A long fiction.

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THE MANSION

“Come on, ! Please… We don’t want to go without you…” sat on the armchair of the sofa and watched Good Charlotte on TV while and the others tried to convince her to come with them for the vacation. “I’m sorry, guys. But I got better things to do than come with you to a mansion to spend the whole december there.” Replied truthfully. got inpatient. “Please, please, please, please… We want you to come. It’ll be fun, I promise. Better than running round the town shopping like you normally do anyway!” pleaded. He pulled his best face ever and gave her a puppy eyes-look. “No, that won’t work,” said . “You sure?” he asked. She nodded. “Yep, it won’t work.” “Then what will?” asked as he tried to tickle her. “! Stop it! I’m not in the mood for that… Alright, alright… I’m coming with you!” screamed as pulled her down the sofa. “Yeeeeah! ’s coming, ’s coming!” the guys started to shout as they jumped all around the living room. “High five for that one, !” said as his hands met ’s in a high five. “Then we’ll pick you up early tomorrow morning, OK?” asked as he followed to the door. “Yeah, it’s OK. Well… Goodnight then, and thanks for driving me home.” She kissed his cheek and closed the door.

“I’m coming, I’m coming! For God’s sake, !” screamed of stress when all the guys kept telling her to hurry. “I’m a girl, OK? I need time… Where did I put it? Fu… I can’t find my hair straightener…” complained as she checked her bathroom counter once more. “Mum? Have you seen my hair straightener?” asked as her mum passed the bathroom and greeted the guys. “The last time I saw it, it was lying on your bedroom floor. Now I don’t know. I’m sorry.” laughed. “Just forget about it. You can borrow mine” he offered, causing them all to laugh. Especially ’s mum seemed to be amused by the fact that one of her daughter’s best friends used a hair straightener. “Well, if I don’t use it my hair goes all fuzzy!” told her mum. “Yeah, OK. That’s alright, ” she replied before giving a goodbye hug and a kiss on her cheek. “Now you guys take care of her, OK?” she said to the guys which all nodded. “Have fun everyone!” They drove ’s electrical blue Cooper S. It took about seven hours and all they could see looking out of the window was forests. and listened to on her iPod as they drove. It amused everyone else too, because they soon started to break into fists of laughter of and miming the songs. “How long?” asked for the sixth time. “It’s not very much longer now, . I guess it’s two hours or something” nodded and lay her head on ’s shoulder. She soon fell asleep.

“…? , wake up! We’re here” shook her shoulders and stroke her chin gently. She opened her eyes and yawned. “Where’s ?” asked as she went out of the car and stood beside . “He and is checking the place out and is bringing all our stuff to our rooms” replied, taking ’s hand and following her up the tiles. “It’s huge!” said in amazement, but then her face went darker. “And creepy… It’s old and… Scary!” laughed. “If you’re getting afraid you can share a room with me or . We’re both afraid of the dark” grinned at him and gave him a hug. “Thank you, hun” smiled back and said: “My pleasure”. “Yeah, I’m sure” laughed. They noticed and come running towards them from the backyard. “Heya, ! I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up but I was so curious” explained short breathed. smiled and gave him a hug. “That’s OK, hun. was there…” “OK. Thanks, . Anyways, where’s ?” then asked. In unison and answered; “He’s inside, bringing up our suitcases”. They fell into fists of laughter and went to the front door to help .

“? Where is he?” and wandered around the hall of the big mansion calling for . They couldn’t find him, until his head popped out from a room next to them. “! For God’s sake! Don’t you ever do that again, OK. You scared the hell out of me!” cried as she laid her head on ’s chest. did his best to calm her down. laughed. “I’m sorry, . Never do that again” excused. sniggered. She loved the nicknames the guys gave her, and most of all she loved ’s . “You’re forgiven, babe. Come here!” pulled into a huge hug. “Aye! I’m feeling like an outcast here!” complained. gave him a hug too. “So, where’s my room?” asked as showed them the room he had chosen. “You can have which room you want. This place is huge and got many, many rooms. We’re alone too, you know so…” grinned. “This is going to be so exciting!” shrieked as and came too. “Good you’ve changed your mind then” said. dragged with her to find the perfect bedroom. She found it too. It was in the upper. It really was perfect. It looked a lot like a princess room and fell in love with it at once. “I’ll leave you and your lover alone to check my own room, OK?” said, not waiting for a reply. just stared around the room. “I could have lived here” she murmured to herself as she fell down on the bed, staring at the stars in the roof. She stayed there until went to get her to say that dinner was ready. “Dinner? No one of you can cook! What’s going on? I’m not eating anything you guys have cooked!” grinned through gritted teeth as they arrived to the kitchen. The first person she saw was… “!!! Oh my God!” shrieked and jumped into ’ arms. laughed as he put her down. “Nice to see you too, !” he said as he showed her where to sit. She was placed between and . “When did you come here, and how?” asked when he sat down. “I arrived about thirty minutes ago. I went to see you, but you were asleep and I didn’t want to wake you up. I drove…” nodded. “OK, it’s nice to have you here, anyway”.

After dinner they went all outside, searching the place. found a small, romantic pond and a bench behind the mansion and got lost in all the rose bushes which were full of snow. and went for a walk in the woods and fell asleep on a blanket in front of the fireplace. When found her way out of the bushes she went in and fell down next to . She tickled him with a feather and he grinned in his sleep. laughed silently and tickled him some more. suddenly woke up and pinned to the ground. She shrieked and laughed. “What did you mean by doing that, aye? That wasn’t very nice” demanded as he kissed her neck. stopped laughing. “It’s OK now,. Let go… I’m sorry! Never gonna do that again, promise” said as he let her go and helped her up. They went to the living room and they found and watching TV.

“Goodnight then. See you all tomorrow!” said as she kissed everyone good night. She was wearing a nighty and was heading upstairs to her room. “Remember us if something happens. We’re here for you if you get scared, !” shouted after her. She nodded and blew him a kiss before continuing to climb the stairs. She fell down onto the bed, exhausted. She read four pages of her favourite book, , and turned off the light. She couldn’t hear a thing. It was kind of scary, thought. All the complete silence was frightening. She turned over in bed. Suddenly she heard a sound that reminded her of footsteps. She felt her stomach turn and she felt sick. No, it had to be one of the guys checking up on her. The sound stopped. ’s heart started to beat faster. Whatever it was it was gone now. was angry at herself. She wasn’t scared of the dark, neither was she afraid of things like ghosts and things like that. Why was she acting like a complete wimp? Three hours had gone since heard the footsteps. She now sat frightened in her duvet, shaking. She hadn’t slept at all. “Why are you doing like this, ? Fuck…” She was so mad at herself. She decided to go to the kitchen to get a cup of tea. Maybe she got to sleep then? tiptoed outside ’s room on the third floor and continued downstairs till’ she finally found the kitchen. She made a cup of tea, but it didn’t help. She heard sounds again, everywhere. Was she going mad or something? This wasn’t normal -behaviour. rushed to her feet to her room again. She locked the door and jumped under the duvet. She was short breathed after running up all the stairs. She found her phone and texted ; ‘Are you asleep? Love xxx’ She waited for a reply which didn’t come. Ten minutes later, her phone vibrated. ‘No, how come? Is there something wrong? Love xxx’ sighed in relief. She knew both and were scared of the dark. She texted back in a hurry; ‘I’ll tell you. Can I sleep in your bed tonight? Love xxx’ She hoped wouldn’t mind, not that she thought he would. The phone vibrated again, causing to jump in bed. ‘Sure you can. I’ll meet you outside ’s room. Five sec. Love xxx’ took her pillow and her stuffed bear called with her and tiptoed downstairs to ’s room. was there already. He didn’t say anything, they just walked in silence until he locked his bedroom door after them. “So, are you going to tell me why?” he asked when cuddled up to him in bed. “I’m scared, . I don’t know why, but I kept hearing these footsteps and weird sounds.” held her tighter. She was still shaking. “I know” he just said. “I’ve heard it too. I actually thought of texting you, but I thought maybe had done it already.” explained. “No, no message from . I guess he fell asleep before did then, I mean, played music” said. nodded. “Well, I’m not the bravest guy, but I feel a lot safer with you here” said before kissing goodnight, and finally they fell asleep. Six o’clock in the morning woke up. Sunlight crept through the curtains. She suddenly heard the sound again and she knew there had to be something, because none of the guys would be wandering around this early. crept nearer to . He was warm and it was comforting, but she didn’t get to sleep again so she headed downstairs to make breakfast.

“What are you doing up this early?” wanted to know when he entered the kitchen as the first guy at eleven thirty. “I… I wanted to… I dunno…” tried to come up with a lie but didn’t make it. looked suspiciously at her but seemed to forget about it as fast as he received the plate with the toast. “Slept well?” tried to make a conversation. She couldn’t take anymore silence. “Yeah, I slept great actually. How bout you?” turned around to the stove again. “I slept well” she replied, but realised it didn’t sound very convincing. “Well, if you say so. Are you up to wake up some McFLY’s?” asked as he handed her the empty plate. “Let them sleep, . They’ll come down when they’re ready”. agreed and disappeared into the living room to watch some TV. The rest of them came down one by one, until , as the last one, had finished his breakfast. looked a bit pale, so followed him upstairs. She knocked on his door and waited for a reply. “Come in!” he answered. She went in and found on the bed. “You’re pale, . Aren’t you feeling good?” asked concerned. She took a place next to him and rubbed his back. “Oh, this is embarrassing…” started, putting his head in his hands. “What, ?” asked, still rubbing his back. “Well… To tell you the truth I haven’t slept all night”. He paused for to ask why, but she didn’t so he explained. “I kept hearing these scary sounds. Suddenly everything was quiet, and then these sounds came again. I was so scared, and it’s so embarrassing to admit it!” said, lowering his voice. laid his head on her lap and ran her fingers through his hair. really seemed to enjoy that. “I know what you mean, hun. I didn’t get to sleep neither. I was so scared I had to text . I slept with him last night, not literally though…” she said with a little laugh. looked up at her. “Seriously?” She nodded. “But you’re not scared of anything!” continued. smiled at him and kissed his forehead. “I was during the night…. Really scared…” she muttered. “Well, would you like to share a room with me then?” asked her. “Maybe. I’ll try to sleep on my own tonight, at least. I’m just really disappointed in myself for acting like this.” explained the best as she could. “That’s OK. I think I’ll try to get some sleep now, but would you mind staying here with me till’ I’m asleep?” smiled and nodded. “I’ll stay with you till’ you’re asleep” she replied, watching him take his clothes off. He now climbed into bed with nothing but his Sponge Bob-boxers which in fact had been a present from . After fifteen minutes seemed to be fast asleep, so kissed his cheeks and closed the door silently behind her. She met in the stairs. “Heya! I was looking for you, hun! Where have you been?” he asked her as they went downstairs. “I’ve been talking to …” replied truthfully. “Well… OK… Want to listen to some music or something?” then asked. agreed to do it and followed him up to his room.

After thirty minutes of listening to play, fell down onto his bed. He climbed up next to her and she laid her head on his lap, letting him play with her hair. That reminded her of something two of her girl friends once said. They had told that she was way too flirty and that she would end up hurting all of the guys if she didn’t stop flirting with them. was so angry when they told her. didn’t mean anything bad about any of it. The guys were her best friends and she couldn’t see the problem with showing them affection. To show them that she cared and loved them. It had really hurt her when her friends said so, so she confronted the boys with it, and they said that they knew why she did it and that it was nothing to think about. “You love us, , and we love you. We’re best friends, we know where we have you. Don’t worry, hun” had said to her when she told them and the others agreed. Now didn’t think about it anymore. She loved them all to pieces, and didn’t care about what others may have to say about her showing it. “This seems nice!” said sniggering as he entered ’s bedroom door. grimaced. “You wanna join?” asked cheekily as she sat up in bed, still with ’s hand behind her back. “So, we’re up to some snowball fight later if you wanna join” told them. “Of course… If you promise to let me at least try to get away?” replied, throwing a cushion towards , who caught it and threw it back. It all ended with ending up on her bum on the floor. helped her up and they found their winter clothes. “I feel like a complete Eskimo!” complained when escorted her out. “OK” he commanded. “We’ll split in three. Um… Me and . and and and . That’s OK with you?” They all nodded. and built a snow castle and made many snowballs. “Are you ready?” shouted as he ran towards and with his hands full of snowballs. It was clear that they all had decided to bring and down. After twenty minutes they couldn’t hold it anymore so they put the white flag up. The others continued fighting, and pulled into a huge pile of snow, causing her to get even wetter. “Oh… I’m so cold…” was shivering so screamed to the others that they went inside. fired up in the fireplace as went to take a shower. The bathroom was cold, so hurried into the shower. She went down in nothing but her towel around her, in search for the clothes she had laid on the toilet. She was angry. Her clothes missing meant that someone, probably , had been in the bathroom while she showered. “!!!” shrieked in a high pitched voice. ’s head showed from the kitchen door. “Wow, . Nothing but a towel, hun. May I require to the occasion?” asked as he stared down her body. “Don’t pretend with me, Dan. Where did you put my clothes, and why the hell where you in the bathroom while I showered?” asked angrily. took a step back. He knew ’s temperament. She wasn’t to be joked with when she was really angry. Stubborn was also one of her qualities. looked puzzled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I swear” said confused. looked at him, but she knew he was telling the truth. “Then who the hell took my clothes?” fell down to the floor. caught her before her towel fell off. She cried. “Hun, what’s wrong?” asked concerned as he picked her up, carrying her to the sofa. “I don’t know, . I’ve been this weird since we came…” And then she told him everything about the sounds last night. comforted her. “It’s nothing to think about. You’ll sleep with me the rest of the vacation” said commanding to get dressed before she got sick. When she came down again waited for her on the sofa. “Come here,”. patted the seat next to him. climbed up and cuddled up to him. She sat there in silence, staring at the fire. How could it be that she had been there for almost just two days and she already hated it? She couldn’t tell the guys that all she wanted to do was to go home neither, because they had had a hard time with all the gigs and performances lately. All they wanted to do was spend the Christmas a place where the press didn’t catch them. Spending the Christmas with one of their best friends. rubbed her back. “Thank you for caring so much, Dan” said sleepily. kissed her forehead, and five minutes later, breathed heavily, fast asleep.

“What’s up with ?” asked as he and arrived by the living room door. explained and the sat down beside her on the floor. “Poor . I don’t think she’s been alright lately. What her friend said really got to her” said, stroking ’s hair. “Friends? They’re not friends!” hissed. “They care about her just when they want to”. heard everything, but didn’t move. “I don’t know… I love it when she shows me affection. She makes me feel loved, you know” said. “Of all of us I’m just the fat one without dressing sense. I know she’ll never love me in that way, but I really appreciate her showing that she cares, and I just don’t understand how anyone can say that it’s a bad thing”. It went quiet. “I was in love with her…” heard say quietly. She could also almost hear and ’s mouths drop down as they heard. “What are you saying, ?” asked, obviously shocked. “I was in love with her. A time ago, but I soon realised I didn’t want to lose her as the great friend she is. Besides, if she would choose anyone of us as her boyfriend it would have to be ” replied shyly. “Me? Why should she pick me?” then asked. “Why? Are you blind or deaf or something, mate?” said. “She’s crazy about you. I mean, yes, she shows all of us that she cares and loves us, but it’s different with you, mate. You can see her while she’s only in her underwear, you can put your hands under her shirt… In fact, you can do whatever you want, and she still not argues. If she’s not in love with you then I’m a big whale Ross!” finished. heard him walk away. “He’s right, you know” was all said before he also went out. didn’t say anything, neither did he show any attend to stop rubbing her back. He just sat there in total silence. wondered how long she could hold back. Now he knew. If and had picked it up, and would have too. The thing is that in fact didn’t know exactly how she felt. They had been good friend for so long that she didn’t even know if there was something more than just friendly feelings. But what would say? didn’t attend to get up. Her thoughts were spinning around.

’s head was full of thoughts. Deep inside he had noticed too, but he never attended to do anything about it because he was afraid of… Actually he didn’t know what he was afraid of. He leant down and kissed her forehead lightly. “I love you, ” he said as he slid down from the sofa. lay still for fifteen more minutes until she dared do anything. She saw the guys sitting in the kitchen. She faked a yawn before joining them. She regretted listening to their conversation. Now it was so much harder to face them. “Slept well, hun?” asked, handing her a cup of tea. “Yeah. Actually I did” replied. They went to the living room to watch some TV, but there was nothing on that interested them so they watched a movie instead. When the movie was finished, everyone said goodnight and went to bed. grabbed ’s arm as she jumped up the stairs. “Sure you’ll sleep alone?” asked concerned. was thankful he hadn’t said anything about the conversation yet. “Yeah, I’m sure. But if I change my mind I’ll come to you. Goodnight, hun”.

sobbed into her pillow. What was happening to her? First of all she was afraid of this whole house. Then she heard something about her feelings that came as quite a shock for her. She knew it was true though, but she was so scared. He was one of her best friends, how could they be girlfriend and boyfriend? stopped sobbing when she heard footsteps from outside her room. Suddenly her window clenched open and she jumped in bed with her heart in her throat. She hurried away to get it locked when her door opened, slowly with a creaky sound. stopped dead. She couldn’t move. “I’m not alone…” mumbled behind gritted teeth as she got cold. Was her imagination playing her a trick? She didn’t want to be here anymore. She couldn’t run to as she promised. She wasn’t ready yet. ! Of course, … ran downstairs the fastest she could. “! ! Let me in, please!” whispered loudly. “Wait a minute, OK. I’m… Um… Naked…” Five seconds later opened the door. ran right into his arms. He pulled her closer and closed the door behind them. “Come here… I’ll take care of you…” She cuddled up to him in bed. But this time she was too scared to sleep, even with one of the guys beside her. She spent the night crying because she was confused. What if she wanted to be with ? What if all she really wanted was to have the McFLY guys as just friends? Her confusion scared her even more. She’d always been in charge of everything. Until now…

“, are you alright?” woke up with standing over him, looking concerned. opened her eyes slowly and her head hurt. It was still dark in the room, except for the candle light held. stopped her from getting up and carried her back to bed. “What was I doing on the floor?” asked him. “You fell out, . You lost your conscious.” stared at them, unable to understand why. “I don’t think you’re quite well, . We’re taking you to the hospital tomorrow morning” continued. “No, no, no… No, you don’t. I’m fine. Just fi…” tried to get up but the dizziness took over and she fell right into ’s arms. “We’ll take you the first thing in the morning. That’s final!” said, placing her back in his bed. nodded vaguely. “I’m gonna ruin your whole vacation!” sobbed into ’s pillow. “No you don’t.” both and said in unison. and arrived at the door. “What happened? I got a call from that woke me up, he said something about… ?” rushed to the bed. “Oh my God! She’s so pale!” shrieked. “Calm down, mate” said, dragging him away. “We’ll take her to the hospital tomorrow. She’ll be fine” explained. entered also. “Sorry, got caught up in the toilet” he told them. “You OK, ?” he then asked, facing . gave him another vague nod. “Get out everyone… You’ll see her tomorrow.” hushed them out of the room. “You go with ” said, picking her up and carrying her to ’s room. He kissed her goodnight and left. soon fell asleep.

“So, how is she? What’s wrong?” asked the doctor. “She’ll be just fine. It’s stress, that’s all. Besides I think there is something that has really scared her. She needs all the rest she can have, and of course someone to watch after her”. nodded to the doctor and shook his hand. “I’m taking her home then, and I’ll watch her. Bye!” caught up with the rest of the bunch following out to the car. It was snowing a lot more now. “Let’s get home, sit in the front of the fireplace under duvets and watch some movies, aye?” said as laid her head on his chest. The doctor had told her she had stressed a lot lately, and that she needed to relax. That’s why she closed the thoughts of what the guys had said out till’ she knew what she wanted. When they got back to the mansion she was greeted by . called ’s mum and told her everything. She wanted to come home, but refused. “Maybe you should go home?” asked her after she had hung up. “NO! I’m staying here with you guys” replied , stubborn as always. They didn’t mention it anymore.

It was decided that should stay with . lay exhausted in bed, waiting for to come. “Are you OK?” he asked her for the fifth time. “Yeah, Dan. If I get worse I’ll tell you…” replied for her fifth time. He nodded and lay down beside her. “Which date is it?” asked , not taking her eyes off the magazine had bought her. “It’s the seventeenth of December” replied , checking her out. He was in his own thoughts. He had realised he loved her as something more than a friend when she was searched at the hospital. “Well… Wake me up if there is anything, OK. Love you. Night!” said, giving her a light kiss on her lips. was gob smacked. turned off the light in a hurry and turned around, away from her. suddenly turned it on again. “What was that, ?” she asked him. tried to avoid her look. “, look at me!” demanded. “What was that about?” she asked again, resting her hand on his cheek. took a deep breath and said; “I love you, . More than just a friend. I didn’t want to tell you now because you need to rest, but I just couldn’t hold it back anymore.” felt really embarrassed, but then he saw her smiling. “I love you too, . In the exact same way. That’s the reason I was so stressed. I wanted to tell you but I couldn’t. I guess I thought about it too much… And…” she didn’t finish because leant in for a kiss.

Christmas drew nearer and all of them decorated the mansion. All the guys where happy for and . called her mum and told her, and she said that they were all very pleased with it. ’s family said the same thing. hadn’t had any problems with sleeping lately neither. The sounds were all gone, and she actually started to like the mansion. They had taken loads of pictures which would be remembered as long as they lived. “Heya, Fletch! Yeah, we’re great! Just wanted to call to wish you a nice Christmas… I’m on an old mansion with McFLY and . Yeah, about that… You ought to know that ’s got himself a girlfriend. It’s . Yeah, I totally agree, like, they’re so sweet together…” After finished his phone call with Fletch he came to the kitchen with greetings from him. “Yeah, and … Fletch said it was awesome… You and !” grinned and kissed ’s cheek. had finished the dinner and they ate it in the dining room. The fireplace was lit and the snow was whirling outside. rubbed ’s thigh under the table. She hadn’t been this happy for ages.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you” they all chorused at the twenty-third of December. It was Harry’s birthday and they all sat beside him in bed with a marzipan cake which actually had made. Harry received his presents and hugged and thanked them all. “This is the best birthday ever!” he grinned, taking a piece of cake. They spent the next half an hour chatting and joking in Harry’s bed, eating way too much cake. Afterwards, they all went out, leaving alone to get dressed. grabbed ’s arm and pushed her inside again. I just wanted to thank you, hun. You’re a great friend, and you don’t know how much you mean to me and how much I appreciate you. Just wanted to tell you.” kissed ’s cheek and excused himself for getting changed. nodded and said “You’re welcome, I feel the same… You should just know…” before she went out of the room, down to her boyfriend.

Christmas evening came and they all spent the day watching cartoons, eat good food (which was brought by ’s parents) and relaxing, spending quality time. When they went to bed they were all pleased with the day and satisfied. didn’t get to sleep, because he was too excited by the presents the next day to even try to sleep. was woken up the next day by gently shaking her shoulders. “It’s presents time, love” he said gently. smiled at him and took her hoodie over her singlet, following downstairs. “The others aren’t up yet, why this early?” asked , trying not to sound too excited. “I wanted to give you my gift before they came” explained . felt her heart beat faster. “Here.” He handed her a little present in green and red wrappings. unwrapped it with caution. She opened it and found the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. “You see this? This is an angel… A guardian angel to be precise. This stone ,which is in fact the angel’s dress, is the stone for the month you were born in. I didn’t just buy it because I thought it looked nice and would fit you. I bought it because I wanted you to know that I’m your guardian angel. I’m here for you whenever you need it.” cried. She was so happy. She hugged tightly and didn’t let go. After sitting there, hugging him for ages she let go and handed him his present. gasped when he saw it was a really rare object. “How did you get this?” he asked in amazement. “My dad got it for me” replied , receiving a passionate kiss. “I love you so much, . And this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had… Thank you for making it this special”.

and the rest of the guys waited in the car. They were heading home to celebrate New Year. stood on the snowy tiles and watched the once so scary mansion. waited for her a few metres away. “If it hadn’t been for you I would probably never realised my feelings for . I don’t know what it was, but it sure made me think. Thank you…” mumbled. “Did you say anything, honey?” asked, giving her his hand. “No, nothing. I just want to go home, that’s all” replied with a secret grin on her face as she turned away from the mansion.

A few years later a young couple visited the mansion in the summer. They had found the romantic pond and they sat underneath the big oak tree near the pond when the guy spotted some writings in the tree. He read it out loud for his girlfriend; ‘I don’t know what I would have done, never agreeing to come with them. This place opened my heart, soul and eyes. I’ll never forget. Thank you. forever… xxx’. Wasn’t that romantic? asked the boy. The girl smiled. “Why can’t you be that romantic, Chris?”