Saving Laila.

Chapter 9.

[Jay]

"What are you smiling at?"

My brother interrupted my texting as he sat at the table.

"Oh just something a friend sent me."

"The same friend you were talking to yesterday for an hour?"

"Yep."

"Who is this 'friend' James?"

Tom smirked at me and I tried to distract him. "Just someone I met."

"You're being very evasive."

"Only because I know you'll tease me."

"If I promise not to tease you will you tell me?"

"Maybe. I know you're a liar."

"Seriously James tell me or I'll take your phone."

"What are we, 5?"

I sighed and crossed my arms. "Remember when I lost my phone?"

"Who could forget?"

"Well I'm still chatting with the girl who sent it back."

"Is she cute?"

I showed him the photo and he nodded appreciatively. "Does she know who you are?"

"Yep. I only told her 3 months ago though."

"What's her name?"

"Laila. She lives in Scotland."

"Okay then. What do you guys talk about?"

"All sorts. You know you're asking a lot of questions."

"I know. Just looking out for you."

"Anyway, I've been thinking about visiting her."

"Seems like a good idea, since you've been chatting for about six months."

"Longer than that."

"When are you planning on going?"

"Well her town is having a fair and she's participating. I figured I'd pop up there as a surprise." "Good plan! You'd better start packing and booking a hotel."

"I thought I'd stay at hers."

"With no warning? Not sure that's a good idea."

"We'll see what happens. I'm prepared in any case."

"Well good luck bro" exclaimed Tom, patting me on the shoulder.

*

The trip to Sandyport was quite peaceful. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and from what I could see from the bus I understood why Laila liked living here.

I was so nervous. My palms were sweating as I walked up to where she lived, a one-bedroom cottage. Should I really do this?

Come on Jay, you've done bigger things than this. You can do this.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door, crossing my fingers behind my back.