Once You're Here

Chapter One

When my eyes landed on him, I almost forgot how to breathe. That's not him, is it? Is this actually happening?

That's what was going through my head as I watched him coming closer.

My name is Hailey, and I'm 24 years old. I was hanging out at this nice park with my three years old sister, Ann, my nineteen years old brother, Brandon, and my mother.

I've had an online boyfriend, Wayne, for almost two years now who's twenty-one years old. He has black hair and blue eyes, and he's 5'5. We have practically everything in common, so usually when we fight, it's about who loves who more. He never lets me win those fights unless I'm on my period. He's such a sweetheart.

I watch as Wayne starts picking up his pace when he sees me looking at him. This will be the first time we're seeing each other in real life. We've had lots of video calls, and we text a lot every day. We've had our ups and downs, but we're still going strong.

Before I realize what's I'm doing, I'm running forward as fast as I can. I watch as Wayne begins running towards me, too. I breathe heavily as we crash into each other and hug. My heart is beating so fast as he holds me tightly in his arms. I burry my face into his hoodie, tears stinging my eyes.

Is this really happening?

"Is this really happening?" He asks, which makes me chuckle as I wipe my tears away with my sleeve.

"You're already reading my mind, babe." I say, as I look up at him, which makes him chuckle too. I notice that there are tears in his eyes, so I squeeze his middle tighter as I smile at him.

"Well, Wayne, it's nice to finally meet you," my mother says as her and my brother both hold out their hands to shake Wayne's. As Wayne shakes their hands, I stay hugging him close to me. I'm afraid that if I let go, he'll disappear.

"Okay, well, I'm guessing you guys will be going out on a date, yes? I already know about the hotel so I'll see you two love birds tomorrow, okay?" My mom asks, and I nod as I pull away from Wayne to give her a hug. I give them both hugs and say my "I love you's" and "goodbyes," and Wayne promises to be safe and protect me the whole night.

The next thing I knew, we're in his car, and neither one of us had said a word to each other. I glance over and notice that he's looking down at his lap, and his face is a little red.

"Is something wrong?" I ask softly as I reach forward to touch his face.

But as soon as I feel his warm cheek against my fingertips, he turns his face and suddenly kisses my lips softly. When he pulls away, I feel as though he kisses the breath out of me.

"Wayne, I.." I start, but he puts a finger to my lips.

"Hailey, you're so much more beautiful in real life than on a screen. I couldn't help myself. I just had to kiss you, is that okay?"

"Of course it's okay!" I exclaim as I kiss him again. "I was just surprised and caught off guard is all."

After we kiss one more time, we start driving down the street. A while after Wayne has been driving, he places his hand on my thigh, which is covered since I'm wearing black leggings and a nice, dark blue, dressy shirt that is as soft as cotton.

I feel my face beginning to get hot as I look down at his hand, which is resting on my thigh. I place my hand on top of his, blushing as I feel the slight body heat from his hand.

"You're so cute when you blush," he states as he smirks at me before looking back at the road.

"No, I'm not. Stop it.." I say in a playful, pouting voice, which makes him chuckle.

"It looks like I'm finally kidnapping you," he says in a teasing voice. I laugh since that was a joke between us. I'd always ask him to kidnap me and take me away.

"Yeah, you're right. So, where are you taking me, Mr. Kidnapper?" I say, smirking.

"Well, that's a surprise. Just sit there and relax, Princess." He replies as he gives my thigh a firm squeeze.

"Okay baby," I say, blushing from his touch.

"I can't wait to see what you've got planned."