A Shade Darker (on hold)

Chapter 3

"You were really quiet during the ride here," Chad whispered as he clutched onto my hand.

We had finally arrived to to Chad's house. I'd be yearning for this night ever since he left for his trip. Every night I'd cry myself to sleep, aching with the sorrow of my loss.

Now that he's back I just wanted to hold him. I'm past the point of his differences for the night. All that would matter tonight is me locked in his arms.

After unlocking his door, Chad lead me in. I didn't bother glancing around because I've been here so much before. It looked just like it had before he left. It was a mess of course, but he'd get around to that.

"Let's go upstairs," Setting his bags down, Chad whispered.

I nodded slowly in agreement as I trailed behind him.

As we came closer to his bedroom my  stomach clenched up. It almost felt like my period cramps. I did a little prayer as we went into the bedroom, praying I wouldn't get it tonight.

Kicking his shoes off, Chad spoke in his regular tone, "So, how we going to do this?"

Cocking my head, I questioned him, "What do you mean?"

My voice shook as I spoke. My stomach cramps weren't really helping at all. Not wanting Chad to get angry at me, I tried to ignore the pain.

"Well Aubrey, we haven't touched in three months, you've refused to kiss me and are acting kinda bitchy. But, you're expecting us to just fuck like everything is normal.

"I'm getting the vibe that you don't really give a shit about us. I mean I'm fine having a quickie with you but you're not really into that thing are you?" Chad lectured.

I watched him try to play down a smile, being proud of his boldness. Asshole. How dare he talk to me like that.

"Chad," I paused, unsure how to continue.

"Go on," Chad said rather rude.

I needed to go for it. Maybe if I said the words first he would stop with this. "Chad, I love you."

Letting a smile grow on his lips, Chad strode over to where I was standing. His hands quickly pushed back my hair, and rested around my neck. His eyes stared dramatically into mine.

I left my arms at my side, unsure what to do. If I wrapped myself into him, he'd know I didn't care. I couldn't let that happen though. Trying hard, I kept my eyes locked with his, waiting for him to do something.

"I love you."

Those  eight letters, three words and one sentence, filled me with a warmth. He said it.

Catching me off guard, Chad pressed his lips down on mine. My eyelids shut and I couldn't help but kiss him back.

At first, his lips just rested upon mine, soft and gentle. He lingered before pulling slightly. My arm instantly flew around his neck and pushed his head down.

Chad didn't kiss me again, but just smiled. That goofy smile that could get me to do anything. A little chuckle left his lips as he began to bend down to me. His soft lips grazed mine again softly. He was being a tease.

My hand urgently pulled on his neck, giving him to hint to kiss me harder. I wanted nothing more than this moment.

Pulling away again, Chad whispered, "Slow down, baby girl. We got all night."

My stomach suddenly twisted. I could feel something rising from within me. Instinctively, a hand flew to cover my mouth as I ran for the bathroom.

"Aubrey, wait. What's wrong?" Chad yelled after me.

Safely making it to the bathroom, I sat on my knees in front of the toilet. I no doubt was about to vomit. One hand rested on the edge of the toilet while the other gripped my hair behind my head.

"Baby, are you alright?" Chad whispered, walking in the bathroom.

"Chad, go. You don't need to see this." I choked out the words, feeling my stomach churn.

Right after expelling the words, I could feel the warm liquid rising up my throat. The bitter acid taste filling up my mouth.

A tingley sensation burned my throat and mouth after I'd deposit the acid churning in my stomach. Luckily, the churning in my stomach was gone.

"I'm sorry." I looked up at Chad.

Scrambling to his feet, Chad walked over to wear I sat. He slowly lowered himself down to sit next to me. "No, baby girl. It's okay."

 "I thought it was just cramps but guess not."

Rubbing the small of my back, Chad comforted me, "Aubrey it's okay. You probably just ate something that upset your tummy."

"Did I ruin the night?" I felt a tear roll down my cheek.

Chad shook his head, "No. Aubrey, you got sick. You couldn't help it. Now come on, let's go to sleep. I'm so tired and you need some rest."

This was the Chad I loved. The understanding one. I don't know what his problem was earlier, but he was back. Maybe he was just trying to seem cool at the airport.

Chad helped me to my feet and half carried me back to his room. His hands lingered on my hips before he spoke, "Do you need something to sleep in?"

"No, undress me though." I tried to flirt.

Chad smiled as he lifted the hem of my t-shirt. The cool air in his room bit at my stomach. Goose bumps bloomed all around my skin.

"Where the fuck did that come from?" Chad's voice boomed.