Romeo

Chapter 12; Homecoming

It had been six days since Griffin and I watched the Lion King. He had kept his distance and tried to make lighthearted jokes but the worry and awkwardness was still present. We had become great friends and I really liked spending time with him, but if any physical contact was made between us, Griffin would immediately retract. This was one of those times; we were sitting on the couch watching an episode of Arrow, I had my hand resting on the couch cushion between us and Griffin had his in his lap. Just when Oliver was in the destroyed building with Tommy as he was dying, Griffin's hand fell and brushed mine. He quickly pulled it back and a frustrated groan escaped my lips. I paused the show and turned to Griffin.

"Really Griffin?" I ask slapping my hands against my legs irritated. "Seriously? Every time we even come within 10 centimeters of each othe you shy away like I have a disease!"

"You said you needed space, I'm just trying to-"

"I don't care Griffin! I like you...a lot actually." I paused and looked at the ground surprised with myself. I had no idea how much I did like Griffin until now.

"You do?" He asked pulling me out of my realization. I sighed, then my phone rang. I picked it up and felt Griffin's eyes on me.

"Hello?" I said

"Kylie, it's mom. Dad got sick and we're coming home." My mom's voice came through the speaker, she sounded panicked and in a frenzy. My heart stopped cold, something was definitely wrong.

"Is he okay?" My voice quivered.

"I don't know." She said back defeated, I felt tears come to my eyes. Griffin's hand came up to rest on my shoulder, I looked at him.

"What's going on?" He whispered.

"Okay, um, I'm coming home. I'll see you when you get there." I said to my mom then hung up. I set my phone on the table and stood up. Griffin caught me as I swayed and almost fell.

"Hey, whoa. Are you okay? What's going on?" He asked the worry audible in his voice.

"I...I um." I stuttered regaining my balance and walking quickly into my room to get my laptop I came back out into the living room and handed it to Griffin. "My dad's really sick. I have to go home, for a week at most. Can you get me a ticket?" I asked pointing at the laptop. He nodded and sat back down on the couch with the computer. I buzzed around the small house packing clothes into a suitcase.

"I'm coming with you." Griffin said from the couch.

"No. It's fine, I need someone to look after the house." I said turning to him and making my voice firm. He didn't look convinced. "What about Kasey?" I said raising my eyebrows. He sighed, defeated.

A few moments later he stood up again. "There all done."

"Thank you." I said giving him a hug. This time he didn't pull away. He squeezed me against him breathing in my scent. We separated and I walked to the door.

"Kylie, wait." I paused and looked over at Griffin, he walked toward me determination in his eyes. He gently took my face in his hands and kissed me. His lips moved urgently against mine. Pulling away he rested his head against mine.

"Don't forget about me." He whispered then kissed my forehead. I opened the front door and jogged to my car. Looking back at the house as I got in I noticed Griffin still stood at the door. His expression a mix between sadness, worry, and love.

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The cab pulled up in front of the beautiful farm house. Stone walls, colourful gardens, it looked like a larger version of my new house. I bounded up the front steps and found the house key on my key ring. Unlock the door the familiar scent of home wafted to me. It smelt like fire wood and apple pie. I took a deep breath. As wonderful as this place was, it still held some bad memories.

The car locks clicked as I reached for the handle.

"Chris, let me out." I pleaded, a wicked smile twisted it's way across his face.

"A kiss first?" He asked then pouted his lips. "please?" I scooted over towards the door and away from Chris. This pissed him off. His hand shot out and grabbed a fist full of my hair pulling me towards him. "There's a good little girl." he sneered in my ear. I reached over and quietly unlocked all the doors without him noticing. Then I slid my hand back to my own door. I opened the door and squirmed out of Chris' grasp. I ran across my yard and up the front steps. Throwing open the front door I slipped inside then closed and locked the door. The scent of firewood and apple pie filled my lungs, calming me.

I shook off the memory and walked into the house.

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Grr Chris is really getting on my nerves.

Do you think her dad is okay?

What do you think will happen?

Please keep commenting and voting!

:* thanks guys! (And ladies)
Brynn