Holding on to What is Left {Editing as of 03/24/15}

Chapter Seven

After we leave the fair, we decide to go cruising around for a couple of hours.

Jordan rolls the windows down and takes me to where all the mansions are. We go up and down each street, telling each other which house is prettier and which ones we would want to have someday.

Afterwards, he takes me to the city park, where there is a huge pond with a fountain/light show. We sit on a park bench, at almost 1:30 in the morning, and watch the show.

I lean on his shoulder, and he uses his arm he has around me to stroke my hair.

"Had a good night so far, kitty?"

I smile at him, because I just love that nickname.

"So far, this has been amazing. But, there is only one more thing that could make this night even better!"

"Oh really, and what is that?"

I look into his eyes, because I'm almost sure he knows exactly what it is.

"A South Park and Family Guy marathon, all night long!"

"All night? Okay... But don't be crying to me when you're tired all day long tomorrow!"

He scoots closer to me and squeezes me tightly.

"How about we go to my house? I've got ice cream!" I say winking at him.

"Let's do it!"

He drives to my house and we walk in together. As soon as we get in the living room, Jordan plops down on the couch.

"You put on South Park," I say, "and I'll get the ice cream!"

"Will do!"

I walk into the kitchen, and get out two bowls. I fill them up with Rocky Road ice cream. As I'm walking back into the living room, I see Jordan looking at a picture of my parents.

I put down the ice cream in front of him and sit down next to him.

"So these are your parents?"

"Yeah, were my parents. They... Died in 9/11, they were both in the same building. I was only 8 years old, but I remember it vividly. My sister freaked out, because she was only 16, and the government let her have the right to take care of me. When I turned 15, my sister killed herself. Every morning I get up hoping to find my mother or my father, hoping it was all just a dream... But it wasn't. They didn't ever find the body of my mom, but they found my father's."

Jordan pulls me into his arms and presses his face into my hair.

"I'm so sorry, Kat. Sorry for bringing this up."

I turn my head and press my forehead against his.

My stomach is clenching and turning over.

"It's okay. You needed to know my story."

He is closer now.

"Want to know my story, Kat?"

"Only if you want to tell me."

He kisses my cheek and puts my head on his chest. He is so warm.

"When I was little, my dad left my mom and I. Just one day, he was gone. Never came back, left without a trace. My older brother hated me, and he used to beat me when I was younger, and would force me to tell my mom I fell, or some kid did it to me at school. Now that he is gone, we get along when he visits, but I have trust issues. I trusted that my dad would never leave me, but he did, and he hasn't shown back up. My story isn't near as horrible and heartbreaking as yours, but life just sucks."

I put my legs on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck, and he wraps his hands around my waist.

I don't know what I'm feeling right now, except that I want to be with Jordan. Bad.

"Life is so unfair. I have had trouble making friends, but only because I hate to love someone, because one minute they are by your side, and the next they're gone. Just like my parents and my sister. But there is something about you Jordan, that just makes me feel so comfortable around you. When I'm with you, I feel I have no worries or flaws. You make me feel like I'm perfect."

He brings my face up to his, and his lips brush mine when he says:

"Hey Kat. I think I love you."

I move my hand across his face and cup his cheek.

"I think I love you too."

Jordan presses his lips against mine, sending electricity through my veins. He lies down and pulls me with him, wrapping me in his arms.

I think, "Why can't this last forever?"

He kisses me on the cheek, then says, "I don't think I can call you my neighbor anymore, Kat."

"Then what are you going to call me?"

He leans in one last time for another kiss.

"How about my girlfriend?"

I smile against his lips.

"Sounds great to me."

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