Only, Always, and Forever You

49 - No Matter What

A/N: Hey guys.... I know it's been a minute, and I apologize for that, but hopefully my note explained the reasoning for that.

I missed writing and I missed seeing all of your support and enjoyment, so I'm so happy to be finally pushing out another chapter.

Hopefully I'll have yet another update for y'all soon!!!

Much love, and enjoy <3

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Amara's POV:

Suddenly, my phone's ringtone starts blaring from inside my bag.

I hesitate for a second, mine and Cole's eyes not leaving each other's. But when my phone rings a second time, I have to pick it up. I don't want to risk ignoring the call if it's my mom. After all, there's only so many people that would call me.

I check the caller ID, and sure enough, it's my mother. So I pick up the call and put it to my ear.

"Amara Ana Camila Rivera Fadel," my mom scolds over the phone, and I know this can't be good if she's using my full name.

Suddenly I remember how I left without saying a word since I thought she'd still be asleep by the time I got home, but I suppose I was wrong. However, the severity of her tone makes me feel that there is something else at stake here.

I have to pull the phone away from my ear at the volume of her voice, but I quickly bring it back as she continues her rampage, "Where are you?! Come home right now! And bring the Anderson boy with you, too."

Wait a minute, how does she know that I'm with Cole? I obviously don't feel great about the lecture I'm about to receive, but something really doesn't feel right...

Sensing my dismay, Cole sits up and reaches out to hold my hand, gently rubbing circles on my palm with his thumb.

"What is it, princess? Is everything alright?" he questions, obvious concern in his voice as he squeezes my hand lightly in an act of comfort. I can feel the blood draining from my face, which is probably what made him worried.

"It's my mom, I have to go home..." I respond, and he nods understandingly.

"Alright, I understand. Let's get you h—"

"And you have to come, too. I don't know how, but she knows you're with me" I add on, cutting him off, and suddenly Cole's concern warps into something much darker. His grasp on my hand tightens.

"Amara," he says lowly, trying to maintain his composure but I can see right through and into the dark, stormy iris of his eye, "I think I know how, and I don't think this is going to go well."

Chills are sent down my spine as I register the gravity of his tone and the icy cold intensity of his expression. Although he still holding onto my hand, warmth flowing freely between us, I can tell that he knows exactly what to expect and that it's not going to be good.

"No matter what happens tonight, nothing matters except for you and I," he continues. "Nothing that anyone says determines who you are nor how much I love you."

"What do you mean, Cole? What do you know that I don't?"

"Just promise me that you'll remember that," he asks again, but this time there is an apologetic and sincere look in his eyes, almost pleading for me to make him this promise as he squeezes my hand again. So, I nod.

"I love you," I assure him.

"I love you, Amara. No matter what," he replies.

I give him a soft, brief kiss before we quickly pick up our things and hurry back to his car.

I try to stifle the growing anxiety in my stomach, and although my hand in Cole's is helping, I can't entirely wipe the fear from my body as I anticipate what is coming next.

Once we get into the car and I hear the click of my seatbelt, the car jerks forward and speeds off. The rest of the drive is deadly silent and tense, and if Cole's hand weren't still grasped in mine, I'd be worried that he was angry with me.

But I can sense that this is bigger than me, bigger than us. I don't know what exactly "this" is, but I know it can't be good...

Cole's POV:

I can tell she's confused and awaiting an explanation, but I can only think about how sorry I am for what's about to happen, and how best I can protect her.

I meant what I promised to her father's grave, and I'll keep my word until my last breath.

She's worth it. So much more than worth it.

Her small, soft hand in mine keeps me somewhat grounded as I rapidly navigate my way back to her apartment complex, but my mind still can't stop reeling.

I don't know how I am going to do this nor how I'm going to explain it to her, never mind apologize for it.

However, I do know exactly what to expect. I know exactly who to expect, and I know exactly what he wants.

And I have no intention of giving in to him.

In no time we make it to her apartment complex, and I park the car. As we quickly make our way out of the car and towards the building, I stop us before we enter, cupping my hands to the side of her face, relishing the soft skin of her cheeks as she brings her hands up and rests them on top of mine.

I rest my forehead against hers, and we look deeply into each others eyes—hers brimming with confusion and anxiety, mine with anger and guilt—exchanging infinite vows with just a look, words helpless to what our souls are communicating in silence.

"No matter what," she whispers gently.

I smile down at her solemnly, "No matter what," I repeat, my words firm and unwavering, yet laced entirely with love.

No matter what.

We briefly share a loving, encapsulating kiss, locking our endless promises, before turning to enter the building, hand in hand.

We can do this, together.