I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 10

Markus watched as Mitchell bit his bottom lip into his mouth. It sent a sharp heat to his stomach, and to the lower parts of his body. 

"I'd like to swim here with you sometime. Maybe one of these nights we can come here."

Mitchell's black lashes flicked up towards him. He was quiet for a moment, like he was trying to decide whether to say something or keep quiet. Finally he spoke, his voice lowered as though he didn't want anyone to hear him.

"I've never gone swimming at night."

"Then we should definitely try it sometime."

Mitchell stared at him for a minute then smiled at him. "Sure. I'd like that."

They finally reached to a secluded beach, which was completely hidden from sight. The beach had a couple of sparsely scattered trees and on the left were some boulders that could be used as a place to sit. The vast crystal water of blue and green stretched endlessly. 

"This is beautiful, Markus. I'm surprised no one has ever visited this place or found it."

"It's a very special place. No one knows that it exists."

"How is that possible?"

Markus caught him looking at him quizzically but he didn't elaborate.

He would explain everything to him at the right time. He took a deep breath, inhaling deeply to clear his mind.

"Come on." He took Mitchell's hand. "We'll come back and swim next time. So keep your calendar clear."

Mitchell laughed, "Okay, I will." 

They walked back in the direction they took earlier, and a few minutes later the car came into view. 

Markus looked at the time on his phone. He glanced at Mitchell before unlocking the car. Three hours had pass since they left school, but it only felt like a couple of minutes. It seemed he was enjoying his company too much. Wanting to spend as much time as he could with him.

 "I'm really glad you came with me today, Mitchell."

"It was fun. I didn't know something so beautiful existed."

"I'm glad you liked it."

The drive back was too brief. He was pulled up in front of the Mitchell's home with a pit in his stomach.

"Is your mom at home?" 

"No. She went to this celebratory dinner with people from her work."

Mitchell picked up his bag from the backseat, then looked at him. 

"Thanks again for today."

"You don't have to keep thanking me."

"Ok. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight. Sweet dreams."

Just as he was about to open the door, Markus grabbed his hand, stopping him.

"Don't tell anyone that I showed you this place."

"I won't. I promise."

Mitchell exited the vehicle and made his way to the front door, got out his keys and unlocked the door.

He turned when he heard Markus called his name. "Did you forget something?"

Markus rolled down his window. "Not really. Make sure to lock the door."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Drive safely."

"Thanks."

Markus waited until Mitchell closed the door behind him then went to his vehicle. He beeped his horn as he drove off, watching the house disappear from view.

The drive to his home was silent but not lonely. The night made a cloak around him, stretching long wispy fingers of fog towards his vehicle. 

When he drove Mitchell back to his house earlier, it was clear of any forms of fog but as he got closer to his home, the fog got thicker but it didn't constrict him. It seemed to embrace him.

The American style mansion to come into view, surrounded by high black wrought iron fences. It was a mansion with ten bedrooms, each with their own bathrooms. A swimming pool located in the back, along with a small jacuzzi. Trees of different colors and shapes lined around the house, and a garden which his mom had landscaped herself.

Nearing the gates, he pressed a button and the gates opened, allowing him to drive through, then close behind him. The paved oval driveway branched off in two directions, one leading to the garage to the side and the other to the front door.

He decided to take the one leading to the front door. He parked his car, making sure it was locked before exiting. 

When he entered, his mom was sitting on the couch in the living-room with a pile of folders resting on the small table in front of her.

 "I thought you'd be asleep."

His mom looked up with a smile on her face. "I just have a few more papers to sign, then I'm off to bed." 

"I'm tired so I'm going to bed. What time are you leaving tomorrow?"

"I'm leaving early in the morning. I'll be meeting your father in South Korea."

"How long is your trip this time?"

"Three months. We'll be arriving in Thailand next month, then Paris the next month."

Markus was used to their long trips abroad, so it didn't bother him staying alone. This will give him a good opportunity to invite Mitchell over. 

"Have a safe trip."

His mom stood up and walked towards him, her arms outstretched.

He had to bend to give her a hug since she barely reached reached his shoulders. She placed her hands on his cheeks and gave him a kiss. 

"We'll talk when I get back."

She stared at him silently, her hazel eyes bore into his. He knew right then that she knew but wasn't going to pressure him to talk about it.

"Have a good night mom."

"You too, sweetie."

He gave her another kiss on the cheek then went upstairs to his room. It seems he'll be inviting Mitchell to meet his parents earlier than he wanted.