Unknown To Me

Chapter Nine

"Wake up, bella." My eyes fluttered open, I  could smell coffee and the strong scent of Seth. For whatever reason, I felt calm.

"I made you breakfast,  unfortunately I got to head out. Text me. " He pointed at the food tray, and I could see the steaming cup of coffee.

"Thank you," I whispered with so much gratitude. Gosh, why was I feeling so emotional these days.

"You are most welcome, bella." I could hear the softness in his words and the affection he carried with it when he leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss to the corner of my lips.

My heart fluttered, I was not sure how long I stared at the breakfast to notice how well everything was placed. I began eating slowly, and the food melted in my mouth. A groan leaving my lips.

I heard my phone ringing and went in search of it.

"Hello Tate speaking." I answered, and the voice I heard on the other end made my heart grow cold.

"Good morning baby, your mother and I will be coming home, but we will just be heading out again, would you mind packing up some of our things, or you may call Andrea to, whichever pleases you."

"Hi, good morning to you too, oh loving father, how are you? No, I've been good, I miss you.......anyone of those would be the correct way to speak to your daughter." I said sarcastically. His sigh on the other end was louder than the thunder.

"I apologize." He mutters under his breath, and I end the call. Absolutely no use to continue.

I decided to message Seth, saying thank you for everything, and his response is almost immediate.

I smile and continue with my day. I am skipping classes and will head out to the park after I call Andrea, the so-called housekeeper.

She's here in a matter of minutes and does what she needs to, I assume she has the money in her bank already.

I finish up my projects and decide to go practice on the soccer field.

I ran into some kids, and they were so fun to play with. Some small boy, about 7 years old, comes up to me.

"Just so you know, one day you will be a great soccer player, don't give up." I smiled and ruffled his hair.

"Thanks bud, go on, your mums are waiting on you." He looks to the back and smiles while taking off running with his friends.

I take the walk home, feeling content and knowing what awaits when I return.

My mother greets me as I enter the house.
"Hey baby, I missed you, I hope you were safe and had a fun time." Her warm embrace and soft kiss put on my hair was soothing.

"It was wonderful, I missed you more, how was the visit?" Mom chatted about her time away, and all I could think about was Seth and his actions. I can't get my mind off him, his addicting in a tragic way.

And then suddenly the doorbell rings and my mother walks away. I rest my head against the cold marble table. My breathing becomes harsher, like I've just run a marathon.

Two strong arms came into view, and we're placed around my waist, Seth scent immediately had me turn my face to him, and a smile spread across my face.

"Bella, I've missed you." His voice alone was all I needed in that moment, and I leaned into him.

I placed a kiss to his lips to greet him. My mother comes in and watches.

"Mother, this is Seth." I wave my hand towards him, I place my hand on his chest, and I could feel his heartbeat increase. That made me feel so good inside.

"Mrs Dove, lovely to meet you. You have a wonderful home." I think he just won my mothers approval.

"Thank you so much, Tate. I never knew you were seeing anyone." I rolled my eyes but didn't move as Seth was holding me in place, and we'll I didn't want to.

"It's fairly new." I say, and Seth nods and makes eye contact with me.

I stared into his eyes, and we both knew this began the moment we met. It was as if fate brought us together.

"Well, I will call your father." As mother turned, she bumped into him.

"I heard." My father says while staring Seth down. I'm not quite sure how he managed that when Seth is obviously taller.

This time, Seth leaves me and steps toward my
father.

"Hello, I am Seth. It's a pleasure to meet you." He formally takes my father's hand.

They ended up disappearing after that, and I went to my room. I was not about to stay for that. I notice a notification on my phone and see a message from Seth saying to wear something cute.

*********

Okay, so you know when your world comes crashing beneath your feet, you have that gut-wrenching feeling. However, you ignore said feeling and push it aside, playing it off as nervousness.

The date was near perfect. We fell into a comfortable environment filled with laughter and stories of our childhood. Seth was funny, the way he kept such a serious face when telling a joke. I couldn't stop smiling even if I tried my face hurt at this point.

One moment, we were laughing, and then gunshots rang. Firing rapidly as Seth moved me under the table, I saw his lips moving, but I couldn't comprehend anything.

And then he left, I saw how he walked straight to the armed men, with confidence and ease, like all this was fucking normal. Yeah, right, in what damn situation where people are firing, and my breathing suddenly increases. The anxiety and fear coursing threw me.

Scared.
I was so fucking scared. I tried blocking out the noise, but it's like time slowed. Now is not the time to be having a panic attack. Tate. I tried snapping myself back into place , closed my eyes, and took deep, slow breaths.

Then I was yanked from the table. And my fight mode switched on. Perfect timing, and I threw my head to the back, knocking the man backward as he let go to clutch his nose.

I turned around and punched him in the gut just as he lifted the gun, this made the gun fall to the floor.