"Thanks for this, Adrian."

Jill said with a smile. "It's been so long since I've had real strawberry ice cream."

"Real strawberry ice cream? So… you've been eating fake strawberry ice cream instead?" Adrian asked as he took another bite of his butter pecan ice cream.

The superior flavor, as far as he's concerned.

It was an unusually hot day in Palm Springs today, so he decided that it'd be nice to bring Jill some ice cream for their weekly visit. He wanted to surprise Jill, so he asked Sydney what Jill's favorite ice cream flavor was and she told him… because of course she knew this piece of information. Thinking of Sydney brought a smile to his face.

Now he sat on the only bench in the shade just outside the school's main campus, enjoying two scoops of butter pecan while Jill enjoyed two scoops of real strawberry. Whatever that means.

"It means that the ice cream has actual bits of strawberries in it. So, it tastes more natural and less like fake strawberry flavoring." Jill responded around another bite.

Adrian simply smiled at her, used to her being able to sometimes hear his thoughts.

"Then, we'll have to incorporate more ice cream into our visits. I'll try the real strawberry next time."

"You'll love it." Jill beamed.

"So, how are things going in school?"

Jill sighed before answering. "Fine."

Adrian raised an eyebrow at her.

"I just… miss home. I miss my mom. I miss not having to pretend to be human, or that I'm from South Dakota, or that I'm related to Sydney, Angeline… Eddie." She blushed at the mention of Eddie but continued talking before Adrian had a chance to say anything.

"Forget it." She said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'm just complaining for no reason. I understand why we have to do this."

"Your life changed drastically in a very short period of time, you are entitled to complain. Heck, I complain more than you and have way less reason to do so."

Jill smiled sheepishly at Adrian and he leaned toward her to nudge her shoulder with his.

"Hopefully this can all be over soon and you can see your mom again. In the meantime, I'll just have to keep you happy with real strawberry ice cream visits."

Jill laughed. "It's the best flavor!"

"Your palette is just not refined enough to understand the perfection that is butter pecan ice cream but don't worry, you'll mature."

Jill rolled her eyes.

Just then a familiar silver Mustang pulled up to the curve in front of the main campus entrance. Adrian can't help but stare as Sydney and Brayden turn towards each other inside the car. Brayden said something that made Sydney smile and for some reason, that made Adrian uncomfortable.

How often is he able to make her smile?

How many times has he already made her smile?

Does he make her happy?

He's jolted by the feel of a hand on his leg, and turned to see Jill smiling at him sympathetically.

Great. Now even the 15 year old feels sorry for you, Adrian.

He turned back towards the car just in time to see Brayden get out and open Sydney's door. She smiled at him again as she got out of the car. Brayden hesitated for a second before leaning forward and kissing her.

For a moment, Adrian couldn't help but watch as their lips touched. As soon as they did, he regretted it and had to look away.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Jill said a little too brightly, as she pulled out her phone from her pocket. "I got an A on my last sewing project, even though Micah was the worst model. I have pictures!"

Adrian tried to concentrate on the image he was being shown but Sydney had just walked past them on her way into the school. She looked like she was in a daze and didn't even notice Adrian and Jill sitting outside.

Adrian tried to think of the last time he had seen Sydney unfocused but soon realized he'd never seen her like that.

Must've been some kiss.

Adrian shook his head to dispel the traitorous thought.

"I'm sorry." Jill said quietly, next to him.

Adrian focused on the girl sitting next to him. He was supposed to be here to spend time with her but somehow managed to make this about himself.

He gave her the best smile he could muster.

"No need to apologize, Jailbait. Can you show me that picture of Micah again? That really did seem like an awful outfit, no offense. Who decided to mix purple and green?"

Jill smiled as she pulled out her phone again.

"I know! It was actually his idea."

Later that night Adrian found himself starting three art pieces, all featuring the color green.

It wouldn't be until a few days later that he'd come to realize that he chose that color because of jealousy.