Clove's POV

It's been a few weeks since that incident at Cato's house. Ever since, I've been there almost every weekend just to keep Charlie company. I've kept the job at the theater even when my aunt came back since they said they really enjoyed having me and I really enjoyed working with the kids. Today, however is a bit different from usual. I don't know what it is yet, seeing as I'm still getting ready to go to work, but I can feel it in my gut.

I got to the theater at my usual time, half an hour before we actually begin. I like playing with the piano a bit and just explore the place even if it doesn't really change all that much in here, seeing as we haven't started preparing for the play we're having yet. During the meeting that's held every morning for debriefing, it was announced that today would be the start of our auditions for the annual play we were having. This year we're doing Rapunzel. It reminded me of little Charlie since her favorite movie was Tangled and her favorite Disney princess was Rapunzel. During the meeting, it was also announced that today we would be having a special guest at the theater. I wondered briefly if that was what my gut was trying to tell me this morning. It is a possibility after all.

As usual, we gathered the children and split them into groups. Today, however, before doing that, we started out by holding auditions for the play. The roles of the children won't be announced til next week so for the mean time, we went back to the regular program. I led the children into the music room where we were going to start practicing some of the songs for the play. As usual, I started with a few vocal warm ups so that their voices would be in perfect shape. I was in the middle of playing the second song when I heard a faint knock on the door. I didn't want to ruin the performance since the children would get confused so I made whoever was there wait until I finished the song. I turned around and saw that it was my aunt at the door grinning from ear to ear. How suspicious.

"Hello children!" My aunt greeted. The children chorused a greeting right after. "We have a very special guest today. I'm sure some of you might know him as he is very famous. Now I don't want to keep him waiting too long so without further ado, please welcome our special guest, Cato Morgan!"

I was very shocked to say the least. I guess I really shouldn't be since his sister does go here. But to actually see him in the theater was a bit of a shock. The children gave collective gasps while a few squealed. I saw Charlie's eyes light up at the prospect of her brother teaching her class. She looked pretty shocked as well, instigating that her brother might not have told her.

"Hiya kiddos!" More squeals. Who knew he was popular even to little four and five year olds? He walked across the room sat next to me on the piano bench. "Sup Clove?" He said, his eyebrows wiggling suggestively. He is clearly amused at my surprised state.

"What were you doing before I graced you with my presence?"

"Arrogant, aren't we?" All he did was smirk. At least he knows how large his ego is. I couldn't keep the smile that was growing on my face either.

"You wish you were me, baby." he whispered so that the children wouldn't hear. Luckily he's smart. I still couldn't help but blush though. When did he start calling me baby?

After that little scene, he turned his attention to the piano and started playing the first few notes of the song that we were supposed to practice next. Coincidentally, it was the duet from Tangled, "I see the light".

We both sang it in perfect harmony. It was as if the song was made for us. He would play the piano and occasionally look in my direction as he was singing which would leave the butterflies fluttering in my stomach. As the last note died down, he looked right into my eyes, making me feel like he was staring at the depths of my soul. They were shining so brightly, maybe from the light or from the happiness he actually felt, seeing as he had a big smile on his face. I couldn't help but smile back at him. I think I really am falling for this guy. Before I could dwell on it too much, however, we heard applause from the crowd. I forgot that we even had one! I'm used to singing duets with him on my piano back at home where no one ever sees. A faint blush started to form in my cheeks again. Cato's smile broadened even more.

"That was amazing!"

"Sing again!"

"Wow!"

And an assortment of other reactions were what we received from the students. I cleared my throat and announced that they have to sing it this time, with the girls singing Rapunzel's part while the boys sang Flynn's. Cato continued playing the piano whilst I conducted. All in all, it was a pretty productive day. We were able to practice a few more numbers before it was time to go. We said our farewells to the students before we started packing up.

"Kitty!" Charlie said, jumping into Cato's arms.

"Hey there, princess! Did you have fun?" she nodded enthusiastically. "That's good. Where do you want to go? I'll take you on an adventure."

"Yay! I want to go to that garden with the big fountain!"

"Sure thing! Haven't been there in awhile, haven't we?"

"Can we bring Clove?" At the sound of my name, I stopped sweeping the floor and looked in their direction.

"If she wants to." Cato responded, putting Charlie back on the ground before approaching me. "Hey Clove, are you doing anything today?"

"I don't think so, why?"

"Charlie wants you to tag along on our adventure." I looked at the little girl who was a little ways behind her big brother. She looked at me with her big blue eyes that shone with hope and longing. How could I say no to that?

"Sure. I'll just finish this up and go grab my stuff."

"Yay!" Charlie said, bouncing up and down. Cato then proceeded to carrying her to their car whilst I went to the office to grab my bag.

"That was quite a performance back there, Clove." my aunt said once I got there. "I didn't know you were acquainted to Cato Morgan."

"He goes to my school and we hang out with the same circle of friends so we became rather close." I said nonchalantly, used to this kind of reaction by now.

"Ah. I see. You have an amazing voice, dear. You should use it more often. A gift like yours doesn't come by to just anyone, you know. It would be a waste not to share it."

"I know. I'm working on it, auntie." I glanced at the clock and remembered that there were people waiting for me outside. "Um. I have to go."

"Why are you in such a rush, dear?"

"Cato asked me if I would like to spend the afternoon with him and his little sister."

"Oh. Well have fun but not too much fun! Be careful!"

"I will. Don't worry."

As I was leaving, I could've sworn I saw a smile on her face.

Turns out, this place we were going to was pretty far. It took us at least an hour and a half to get there. I was pretty starving at that point. Luckily I was distracted from my growling stomach by the songs that kept playing on the radio that the three of us enjoyed singing along to.

Once we got there, I was instantly blown away by the beauty of it. It was a massive garden with greenhouse in the center. The entrance had beautiful arches with vines around it. There was also a really huge pond and a bridge that led right to the greenhouse. Cato led us straight to the greenhouse, making me wonder if they had been growing something here. It was a bit unlikely seeing as it was pretty far from where we live. Once we got close enough, I realized it was a restaurant. We were seated almost instantly despite it being lunch time. The dishes they served in this place were incredible and pricey. I didn't bring that much cash so I opted to just eat a sandwich.

"Order anything you like. It's on me." Cato said, as if reading my mind.

"You don't have to, Cato. We're not on a date or anything. I can pay for my own meals."

"But what kind of gentleman would I be if I let a pretty lady like yourself pay for her own meal?"

I still ended up just getting a sandwich. Charlie let me share with her meal though so Cato didn't feel too bad. He still ended up paying for it since he wouldn't let me see the check. That didn't, however, stop me from trying to sneak in a few bucks into his pocket when we got out. He kept catching me though, so I gave up in the end.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to make a move on me." Cato said as Charlie was running towards the big fountain located to the east of the greenhouse. There were four gazebos surrounding the fountain, each distanced from the other perfectly making a great place for a romantic evening. They each had a perfect view of the fountain and the marvelous surroundings. The grass was evergreen and there were beautiful flowers that blossomed everywhere. The trees were likewise well taken care of and provided the right amount of oxygen and cool breeze to the surroundings.

"Ha! As if!" I responded, a blush starting to form in my cheeks. Luckily we were on our way out so I was able to distance myself from him. I entered one of the gazebos and just took in the beauty of nature. He, on the other hand, assisted his little sister by lifting her up so that she would be able to toss a coin in the fountain and make a wish.

On the other side of the greenhouse was a maze. We played there for a bit, got lost quite a lot before finally finding our way out. There was a little playground by the exit, if you didn't think the maze was entertaining enough, and stone steps leading upwards to its side. Curiosity got the better of me as I walked towards that area and climbed up the stairs. The sight was a wonder to behold.

Sorry this took so long! I was meaning to write this and update ages ago but I just never found the time! My sincerest apologies.

On a separate note, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May you all have a wonderful and prosperous year!

More reviews means faster updates! I can guarantee it, seeing as it is one of my new year's resolutions. :D

Reviews make me happy while updates make you guys happy (I presume). What better way to start the year, am I right? ;)