Between Us - Kory and Zaire

Chapter 5

KORY'S POV

I excitedly put on my glasses and fixed my belt, as I looked into the mirror in my bathroom. This is it! I'm finally going to watch a movie with Zaire. And... Well it's the first time I got to convince my father to go somewhere with just my friend

Without wasting any time I grabbed my wallet and car keys, and I went downstairs. My mother was downstairs watching television with my father, and I came to them. My phone was supposed to be returned today, at least I hope that'll happen

"Father, mother, I'll be going out now. I'll be home this evening" I said to them

My mom paused the show they were watching, and she gave me a hug. "Alright, be careful Kory" she said

I turned to my father, and he looked displeased. I had to kneel in front of him, and kissed his knuckles. "I'll be going now father" I said, awaiting any sort of response from him

"Mhm" he said, pulling his hand back from my grasp. He handed me a couple of bucks, and my phone on top "Go on already"

"Thank you father" I said with a smile as I gave him a hug. I felt him push me away a little bit

"I said go" He said, his voice sounding gritty. And when I saw his eyes... They were so dark. So hateful. So bitter... But he was my father still

I nodded to him, soon getting into my car and drove to the mall. I arrived where Zaire and I were going to meet up at, and when I entered the lobby of the mall, I had to call Zaire to see where he was. I looked and watched as all the people around me were having fun, hanging out with friends and rarely, family. I saw a little boy, alone sniffling walking aimlessly. I felt bad, and so I walked over to him

"Hey, are you lost? Where are your parents?" I asked him in a soft tone, lowering myself so we saw eye to eye with each other

He shook his head. "I don't know... Papa let go of my hand and I can't find him" He said to me

"I see, well... I can walk you to security, that way your papa can find you" I said with a smile to him

"R-Really? Okay..." He spoke to me

I gently held his hand, guiding him through the mall towards the security section. He held my hand pretty tight, as if he was scared to get lost again if he let go. Soon I found it, explaining to the security guards there what happened. They asked what his name was, and his papa's. After around ten minuted of standing by the guards and the small child, a middle aged man came running to us

"Aarik!" The father exclaimed. The little boy smiled, immediately hugging his father

"Papa! I was so scared" He sniffled as he buried his face into his shoulder once he was picked up

"I know sweetheart I'm sorry... I won't let go again" He said and pet him to try and calm his nerves

"Thank you, everyone... I'm so glad you guys found him" he said to the guards

"Actually sir, this young man brought him here" The guard gestured to me

He nodded, shaking my hand. "Thank you, thank you so much... I don't know what I would've done if you didn't bring him here" He said to me

I shook my head, accepting the handshake. "Of course, sir... Please be careful next time" I said. Soon the duo left, and I went about my day to see Zaire 

"Kory!" I heard Zaire call my name, and when I turned around I felt his arms around me. "I've been looking for you. You dressed so nice today" He said to me