Her Perfect Half

Chapter nine

I can't believe it, he took me to a hill. Well, isn't that romantic? Whenever Mom was talking to Siena about how she and Dad fell in love, I would listen. And now it's like I found my 'prince charming.'

Not on a white horse, but in a black Rolls Royce instead, and that's so much better. I mean, who doesn't love Rolls Royce? 'This is the place I go to whenever I feel sad. It might help you, too.' He plopped down on the grass, and I did the same.

'I don't know. I never talk about my feelings with anybody. It's hard.' I look up at the stars, admiring them. 'You know you can do something else like scream, cry, punch something. Whatever it is, I'll be there for you.' He smiles.

'It feels nice. You know, to have someone like you around me.' I look at him. God, he is so gorgeous. 'I sure hope so.' He leans in and kisses me. I return the kiss.

After a minute, we both pull away from each other to take a breath. 'You like that?' Of course, I did. 'What kind of question is that?' He chuckles and kisses me softly again.

'Come on, we gotta go.' He stood up and took my hand. And off we were. When we were finally in front of the restaurant again, he pecked me on the cheek.

Can this night get any better? Wait, no. Scratch that I don't want to jinx myself. As I walked back into the restaurant, I saw my brother. 'Where did you go?' Shoot, what should I say? I can't just tell him I was with Maximo. He will totally flip out.

'I was out. Yes, um, in the garden.' I'm usually a good liar, but I've never lied to somebody in my family. It feels wrong. He raises his eyebrows but doesn't question me. Thank God. I would have blown away my cover.

The night ended, and Nico and I were back in our hotel rooms. It's comfy here. And I don't have to worry about training or school or my dad. I don't want it to end. As I was taking off the makeup, a text popped up from Maximo.

'Good night, mi vida. Sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite.'

'Night to you too, Gioia.'

I texted back using the Italian word for joy. He is my joy. I am happy and comfortable around him. I don't have to be emotionless or mean. I can be myself, and he will like me. Isn't that nice?

As I finished my night routine, I lay down in my bed, trying to fall asleep. But I can't my the euphoria from today's night is still not gone. What am I supposed to do?

I got up and went to the lobby. I saw my brother was talking to somebody, and as the noisy girl that I am, I hid beside the wall so I could eavesdrop on him.

'I don't know, Dad. I mean, if she doesn't want to do it, why force her? She'll hate us.'

Are they talking about me?! No, that's not possible.

'Do whatever you want. I'm not going to do this shit anymore. I don't want Kiarra to hate me. If she ever decides to leave us, don't come crying to me. Because I warned you.'

They are talking about me! Great, now I have to get out of here. I took the stairs, and I was just in time for my brother. He was on my floor. Why? I opened the door to my room. 'Kirra, can I stay in your room? On the third floor, some wicked things are happening.'

'Haha, okay. Come in.' I opened the door a little further so he could get in. 'So, do you want to do something? I have cards on me if you want to play.' I ask as I close the door. 'You know how to play cards?'

'Yeah, Antonio taught me.' I took out the cards, and we started playing. It was so much fun. Throughout the whole night, we were joking, laughing and smiling. The tough face that I normally see on Nico is gone.

Instead, I see the complete opposite. I hope it stays that way. After some time, I get tired and close my eyes. Just a little.