DISTANT

Chapter 7

She finally made it to the park. Feeling a small breeze she walked towards the benches located a bit further away.

She decided to wear her grey Addis sweatpants, her black all stars and her black long sleeve t-shirt which showed off her small waist.

Getting closer she saw a dark silhouette sitting at one of the benches she was about to pass.

She cleared her throat when she saw him. One look in her direction and he was full on laughing.

"That's cute. Seems like we read each other's minds." He said with a huge grin.

"Yeah it seems like it but in all honesty I was just trying to be comfortable." She said taking a seat next to him but left a good amount of space between them.

"Why are you sitting so far away? Come closer you know I don't bit."

He stood up and picked her up bridal style seating her closer to wear he was previously sitting.

"Much better."

She moved a little away from him trying to not give him the wrong idea.
After all he did friend zone her in that closet a few days ago.

He placed his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. She inhaled his familiar mint scent and rested her head on his chest.

"Wow. The sky is so beautiful." She said softly while looking up at the sky.

"Just like you." He whispered, kissing the top of her head.

"What was that?" She asked shocked at what she heard.

"I said "Yeah it's so dark blue."" He recovered quickly scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"Nate, what's up with you lately?" She said sitting up straight.

Looking at her, he saw concern, hurt, sadness written all over her beautiful face. He felt so bad that he told her he doesn't like her.

The truth is he had a very rough life and he was trying to protect her from the monster he was.

He pushed up her glasses and tucked her hair behind her ear.

Leaning in closer he kissed the corner of her lip, her cheek and her nose then whispered, "Don't worry about me love."

Sighing she laid back down on his chest looking up at the stars.

After a few more minutes Nate asked, "Hey Zayna what's your favourite colour?"

She chuckled at the choice of topic, "Blue. You?"

"Red"

"Okay who's your favourite Superhero?" She asked him.

"Superman and how about you?"
"Captain America."

"Why him?" He asked chuckling.

"Because he's awesome." She stated proudly.

After a few more minutes of asking stupid questions they walked to the nearest restaurant hand in hand.

They past an elderly couple who stopped and spoke to them.

"Oh my aren't you two just the cutest couple ever. I remember when my Herold and I were exactly like you two when we were younger." Said the small, fragile looking old woman.

Zayna quickly jumped in saying, "Sorry ma'am but we are just really good friends nothing more."

She felt embarrassed. It was already bad enough that she admitted her feelings and got rejected at the same time.

What the hell is life doing to her?
"Oh that's too bad. Enjoy the evening. Toodaloo."greeted the lady and walked off with her husband.

"Take good care of her. Heaven knows what might happen in the future." Whispered the old lady in Nate's ear.

Zayna glanced over her shoulder to see his reaction.

His eyes widened but he turned towards the lady's ear whispering something that she couldn't quite hear.

He greeted them again and walked ahead of Zayna.

*********

They ate quickly and were now walking towards Zayna's house.
The cold breeze was nipping at her sensetive skin.

"Come here."

He pulled her to his side by her waist wrapping an protective arm around her small body.

"Thanks Nate, I had fun tonight." She said once they've turned onto her street.

"Anytime Zay. I had fun too. Maybe we can do this again?" He asked looking down at her with adoration visible in his eyes.

"Yeah, maybe. Well this is my stop." She said once they've walked onto her porch.

"I'll see you tomorrow love." He pulled her into the most comfortable hug she had ever experienced.

He rested his head on her shoulder with her face nuzzled in his neck.
They stood in that position for quite some time until Nate slowly pulled away, gazing into her dark hazel eyes.

He leaned in closer to her just until their faces were a few inches apart, his breath fanning her lips.
He was so close  to closing the gap but she turned her head which made him land his lips on her cheek.

"I have to go." She whispered into his ear.
He sighed against her neck saying, "I'll see you tomorrow. Good night Zayna." He leaned away from her and she saw a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

She gave him a curt nod and headed into her house.

Once she was in her room she started to cry. She didn't want to fall for Nate but nobody can control who their heart wants.

And her heart wants Nate.