13

I yawned and sighed digging myself deep into the soft pillow and stretched.  

Wait a minute.  

My eyes snapped opened and I observed my surroundings. I was on the bed on which he slept not on the couch and it took me a while to realize that. I turned slowly praying that I wouldn't be greeted with his sleeping form but the space next to me was empty, a little warm. The pillows were dipped a bit.  

He woke up early today. But what the hell I am doing over here?  

I sat on the edge of the bed rubbing my head. The headache was still there but mild. After freshening up I opened the bedroom door open to go out instead I was greeted by Selena staring up at me with her big hazel eyes and her hands folded.  

"What?"  

"You and I have to go for the cake tasting. Do you know today? I told you." 

"Oh yeah, yes you did." I scratched my head.  

"Okay good. Let's go then!" She clapped.  

We came down discussing the cake. She mostly recited and I just nodded to whatever she said.  

"And don't go for chocolate." She warned me.  

"Yes I know it's your wedding cake. Your choice."  

For a moment I was distracted and saw him. There he was patiently listening to Robbie's stories and smiling. He was not in his usual black suit but in a normal grey shirt and faded jeans. It made him look a lot younger than his usual business look. He didn't look bad in a suit but this attire made him look carefree.  

I turned to Serena when she cussed softly. Seeing her frowning at her phone I questioned. 

"What happened?"  

"I have an appointment. I totally forgot about it." She slapped her head.  

"It's okay Robbie and I can go."  

"Yeah. Oh and let Dylan accompany you too. He could help."  

"No, I don't think so. He might be busy today, I can manage." I quickly answered.  

We both looked at the pair who had suddenly started laughing. His eyes shut slightly crinkly and brows furrowed not depicting seriousness but humor. Robbie stared at him with confusion nudging him to say what was so funny.  

"You were saying?" Selena raised an eyebrow towards me challenging me to say. I had second thoughts on answering her back. Lately, she was behaving in a hyper manner. The wedding was the reason probably. The media had hyped it too much already. They were looking forward to it and also hoping for a mishap to write for. "What are you thinking?"  

"Nothing. Fine. He will come with us." I sighed.  

Walking towards them I cleared my throat to get their attention.  

"Anybody up for cake tasting?"

"What's that?" asked Robbie.  

"Well, we are going to have loads of cake today. Different types of them."  

"Okay!" said Robbie. "Can Dylan come with us?"  

"Yeah, he can." I looked at Dylan and he nodded back.  

"1885? That's a weird name for a cake shop."

On the outskirts of the city, we were standing in front of a vintage-looking cake shop made up of old bricks. In front of the shop, white lacey tables and chairs were arranged with open umbrellas which was the mini cafe. It was fenced around and there was a little iron gate as the entrance.  

"That's because it was started in 1885," I explained to Robbie.  

"Whoa, it's older than Mrs. Robinson!"  

"You seriously did not compare it to your Principal." I looked down at Robbie.  

"Nothing is as old as her. You see when she walks it's like she will just crumble down."  

"Alright let's go inside." I mildly shoved Robbie towards the entrance. I pushed open the door and the bells announced our arrival. We were immediately greeted by an old woman who was as old as the shop (that's what Robbie thought). I introduced myself to her informing her that I was on Selena's behalf to which she eagerly nodded. She leads me to a huge old wooden table where different pieces of highly decorated cakes were neatly arranged in rows.  

I definitely need help.  

I looked behind to see Robbie whose face was pressed against a glass case that showcased many animated forms of pastries and candies.  

"Rob come here!" He ran and came towards the table and his eyes popped out at the site in front of us.  

"Whoa, so many of them!"  

"I know. We are just tasting not eating all of it."  

We both took a deep breath and sat down. Minutes later the shop's door opened and closed again. I looked up to see Dylan who just cut off a call and looked ahead. I waved at him and he saw me. Even he had a surprised look on his face when he saw the table decorated with cakes. Sitting down on one of the wooden chairs he kept his phone aside.  

"How may I help you guys?" He questioned.  

"You can start off with the third half. Anything good then tell us." 

After two hours of tasting, we all were almost full and still hadn't decided on the cake. I glanced towards Dylan and he was already looking towards me. But he was grinning madly and then covered his mouth to stop laughing. He is laughing a lot today.  

"What?"  

"You have cream on your nose." He pointed to my nose. 

I looked to the left in the huge mirror to see my face and cringed at my own reflection. A huge blob of white vanilla cream rested upon my nose. By this time Robbie was laughing and clutching the table for support. I might be looking worse than a typical circus joker.  

"Oh great." I shifted to get the tissue but he stopped my hand.  

"Let me do this one." He sat on the chair beside me and got the tissue and came close and wiped my nose gently. A few seconds later he was done and then he slowly bent and all of a sudden kissed my nose.  

"Still tastes like vanilla." He whispered.

He was too close and our faces almost touched I blushed and stared down. I could feel that he was still staring at me but I didn't dare to look up this time. The clicking sounds of a camera snapped both of us out.  

"Hey, I had to take a picture of it." Robbie shamelessly admitted it.  

"Did you take the picture of her face with the vanilla cream?" He asked eagerly.  

"Hell yeah!" And they both hi-fived each other and laughed.  

A lot really a lot.  

I ran a hand over my face and said, "You are going to delete that picture, Robbie."  

"No, I won't."  

"Yes, you will."  

"No, I won't."  

'Yes, you will."  

"No, I-" But before he could finish Dylan interrupted.  

"Did anybody decide on the cake yet?"  

I stopped and was about to say but pushed back into the seat. Nobody spoke for a whole minute and I admitted.  

"No, and I am full I can't shove down another one."  

"They all taste the same." Robbie pointed out.  

Dylan remained quiet but his silence was proof enough that even he felt the same.  

"Okay the first pastry I pick up will be the one." I decided.

"Fine." they both agreed I saw a peach and vanilla pastry which I think one of us had already tasted it.

"This one. Done."  

Doris the cake shop owner came towards us. We told her about our choice and she appreciated it. They both went ahead and while I explained how Selena wanted the cake.  

"Now where to?" Robbie asked as I came out.  

"We are going back," I answered.  

"No, not so early. Tessie can we go to that place of yours.?"  

"What place?"  

"You know that part of the beach."

In reflex, I pinched Robbie while we were walking. He rubbed his shoulder and glared at me. I mouthed 'shut up'. Dylan was now ahead of us and not in the hearing some distance talking on the phone with somebody.  

"Are you crazy! I told you not to tell anybody else."  

"It's just him."  

"No."  

"Please. Just him."  

"Seriously no."  

"Come on. Please only he and I will not tell anybody else." He started making his typical puppy face and then pulling my shirt as I kept on staring ahead. Well, I was staring at him actually because he was grabbing the attention of people some people in the cafe were pointing towards him in recognition while a group of high school girls ogled at him. He was unaware of that fact how much attention he easily gathered or simply ignored it. Robbie's constant nudging was working and I finally gave up.  

"Ugh, Robbie you are going to pay for this."  

"I will cover for you this month."  

"For what?"  

"Anything." He said with all honesty. He looked too adorable when he was serious.  

"You don't need to. We will go." I ruffled his hair.  

"Yay! She said yes! We can go." Robbie shouted from behind to Dylan and he turned back smiled at Robbie. So did the rest of the people of the cafe but not all were smiles. 

"What is this?"  

"It's a scooty." I got my helmet on and was got my keys while he observed me. We were back at Edward's mansion and Dylan seemed too confused.  

"I know that but we are three. It's dangerous. Can you drive with all three of us?"  

"I think I can manage."  

"Manage? Why don't we just take the car?  

"You can't park your car there at least not that," Robbie said.  

He observed the scooter with scrutiny and then looked at me again.

"It's nothing fancy as your car but I bought it with my own money," I said proudly.  

"Let me drive this." He extended his hand for the helmet.  

"No. I know the way till there and I will drive."  

"Yeah she will drive but later while coming back you can drive Dylan." Randy offered.  

"Robbie! It's my scooter and my place where we are going." I glared at him.  

"But you guys share everything right? Don't you?"  

That little question from him cornered me. Dammit, how could I forget that even Robbie didn't know about the situation between Dylan and me?  

"Yeah honey we share everything." He said it too sweetly make it sound convincing and secretly threw a challenging look towards me. I was too tongue-tied to snap back at him so I gave him my best 'I will deal with you later' look, to which he just smirked.  

I started my scooter and adjusted my helmet. Robbie was seated between Dylan and me. We somehow managed to be seated not falling off although I was not sure about him.  

"Are you fine there, Dylan?" I shouted as the scooter's engine started.  

"Yeah, I am fine." He said but there was little hesitation in his voice.  

"It's alright we will be there in no time," I assured him and adjusted the mirror a bit so that I could see him. He did look a little bit uncomfortable.  

While driving I sneaked a glance at them. Robbie was grinning while Dylan was quietly observing. His frown had disappeared long back and he looked peaceful.  

I took the sharp left cut and entered the forest. The branches brushed past us and it was a little bumpy. I slowed down a bit when the beach was in sight and then finally applied the brakes. We jerked forward a bit due to the braking.  

I removed my helmet and got down putting on the seat. Robbie was already running towards the beach. Dylan was dusting himself and removing the stray twigs which were stuck to his shirt.  

"Could have warned me about this." He grumbled.  

"Stop grumbling you asked for it." I propped my scooter against the tree.  

"It was Robbie's idea." He argued back.  

I help him dust of the remaining leaves which were stuck in his messy hair and quickly stepped back. Leaving him there I went ahead walking carefully over the steep slope of sand and rocks. There were a few of them today but with each wave of the water, there was a new bunch of stones being added to the beach. The sand felt soft and slightly warm and I dug my toes in it. The breeze was cool and the water was not dark blue anymore. Robbie was busy collecting the stones, running away when the waves charged towards him. I breathed and sat down. Moments later he sat beside me.  

"You like it?" I turned towards him.  

"It's beautiful." He nodded while gazing. "Worth the scratches I got."  

I laughed at it and smiled staring ahead. Then silence followed. But this was not one of the awkward ones but we were relaxing and enjoying it.  

"When did you find this place?" He suddenly asked.  

"Long back," I replied and stretched my legs.  

He picked one of the flattened blue stones which almost looked black and played with it, tossing it again and again. I laid down putting my hands behind my head and closed my eyes.  

"Why are you sleeping?"  

"I am just closing my eyes not sleeping."  

"There's no signal here he murmured."  

"That's the best part," I said softly.  

I opened my eyes to see a familiar floral pattern moving in a weird manner. I blinked and concentrated to see that it was actually a cloth flowing in the air.  

"About time you woke up."  

I saw Dylan sitting bent a bit looking in my direction. Slowly getting up I observed that the huge cloth was my scarf. They somehow managed to make a shed that was balanced over sticks and branches.  

"Shit I shouldn't have slept. What have you done to my scarf?"  

"You should thank us actually. You have been scorched by now."  

"It took us half-hour to make it. How is it?" Robbie asked.  

"What should I say, it's genius." Touching the scarf which was brilliantly tied in the ends. "But I'll be taking it back ." 

He strapped the helmet and adjusted a bit. Sitting on the scooter, he motioned for the keys.  

"Do you know how to drive it?" I asked.  

"Yes, I do know how to drive it. Keys."  

"You sure?"  

He gave me an exasperated look and I unwillingly handed him the keys.  

"Yellow. Didn't you get it in another color?"  

"It was the cheapest one. You don't like it then I'll drive."  

"Just sit."  

We all were settled finally. Kind of. I was almost hanging out but I managed to squeeze myself clutching at the back to stop myself from slipping.  

The scooter started and I clutched more tightly. I knew the fact that Dylan wasn't exactly the one who knew how to drive smooth and slow. This was not his car, we didn't have any seat belts and I just prayed that he would be merciful to the scooty at least.  

And no he wasn't merciful to scooty and me. He drove it at such a speed that made Robbie shout out in excitement but it as well-drained the engine. As for me, I was not in a condition to shout out but definitely managed to snatch away the keys from him once he parked it in the garage at Edward's place. When I saw his car I groaned as I realized the ordeal wasn't over.  

But this time he was merciful. He drove smoothly through the rows of the tall buildings and past the neon billboards which were blinking every second. Soon we were on the other side of the outskirts of the city.

By the time we reached the villa, it was dark and late. The car stopped and I looked behind to see Robbie had dozed off. I opened the car door and took Robbie in arms and carried him towards the villa's entrance. I shifted him a little bit and he stirred but didn't wake up. Climbing up the stairs I heard running footsteps behind me.  

"What are you doing? Let me carry him." Dylan whispered in a shocked voice.  

"Don't worry he's really not that heavy."  

"Tessa, please." He warned.  

"Third room to the left open the door. We have almost reached."  

He strode ahead of me and opened the door immediately. Entering Robbie's room I walked fast and carefully deposited on his bed adjusting the cover in which even Dylan helped. I sat beside him and kissed his forehead. Getting up I mouthed Dylan to be 'quiet' to which he mouthed back 'okay'.  

"You guys really don't have to leave you to know. We all could share this bed." Robbie suddenly spoke and then yawned.  

"Umm okay."  

I waved at Dylan asking him what to do he pointed towards Robbie. We both silently tiptoed to his bed. Dylan laid on the right side of Robbie while I on the left.  

"I love you guys. Goodnight."  

"We love you too Robbie. Goodnight." I ran a hand through his hair over and over again gently.  

We both lay still for a couple of minutes. I raised my head to see if Robbie had slept or not. He was breathing deeply.  

"Do you think he slept?" I asked Dylan.  

"Yeah." He was gazing at the ceiling. I turned my head to see the ceiling.  

"Beautiful, isn't it?"  

The ceiling of the room resembled the night sky. The stars were shining alternately as the moonlight through the glass window came in and hit the ceiling. The room was heightened than the usual which added to its effect.  

"Yes but it's just an illusion." He announced.  

"But it provides us comfort and lulls us to sleep peacefully."  

He still kept staring upwards. His were eyes glimmering mysteriously against the moonlight and face resembling a perfectly sculpted stone.  

"Goodnight, Dylan," I whispered and draped an arm over Robbie and closed my eyes.  

After a while, I vaguely heard him whisper back.  

"Goodnight, Tessa."