Her phrases are supposed to carry me consolation, however the impact is the other. Why am I not relieved by the actual fact she’s not attempting to find a hoop and the white fence? Why am I so decided to make this journey unforgettable for her?

Fuck.

Chapter Sixteen

Spencer

As I stand by the door, I can hardly include my pleasure. Percival has deliberate a complete day only for us, and it’s not simply any day—we’re happening a highway journey. My coronary heart races in anticipation of what lies forward.

“Spencer, you prepared?” he asks, his charming smile making me weak within the knees.

“Completely,” I reply, unable to maintain the grin off my face.

We hop into his luxurious automotive and drive to our subsequent vacation spot—a museum I’ve at all times needed to go to however by no means had the prospect to, a beautiful Mediterranean Villa with manicured gardens and a well-known last-name on the entrance door. The second we step inside, I’m struck by the grandeur of the place. It seems like getting into one other world, one which’s filled with historical past, artwork, and magic.

“Wow,” I whisper as we start to discover. Percival’s hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining, and I really feel a little bit giddy.

“Test this out,” he says, pulling me towards an enormous portray that takes up a complete wall. The scene depicts a chaotic battle, with troopers charging ahead, swords raised and faces twisted in fierce willpower. As I take within the vivid colours and complex brushstrokes, I really feel my very own creative soul stirring inside me. “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?”

“Greater than phrases can say,” I reply, my inexperienced eyes large with marvel.

We wander by way of the varied reveals, discovering historic artifacts and marveling on the craftsmanship of long-lost civilizations. At one level, we come throughout a group of sculptures so lifelike, I half anticipate them to begin transferring.

As we proceed by way of the museum, I discover myself misplaced in thought, attempting to decipher what it’s about Percival that has me so captivated. He’s nothing like the boys I’ve recognized earlier than, and but I really feel drawn to him—not simply bodily, however emotionally as effectively. Each contact from him sends shivers down my backbone and provides me goosebumps, making me yearn for extra.

“Spencer?” Percival asks, pulling me out of my reverie. “You okay?”

“After all,” I say, smiling at him. “Simply caught up in all the sweetness round us.”

“Talking of magnificence,” he says, gesturing towards a wide ranging exhibit of stained glass home windows. The daylight filters by way of them, casting an array of colourful patterns on the ground under. I gasp in delight on the sight, momentarily speechless.

“That is wonderful,” I say slowly.

“Something for you,” he replies, his eyes turning delicate, and the terrifying half is, I imagine it.

~~~

Leaving the museum behind us, a rush of pleasure goes by way of my physique as we head to our subsequent vacation spot. The solar is shining brightly, casting its heat glow on all the things it touches.

I can really feel the electrical energy between us crackle, and time appears to gradual to a crawl. On this instantaneous, surrounded by the enchanting lanterns and the charming murals, I’m utterly misplaced in Percival Hills—and I wouldn’t have it another approach.

The highway journey continues as Percival drives us alongside the coast, every curve revealing a brand new breathtaking vista. The ocean stretches out to the horizon, its infinite expanse of blue glowing beneath the solar rays. I press my hand towards the cool glass of the window, wanting to soak in each beautiful element.

“Test this out,” Percival says, tapping his telephone display and exhibiting me a photograph he’s taken of an enormous sand sculpture competitors happening at a close-by seaside. “They’re creating some insane masterpieces down there.”

“Let’s go!” I declare, pleasure effervescent up inside me.

“Say no extra,” he replies with a smile, steering our automotive towards the seaside.

As soon as we arrive, my eyes widen in awe on the unbelievable creations dotting the shoreline. Towering castles, intricate dragons, and kooky fairy story scenes crafted from nothing however sand and water. I really feel a surge of inspiration for my very own artwork, and Percival appears to sense it.

“Your work are gonna be much more wonderful after as we speak, Spence,” he tells me, flashing that charming smile of his.

“I gained’t ask how you understand that. My aunts speak approach an excessive amount of,” I reply, a heat blush creeping throughout my cheeks.

We wander among the many sculptures, pausing often to snap photographs or just marvel on the talent of the artists concerned. Percival gently takes my hand, guiding me towards a very spectacular piece—a mermaid perched upon a rocky ledge.

“Have a look at her,” he factors, leaning in shut so I can learn his lips. “She jogs my memory of you—robust, decided, and delightful.”

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