The Betrayal

Chapter 6 - 'College'

Pete and I grew up the rest of our high school life inseparable. He was my guide and I was his protector. After that fateful night in the subway, no one bothered us again. We casually walked past the "bullies" in the school all the time, receiving fiery glares filled with pure hatred. Not one had the guts to speak or confront us and the rest of high school went like a brisk morning breeze. Well, apart from the tests, but they weren't a major concern. However, I was still bothered by Aaron leaving and, now that I was old enough to understand, I always contemplated who those demons were who killed my parents in cold blood. Would they ever come for me? Peter and I graduated from high school with brilliant grades, mostly A's and B's for us both. As Peter had helped me a lot with the academic aspect I agreed to go to the same college as him, Warner College. Pete knew I lived alone so he'd come round all the time to eat tea, watch films, play video games and just hang out. He spent a lot more time at my apartment than he did at his foster parents. He may as well have moved in.

Summer vacation disappeared quickly and felt like a mere weekend holiday. Before we knew it, we were seventeen and it was the first day of college. Pete had grown out of his teenager stages. He was now really tall and slicked his short blonde hair back. I was hesitant when he suggested it, but now I'm used to it and frankly, it really suits him. His teeth and skin were in perfect condition and, after being his personal trainer myself, his body was in great shape. As he liked to say, he became a "hit with the ladies" and had many dates all the time. I met lots of women he'd bring to the apartment and spent the night with in the spare room, but I never bothered with all that. I too had grown out of the puberty stage and gained height. I was still half a foot smaller than Pete but my muscle mass was much greater and I still had my unnatural strength. Pete was always jealous of my toned physique and abs so he would tease me on height and I would tease him on strength. I decided to cut my hair shorter at the back and sides but kept my fringe, as my mother always liked it, and it reminded me of her.

College began harshly. We were getting taster classes back and forth and choosing all our options really fast. I had a mind for Psychology, Languages and Physical Education whilst Peter chose Biology, History and Chemistry. Although we would not be in the same classes, we vowed to always find each other on breaks, free periods, and lunch times. I decided not to try and make friends and focus on my work. Due to my confidence increase however I made "acquaintances" by politely speaking to others in my class and I got along with nearly everyone. The teachers were really nice and I became close with all three. Towards the end of my first year our Psychology teacher wanted to re-arrange the class seating plan so we could all get to know those we hadn't spoke to. She only went and sat me next to the most attractive girl in the class. I think the other alpha-male type characters disliked me from that point on. She had long fluffy black hair past her shoulders and bright charming green eyes. Her eyebrows were perfectly shaped and her lips were as red as a soft rose. Her nose and chin pointed like mine but they just looked enchanting on her.

"Hi I'm Kelly. Is it..?"

"Nathan." I said with an awkward chuckle, "I don't think anyone in the class actually knows it, but you can call me Nate."

"No way!" She giggled. "I can't believe I didn't know it until now! Well then Mr. Mysterious, I guess it's kinda fetching." She said with a wink.

I really liked Kelly. She wasn't judgmental at all and it felt good to be chosen over the other men in the class. We had a laugh all the time and she was so easy to speak to. I got the feeling she liked me back too which only made my confidence fly like a rocket. After the first year had ended we were like best friends. She got along really well with Pete too, and she loved hanging out with us at my apartment. By this point Pete was already on what felt like his twentieth girlfriend and Kelly was used to meeting girls who she'd never see again like I was. Pete would try the occasional flirty joke about us being a thing but was hit with a swift "Oh piss off" by Kelly pretty much every time. I enjoyed seeing her all defensive and embarrassed, but I was too scared to ask her how she really felt. The second year of college came quicker than the first. Kelly and I were delighted to find out we were in the same Psychology class again. She later revealed to me we had the same teacher and she had asked if we could be sat together again. She had to like me, there was no other explanation.

After a few weeks of our usual closeness, Pete was busy at a family meal so I asked Kelly to come round to my apartment with me alone. Joyfully, she accepted. I cooked a romantic meal with candles, special plates and cutlery, and chose some of her favourite films. She relished it and complimented everything I did and even how I looked. I realised I was falling in love with her. After we had finished all the films it was late at night and she had fell asleep cuddling in my arms.

"Kelly?" I whispered,

"Yeah?" she said softly,

"What are we?" I said hesitantly,

She moved away slowly, sat next to me and stared into my eyes. I was suddenly afraid and worried of her answer. She leaned her head closer to me so our lips were inches away.

"What do you want to be?" she said smoothly,

"I th.. I think I.. errrr, I think I love you." I mumbled,

She pressed her face against mine and our lips locked in a passionate but calm kiss.

"I love you too." She said peacefully, after we stopped kissing.

She followed me to the bedroom but pulled me back just before we entered.

"Will I be your first?" She said sceptically,

I knew exactly what she meant, but I didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

"First kiss? Who do you think I am?!" I said with a cheeky grin,

"How am I going to manage with you?" She laughed.

We awoke suddenly in the morning to the unpleasant noise of my alarm. After lazily stretching to turn it off, we lay for another thirty minutes laughing and joking about the previous night. I decided to tell her everything. My parents, the murderers, school and Aaron. She didn't believe me at first but when she saw how serious I was, she trusted I was being honest. I expected rejection or disgust, but I received warm words of comfort and tranquillity. It was in that moment, I realised I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Kelly.