Annie made it back home by 8 am, when she makes it to her room she glances out her window. Ethan wasn't in bed anymore. Annie smiled knowing his mother called him awake for help with the party.
Annie made her way to the shower again, washing off her sweat and dirt.
Once she was out of the shower Annie pulled on a light pink, long sleeved dress. Then Annie pulled open the poetry book she took from her shelf that night, opening the cover she read the written letter inside.
'Poetry is beautiful as it speaks from the soul, hitting every reader with a different emotion. This was my favourite collection, I hope you love it just as much as I do!
-Love Mom'
Annie closed the book with a sigh, setting it back to it's rightful place on the shelf. She then pulled out a different book, curled up on her bed and started to read.
When lunchtime rolled around she stood and stalked to the kitchen to grab something to eat. Annie stood cutting carrots on the counter as she heard the front door open and close. Ethan and Kyson strolled into the kitchen, Kyson grabbing a glass of water as he moves his gaze over to his step-sister.
"Don't fill up on that, you're going to eat later. Don't need to get fat again, do you?" Kyson snickered from beside her.
Annie rolled her eyes and pointed the knife toward Kyson, more in a playful manner then threatening. "Careful what you say Kyson, I'm holding a knife."
Kyson gasps dramatically, putting a hand over his heart, "a knife? Careful, Annie. If you spend any more time 'playing' with the kitchenware, Mom's going to start thinking you're actually useful. We wouldn't want to set unrealistic expectations," Kyson smirked, proud of himself.
Annie sets the knife down with a deliberate clack and crosses her arms,"believe me, the only 'unrealisticexpectation' in this house is the idea that you're ever going to grow a personality that isn't 90% sarcasm and 10% hair gel."
Kyson instinctively reaches up to check his hair, his smirk faltering for just a second before he recovers. "Hey, this 'sarcasm and gel' combo is a treasure to LakeVille. Besides, if I was any more charming, I'd have to start charging admission for people to be in the same room as me. You're lucky I keep it at a level you can handle."
Annie picks up a carrot peel and drops it into the trash, not even looking at him, rolling her eyes Anne replies. "Trust me, Kyson, everyone in this room is currently over-budget and looking for a refund. Now get out before I find a use for this knife that doesn't involve vegetables."
"Ouch," Ethan chuckled out, "she got you man."
Kyson huffs and walks out, brushing Ethan's shoulder in a small act of aggression. "Who peed in his coco-puffs?" Annie chuckled shaking her head as she drew her attention back to her carrots, pulling them into a bowl before grabbing some ranch from the fridge.
"Hmm, I think most of it was you, but he wasn't happy that he couldn't figure out how to set the table up outside," Ethan chuckled, "he thought it would be easier then lugging out chairs."
"Sounds about right," Annie chuckled, shaking her head as she made her way back to her carrot bowl. When she turned around to look at Ethan, he stood slightly behind her, reaching into her bowl of carrots to take a bite of a chopped carrot.
Ethan crunches the carrot, leaning in just an inch closer than necessary. "You know, for someone who might've ruined his morning, you make a pretty great snack. I might have to stick around and help you finish these," He holds her gaze as he reaches for another one, his fingers grazing hers in the bowl.
"Handsoffmysnack, if you want some, get some yourself!" Annie slaps Ethans hand away playfully.
Ethan doesn't pull his hand back- instead, he lets it linger right where she slapped it, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Oh, so that's how it is? You're going to get violent over a vegetable? I thought we were closer than that, Doll. Besides, stolen carrots always taste better."
She puts a hand on her hip, looking him up and down with a mock-stern expression that's betrayed by the glint of mischief in her eyes. "Violence? Please. That was a warning shot. You're lucky I'm letting you stay in my kitchen at all after that comment. Now, back up before I decide you're to much trouble."
Ethan didn't back up. If anything, he leaned a fraction closer, his grin widening at the "'warning shot' comment. 'Too much trouble,' huh? You say that like it's a bad thing-"
"Ethan!" The call of Ethan's mother-Kia, from the next door like an invisible tether, pulling them apart. Ethan straightened up instantly, though his eyes lingered on Annie for a beat too long.
"Kyson is losing the war with the tablecloth out here!" his mom shouted again, followed by the clatter of silverware. "Ethan!"
Ethan let out a quiet huff of a laugh, finally stepping back. He snatched one last carrot sliver from the bowl with lightning speed before Annie could swat him again.
"Saved by the bell," he whispered, winking at her as he backed toward the door. "Seems Kyson needs more help, to be continued, BabyDoll."
Annie stayed by the counter, her hand still hovering over the carrots. She glared at him as he disappeared into the hallway, feeling the sudden quiet of the kitchen and the slight heat remaining on her cheeks. She took a breath, shook her head to clear it, and finally headed out to join the chaos.
Stepping into Kia and Ethan's home she heard clattering come from the back door, but as she stepped into the kitchen she saw Kia bustling around the kitchen, preparing massive amounts of food. "Annie! How are you honey?" Kia smiled as she pulled Annie into a hug.