Amelia's POV
After an early morning shift, I go to the grocery store to buy food for Cassy's party. After I use Cassy's credit card, I walk back to Esmeralda's house. I'm so fucking tired. My legs hurt and I'm hungry!
I step into Esmeralda's house, and see Cassy pacing in the living room. She looks up from her phone and says, "After you cook all that, prepare the movie snacks."
"Yes your highness." I mutter under my breath.
I organize all my ingredients, and start cooking. An hour later, Esmeralda comes down. She looks hungover, but grabs her car keys.
"Don't mess up Cassy's party, or I'll take your phone." She says, walking towards the garage.
An hour later, I finish cooking. I set them up on a buffet table, and grab the snacks. I start pouring them into bowls, and eating any that don't make it.
I grab all the drinks, and put them in a large ice cooler. Cassy walks in, inspecting my work.
"Not bad." She comments.
"Did you vacuum the main rooms?" She asks.
"I was just about to do it." I deadpan.
"Well hurry it up. I ordered pizza, so it should be here in 20 minutes." She says, going back to her room.
I grab the vacuum cleaner, and rush around the room. When I'm done, I hear the doorbell ring. I walk towards the door, and see it's the pizza delivery.
I grab a couple bills from Cassy's bag, and pay. I grab the boxes, and set them down with the rest of the food. I check to make sure all the utensils and plates are out, and see everything is there.
I grab a slice of pepperoni pizza, and take a bag of chips. "Cassy I'm leaving." I shout, exiting the house.
I go to my room/shed, and finish my pizza. I decide to take a shower, so I can chill for the rest of the afternoon.
I step out of the shower, and can hear music blasting inside the house. I almost laugh, when I realize it's one of Sylvester's songs. I change into some pyjamas, and turn on my tv.
I decide to watch a Netflix show called Lucifer, and grab the bag of chips. I grab a water bottle from my mini fridge, and sit at my desk.
After I finish the first episode, I glance at my empty plate. Wanna sneak in and get more food, or take a nap? Both sound like good ideas, but my hunger wins.
I unlock my door, and step outside. It's almost 8 and people are still at this party? I sneak in through the door, and try not to gather any attention.
I walk straight towards the food table, and see someone refilled the snacks. Maybe Cassy made herself useful for once.
I see there's still slices of pizza, and grab two. Then I decide to grab a bottle of lemonade. I'm about to slip through the exit, when I hear someone shout, "Amelia?"
Run! Cassy can't know you're inside! I sprint towards my shitty room, and lock the door. I peek through my window, and see everyone is still inside. Phew! Now we can feast in peace.
A few seconds later, I hear someone knock at my door. I freeze, and creep towards the door. I grab my bat, and look through the window. I relax when I see Sylvester, and open the door.
"You're very creepy at night." I say.
"Thank you?" He asks.
I laugh and say, "Stalker vibes."
I invite him in and he looks around. "Welcome to my mansion." I say sarcastically.
"How come you don't live in the house?" He asks.
"They "kicked" me out." I say using air quotes. "We made an agreement that I can just live here, since they "need" the other rooms." I say.
"Is that legal?" He asks.
"Sylvester... Esmeralda and Cassy are above the law, don't you know that?" I ask laughing. He doesn't find it funny.
"Everything is fine. I'm only here for a few more months anyway." I say.
"You got in?" He asks excitedly.
"Duh." I say, flipping my hair.
"That's amazing!" He says, giving me a quick hug. Aww, he's warm and I'm all of a sudden cold. No you're not.
"What about you? Have you heard back?" I ask.
He nods and says, "Guess we'll see each other in the fall."
"Ahhh!" I say, jumping up and down.
"Have you decided on your living arrangements?" He asks.
"Not yet. I'm thinking of dorms for the experience, but I also want my own space..." I say.
He's looking around my room, and I try to see things from his point of view. Messy desk, but clean floor. Except that one corner...
He spots a photo of my parents and I, and I laugh. "Don't judge my bangs. My mom made me do it." I say.
"It's cute." He says, biting back a laugh.
"Asshole." I murmur.
"Wait... In the photo you're wearing..." He says trailing off."Asshole." I murmur.
My eyes widen when I realize I'm wearing my bracelet in that picture. "I can explain." I say.
"Why didn't you just tell me? I just wanted to return it." He says, looking confused.
"Well, I thought you'd be disappointed. You made it sound like you met this really cool person, but it was really just me. I thought you would just put it in the lost and found, once you got tired of searching." I say.
"You are a really cool person. I'm not disappointed. Never in you." He says, bumping his shoulder against mine.
I laugh and say, "I'm sorry I was a coward."
"You're not a coward, but apology accepted. I'd return it but I don't have it on me." He says. "I'm surprised I didn't connect the dots that you were my dance partner.
"Were you expecting someone taller?" I ask.
"Pretty much. But your height is perfect for forehead kisses." He says, placing one on me.
I bite back a smile, and playfully push him. "I'm curious... Were there any funny guesses on the word?" I ask.
"Live laugh love." He deadpans. "Everyone else did random quotes, their name, and then random dates."
"Glad it was unique, I guess?" I say. "My mom gave me that bracelet with the word destiny on it when I turned nine. And she said we have control over it."
"That's true." He says.
"She passed away when I was nine, and then my dad passed away when I was 14." I add quietly.
Sylvester says, "Wow... I'm sorry for your loss. I know it's not much, but if you need anything... I I didn't realize....
"It's fine. Not many people know since I don't really talk about it. Kind of awkward to say, by the way my parents are dead, in conversations." I say, adding a humorless laugh. He doesn't find it funny.
"Wanna hug?" He asks, opening his arms.
I eye his arms suspiciously, and step towards him. He wraps his arms around me, and I oddly feel safe. "It's been three years, I've learned to deal with it." I say.
"Grief never disappears. You just learn to cope with it." He says sadly. He rests his chin on my head, and says, "My grandma passed away a few months ago. It was kind of one of the reasons I wanted to go back home. Family is precious, but you don't realize that until they're gone."
I tighten my hold around him, and he pulls me closer. This feels nice... I miss receiving hugs.
"Amelia! Someone vomited in the living room." I hear Cassy shout.
I freeze and Sylvester and I separate. "I'm guessing I'm not supposed to be in here?" He asks, seeing my frantic expression.
"Amelia?" I hear her shout closer.
"Closet?" I sheepishly ask.
"I've never had to hide in a girl's room before." He says smirking.
I flip him and he moves towards the back. "Okay, I'm coming." I shout back.I walk towards the door, and act like I just woke up. "Were you sleeping already?" Cassy asks, confused.
I nod and she rolls her eyes. "At 10? Lame... Mom is coming back at midnight so the house better be clean by then."
"You want me to clean the whole house?" I ask.
"It's not even that bad." She says with attitude. "I'll be in the bathroom taking a long bath." She says, going up the stairs.
I glance at the vomit, and gag. How is the smell that strong?
I hear someone walk behind me and jump. "Shit. Don't scare me." I say to Sylvester
"I had too. This room looks creepy in the dark." He says, turning on the light.
"Looks like the party is over. You should head home." I say, glancing at the clock.
"And leave you to clean all of this? I don't think so." He says.
"Oh, that's not necessary. I got it covered." I say, feeling guilty for taking up his time.
"Just accept the help, Amelia" He says stubbornly.
"Okay, thank you." I say with a grin.
"I'm assuming you want me to clean the vomit?" He asks.
"Thank you so much for helping." I say sweetly.
He laughs, and I grab a trash bag. I hand him gloves and paper towels to deal with the vomit.
An hour and a half later, the whole house is once again spotless. "Finished before midnight, nice." Sylvester says.
"Thanks again." I say, walking him to his car.
"It was my pleasure, Amelia." He says."Thanks again." I say, walking him to his car.
"Now leave, I've had enough of your presence for a weekend." I say.
"You know you love me." He says winking.
I laugh and roll my eyes. "See you tomorrow." He says, driving away.
I come back inside, and see Cassy coming down the stairs. "Are you talking to yourself? How pathetic." She says.
"I just took out the trash. Looks like I forgot you." I say.
"At least I don't look ugly." She says angrily.
"Keep telling yourself that." I say, walking back to my room.