I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 23

Mitchell stared at his reflection in the mirror. Malachi had appeared in his room again disturbing his sleep.

He splashed some water on his face before taking a shower, which shook him out of that stupor, reviving him.

He went into his bedroom to check his phone, seeing it was after one in the afternoon. Markus still hadn't called him. He had tried calling him, but it would go straight to his voice mail.

He grabbed his phone and went downstairs to an empty house. His mom had left earlier in the morning for a last minute meeting at her work.

Raven followed closely behind him, her tail in the air, as though she was also feeling the same irritation as him.

Mitchell shook his head when she leaped onto the chair and curled into a ball, falling back asleep.

"Why didn't you stay upstairs in the bedroom?"

Raven opened her eyes and stared at him, blinking those yellow eyes at him. 

"I guess that's a stupid question, huh?"

He went to the cupboard and took out a can of cat food, placing it in a bowl on the ground for her. After fixing himself something to eat, he tried calling Markus again.

The phone rang three times before he picked up. "Mitchell, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're okay. I got worried when I couldn't reach you."

"I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. What are your plans for today?"

"No plans...not without you."

"What do you mean?"

"I want us to spend the rest of the day together."

"Where do you want to go?"

"I'm inviting over to my house."

"Are you sure that's okay?"

"Of course. I'll have you back early since we have class tomorrow."

"I'd love to." Mitchell said with a huge grin on his face.

"Great. I'll pick you up in an hour."

"I'll see you then."

He ended his call turning to find yellow eyes burning into him. It was weird how she always watched him, as though she was trying to communicate with him even though she couldn't talk.

Not wanting to waste any more time, he went upstairs to put his wallet, keys, charger and phone into a small bag then head back downstairs. He heard a horn honk outside, just as his phone started ringing.

"Hello."

"I'm outside."

"That was quick. I'll be right out."

Mitchell closed the door behind him, making sure it was locked before he striding to the vehicle.

Markus waited for him get settled then drove off. During the drive, Markus would constantly aimed his gaze at him.

"What?"

"I missed you."

Mitchell turned to him with a surprised look on his face. "Oh..."

"Why are you so surprised?"

"I don't know."

"Hmm... I guess you're not used to it."

Mitchell stared at him. "Are you sure you're just eighteen?"

A laugh escaped Markus's mouth as he turned to him. "Yes, I'm sure."

"You act real mature for your age."

"My mom tells me the same thing."

Markus turned up the volume, letting the sound of Nine Inch Nails blared from the speakers as the car passed through the town. He hummed to the music while tapping his fingers to the beat of the song.

"You're crazy."  

"It's just my nature."

They soon left the town behind, passing the entrance to Pine Crest, while Mitchell enjoyed the scenery passing by, inhaling the crisp open air. 

"I'm planning a small party for my birthday. Nothing too big."

Mitchell glanced at him, something in his tone sounded off.

"Don't you want to have this party?"

"Not really."

"Is that all?"

Markus glanced at him quickly, his fingers no longer tapping against the wheel. "I want to introduce you to my parents at the party. Is that okay with you?"

"Are you sure that they're going to like me? Wait...are your parents cool with you liking a guy? Do they know you're gay?"

"My parents are very open. As long as I'm happy, they'll be happy."

"My mom still wants to meet you."

"I can't wait to meet her too."

"My mom is happy that I'm finally having a social life."

"Your mom sounds cool."

"Thanks. I'll let her know that you think so."

"We're here."

Mitchell looked at the mansion in front of him. He had a feeling that Markus was rich but he was still shocked.

"Your home is very beautiful."

"Thanks." Markus drove through the gate. 

They exited the vehicle and walked to the front door, which Markus unlocked. Markus stepped aside to let him enter first. 

"My mom helped with the decorating, both inside and out."

Mitchell could only look around in awe. The living-room was very spacious , so it was easy to maneuver around without bumping into anything. 

"I like the use of colors."

"Let me show you around. Then we'll have something to eat."

"Sounds good."

Markus spent the next couple of minutes showing him around, leaving his bedroom for last. He opened the door, standing aside to let him enter the room.

"I chose the décor myself."

Mitchell took his time looking around the room, at the dark tones he had chosen. Although it was all dark, it suited Markus's personality.

"I like it."

A pair of arms wrapped around his waist. "The bed is pretty comfortable too."

Markus's warm breath fanned his ear making Mitchell shiver. "It does look soft."

"Do you want to find out?"

Mitchell opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. He didn't know what to say.

It's not like they haven't move pass the stage of touching each other. But that had been a spur of the moment.