Weight of The Untold

Chapter 30

I stepped out of my car and headed toward my favorite café in town-the one place that always felt like mine. Their knotted doughnuts were unbeatable, warm and soft and comfortingly familiar, and today I needed that kind of comfort.

As soon as I walked in, I felt it-the stares. Curious eyes, whispered recognition, phones subtly lifted. It didn't bother me anymore. This had been my reality since the day I was born. And ever since Caleb's Vogue interview-ever since he'd openly claimed me-the attention had only multiplied. We weren't just known anymore. We were talked about. Nationwide.

"Good morning," I said calmly at the counter. "I'm here for a pickup under the name Kyla."

The woman smiled politely. "Please give me a few minutes, ma'am. I'll get it right away."

"Thank you."

I moved to the nearest seat and pulled out my phone, scrolling through Instagram absentmindedly. A few minutes passed before a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Kyla?"

I looked up.

Deveon stood in front of me, surprise written all over his face before it softened into a smile. "Wow. You look good."

"Deveon," I said warmly, returning the smile. "Thank you. You don't look bad yourself."

He laughed as he took the seat beside me. "So... how have you been?"

"Great," I answered honestly. "You?"

He nodded. "Same. Just-" He hesitated, then sighed. "A little sad, actually. I'll be leaving my family in a few weeks."

My brows knit together. "Leaving? Why?"

"I'm going to UCLA." He smiled, pride and nerves mixing in his eyes. "You know where that is, right?"

I laughed softly. "Of course I do. That's amazing, Deveon. Congratulations. It's a great school."

"Thank you." He paused, then asked, "You're still staying here, right?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I don't think I'm ready to leave my family and friends yet. Not that I'm saying you are," I added quickly. "Just... for me."

"I get it," he said with a light laugh. "By the way, are you here for breakfast? We could eat together."

I glanced toward the counter. The lady still hadn't returned. "Not really. I'm just here for a pickup. Which is taking way too long if you ask me."

We both laughed just as she appeared, holding a large white box.

Finally.

I handed over my card while she placed the box gently on the table. The scent alone made me smile.

"I smell doughnuts," Deveon said, amused.

I blinked, realizing I'd almost forgotten he was still there. "Want one?"

He shook his head. "No thanks. I don't really like sweet stuff."

His loss.

"When did you say you were leaving again?" I asked as the woman returned my card.

"August fifteenth."

I nodded, then smiled at him. "We should hang out before you leave. I think I promised your mom I'd visit again, actually."

He chuckled. "And you still haven't fulfilled that promise, Kyla Davison."

I laughed. "Please apologize on my behalf. I've just been so busy lately-I honestly forgot."
A lie. But a harmless one.