Lost Stars

Chapter 2

>>Chapter 2<<

I wander through the hallways. My brain is cluttered, and a constant pounding booms through my skull. I haven't had a chance to think since I was given that note.

Sometimes I just want to lie down and scream. I want to scream for Addy. For this whole mess she threw me in. For myself. I feel like I'm crumbling and there's no one to pick up my broken pieces.

No one understands.

I'm the only one who came to school with tear stained cheeks. I'm the only one who actually cares. No one else seems to give a damn.

"Hey." Familiar arms slide around my waist and pull me close. I turn and bury my face in Kai's sweater. "I'm taking you home, okay?"

I nod. Pushing my locker shut, I allow Kai to lead me out the doors of Rosewood High. He guides me to his car and slides in the driver seat. I feel his eyes pull mine up to meet him. Our eyes lock and slowly, ever so slowly, he leans over and presses his lips against mine.

"It'll be okay, darling. I know it will."

I want to scream and tell him nothing's okay. But at the same time, I want him to hold me close and allow me to forget about the world.

The engine starts up. "Wait." That's the only word I've said in days. I hear the engine slowly die down, and we are left in dead silence. I crawl into his lap and rest my head on his shoulder. He runs his fingers through my hair. I allow a couple tears to sprinkle on his sweater, but nothing more.

I swear we sat like that for an hour. Just stopping the world and letting our problems fade away.

When I finally climb back to the passenger seat, snow has begun to trickle down. He starts the car and blasts the heat.

We start to drive. He's got one hand on the wheel, the other in my hand. Neither of us talk as we stare ahead blankly. Flashes of scenery fly by, from buildings and people hurrying to their next destination, to snow covered trees and white fields that stretch on for miles.

"Where are we going?" I ask eventually.

"You'll see." His voice is warm, reassuring. I know Kai is the only consistency in my life. He'll always be there to ward off the demons.

"I love you, Kai. Thanks for dealing with me. I probably look like shit, but thank you."

A light chuckle escapes his lips. He turns to look at me and grins.

"What?" I ask, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

He squeezes my hand tighter. "Not at all. You don't look like shit. You never do and you never have. You're beautiful, baby. I love you more than you'll ever know. You're my whole world. I don't even know where I would be without you. I'll always be here for you, okay?"

We're stopped at a light.Our eyes meet. "Promise?" I ask and extend my pinky.

"Promise." Our pinkies lock and he leans over, resting his lips on mine.

A loud honk blares behind us. We quickly pull apart and he steps on the gas. "Whoops." His eyes land on me, and we burst out laughing. Joy bursts up from my lungs and I was laughing so hard I couldn't breathe. I haven't laughed like that for an eternity. It was just so real, so genuine.

About 20 minutes later, we pull up to a cozy little cafe. Smoke pours out of the chimney. We're the only ones here.

My eyes widen and I can feel my heart flutter. A huge grins sweeps my face and I lean over and pull Kai into a crushing hug. "Peaberry?! Oh my God, thank you!"

A boyish smirk crosses his lips. "God, I love that excitement in your eyes." He opens the car door for me. "M'lady." He bows as I step out of the car. I feel like a little girl again.

"Why thank you, sir." He casually throws his arm around me. When we get to the door, he pulls it open.

I step in, greeted by a rush of warm air and jazz music. The smell of coffee invades me nose and an overwhelming sense of relief washes over me.

He grabs my hand and we walk up to the counter together. "Two hot chocolates please. Extra chocolate and whipped cream. Thanks!" He hands the cashier a $5 and gives me the hot chocolate. "Pennsylvania's best hot chocolate for Pennsylvania's best girlfriend."

"This is why I love you," I say in between laughs.

"Wait, so you don't love how handsome I am?" Kai strikes a pose and I nearly spit out my drink.

"I've seen better," I say nonchalantly.

"You have?" He feigns hurt, but laughs. "Well, I for one, have never seen a girl more beautiful than you."

I roll my eyes at him, and we sit down on a sofa in the corner of the shop. Time passes us by as I rest my head in the crook of his neck. My fingers are intertwined with his. We talk and laugh. Nothing else matters when I'm with him.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

I close my eyes. "For the perfect distraction."

"Anytime, sweetie." He kisses my forehead lightly.