Our Coffee Confessions

OCC 14 : Are you okay?

Christopher Paxton

I head back down to check on Cades and Zary. I only found Zary on the living room but didn't see Cades. Maybe she toured herself around the house.

I decided to call Felicia instead to prepare the car. Zary came to me and asked if she could go back to the beach resort because Zach needs her urgent. I agreed to bring her back as soon as Cades come back.

When Cades showed up, I saw that she is hyperventilating. Her breathing is abnormally different. She's like in state of shock. What happened?

I tried to calm Cades by rubbing her back gently but she doesn't feel like talking so I just led her to the car to start going back. Clearly, Something happened to her while she is touring herself around the house.

---

"Cades, Are you okay?" I asked as we got back to the beach resort. I'm planning on bringing her somewhere so her 'shock' would be gone, at least.

Zach neared us and pulled Zary away from us. I stare at him and think that something is up. What is with him that he needs his sister urgent?

"Topher let's get out of here."

"Yes, that's what I was going to do. I'm going to steal you away Haha." I joked making the mood light. She gave me a nervous smile and started heading back to the car. I laughed and started the car.

I drove the car until we reached the park. I have to go here to erase things off my mind before I go to the hospital. Grandma could be there waiting and I saw in her room that she is drinking sleeping pills. I don't remember her being an insomniac. I just know something's wrong with her and I have to face it later after I face Cades' problem.

"hey C, Are you okay now?" I asked.

"Yeah, Thank you for bringing me here." She thanked while staring at the pond below the bridge. She kept spacing out and I don't know why.

"I'll buy some coffee first and I'll come back. Stay here okay?" I left her at that bridge and went to a nearby coffee shop and bought a hot one so I could at least tease her once I give her this.

When I was about to pay the coffee I bought, My phone began ringing.

I saw the caller and it's Zary.

"Hey Zar, Sup?" I greeted.

"Topher you have to stop Zach! He is infuriating and now he is heading to your place or wherever you are!"

I looked around and snapped at the bridge. I saw Cades trying to let go of Zach. His hands are gripping hers and I can see tears from her eyes. I had the urge to run to her but stopped when I saw Zach kneel down and hug her. Cades made him stand up and Zach stood up with tears also forming in his eyes.

I don't know what the hell is happening but I have to go there. I started walking back with the coffee in my hand. When I was about to climb up the bridge, I caught a closer glimpse of their conversation.

"... Just go Zach, I don't need you here." She plea

"Please let me explain. I'm sorry I did that. I'm drunk, I don't know what the hell is wrong with me." What the hell did he do anyway?

"hey Zach, What are you doing?" I asked as I near Cades. "What's up with you hurting Cades?"

"He's not hurting me Topher, He's just about to leave." Cades faced me and she hugged me tight. I didn't have a choice but to hug back. Zach shook his head and left.

I pulled away from Cades and She stared at me. Her eyes pierced into mine. "Hey, What happened?"

"Nothing," She averted her gaze away from me. "Is this for me?" she took the coffee and gulp it all up. How did she do that? That coffee is crazy hot!

"Wipe your tears, We are going somewhere." I told her. I don't want to press any topic on her because she might cry again or worse, she hyperventilate again.

"Where?"

"Somewhere?"

---

It's almost midnight and I haven't brought Cades anywhere. I just want the both of us to spend our last time together here. I know something's up with Zach and Cades, but I'm not going to pour it out on Cades. I will let her tell me once she's ready.

Now, We are outside my car sitting in the sand with beer cans and lemon juice on our hands. The lemon keeps us awake but I don't think this will hold us any longer.

"Cades,"

Our shoulders touched as she snapped her head on me.

"Yes?" She asked as she stare at me with those piercing eyes of hers.

"Are you okay?"

She didn't answer. All I know is that I started leaning close to her. "Cades, Are you still there?"

"Topher..." She whispered. "I don't know." She replied.

My lips pressed on her. Suddenly, I felt the same feelinfs just like how I felt before. She didn't back away because she responded with that kiss. I was expecting her to pull away but she didn't. Instead, her head fell on my shoulders.

"It's okay Cadence." I muttered. "I'm here."

End of Chapter 14