"So what is it? Maybe because Tulip is so pretty, he's intimidated."
"That's even more unbelievable, don't even consider that."
Tulip intervenes before Layla who she knows is about to agree.
"He doesn't like me, and I'm not sad about that. Well I am, but you know, I'm happy with our relationship right now."
"Happy with a sibling relationship? You've got weird taste."
Tulip tried ending the conversation with a positive ending until Sasha said those words, having her stick a lip out, unable to refute.
Is it weird? It probably is, Tulip understands why it would be. However their relationship is an exception isn't it? There's too many layers for anyone to not understand why Tulip is more than happy with their relationship.
Or at least as of last week she was, now Tulip isn't sure. But she isn't so sad, well she is, but somehow she isn't at the same time. If she was it would be obvious, to herself and friends.
"What about the other guy that picks you up?"
"Other guy?"
"Oooh, that's right! That guy is so handsome. Layla and I go out earlier than usual on Fridays to take a peek, and I can confirm that he's a total-"
"Lincoln??"
Grateful that the topic has moved on, Tulip is baffled by who they are talking about now. If not Lincoln, who else? A lot of the Fridays this year has been Lincoln picking her up, they're talking about Lincoln.
"Even his name is handsome.."
Sasha who prattled about Lincoln look to be melting at the reveal of his name. Tulip simmered, her legs continue to walk, but her inside about to burst with her pounding heart.
Layla by Tulip silence thought sees her complicated expression and goes into detail.
"The guy that sort of looks like a handsome fairy, with black hair, green eyes, pale skin. You can compare his skin to Sasha's backpack."
"Yeah..that's Lincoln."
"What? Is he your boyfriend? If he is I won't be interested."
"Sasha, Tulip told us she has a crush on the Noah guy."
"Ahhh."
Tulip could feel her cheeks going red, and cups her face with her also warm hands. Unbelievable, why does she feel like this at the mention of Lincoln?
The girls also caught on to Tulip's peculiar reaction. Sasha tilting her body watching Tulip, then her expression contorts to what Tulip describes as a perverted one.
"Ha ha! You like him too, am I right?!"
"No??…no!!"
"Oh don't lie, you totally do. Or at least your body does. Tell her Layla!"
Layla gives the red Tulip a pointed look, a look saying the words that doesn't need to be said for them to know of the meaning.
"You guys are ridiculous."
She says, then covers her mouth with her blushing hands and her shoulders quiver, giggling. Sasha squeals and Layla grins, clapping.
The atmosphere is weird, but Tulip feels good, the happiest she has been in a while.
——
"I'm home."
"Welcome home Noah! How was school?"
Entering the house, Noah does the usual, making known of his presence and taking off his shoes before entering the house.
His mother is seen leaning on the counter, greeting Noah. Noah accompanies her, sitting down on a stool.
"It was okay. Thanks for asking."
"Oh what's wrong? Did something happen?"
Nor Noah's facial expression or words has spoken of something being wrong, but as usual he can't hide these feelings against his mother.
Taking something out his bag, he places it on the counter and places it towards his mother. Noah's mother patiently watching him, looks down.
"What's this? Isn't this the clothes you planned to give to Tulip?"
"Yeah..I couldn't though. So can you give it to her instead? When she gets home I mean."
Looking at her son, she lays her hand over her heart then over his.
"Where is Tulip? Did you guys fight?"
"No, that's not it. I don't really know too. Just give it to Tulip okay? Thanks. I'm going out."
"Where are you going?"
Noah stood up and went out the kitchen, hearing his mother question but unable to answer due to his complicated reflections.
Usually, going out like this would mean seeing Piper, or any other of his friends. Today though it seems like it'll be a desolate one.
Throwing his bag on his bed and changing into comfortable warm clothes, Noah puts on a hat hoping it'll have the chance of people approaching him decrease.
"I'm home!"
Going down the stairs, then reaching the backyard, Noah hears the front door open and Tulip's voice notifying her arrival. Noah had thought he wouldn't be surprised if she didn't come home today like the other time, that's what happens when she's out of sight.
However, who is he to sound so bitter about it? He does it too, why can't Tulip? It's not like Noah believes she can't, having no plan to restrict Tulip. Only having a hard time adjusting to the change, that's all.
Messing up his hair with his hand that ruffles it, Noah walks down the hill, passing the trees and around the lake. Instead of spending this time by the lake, he locates the miniature cave they found.