The Difference (A Hunter Hayes Fanfic)

Chapter Four

Two Weeks Later ...

Kaylee's Point of View

I walked through the crowded Seattle airport, the sound of the wheels of my small suitcase clicking against the floor behind me.

These past few weeks have been difficult emotionally. Ever since meeting Hunter through dinner that night, my mind has been all over the place. It was overwhelming me and I needed an escape. I needed someone to talk to and work through my feelings with.

I walked through the sliding doors and to the outdoors. The pitter pattering rain was steady, per usual when talking about Seattle weather. I threw my hood from my rain coat on. I smiled when I looked into the distance.

There was Jason, walking my way, holding up an umbrella, ready to bring me coverage from the wet weather.

He smiled hard and I ran his way, embracing him in a tight hug the minute we were close enough.

Once my suitcase was in Jason's trunk, we got in his car and drove to his apartment.

----

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you." I giggled softly once we were sitting on his couch together.

"I missed you too, Kay. And my goodness, you've only become more beautiful." He grinned.

"Still as charming as you were in high school." I teased.

"You bring it out in me." He smiled.

You're probably wondering why I'm here in Seattle to see Jason. Since my heart has been all over the place lately, I wanted to escape and confide in the one guy who has always had my back. No conditions or judgements.

Although we ended our relationship before going our separate ways to college, we have remained good friends and have stayed close. Jason gives me a sense of safety and comfort that I honestly haven't felt with many people. He is someone that I can count on and someone who I know will remain honest with me. I'll always be thankful for that.

"So," He pulled me into his arms and I rested my head on his shoulder, "how is life? Fill me in."

I sighed. "So much, J."

"Have you talked to Alex since ...?"

"Not by choice. I ran into him when I was with Cass. He was being his usual self."

"He obviously didn't deserve you." Jason said softly. "You know what you deserve."

"No I don't. Not anymore." I looked up at him. "I felt so blindsided and heartbroken. It was as if the life that I was building with Alex was all a lie."

"I'm not the same Kaylee I was as when we dated, J. I've lost myself along the way of all this heartache." I whispered.

"Look at me." He said gently.

I looked up at him, my brown eyes staring into his.

"When you love, you love deeply. I was so lucky to experience that first hand. You deserve a man who will look at you like you are the only one in the room -- even when you're surrounded by dozens of others. A man who will tell you how special you are each and every day. A man who will love you as deeply as you love him. You have a huge heart, with so much love to give. Don't hide that heart out of fear, Kay."

I let a tear fall. "I can't go there, Jason. If my heart would get broken again, I honestly don't know if I could handle it."

He wiped my tear and softly kissed my cheek. "You are one of the strongest women I know. You are going to take the world by storm one day. And someday, a guy is going to come into your life and be right there with you, to be your rock. Your biggest support system."