Tangled Love

Chapter Nineteen: Stay With Me

--Kiara--

I took a deep breath and stared at the setting sun. I've always loved the sunset. It was as if a promise from the heavens that there would be hope for tomorrow. 'It would be nicer if Nathan's with me to watch it...' I smiled bitterly as that thought flashed my mind and remembered the reason why I am here in the first place.

If Stacy is indeed telling the truth or not, I know I have to ask Nathan about it but I just can't. I've been used to the thought of them being together for years but being with him these past few weeks, I'm afraid I've become greedy of him. I sighed for the nth time and drowned myself sitting on the sand, appreciating the beauty of the beach under a starry sky in silence.

The constant ring on my phone shattered my quiet world. I checked who that is and I realized Nathan called me thirteen times already while a few times from Piwie and my Mom. Then it hit me... 'I left without telling anyone where I'll be going!'

I also checked the messages and most of them are from Nathan as well, asking me where I am. 'He's worried about me...' I couldn't help the smile that crept from my lips. I was about to call him back when I remembered the scene I unfortunately overheard. I put my phone back in my pocket. I can't just talk to him yet. I spent a few minutes longer before I got back in my car. I was thinking of going back when I heard yet another ring from my phone. My heart gone wild when I saw Andrew's name on the screen. I recall not seeing him the entire graduation ceremony before I saw him talking with Stacy. Curiosity about what happened earlier pushed me to answer his call just before the line died.

"H-hello?" I swallowed hard and tried to relax but to no avail.

"Kiara! Where are you?!" I moved the phone away from my ear instantly after hearing him shout from the other line.

"K-kiara? Are you still there??" I know he's worried about me and I appreciate that but I need to know everything there is to know about Stacy.

I released a sigh and looked at the horizon, collecting my thoughts. "I'm... I'm still here, Andrew." I heard a commotion on the background when I spoke. I bet he's with my family.

"A-are you okay? Where are you? Tell me! I'm so worried about you!" I heard some movements from the background and the commotion earlier began to fade. Maybe he moved to a more quiet place.

"Y-yes, of course...What else would I feel?" I swallowed once more and gave my best to sound cheerful. I heard him sigh.

"Y-yeah...Of course..." I heard another commotion in the background. Andrew's talking to someone but I just can't grasp what they are talking about and who he's talking with. Seconds later, I heard inaudible sound coming from the phone which made me put it away from my ear again. I caught my breath when I put the phone back on my ear.

"Hello?! Pumpkin! Are you alright? Where are you? Gosh! Kiara! We're all worried sick! I am worried sick..." My heart skipped a beat when I heard Nathan's voice. He sounded like he's been out of breath and relieved at the same time. My lips twitched upon hearing him murmur the last words he said.

"I...I am going back now. I just felt exhausted with the ceremony earlier and I needed to breathe..." I was still out of breath knowing that he was worried about me. 'He cares about me! There is no way in hell that he'd invite Stacy!'

I shut my eyes real hard, mentally removing the doubts I have garnered earlier and a smile forming my face.

"Be safe okay? I'll wait for you..." Is this the one who's supposed to betray me? I guess I just overreacted.