The Thief of Hearts

Chapter 24

Thalia's pov

We spent hours talking, to be exact, the whole morning. When I got tired of holding the phone to my ears, I plugged in my earphones and stuffed the device in my pocket. That way, I could talk while getting my chores done. When I got annoyed at the earphones, I put the phone on speaker.

I literally forgot that
I was still using Amanda's iPhone instead of my own. I only remembered when she began to glare at me after a while. When I asked her what was her problem, she just said:

"You're not the only one who wants to talk to their boyfriend. I'll have you know you're on borrowed time." She wagged her finger, warning me.

I rolled my eyes at her and Keith laughed historically as he listened over the phone. "Who gave you a joke?" I asked him.

"Mandy's other half is here staring a hole in my forehead." He laughed. I joined him instantly. It seemed we both enjoy making others uncomfortable or annoyed.

"Okay, for their sakes, lemme call you back on my phone this time." I suggested, not really taking into consideration that the next day is finals and everyone was supposed to be studying.

"I have a better idea." Keith replied.

"What's that?" I asked curiously.

"How about I pick you up and we go study at the park together?" He asked.

I was hesitant when I answered, it sounded like a date. "Keith, you said you'd wait."

"Come on T," he whined, "it's not like I'm down on one knee holding out an engagement ring for you. Just this one time. I need to see you, and touch you. I miss your smell of roses and baby powder. Just please say yes."

I began blushing out of control as I listened to him. Mandy started a kind of silent scream thingy and jumped up and down lightly clasping her hands together. I could just feel her over exaggerated drama queen ritual starting up again. I decided to save myself before Mandy started her charade.

"Okay fine. Give me time to get ready." I said. I agreed to go even though I was a hundred percent positive that we weren't going to do anything even remotely close to studying.

✍✍✍✍✍

From five AM to twelve noon, I think I've covered just about everything that has to do with Keith. We talked about so many things that I was having trouble figuring out just how the conversation ended up flowing in perfect synchrony. There was never a dull moment, and even though we spent most of the time arguing over nonsense, I enjoyed all of it.

Keith was an orphan at the age of two and was adopted five years later. His adoptive mother, Lidia McCarthy, a successful author and editor, runs a book publishing company in London. She came out of a bad relationship at the time Keith was taken in and she vowed never to remarry again. Keith on the other hand, was determined to show her that one can't just give up on love and family just because the first try failed.

He became best friends with Ashton when he moved into the new neighborhood with Lidia. Ashton was the one who taught him how to ride a bike, fish, swim and later on, drive; even though the driving part had a lot to do with stealing one of Ash's dad's cars... He said that was a long story for another day.

Keith always had an obsession problem ever since he knew himself, according to him. It started with little things like action figures and comic books, then it took on more mature things as he grew. On the subject of action figures, one of the things Keith and Ash used to do, and sometimes still do, is make up super hero names for the people in their lives. Of course, the others were completely oblivious of this. I managed to find out mine and Amanda's super names; Ashton called Mandy Emerald for her green eyes. I didn't like my name at all, but I guess it suites me; Keith called me Anigma because I'm so confusing.

Keith had a billion crushes in the past who all had one thing in common; short black hair. He has only one ex girlfriend who he believes his obsession with her was only because of her wardrobe and lingerie. She was a major fashionista and ended up leaving him to for a contract to design clothes for a modeling agency somewhere in France.

........

We were under an Apple tree at the nearby park. I was trying to study (extra emphasis on trying,) while Keith had his head resting on my lap and was prying the book about communication studies out of my hands. I wasn't concentrating anyway and I thought maybe it was no use in trying to read.

"Come on T," Keith said, "quit ignoring me."

I sighed in frustration and defeat. "Fine." I let the book go and watched with satisfaction as it fell on his forehead.

"Ouch!" He said as he laughed lightly. "What was that for?"

"I need to study and you're distracting me." I answered in a duh tone.

"But baby, you've been studying all month." He argued back.

"Who told you that?"

"Who do you think?"

"Don't answer my question with a question." I said, shaking my head. Mandy had such a big mouth sometimes, well all the time.

Keith just laughed at me and I couldn't help but join him. We tend to have a silent agreement to enjoy our arguments rather than getting annoyed at each other about it. To be honest, I think our constant arguing was becoming so often that it got comfortable and no matter how many times I tell him to get lost, he wouldn't listen anyway.

My phone went off beside me and I instantly got overjoyed when I saw the caller ID. I answered on the first ring. "Mommy!"

The pleasant laughter at the other end made me giggle some more. "Hi stranger, how's my baby girl doing?"

"I'm fine mom." I replied, "I know I haven't called in a while, but I've been so busy lately..."

"It's ok dear, we know." Mom assured me. "How's your studying and when will I see you again?"

"Studying is great mom." I said, "I have exams for two weeks and I'll be home for Christmas after that." I was suddenly aware of Keith as he placed his head on the shoulder nearest to the phone. His arms circled me as he buried his face in my neck. It tickled.

"That's great sweetie. Are you taking home any friends with you?" Mom asked out of the blue.

I was caught off guard and took a while before I could answer. "Umm... No not really."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Mom asked, "I know you must meet someone by now, you're communication major."

I was about to give a lame excuse when Keith took the phone from me. "Hello." He said happily.

In shock and extreme horror, I tried desperately to take my phone from him. He ended up putting it on speaker so we both could hear. "And who am I speaking with?" My mom sounded intrigued as she inquired.

"I'm Keith, your future son-in-law." Keith answered proudly, not at all worried about what happens next.

"Oh, interesting." My mom's voice was filled with the unmistakable sound of pure excitement.

"Ohh no!" I groaned lowly, my face in my hands.

Mom wasted no time. "So I'll be meeting you in the holiday? Want to join us this Christmas?"

"Sure Mom." Keith replied quickly, "but first I'll have to talk to my mom to let her know."

"That's wonderful!" Mommy screeched. "I'll see you two in a few weeks then? I love you Thalia and good luck on your exams." With that, she hung up and I was positive that she was going to spread the 'news' all over the neighborhood any second now.