When I Turned the Television On

When I Turned The Television On.

| Alice Midorikawa |

"Let me help you, Alice."
"Me too!"
"No, no, it's okay guys, I can do this on my own. You guys can head home already."
"I refuse."
"So do I."

I sigh heavily and put down the plates I was holding.
I fold my arms across my chest and strictly look at Renn and Aiden.

"You guys should leave. Would you look at the time, it's late already! Especially you, Renn. You live so far away from me."

Renn pouts at me.

"It's not that far..."
"Renn..."

I point at the dirty dishes.

"I can handle this."

I glance at both of them and they nod their heads in unsion.

"Fine."

Renn pulls me in a hug.

"Love ya, Alice. Stay happy with Seth, aight?"
"Haha, yeah. Love you too, Renn."

We let go and smile at each other.
She treads to the front door and waves goodbye to me.

"See ya!"
"Take care, Renn!"

She steps out of the house while Aiden lingers in my home.
I face Aiden and raise my eyebrows at him.

"How about you?"

He grins and scratches his head awkwardly.

"I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"

I look at him with a serious expression on my face as he starts talking.

"About me liking you... I meant it as friends. I didn't mean that I like like you, you know. I like you as a friend, Alice. That's why I kind of seemed overprotective of you. I'm sorry if I hurt you in any way... I apologize for that. And... I hope you're really happy with you and Seth together. Just don't be lonely, okay? If you need anyone to talk to, I'm always right next door."

He pauses and laughs softly.

"...this seems kinda awkward."

I smile, touched at what he confessed to me and give him a warm hug.

"Thanks for everything, Aiden. Really. I'm glad you're my friend. And I understand you."

He returns the hug, a little shy.

"Well, I think I gotta get going then."

He grins at me, the killer smile that never fails to lighten my mood.

"Bye, Aiden."
"Bye, Alice. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah."

He leaves the house, closing the door behind him.
I stare at the door for several minutes and get back to what I was doing earlier.
As I am clearing the table, I suddenly feel arms circling my waist.
I turn red and put the plates down.

"S-Seth..."
"Mmm..."

He rests his chin on my shoulder.

"Leave the dishes for awhile, Alice. Why don't we go outside?"

I don't respond but Seth takes me along anyway.
We both sit down on the porch, looking at the beautiful night sky.

"Pretty, isn't it?"

I glance at Seth who is staring at the sky with admiration.
I turn my head to look back at the dark sky.

"Yeah..."

Silence.

"Alice?"
"Seth?"

He looks at me sweetly, making my heart flutter.

"You know, ever since I first saw you, you were like the epitome of simple perfection. I mean, with your brunette hair and light green eyes, who could get more beautiful than you?"
"How about Leanne?"

He wears a disgusted face upon hearing her name.

"Hell no. She's not anywhere near beautiful."

I laugh and place my head under his chin, fitting perfectly.

"Well, when I first saw you on TV, I fell for your eyes. Your eyes truly caught my attention because... they match your image. I wanted to see you terribly, causing so many hardships for mom. I really felt bad for hurting her, so she banned me from seeing your shows. I felt so depressed that I started hating you. Those were such horrible times."

We both keep quiet for several minutes when Seth breaks the silence.

"Were you seriously that addicted to me?"
"Sh-Shut up."

We both laugh while he hugs me tight, making me feel safe and comfortable.

"I am madly in love with you, Alice. Did you know that?"

I blush and look at him.

"And did you know I am deeply in love with you too?"

He grins at me and leans down to meet my lips.
I shudder at the soft kiss, making me want him more.
I entwine my fingers into his hair, wanting every inch of him.
We continue to kiss under the pale moonlight, both of us in our very own world.