That One Summer

Chapter 32

Song to the right, play when...well, when she starts singing...yeah-------------------------->

Chapter 32

Kailah's POV

We were sitting around the fire and I could see Ian, but he wasn't looking at me. He was sitting beside Garet across me in between the fire. It was like an indispensable wall separating us. He seemed unreachable that I found myself doubting if I'm doing the right thing.

I could tell the other kids around were giving me curious glances. I've already asked Mr. Brendon for permission and he gladly allowed me to do whatever I was planning to do.

I let out a sigh and glanced at Kim who was sitting beside me. She raised her hands and gave me two thumbs up. I responded with a small smile that I could muster at the moment because to say that I was nervous is cutting it mildly, I could even feel my hands trembling.

Maybe I should just run away and just stay in my safe haven. . .

I shook my head furiously. Gosh, when did I become such a wimp!

"This is it. You can do this Kailah." I said under my breath, encouraging myself.

I took the guitar I borrowed. It was a good thing Mr. Brendon had one with him. Placing it on my lap, I gazed at Ian who was now looking at me with a blank look. My stomach suddenly felt weird. It wasn't helping that I couldn't tell what was running in his head.

Well, it's not like I ever did from the beginning. He was a mystery. Even when we became friends, I couldn't tell whatever he was thinking. If it weren't for that-that kiss, then I wouldn't have thought that he. . . liked me.

And now I've screwed up everything.

Please let this work. I sent a silent prayer to whoever that's up above.  

I can't lose him.

I felt my throat close up with all the heavy emotions I was being filled with.

I inhaled deeply, tried to relax, grateful that my hands weren't shaking anymore, and closed my eyes as I let my fingers strum the strings of the guitar, disturbing the silence that has settled with the sound it produced.

I could feel every single pair of eyes trained at me and I couldn't help but smile as that certain stare I've grown to love was, again, there.

Still with my eyes closed, I opened my mouth and let the words I've wanted to say to him pour out through a song. 

'You, by the light is the greatest find

In a world full of wrong, you're the thing that's right

Finally made it through the lonely

To the other side

You've set it again, my heart's in motion

Every word feels like a shooting star

I'm at the edge of my emotions

Watching the shadows burning in the dark

And I'm in love,

And I'm terrified

For the first time and the last

In my only life. . .

And this could be good, it's already better than that

And nothing's worse than knowing you're holding back

I could be all that you need,

If you let me try. . .'

I repeated the chorus, still with my eyes closed. Ian, I hope you're listening.