Where Hearts Meet | ✓

(22) It's Official

It had been nearly two weeks since their fateful meeting, and in that short span of time, their connection had blossomed into something beautiful. 

As Aurielle prepared for her birthday, her excitement bubbled over, determined to make this night unforgettable. Clad in a stunning blue dress that accentuated her figure, she wore a radiant smile as her father carefully styled her hair.

"When would I meet this Maddox guy?" he had asked.

"Soon."

This time around, she had her dad drop her off because she didn't want to walk. She waved goodbye to him and climbed up the treehouse, knocking thrice to signify that she was the one.

As the door swung open, he eagerly welcomed her with open arms, drawing her into an embrace that felt both familiar and electrifying. Though their relationship held an undeniable romantic undertone, neither had mustered the courage to officially declare it.

Aurielle had met his parents once before, and their warm reception had only deepened her affection for him. It became apparent that Maddox inherited his irresistible charm from his remarkable parents.

"Happy birthday," he said, finally pulling away from the hug after what seemed like an eternity.

"Thank you," she replied, her cheeks flushed with a warmth that mirrored her emotions. His effortlessly stylish yet sophisticated attire left her entranced.

"Come on," he beckoned, his fingers intertwining with hers. "We have a myriad of activities waiting for us."

The hours ticked away as they delved into their bucket list for the night, embarking on a whirlwind of adventures. Together they had gone for a walk and gotten matching pajamas, had a mini-concert, had a whipped cream fight, slow danced, painted each other's nails, watched a movie, argued about a movie, and played board games.

As the night progressed, Maddox hinted that they were nearing the end of their list, with midnight on the horizon. Aurielle, gripping his arm with affectionate tenacity, eagerly inquired, "What lies next on our enchanting agenda?"

"Conversation," he answered, their bodies comfortably nestled on the couch. Aurielle rested her head upon his shoulder, their arms linked as they leaned into each other.

Their conversations were so much more than words. It was the smiles and the light in their eyes. It was the fact that they were both elevated by each other's presence. It was the fact that they could even be happy in comfortable silence. Most importantly, it was the fact that they felt the sense of serenity that came from feeling loved and protected, within the arms of "friendship".

Capitalizing on the comforting silence that enveloped them, Maddox encircled his arms around Aurielle's waist. Though initially taken aback, she soon found solace in the embrace, her gaze drawn to his mesmerizing blue eyes. Inch by inch, their faces gravitated towards each other, a magnetic force guiding them closer.

Inches away from connecting, Maddox pulled away, a question lingering on his lips. "What time is it?"

Crestfallen, Aurielle cast her gaze towards the wall clock, her heart sinking. "Eleven fifty-six," she responded, a hint of dejection in her voice.

In a puzzling move, Maddox abruptly left the treehouse, leaving Aurielle bewildered and uncertain. She stared into the distance, grappling with her emotions until his return, a box in hand.

"My mum and I baked you a cake," he told her with a grin, anticipation flickering in his eyes. "Care to take a look?"

Her feet shuffled towards him, her movements tentative as she slowly lifted the cover. The cake before her was a work of art, as if crafted by a professional. The words emblazoned upon it captured her attention with unwavering intensity.

BE MY GIRLFRIEND?

A gasp escaped her lips, her hands instinctively flying to her mouth as she stood motionless. Maddox, his eyes fixated on her, swallowed nervously, his lips bitten in anticipation.

"Would that be a yes?" he inquired, his gaze unwavering.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling yet resolute. 

"Sorry I didn't get that."

"Yes." It was louder this time, "I would be your girlfriend."

"What time is it?" he asked, this time his voice tinged with excitement.

"Eleven fifty-nine," Aurielle responded, her words intermingling with the fleeting seconds. "Now midnight. Why do you keep asking?"

"Because I wanted to do this," he declared.

Drawing her into his embrace, Maddox pressed his lips against hers in a gentle, tender kiss. Aurielle yielded to the sweetness of his touch, leaning into him as if gravity had suddenly shifted. His arm wrapped around her waist, his hand entangling itself in her soft hair. The kiss unfolded with unhurried passion, a testament to the love burgeoning between them.

Her heart raced as their lips danced in synchrony, their connection deepening with each precious second. His hands caressed her back, eliciting a smile that lingered within the kiss. The proximity of their bodies heightened her senses, kindling an unfamiliar flame within her.

As they eventually broke away, Maddox produced a list from his pocket, triumphantly ticking off the final item.

Kiss her at midnight.

"You're cute," she giggled, her joy evident. "And not too shabby in the romance department either."

Returning to the couch, they resumed their positions, yet this time, Maddox found joy in playing with her hair.

Mindful of her meticulously styled hairdo, Aurielle voiced her concern, "Maddox—"

"Call me Seven," he interjected with a smile.

"Because you're perfect," she finished, momentarily forgetting her initial thought. "And you can call me Aurielle."

"Because you're golden," he replied, his arms enveloping her in a warm embrace that promised a future filled with love and happiness.

• [ THE END ] •