Here's One From the Heart

XIII

Rayne's POV

I searched his eyes as he coward away a bit. "Are you kidding me?"

My heart fell to my stomach in that moment. I could feel tears burn at my eyes, but I knew I couldn't give him the satisfaction.

I stormed out the building, almost as fast as I had entered. From behind me, I could hear haste footsteps. I knew I was being followed.

"Rayne, wait!" He called after me.

I spun around to face him abruptly, the heavy rain chilling me to the bone.

"What could you possibly tell me now, huh?" I took a step closer to him, looking up into his eyes. "I chased you all the way to the airport. After the way we left things, I just figured you'd want to see me. At least, that's what it seemed like in the note. But, I've been wrong before. Like, when I thought you liked me, too, but went for my best friend instead."

He crossed his arms tightly across his chest. Man, he did look pretty handsome in the rain. The way his wet t-shirt hung onto his toned arms and abdomen.

"I didn't use the right words..." He started, "It wasn't a mistake. At the time, anyways. I wanted you, and maybe - deep down - I still do. But I'm heading home now, and only one thing come of this. I can't make any promises to you, Rayne. I love you. I really do. I've come to terms with it, but I've also realized, I love you so much, that I couldn't put you through what is so inevitable. What's best for you, isn't me."

"This is really how you feel?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, "At least for now. I think we could possibly make it work when I return, but I can't promise. Unless, of course, you'd like me out of my life-"

I hugged him.

"I want you. And when I want something, the wait is always worth it."

Jakub pulled away from me gently, keeping his arms wrapped around me loosely. He stared down into my eyes sincerely.

"Remember, I can't-"

"Make any promises," I interrupted, "I know. But I can't just let you get away again."

We shared one last hug. "I'll see you soon, okay?" I nodded into his chest.

He placed one last kiss on my forehead, before returning to the lineup, leaving me out in the rain.

This time, not metaphorically.

As I continued to become drenched, I couldn't seem to get my feet to move from under me. I wanted to find warmth and safety from the rain, but it seemed I'd just let it - or should I say, him - slip through my fingers once more.

I stood there, silent and alone, until he was finally down the tunnel and out of sight. The rain still hadn't let up, and, at this point, I found myself shaking from the freezing drops. I was able to eventually redeem my composure, and head towards my car. My eyes were so glued to the wet cement below me, I didn't even notice a man directly in front of me. And by the time I did, it was too late.

I found myself sprawled out in a puddle. "Oh, I'm so-" I looked up into his eyes. He was one of the most beautiful people I'd ever met - or, ran into.

"Don't mention it," he chuckled. I brushed myself off, and headed back to my car.

"Hey!" The stranger called back. "Don't I at least deserve a name to go with the face?"

I turned around without stopping, "Rayne."

"Jayden," the man called back without being asked.

"Nice to meet you!" I smiled, turning back around.

I was still in such a daze from my encounter with Jakub, it hadn't hit me what had happened. Finally reaching my vehicle, I sunk into the front seat and rested my forehead on the steering wheel, replaying the events of the day. From reuniting with Sydney, to getting back onto good terms with Jakub, and to running into Jayden.

It must all mean something. Something bigger.

In a mere twenty minutes, I arrived home to an unlocked door. I was welcomed by the buttery smell of fresh popcorn and pizza. Sydney had made herself at home.

"How'd it go?" She asked through her mouthful of popcorn.

I ran past her to my room, where I quickly changed from my wet clothes. I put on the first thing I saw on the dresser; a sweater Max had left behind.

"I think it worked out well." I replied simply, sitting next to my best friend.

"You didn't miss him?!" She cried, "Tell me everything!" She bounced around in her spot.

"I promise. I will. Soon, okay?" I sat back contently, grabbing a slice of pizza.

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This was a quickly-written, half-assed short filler chapter. I'm so sorry. The story will get better!