The Reunion

Chapter 29 - Kaia

Kaia had a plan. A good one at that. One that would take Karlie to a few of their old haunts from their childhood. But, as soon as she saw Karlie glistening in her post-shower glory, that plan had gone right out the window – right out the hotel window that couldn't even open due to policy and regulations.

Once that plan went out the window, her body somehow interpreted that without a plan, there was no chance in rebuilding it. Then her hormones kicked in.

Then, when Kaia had found herself pinned to a bed with Karlie astride her, yeah, those plans were far from her thoughts. It's how she had envisioned their night after their high school reunion would have been, with Karlie, unclothed and fully embracing the other. But again, plans seemed to be absurd when it came down to the two of them. Absolutely nothing seemed to go the way she wanted. And if they did, it was because the two of them had to fight for it, tooth and nail.

As they walked the sidewalk to the first stop on Kaia's list, she couldn't help but ruminate over everything they had gone through. How much they had put on the line within the last couple days. Everything they had admitted to each other. Then top all that off with the heaviness of their pasts, it was hard to wrap her mind over it all.

When she had gotten home the night before, she was feeling every emotion under the sun. She had been so angry, she wanted to throw something just to watch it break and shatter into a hundred pieces. Kaia had been heartbroken for Karlie and what she had gone through. She had felt like a fraud of a friend, the deceit and the lies surrounding Adam and what he had done. A level of embarrassment had washed over her, finally seeing through the lies she had been fed and how easily she had believed every single one of them.

She barely slept. Tossing and turning in her bed so much that she felt a hostage to her sheets. Eventually, she had gotten up, feeling too restless. She tore off the sheets and comforter and started a load of laundry.

By the time the sun came up, she knew without a doubt that Karlie probably hadn't slept much either. Then her plans were formed. And if Kaia was good at anything, it was being hardheaded when she formed an idea in her head. She was going to go to Karlie, bring her coffee, and give her a day where she didn't need to think about any of the hard stuff. She wanted her to have a day where she didn't need to worry about police, criminal charges, her bullying, or even her father. No, Karlie was going to have a day where she could enjoy all the things she used to.

"We're going to the fair?" Karlie asked when they passed by a few signs posted.

"It's a food truck fair." Kaia corrected. "Don't think I'm taking you on Ferris wheels or something. You know I don't trust fair rides." She chuckled. "I prefer them more when they're stable and permanent."

"Oh, I remember." Karlie shook her head smiling.

"But!" Kaia practically hopped a few steps, "there's this mac and cheese truck you just have to try." She shot her a toothy smile. She was fully aware how her excitement was bubbling up to the surface, but she didn't care. Especially not when she was seeing such a wide smile on Karlie's face. It almost made up for the fact that their fun earlier had been interrupted by Karlie's hungry stomach. Almost.

Karlie hummed dramatically at the first bite of her order. "This is delicious!"

"Told you!" Sure, Kaia was proud of making the right decision in bringing Karlie here, but the groan that came from her only made Kaia remember how turned on she had just been. And, that she still would be for a little while longer.

They ate their food and walked the little park that had food trucks set up everywhere. A few shoppes had stands as well, selling their goods and trinkets. They perused a few tents looking at all of the vendors items, from candles, homemade desserts, jewelry, clothes, artwork and soaps.