Christopher | ✔

Chapter Eight

Kissland - The Weeknd

Picture of Gabriel Foster

***

"His bloody remains lives within me, the scent as foul as can be." - Tasha Dhanraj

I closed my eyes as I slumped against the comfortable leather sofa in the living room, enjoying the silence of my home. It was a tiring day, helping Nina to avoid the sneers of the crowds as they stared at her with judging eyes, heaps of lies falling from they lips.

She didn't say much that day, strangely quiet and distant with herself. I didn't ponder on it, knowing I too, wouldn't be comfortable if everywhere I went consisted of laughter of mockery. I massaged my temples, trying to release the amount of stress I felt. Who knew babysitting Nina could be so unbearable?

Padding to the kitchen, half awake, I hadn't realized the glass I pulled from the cupboard wasn't in my grasp entirely, so I was startled once it crashed to the floor. This caused Chris to stumble down the stairs, popping into the kitchen so quickly, I was still in a daze.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, a bit breathless from the run to the kitchen. I nodded, bending over to pick up the bits of ceramic off the floor. "No, don't do that." He came into my peripheral vision, pulling a broom to sweep it himself. This man was too kind to be true.

"Thanks?" I replied, a bit unsure. The was an uncomfortable silence, so I decided to break it off a bit. "So how are you and my mom doing?" I scratched behind my head, knowing that that was probably not the best way to go. He turned to face me, completely unfazed from my sudden boldness, just eyebrows quirked up in curiosity.

"And why would you like to know?" he smiled, a charming smile, throwing the bits he'd collected into the bin. I shrugged nonchalantly, trying my best to get out the situation I was in. He just made me so self-conscious. I was beyond relieved once the front door opened and Nina walked in, Candace at her heels, disrupting whatever Chris had to say afterwards.

"We have a problem," Nina said to me, not even acknowledging Chris as she breathed heavily, Candace frowning at her side as if it question everything that was going. Maybe she'd already known the situation and it didn't come to terms with her. "We can't find Caleb!" Did she say we? I thought to myself, and soon enough, Darlene and Emmett barged in, worry plastered on their faces as well.

"Zoe, you know him more than anyone here. We need your-" she paused once she realized Chris standing there, shook her head and then continued. "We need your help." Crease lines were forming on my forehead as I felt demoralized. Why would Caleb just disappear? Soon enough, I was guided into Emmett's car by Darlene, who instructed Candace and Nina to stay home... We didn't need some many people trailing behind, especially Nina, as she seemed to be the reason behind all of this.

To my surprise, Gabriel, Caleb's older brother was in the front, staring off into the distance, not even noticing when we approached. Emmett got into the driver seat as the rest of us got in, but we didn't go right away. I had to think hard before the solution came to mind; the one place he went when he was troubled. I was surprised Gabriel didn't think about it... Maybe he didn't know it existed.

"Drive up to Oak-Tone Creek," I instructed, not surprised once all of them turned to glare at me.

"We got you here, so you could help us find my brother, and now you're suggesting we drive off to some abandoned creek?" Gabriel seethed, tugging at his dirty blonde hair. I averted my eyes from him, gazing out the window instead.

"Just trust me."

***

15 minutes later...

We pulled up near the opening of the forest, watching as the rays passed through the top leaves, allowing only certain beams to pass through. I warily got out, and closed the door behind me, giving Emmett's car one last glance before I commenced my journey through Oak-Tone. Rumours around town had people believing that spirits haunted the small forest, all through the day and night... probably the reason why tourists never came here.

I didn't believe it one bit though. In fact, people like Caleb took advantage of that, using the area as his thinking place, since everyone else was basically too scared to step foot here. Soon enough, I arrived the small stream, used as our trademark, and there he was, sitting on the large stone, focusing on the water as it flowed towards the larger river nearby, it's trickling sound quite clear.

He probably didn't notice me there or was purposely ignoring me, so I nudged his shoulder. He didn't seem surprised, so he was obviously ignoring me.

"What do you want?" he asked softly, his voice the same volume as the stream in front of us, quiet and subtle. He looked tired and worn out.

"Caleb, everyone's been worried about your whereabouts-" He huffed, turning his head away slightly. "No, I'm serious. Your brother's been frantic." Caleb simply scoffed and turned to face me.

"Well, that surprised me." I placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You have to stop pushing me away."

"Why does it matter? They're all going to drop me like some trash eventually." I frowned.

"What are you talking about? Where is all this coming from?" I'd got off the stone to stand in front of him. His chocolate eyes seemed dead.

"You'll understand sooner or later." He got up to leave.

"No," I paused, restraining him for walking off by placing my hands on his chest. "Tell me." He cocked his head to one side.

"Why should I?" I blinked, not expecting that being thrown my way because I really didn't have a quick answer for it. But when I began to ponder on it, I realized I did.

"Because I care," I whispered, mainly to myself, but he heard it.

"How much?" This was getting ridiculous.

"Just tell me!" He placed his hands in his pockets, licking his lips before he could speak.

"I think I'm gay."

***

A/N: So I did have some spare time and I was able to produce this in one night! My exams continue into next week so I might be scarce but I'll try to send another chapter your way before the weekend ends. And oh! This book actually climbed up the Hot-List once more, from #496 to #322 all thanks to you! Don't forget to comment and vote!

And check out 'The Calling' DanielleAugustin

Taja D'amore.