My Superhero

Chapter 16

We kissed.

No, no. we didn’t just kiss. Actors kiss in movies all the time just for the sake of satisfying the viewers. Husbands and wives kiss every morning just because it’s part of their routine.

Jason didn’t kiss me; he poured his soul into me. How could a simple touch, his lips on mine, hold so much meaning?

I groaned and buried my head under the fluffy bed covers. This is impossible. Why can’t I stop thinking about this? I mean, it was just a kiss. People kiss all the time. Why do I always have to make such a huge deal out of everything?

“Viv? Are you up?” Kate asked, her head popping in from behind the door. I pulled the covers off my face and sat up. Her face turned into a mask of sympathy as she walked in and plopped down next to me, wrapping me up in a big hug.

“Oh honey, it’s okay,” she cooed. I could smell the sea water on her skin.

“Were you at the beach?” I asked, looking up at her.

“Luca and I went for an early swim,” she replied, her cheeks turning pink.

“You two are so cute,” I said, a small smile spreading on my face. They really were. Luca has been such a gentleman to her. After the lineup of jerks that Kate has gone through in her life, I was happy to see that she has finally found the right guy.

“Why did you push him away, Viv?” Kate asked, ignoring my comment.

“Luca?” 

She groaned and smacked me on the head. “No, Jason,”

I sighed.

 “I don’t know,” I muttered. I did know; I just wasn’t ready to fess up just yet.

“Yes you do,” she replied sternly. “I’m your sister, remember? I know when you’re lying, and right now, you’re hiding something from me.”

“I just got scared, alright?” I replied, throwing my hands up in frustration. “I mean, I’ve known the guy for two seconds, I can’t get knee deep with someone I barely know.”

“Viv, he didn’t ask you to marry him,” she pointed out.

“I just can’t let anything happen with him.” I stated more to myself than to Kate.

“Why not? You like him!” Kate exclaimed. I could tell she was getting impatient with me. “Viviana, what are you hiding from me?”

“I’m not hiding anything, why do you always think I’m lying?” I said irritated.

“Because right now, you are!” she yelled.

“You don’t know anything, alright?” I yelled back, my voice cracking. Her eyes softened immediately.

“That’s why I’m asking you to tell me, Viv,” she said softly. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply through my nose.

“I can’t do this,” I croaked out, my eyes still closed.

“Viv, come on. Whatever it is, I know it’s bothering you.” Kate encouraged. I sighed and opened my eyes.

“I can’t get involved,” I said in defeat. Her eyebrows knitted in confusion.

“Why not?” she asked.

“Because I won’t let my heart get broken again,” I replied curtly.

“When has it ever been broken? You’ve always been really happy,” she said.

“I dated this guy, Nick, right before I moved here,” I winced unintentionally as the memories I’d blocked for so long came rushing back.

“And?”