Stop Running Away

Chapter 13

"When is your flight tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow night at 9."

Oliver nods while he is driving. I feel upset because now I am heading home, and tomorrow I will be on a plane to China. Oliver and I literally started our official relationship like one hour ago, and it is already about to experience a long time separation. I just cannot believe how twisted my love life can be. There is no way that my second relationship can only last one night. Do not even mention I still feel unreal after what happened tonight. I mean, he is Oliver Parker. How can other girls leave him alone? How can he guarantee he will still like me after a month or so? How can I trust him when I won't be able to see him in person? I do not trust long-distance relationships. And I certainly do not have faith in myself or our relationship.

"Oliver," I hesitate. I actually have no idea what I am going to say.

"Yes?" He hits the break before a red light, and he takes my left hand in his right hand.

"I..., I was actually,... I planned to spend most of my winter vacation in China." I play around with his long fingers. I have no idea why I am saying this right now. I guess I hope that he would say something like wish me to come back to Canada soon for us. But also, I think he is too considerate and cultured to say anything like that. So, right now, I do not know. I do not know what I am expecting.

Oliver seems to be thinking. He drives the car to the nearest parking lot after the green light. "Are you worried about our relationship?" He parks his car casually and then turns his head to me.

I did not expect he would be this straightforward. He really knows what I am talking about right now. I guess that is a good thing, which means I am not the only one here worrying. I glance at the clock in his car, and it is almost 11:30 pm. Apparently, there is not much time left for us before I leave. So, like, damn it, I could not care less about what I am going to say.

"Yes, I am worried, and I am worried a lot. I know that you told me that you like me. But I just, I just have to know what will happen to us after I go back." I breathe a sigh of relief after saying this. I got to say this because I cannot stand worrying and doubting our relationship every day when I am not here.

He just looks at me seriously, and I start to become a little anxious and distressed, "It is not like I am forcing you to give me a solution or what. I am just..., I just want to prepare for the worst." God, what did I just say? I swear to god I didn't mean to speak it out like that. I was so nervous, and it just rushed out like that before I could stop it.

Oliver is clearly annoyed. He frowns at me, "Are you saying that you are ready to break up?"

Of course I won't admit it, "No, I mean, of course not. Sorry if I mislead you. What I was saying was..." I look at Oliver's face, and his expression has not gotten any better but is more solemn.

Oliver seems irritated, and I completely panicked. Shit, I pluck up and decide to tell him about my insecurity, "I was only saying that I do not want to be heartbroken because of you."

His face suddenly does not look so scary. He puts my hand on his lips, and says: "We will figure it out."

...

Oliver parked his car in front of my apartment. He is kissing me in his car while my hands are still on the seat belt buckle. And we have been like this for a while. Simply because I do not want to go home and he does not seem ready to end the kiss.

"I will video chat with you every day." He kisses me on my lips.

"I will message you once I get a break." He kisses me on my cheek.

"We can manage this, ok?" He kisses me on my forehead.

"Ok." I wish time could stop at this moment.

Oliver grins, takes his phone from the center console, and hands it to me, "Now, Miss, may I have your phone numbers?

"You do know I won't use this number in China, right?" I input my phone numbers into his phone. I wasn't being funny though. I will need to register another phone number in China only because that will do me convenient.

"Haha, ok, so what should I do?"

"I, I can send you my new numbers once I register for it." Then I realize international calls can be so old-fashioned and inconvenient, "We can also chat on Instagram, What's App, Messenger, or even Emails. I don't know which one works for you the best." I am using up all my brain cells trying to figure out a convenient way to communicate with Oliver. True, I may face some internet regulation issues in China, but it won't be a really complex problem. I can figure out ways to use those apps anyway. I won't mind the trouble as long as I can talk with him.

He laughs, "And why can't I use WeChat?" Oh dear mother lord, how does he know about WeChat? It is a Chinese chatting software, which I believe 99% of Chinese are using on it daily basis. But I just do not know how Oliver knows about it. And it never even occurred to me to ask him to download it since none of my foreign friends are using it, so I guess I just did not want to bother him with it.

"I didn't know you knew it."

"You see that I have a business partner who is Chinese, so I may know more about China than you think."

I look at his gorgeous face and I give him a kiss on his chin. I will not deny, now I feel complete. Even though I barely eat anything at the party, my whole body is full and satisfied, joyful, and fevered.

"What is your plan tomorrow?" He lets my face go and tilts back a bit.

"Just buying some stuff for my families and friends, and then pack my luggage."

"I will take you to the airport."

"It is fine, Caitlyn will do that. You don't have to worry about it."

"I wasn't asking. I was saying that I would drop you at the airport."

"I just don't want to take up your time. You could be busy." Yes, I am lying. I definitely hope to see him tomorrow, and I even wish I could stay up all night with him. But, I am trying to be a considerate girlfriend.

He pulls me into his arms and bites on my left ear, "You tell Caitlyn that she could step down a bit since now you have a boyfriend."

I giggle, it is so itchy. His lips and my indocile hair just make me feel itchy. "So I get to see you tomorrow, boyfriend?"

"That is correct, madam."