Chapter Twenty-Five

Amaryllis Lexington

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It's been two weeks since we came back from the camp. Two weeks since Carlson let me in on the dark side of his life, and I had to say, our friendship had improved. I mean, we still bicker and argue like out lives depend on it, but I had finally come to a point of acceptance. A point where I no longer argued with my subconscious when it yells at me in the face, telling me to face the fact that I had a huge crush on the most beautiful boy I have ever seen.

Rose's screams when I finally admitted my feelings still reverberate on my ears as though it was yesterday. Well, it was actually yesterday. Luckily today was a Saturday, and I don't have to see Carlson till Monday because I had no idea how to handle seeing him when I just declared my undying, (it would have to die if he doesn't feel the same way), affection just less than twenty four hours ago.

I turned to stare at the clock on my bedside lamp and I realized I slept in. A LOT. I spent roughly four hours on the phone with Rosa and Jade yesterday and I finally got around to sleeping around five in the morning. Realizing that what I need the most at this point is food and not a daydream about my new crush on a boy that probably just sees me as a good friend, I jumped out of bed and headed straight to the kitchen.

I wasn't expecting to find anyone at home because mum and Dad had to travel very early in the morning, Maya went for a sleepover in Olive's house yesterday (Thank God for that), and Allison would have probably found somewhere to go.

On entering the kitchen, I realized my speculation was wrong because there was Allison, mixing dough with her hair tied up in a messy bun. For a minute, she looked like a carefree and happy teenager, and not the devil's assistant that I had come to . . . like? When her eyes zoned on me, she raised her brow with a smirk.

"Look who's finally awake. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you went to a party overnight. But then, you don't have any semblance of a social life." Now, that's the right way to say good morning where I come from. This girl is on fire!

"I'm too precious to associate myself with people who don't know my worth. You should learn from me, sis. Priceless jewels can't be found just anywhere." I smirked and walked to the fridge to grab a box jar of orange juice.

"Is there any food in this house? I'm starving so bad, I could eat a horse." I grumbled and she shrugged. "I'd offer you some of these cookies, but I haven't poisoned them yet." That sounds like something straight of Maya's handbook. I could swear that girl has been plotting my murder ever since we came back from the camp.

"You know you don't want me dead, Ally. Like it or not, you are very into me." Okay, that came out extremely wrong and creepy. Her face scrunched up in disgust and a cheery laughter escaped her mouth.

"Girl, please. You don't want to imagine the number of times I've picked out outfits for your funeral in my mind. That's if I decide to attend, by the way." Uh-oh

Before I could respond, the oven dinged and she pulled out a tray filled with the best looking chocolate chip cookies in the world. My mouth watered and my stomach growled. Boy, I would eat that even if it was laced with a hundred tablespoons of poison.

"You can look, but you can't touch." Her voice had a deadly warning undertone that made my plans to grab a handful of it and run away, die before it even hatched.

She inserted another batch of cookies into the oven, then went ahead to start mixing a new dough in preparation for another batch. Why so much cookies when you won't even spare a dying lady one?

"Why are you making so much cookies?" I asked and she turned to look at me. The playfulness in her eyes dimmed a bit, then she shrugged.

"Cause I take my cravings seriously?" Something in between a snort and a laughter escaped me. Yeah right, even the person who invented cookies wouldn't eat half of these.

"Are you planning to sell them? Do you need extra cash? You can come to your big sis, Allison. I'll try my best to help you." I teased and she chuckled, giving me that 'help-yourself-first' look.

"I think you need the extra cash more than I do, Slummy. Anyway, I'm not selling them. I'm giving them out." My fascination at her kindness made me overlook the fact that she just insulted me. It's like hearing that the Devil wants to host a charity event.

"Why's that hard to believe. You're not exactly the nicest kid on the block, y'know."

She rolled her eyes, turning on the mixer. She added some sort of mystery ingredient that made the cookie dough change into a nice yellow colour. I bet it wasn't a mystery ingredient, but my lack of fundamental cooking skills caused me to be at a loss. The memories of the re-make cooking video of Carlson and I filled my mind and I smiled. Before I could relive them further, Allison spoke up, "Judging a book by its cover, huh?"

"Cover? I'm describing the book by its content. I've witnessed your evilness firsthand, sweetheart, and I have to say, I'm impressed. So, who are the special people at the receiving end of your unusual kindness?"

She looked at me for a bit, indecision shining so brightly in her eyes and I could tell she was debating whether to tell me or not. I could only pray she chose the right option because I was dying to know. The same way I was dying to know what happened between her and Kayla.

"I bake cookies for the kids at the orphanage sometimes. Other times, I just buy stuff and give to them. Today's one of those days when my baking juices kick in. So, there you have it." I. Wasn't. Expecting. That.

"Woah. That's. . .um. . . noble?" I couldn't blame my brain for choosing that adjective. Who wouldn't be at a loss for words? My speculation was right after all. The devil is, indeed, hosting a charity event! My brain went all 'awwwww'. Maybe the devil isn't a devil after all.

"The fact that you look shocked that I would do something like that makes me question how I see myself. Am I that bad?" Seriously? She's asking? It's like asking if the sun comes out during the day.

"Are you seriously unaware of your devilish streak or you're just playing dumb?" The grin that appeared on her face made me sigh with relief. She was messing with me.

"Oh come on. I know I'm vile and I own it." Now, that's my girl.

"If I promise to help you out with packing up the cookies in those boxes and tie them up really nicely, would you offer me some? I'm starving." I pleaded and she gave me a dirty look, but at the end, she agreed anyway.

"You're the best!" I yelled, running over and wrapping her in a hug. What? Don't blame me! Who doesn't act weirdly when they realize they get to taste a piece of heaven? Well, that's if they taste just as good as they smell and look.

Just as I was grabbing the cookies and plating them, a thought popped into my head, and before I could analyze it, my mouth sputtered it.

"Hey, can I come along with you? I would love to see the look on their faces." Maybe it was the sincerity in my voice that got to her, or she was finally loosening up towards me. Whatever it was, I couldn't tell, but what mattered was that she nodded, a small smile gracing her face.

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My heart was full to bursting point as I sat among the kids, watching them gobble down the cookies like it was the best thing in the world. If the fact every single one of them knew Allison by name didn't show that they loved her a lot, the fact that they almost tackled her down with hugs when she arrived did.

As I watched her interaction with them, I saw a new light to her. She was no longer the devil's assistant, but an angel with a golden wand. The mental image of Allison dressed in white, with a halo over her head made me smile.

"Aunt Ally. Is this your friend? A girl who looked about five asked, pointing at me with her chubby cookie-stained fingers. Allison's eyes fell on me and lingered for a bit before she shook her head. Wow, really? Denying our budding friendship in front of kids?

"She's my sister." Awwww. How sweet is that? The little girl's mouth formed an O, and before she could get a word in, my phone beeped. It was an unknown number and I frowned slightly. I excused myself to go pick the call, just in case I had to shout profanities at whoever the person was.

"Hey, Darlin' " I didn't need to ask who it was anymore because every single word screamed David. How did he even get my number?

"To what do I owe this pleasure, David?" I could hear the chatter of the boys underneath and my breath hitched in my throat when I realized Carlson could be there. Did he ask David to call me? Maybe they wanted me to come hang out? Oh, dear, why am I acting like a schoolgirl with a crush?

_Umm... Have you ever considered maybe the reason why is because that is exactly what you are?_

"I'm glad to know you can identify my voice, darlin'. Anyway, are you free?" I looked back at the kids and Allison. They were having so much fun and I loved to see it, but I didn't really fit in. They all seemed too obsessed with Ally to give me a chance.

"Depends on why you are asking." I settled with that and he gave a low whistle. Typical.

"We wanna crash Carlson's office today. It's a surprise and we think it would be cool if you tag along. Who knows, we might be in-laws eventually." I heard a loud laughter from his end and heat pooled in my cheeks. Boy, I've got it real bad.

"Oh. I'm at New Haven Orphanage. Come pick me up?"

"Say no more, darlin' " Whoever taught him the Texas drawl has committed a crime in my books. It wasn't until he hung up that I realized I didn't even ask Allison if she was alright with me leaving.

I walked over to her and borrowed her for a minute to explain the situation. I thought she would be somewhat pissed but instead she wriggled her brows at me. "At least if I can't get Carlson, it wouldn't hurt to have him as an in-law." The heat rushed back again and I groaned. What's it with everyone talking about marriage?

"Shut up, woman. It's just a friendly hang out."

"Yeah right. And I'm a potato." Well, she isn't exactly far off. I ignored her teasing and we walked back to the kids. By the time the boys arrived, I was already sucked into the world of these beautiful children and I didn't want to leave at all. However, the desire to see Carlson overpowered my desire to play with them. I'm a horrible person, I know.

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My nerves were acting up as the elevator went higher and higher. Even with Jordan, I wasn't this nervous. I could only pray Carlson wouldn't notice the jumpiness in my attitude because I would hate to jeopardize the ease in our friendship just because of a silly crush.

"Your chariot has landed, mi'lady" David said immediately the elevator door opened and I rolled my eyes. Lee Han hit him at the back of his head and I smiled, mouthing a thank-you in his direction.

By the time we arrived at the entrance of his office, my nerves were in shambles. His name was written in cursive letters on a gold plated sign, with the title 'Acting General Manager' attached to it. Just seeing his name made butterflies swim in my belly and I almost held Jayden's hands when his hand landed on the door knob.

Jayden pushed the door open to reveal a very sophisticated and an even more sophisticated person. Carlson's head was buried in a stack of folders and he looked frustrated. His hair looked like he had run his hand through it a million times and the upper buttons of his shirt were undone. If he noticed that we entered into his office, he didn't show. He was totally engrossed in the folder before him and the look on his face made me wonder if he would get mad at us for disturbing him. I almost retreated when his eyes snapped up and his gaze settled on us. Surprise was evident in his features as he stared at his friends and when his gaze found mine, the surprise doubled.

However, this time, the surprised look came with a smile that knocked my socks off. And it was just for me.