The Cycle

CHAPTER 8: LETHAL

CHAPTER 8

LETHAL

Nayland holds the door open for me while I exit the restaurant, completely and utterly full beyond description. I feel awful for allowing him to pay for me, but he insisted and I had no counterargument. I clutch on to Nayland's arm and he laughs at my unsteadiness.

"For God's sake, Laine, people'll think I gave you shots of raw whiskey at the rate your walking!"

I barely notice what he's saying; my thoughts are too preoccupied with not falling down.

"What are you talking about? You ate more than I did," I protest in a grumble.

Nayland laughs again and I cling harder to the sleeve of his parka. It's bitterly cold outside, though the snow ceases to fall from the black clouds. An awful wind bites at the exposed areas of skin around my face and I release a shiver. Nayland wraps one arm around my shoulder and holds me close, rubbing my arm in hopes of warming me up, and I hide my face in the crevice of his jacket, letting him lead the way.

"Here, Laine," Nayland says softly and I look up to see him holding the passenger door open for me. I climb in and Nayland gracefully trots to the driver's side, giving a heart-felt cackle before starting up the engine.

"I didn't realize it was so late," I say and my thoughts instantly flicker to Forrest and Lorraine.

"Yeah me either," Nayland responds as he pulls out of the parking lot. "Seems we were at the diner for the majority of the afternoon."

"I had fun, though," I reassure him. "It's the most fun I've had in weeks."

Nayland sneaks a glimpse at me from his peripheral vision before returning his eyes on the road.

"Me too," he says in a low voice.

There's a silence that follows and a question of interest gurgles in my stomach.

"Do you have your eye on anyone?" Nayland asks before I have time to react.

His question catches me off guard and I stumble for words.

"Um...w-what do you mean?" I hope the uncertainty isn't too obvious in my voice.

Nayland faintly smiles.

"Is there anyone that has your interest? Anyone you have feelings for?"

I rub my sweaty palms on my jeans and look down. It's as if he knows the way I feel about him, as if it's something that needs to be addressed. I blush crimson as I realize my attempts to conceal my feelings have been utterly futile.

"Well...I'm not sure," I say, which isn't a complete lie. "It all depends on whether or not he feels the same way."

I feel stupid saying this out loud.

Nayland just nods and keeps his eyes on the road.

"What about you?" I decide to ask, trying to avert the attention from me yet also slightly curious to hear what his response will be.

Nayland rubs his chin with his free hand and slows to a stop at a red light.

"I think I have a feeling I know how she feels about me, but I'm still hesitant to let her know that I like her."