look so beautiful.

I felt a lump in my throat as I swallowed it trying to speak, how could I tell him?

A moment passed by covered in haunting silence, when he spoke up again "Were you scared?" His voice sounded strangely gentle and convincing and I hated it.

"Don't be ridiculous! Of course not" I muttered squirming. Get away from him.

"Sure" He let out slyly, I could feel that stupid smirk on his face and I wanted to punch him.

"You make me angry so quickly, it's remarkable" I hissed, clenching my jaw tightly.

"I literally said like one word" He tried to reason in his innocent voice.

"Yet here I am boiling with hatred"

He let out a howling laugh and I tried my best to stay still as his chest vibrated against mine, causing goosebumps to arise on my bare arms.

Thankfully, the moment died as the lights were back on. Eyes dancing with mirth, he stared down at me smiling and I couldn't help but stare back at those blazing eyes.

The flakes of faintest green in his devious hazel eyes and those curly long thick eyelashes. What a hypnotizing sight.

"Erm guys?" An awkward and confused voice interrupted.

Eyes widening, our both's heads snapped at the direction of the voice and saw Alex standing there with a raised eyebrow and a cunning smirk came on his face.

Ethan's grip loosened as I hurriedly pulled away and cursed myself, when I realized that he was shirtless. Very shirtless indeed.

"Hello" Alex greeted grinning widely at us, though his eyes were telling a whole new story.

Glancing at each other unsure, me and Ethan said at the same time "Heyyyy"

"Whatcha up to you guys? Having fun? Anything I'd like to know?" Alex piped up excitingly.

Ethan opened his mouth to say something, when I spoke up "You two continue, I need to sleep. G'night"

Leaving them behind, I dashed towards my room, not paying attention to them as my breath ragged.

Closing the bedroom door quickly, I slid down and sat on the floor with a thud, resting my back against the door. The recollection of earlier moments made my heart beat faster and louder.

What just happened?

How tf I always always alwaaaays find a way to procrastinate? The world may never know...

But, holy hell this chapter is almost 3k words, hope you all like it. I legit deleted everything written, then stared at a blank page for a while and then finally got some writing done. So, forgive me for my mistakes.

What do you think about this chapter? and someone's getting along quite well eh ;)

Bye, Take care. Stay safe everyone. You look super cute, when you smile :)

Love, Zee...