FLASHBACK CONTINUES:
(Just so you know, this flashback isn't from any character's memory—it's just me giving you a bit of their backstory.)
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Vicky tossed her gym bag into the backseat and plopped herself into the passenger seat, humming lightly as Chris started the car. He didn't say a word, just stared at the road ahead with his usual broody expression.
"So..." Vicky dragged out the word, grinning mischievously. "You and Zoey, huh?"
Chris shot her a warning look. "Drop it."
Vicky just laughed, unfazed. "Oh come on! Don't act like I didn't see you looking at her. You were practically undressing her with your eyes."
Chris gripped the steering wheel tighter. "You're delusional."
"Am I though?" Vicky sang, kicking her feet up on the dashboard (earning another glare from him). "You like her."
"Vicky," Chris growled lowly.
"What? It's cute," she teased, poking his arm. "You're always so grumpy. Maybe she'll fix your face."
He gave a humorless chuckle. "Not interested."
Vicky smirked, seeing right through him. "Right. That's why you kept stealing glances at her like a lovesick puppy."
Chris didn't answer this time, just clenched his jaw and pressed a little harder on the gas pedal.
Vicky leaned back, satisfied. "Whatever you say, Mr. 'Not Interested.'"
Chris muttered under his breath, "You're so annoying."
"And you're so obvious," she shot back brightly.
"Anyways, I invited both of them to the party," Vicky said casually.
"What party?" Chris asked, frowning in confusion.
Vicky glanced at him. "I decided to throw a party for my birthday on Saturday, so I invited both Zoey and Emma—"
"Victoire Corsini!!" Chris suddenly yelled, making Vicky flinch in her seat. She turned to him with wide, startled eyes.
"Are you trying to put innocent people in danger?!" His voice was rough with frustration. "Do you want to put a target on their backs?!"
His hands tightened on the steering wheel, knuckles turning white. Just the thought of Zoey being dragged into something dangerous made his blood boil.
Vicky took a deep breath, trying to calm him. She understood where he was coming from.
"Relax, J.," she said gently. "They're not going to be in danger. I'll make sure of that, okay?" She reached over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I'd never let my future sister-in-law be in danger," Vicky added dramatically, placing her other hand over her chest like she was making some sacred pledge.
Chris turned to her slowly, expression deadpan, and slapped her hand off his shoulder.
Vicky burst into loud laughter, amused at how easily she could rile him up.
Chris just shook his head, staring back at the road, refusing to feed into her teasing anymore. He knew better. She lived to get under his skin.
When they pulled into the driveway, Chris cut the engine with more force than necessary.
Vicky hopped out of the car, swinging her bag over her shoulder like she didn't just watch her brother have a mini heart attack over her little invitation.
"Still mad, grumpy pants?" she teased as Chris slammed his door shut.
Chris shot her a look that could've frozen lava. "You think this is a joke?"
Vicky grinned, unbothered. "Nope. I think it's fate," she said, winking dramatically. "You, Zoey, dim lights, a little music in the background… Who knows what could happen?"
Chris let out a humorless chuckle. "Keep dreaming, Vicky."
"Admit it," she said, jogging to catch up to him as he stalked toward the house. "You like her. Like like her."
Chris didn't answer. He just pulled out his keys and jabbed them into the door, way harsher than necessary.
Vicky gasped. "The silence says it all!"
Chris finally turned to her, giving her a slow, unimpressed stare. "You talk too much."
"And you blush too much!" Vicky said, cackling as she darted past him into the house before he could shove her.
Chris sighed heavily, muttering under his breath, "Should've left her at the hospital when she was born."
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Author's Note
Hey guys...
So, for the past (almost) two weeks, I've been struggling with something I honestly didn't expect to hit me this early—writer's block. I know it sounds kind of pathetic to admit, especially as someone still new to this whole writing journey, but it's the truth. It's been messing with my mood and just had me feeling down these past few days.
The good news is, I'm slowly finding my way out of it. I'm feeling a bit better now, and I've been able to write again, which honestly feels like a little win for me. I won't promise daily updates though—mentally, I'm still not where I want to be. And with school starting again after next week, things might get a little hectic.
That said, I will try my best.
Thank you for your patience and for sticking with me. Every read, means more than you know.
—Lilwritter