A Cole and Lili Story

Chapter 10

Lili's POV

Jealousy. The word most commonly used for when one feels envy for another's achievements or possessions. Jealousy, the word that one feels when they envy another's relationship. Jealousy, the word that I wouldn't have to feel. Jealousy, the horrible feeling that used to bubble up in my stomach, that would rise to the surface in front of me. Jealousy a word that Cole saved me from.

Cole was my love. Cole was the one that was keeping me sane, he kept me from my dark side.  Cole's the one asking me to go to Toledo with him, but I needed time to think about it. It was such a sudden request; I didn't have a response to shoot right away. He wanted me to travel to Toledo with him away from family, friends and most importantly Casey. He could be anywhere. I decided to take advantage of this trip, I was going. I'll ask around for Casey. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and clicked Cole's name in the contacts.

"Hello," his voice called through the phone.

"Hey Cole," I replied.

"Have you thought about it?" he questioned after a short pause.

"Uh, yeah. I have," I replied.

"So?" he waited.

"Yes, I'll come," I replied hastily.

"Really?" he said.

"Don't make me change my mind," I replied.

"Okay! I've got the bus tickets and everything. We're leaving tomorrow," he explained.

"Alright, Friday!" I exclaimed.

"Yeah, something wrong with the day?" he asked.

"No not at all, I need to start packing now," I replied quickly.

"Ok, I love you," he said.

My breath hitched at his words. "See you tomorrow Cole," I replied before hanging up.

I know I've heard it before, I've even said it to him before. The three words that made everything official but, it felt different. I don't know why but I didn't say it back. I do love him but something held me back from spitting the words out of my mouth. Was I making a mistake doing this? Casey is missing and I'm going on a break to Toledo with Cole. Sounds insane saying it out loud. Anyways, I'm going to try and ask around, for Casey, for my best friend.

I smoothed down my pink sweater into the suitcase before zipping it up.

"What on earth are you packing for!" my mother cried at the door.

"Mom," I said as I turned slowly to face her, "I'm uh, I'm going to Toledo."

"No you're not!" she screamed storming towards me.

"Mom, you can't always tell me what to do with my life and where to go!" I defended pushing past her.

"Well actually I can because you still live in this house, don't you?" she questioned throwing her hands around as she spoke.

"Fine mom, if you don't want me here then I'll leave!" I exclaimed.

I pulled my baggage out of the room and dragged it down the stairs, slamming the front door shut as I exited. Tears streamed down my face, wasn't that just a normal thing to do now though? Cry?

"Lili! Lili, you get back here now!" my mom screamed from the window.

I pulled my phone from my pocket, "Cole," I sobbed.

"Lils what's wrong?" he questioned.

"I don't know where to go," I sniffled rubbing my eyes.

"What do you mean? Where are you?" he questioned anxiously.

"I don't know, Cole, I don't know what to do," I cried sitting in the middle of a path.

"Lili where around are you?" he asked sympathetically.

"Around my house," I responded.

"Why aren't you in your house?" he asked confused.

"I got myself kicked out," I confessed snorting at my own reply.

"I'm coming to get you, we'll talk about it soon okay?" he comforted.

"Thank you," I replied before the phone clicked.

At that moment I felt assured, protected and happy to know that Cole would be there for me regardless of the situation.