Too close to lose you

Chapter 8.

The following day was a weekend day. Two days since the incident at school and two days since I've seen or heard from Maxwell. despite my matebond telling me to be worried, I tell myself that I should be happy and take it as a good sign. I went out to breakfast with Uncle Tobias and Elizabeth. We’ve finished eating but were now waiting for Vivian and Brielle to meet up so we can go shopping for the dresses. It wasn’t too long of a wait before Viv. came strutting in mumbling something in Brielle’s ear ,causing her to giggle before waving and walking straight towards the restroom while putting her phone to her ear.

Brielle, taking the other other direction, approached us. looking as rested and as hyper as always.

Exam week was the cause, after all.

“She wanted me to tell you that she’s not normally rude, but she got a large bubble tea this morning. Please forgive her.” Brielle said as she chuckled. I stood up, shaking my head at my gravely embarrassing friends before giving brielle a hug. When we pulled away from each other, she happily sat in an empty chair at the table beside us.

My amused uncle looked between us with a fake, disapproving face. “Hello uncle T, remember me, I’m a big kid now, look.” Brielle said as she leaned forward, placing her chin on her laced fingers, fluttering her eyes.

My uncle has visited twice before, and Brielle has always called him uncle and treated him as her own. This is the first time Brielle and Vivian are meeting Elizabeth, though. But i know the sassy ball of sunshine could make the grinches' heart grow three sizes. So I’m sure they’ll love her.

“Brielle, I want to introduce you to my big cousin Elizabeth.” “Elizabeth, this is my best friend Brielle, she reminds me of you most times.” After my shirt introduction, They smile with greeting nods towards each other.

“Hello, Brielle, it's nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about the three musketeers. Causing good trouble in town I’m sure.” Elizabeth said, reaching out her hand to meet Brielle’s.

And i like i thought. Shortly after their greeting, they were already in a world of their own while me and Uncle Tobias and I just watched as the two talked about me.trading embarrassing stories as if I wasn’t there. Vivian then approached the table with a smile waving. “Hello sorry about taking so long. I knew I should’ve gotten a small.” She said unabashedly, hugging me before reaching a hand to greet my uncle and Elizabeth. The corners of Elizabeth smile faded a little as she grabbed Vivian’s hand.

“Hello, no worries. Nice to meet the third member.” Elizabeth responded with a less chipper tone than before.

It didn't seem to bother vivan. Actually, im not sure she noticed because, as Vivian began to sit down the tenseness in her shoulder, loosening as if all would be well after greeting my family. My cousin leaned towards Vivian with that unconformable smile on her face.

“and how did you meet again. I would love to hear this story.”

I suddenly felt the need to chime in, “Well we’ve known Vivian as long as we can remember-“ Elizabeth raised a finger. And I close my mouth, confused at the serious tone that was hidden in her smile

Vivian still looked unfazed. In fact, a small smirk was on her lips, but it didn’t reach her eyes. telling me she indeed noticed.

“When we were little kids, I had just moved into town. One day during lunchtime, I remember looking outside and seeing two girls on their bikes rolling up and down the sidewalk. After I got permission to go outside, I ran right to them. But when I made it there, both girls had fallen and scraped up their hands. One girl ran towards her mother crying for comfort, the other stood up and with a whimper started to blow on her own hands. I came up to her and asked her what was wrong? Did it hurt? She shook her head, and she said no, I just wanted someone to kiss my hands, too." Vivian took a pause in the story to add. "Strange wish for a kid, don't you think?" and then continued. " Now when I looked around for any adults who would certainly come. No one came. I’m sure they have a lifetime of stories to explain why no one came, huh...after that I told her my family was huge, one more would only make it better and blew on her hands,” she paused and her gaze going from Uncle T and Elizabeth, with a smirk still not reaching her eyes before continuing again. “when the other girl came back, she gave a bandaid to her friend, and we played for the rest of the day.” The way she ended the story was like she was wrapping a bow on a knife. After an awkward moment, Vivians phone buzzed, and she picked up but didn't answer the call. only responding through text to whatever message was on the screen, ignoring the blatant glare from Elizabeth.

“Why do you ask Lizzy?” Brielle asked, breaking the silence before it grew heavy.

Elozabeth's bright smile returned to her face as she looked over to Brielle, not hiding her hostile nature towards vivian.

“Because I remember all the stories and little pictures of you, and when I heard of the third puzzle piece. I wondered why I never got any pictures of her until this year and was just curious.” That’s makes sense, I guess. Maybe I’m just not used to inquiring family, and this is a normal conversation.

My uncle cleared his throat as he started to stand. “Well now that we’ve met the girls let’s go get the dresses for their dance, even you, little bean.” I rolled my eyes as we got up to head to the stores.

Hours later, and Vivian and I have found our dresses. But Miss Brielle was still trying on pretty much every outfit in the store. Vivian looked up from her phone and leaned towards me. As soon as my cousin came back with more dresses. Which earned a deep scowl from my cousin.

Awkward.