seven. but on a Wednesday, in a cafe

there are things that I wish I could tell you, will never be able to

Katherine had thought about spending the afternoon with Conrad and Susannah but she realized it would do more harm than good if she did so. Therefore, now she sat across from Sebastian at the cozy café in Cousins. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Katherine fidgeted with her coffee cup, her mind racing with questions. Is this a date? Are we just friends hanging out? Why does everything have to be so confusing?  She tried to push those thoughts aside and focused on Sebastian, who stared at her with an eager grin.

Sebastian leaned in, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, Kathy, spill the beans. Is this a hot date or are we just two caffeinated pals?"

Katherine snorted, trying to hide her nervousness. "Hot date? More like lukewarm coffee hangout. But hey, who knows? Maybe things will heat up with an extra shot of espresso."

Sebastian chuckled, his laughter infectious. "I like your coffee metaphors. Let's keep it steamy but not scalding, shall we?"

Katherine's cheeks flushed as she took a sip of her drink. "Agreed. We'll aim for a cozy cappuccino level of warmth."

Sebastian leaned back, pretending to ponder the thought. "Hmm, cappuccino. That's a sophisticated choice. I might have to up my coffee game just to match your taste."

Katherine rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh please, don't go throwing around fancy coffee terms. I'll end up ordering a tall, non-fat, decaf, extra-foam unicorn frappuccino just to keep up."

Sebastian burst into laughter, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Now that's a coffee concoction I'd like to see. You'd be the talk of the town."

Katherine shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Hey, if I'm going to be the talk of the town, might as well do it with a unicorn frappuccino in hand, right?"

Sebastian grinned, his enthusiasm contagious. "So this is an ambiguous coffee session, I like that. It has a certain mysterious charm to it. So, tell me, have you been to this café before?"

Katherine nodded, taking a sip of her coffee. "Yeah, it's one of my favorite spots in town. The barista makes the best lattes. You have to try it."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow playfully. "Well, if the lattes are as good as the company, then I'm in for a treat."

Katherine couldn't help but blush at his compliment, her mind briefly wandering to Conrad. She quickly shook off the thought, reminding herself that this was a fresh start, a chance to get to know Sebastian without the weight of past relationships lingering in the air.

They both erupted in laughter, the awkwardness dissipating as they found common ground in their silly banter. It was refreshing to have a carefree conversation, free from the weight of expectations.

Sebastian leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "So, Kathy, spill the beans. Have you been on any exciting romantic adventures since... you know, our last encounter?"

Katherine's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing to find the right words. She decided to take the easy way out, not ready to delve into the complexities of her past with Conrad. "Oh, you know, the usual thrilling escapades of an 18-year-old. I've been busy battling dragons and saving kingdoms. No time for romance."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. "Dragons and kingdoms, huh? That's quite the excuse. But hey, who am I to question a brave princess's priorities?"

Katherine grinned, relieved that he didn't press further. "Exactly, I'm just fulfilling my royal duties. No time for dating when there are other damsels in distress to rescue."

They both burst into laughter, the awkward tension melting away as they immersed themselves in their shared humor. It was in those lighthearted moments that Katherine felt a sense of ease and genuine connection.

As they continued to chat, their laughter filling the air, Katherine decided to embrace the awkwardness and uncertainty. Whether it was a date or just two friends hanging out, she was determined to enjoy the company and let the conversation guide them wherever it may lead. 

The hour flew by in a whirlwind of laughter and awkward conversation, as Katherine's eyes widened as she glanced at her watch. She gasped in disbelief, realizing that she had lost track of time and was now running late for dinner. Panic washed over her, and she couldn't help but worry about Aunt Laurel's reaction to her tardiness.

"Oh my gosh, Sebastian, I can't believe it! I'm already late for dinner!" Katherine exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and anxiety. "Aunt Laurel is going to give me that disappointed look."

Sebastian's eyes widened in sympathy, his playful demeanor momentarily replaced by concern. "Seriously? Time flew by so fast, I'm really sorry, Katherine. I didn't mean to make you late."

Katherine shook her head, trying to keep her composure. "No, no, it's not your fault. I should have been more aware of the time. Aunt Laurel values punctuality."

Sebastian shrugged. "Hey, don't worry about it, Kathy. We'll figure it out. Maybe we can come up with a brilliant excuse together."

Katherine smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, I'm sure you're full of brilliant ideas, Seb. How about we tell Aunt Laurel we were held hostage by ravenous squirrels and barely escaped with our lives?"

Sebastian chuckled, playing along. "Or better yet, we can say we got lost in a parallel universe where time moves differently. It felt like just a few minutes to us!"

They both burst into laughter, the absurdity of their made-up excuses lightening the mood. As they collected themselves, Katherine realized that, despite her lateness, she was actually having a great time with Sebastian. It was refreshing to be with someone who could bring out her playful side and make her forget about the pressures of time.

"Alright, Sebastian, let's face the music," Katherine said, determination in her voice. "Aunt Laurel might give me a lecture, but we'll come up with a believable story together."

Sebastian grinned, a twinkle in his eyes. "You've got it, Kathy. We'll charm her with our quick thinking and irresistible charm."

As Katherine and Sebastian arrived home, a wave of confusion washed over them. The house was eerily quiet, and there was no sign of Aunt Laurel, Jeremiah, or anyone else. The familiar sounds that usually filled the air were noticeably absent.

Katherine furrowed her brow, a mix of concern and curiosity. "That's strange. Where is everyone? Susannah always has something going on."

Sebastian shrugged, a puzzled expression on his face. "Hmm, maybe they went out for the evening? It's unusual for a house to be this empty."

Just then, Katherine's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw a missed call from Jeremiah. She quickly dialed his number, her voice filled with anticipation.

"Jeremiah, where is everyone? We came home, and there's no one here."

On the other end of the line, Jeremiah's voice came through, slightly muffled by background noise. "Oh, hey, Kathy. Sorry, we're causing a bit of chaos here. Laurel and Susannah are at the book launch, and we are– well don't yell at me but we are kind of trying to sabotage Belly's date."

Katherine's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what? They're at a book launch, and you guys are trying to ruin Belly's date? Seriously?"

Jeremiah chuckled on the other end. "Yeah, Belly's on a date, and Steven and I are doing everything we can to make it uncomfortable for them. It's kinda fun. We're sort of gate-crashing it. Conrad's here too but I think he's actually into the movie."

Katherine shook her head, a mix of exasperation and amusement. "You guys never cease to amaze me. But seriously, couldn't you find something better to do? Isn't she out with that guy from the party?"

"Yeah, I don't know his name." Jeremiah's laughter rang through the phone. "Hey, it's all in good fun. We're just trying to keep Belly on her toes. You know how protective Steven can be."

Katherine couldn't help but smile, despite the absurdity of the situation. "Yeah, I know. But come on, guys, give them a chance. Belly deserves to have her own date without your interference."

Jeremiah sighed playfully. "Alright, alright, we'll back off. But don't think we won't have some fun teasing them later. It's all part of being us."

Katherine rolled her eyes, knowing there was no point in arguing further. "Fine, just promise me you won't take it too far. And make sure Belly actually enjoys her date."

Jeremiah assured her, "Don't worry, we won't ruin it completely. We'll back off and let them have their moment. Anyways, where were you all day?"

"Hanging out with Sebastian."

Jeremiah snorted, "Maybe it should have been your date that we should have tried to sabotage."

"Jere!" Katherine shook her head, "Just leave Bells alone. Tell Steven I'll tell Shayla every embarrassing thing I know about him if he doesn't stop."

With that settled, Katherine ended the call and turned to Sebastian, who had been listening to the conversation. She chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, it seems my family is up to their usual antics. Belly's on a date, and the boys are trying to sabotage it."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and amusement on his face. "Wow, that sounds like quite the adventure. Are they always like this? I mean I know Jeremiah and won't put it past him, though."

Katherine nodded, a smirk forming on her lips. "Oh, you have no idea. But hey, it keeps things interesting."

They shared a laugh, the absurdity of the situation bringing them closer together. In that moment, Katherine realized how fortunate she was to have Sebastian by her side, someone who could share in the quirks and chaos of her family.

The sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, signaling the return of Jeremiah and Steven. Katherine looked up from her sandwich that she had put together as dinner, a mixture of relief and apprehension washing over her. She knew that things were about to get even more chaotic with the boys' arrival.

Sure enough, moments later, Belly stormed into the room, her face flushed with anger. Her eyes darted from Jeremiah to Steven to Conrad, and finally, to Katherine. "What the hell, guys? Are you trying to ruin everything? Can't I just have one normal date without you meddling?"

Jeremiah and Steven exchanged guilty glances, realizing that their attempts at mischief may have gone too far. They stuttered out apologies, trying to explain that they were only teasing and didn't mean any harm. But Belly was in no mood to hear their excuses.

Katherine stepped forward, her voice calm yet firm. "Belly, I had no idea they were going to do that. They didn't tell me anything, I swear."

Belly's eyes narrowed, frustration evident in her voice. "You're supposed to have my back, Kath. You're like my sister. How could you let them do this?"

"I didn't let them. I had no control over their actions," Katherine replied, her tone tinged with a hint of defensiveness. "I can't always be responsible for what they do. They're their own individuals."

Belly huffed, crossing her arms. "Well, it would've been nice if you had at least tried to stop them."

"I did!" Katherine sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "Belly, I didn't know what they were planning. I can't read minds. I'm sorry if you feel let down, but I can't take responsibility for something I had no control over."

As the tension in the room lingered, Conrad broke the silence, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and curiosity. "So, Kathy, who were you with? Was it a date?"

Katherine's cheeks flushed, caught off guard by the question. She fidgeted with her sleeves, searching for the right words. "Uh, well, it was just... um, maybe it could've been considered a date. I mean, we went to a café and spent time together. But it's not a big deal."

Conrad's expression hardened, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face. "Good for you, then. But you can spend some time with the rest of us as well." He muttered before storming out of the room, leaving Katherine standing there, feeling a sense of unease.

The room fell into an uneasy silence, the weight of unspoken emotions lingering in the air. Jeremiah and Steven exchanged glances, realizing the impact of their actions on the dynamics of the group.

Katherine looked at the spot where Conrad had just stood, her eyes filled with a mix of confusion and longing. She couldn't help but wonder what had just transpired between her and Conrad. The thought of his disappointment left her feeling unsettled, a pang of sadness tugging at her heart.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, she knew that she couldn't let it consume her. She had to focus on the present and the connection she had just found with Sebastian. This boy was nice and sweet and above all? He liked her.

"I am gonna go to bed," Katherine declared. "Belly, cool off and have some dinner" she turned to Steven and Jeremiah, "And you two need to stop acting like children."

A/N let me know what you think!!!