This love (Teacher/Student)

Chapter 27

EDITED

When I woke up, Daniels arm was wrapped tightly around my waist. His breath coming out in slow pants on my neck. I smiled into it, nuzzling my head into his arm for a second to take in the familiar scent of him before slowly turning round.

He looked so peaceful when he slept. So, content with me in his arms and in the bed he grew up in.

I loved being a part of it. A part of his life. His world. Despite the secrets he still kept.

I placed a gentle kiss to his mouth which he couldn't even register enough to kiss back in his sleep. I smiled again before slowly pulling myself out of his arms and touching the dark hard wood floor with my bare feet.

After finding one of his hoodies, a grey one, I pulled it on and made my way to the door to leave him to sleep and see if anyone else was awake.

I walked through the quiet mansion and made my way to the garden. The early autumn air kissing my cheeks as soon as I stepped out of the bifold doors.

It was still a mess outside. The tables still in place, confetti littered around the grass and as I walked towards the pool I could see the little hearts floating across the water. I watched it for a moment. Enjoying the peace of a life I never thought I would have so soon.

"Morning clumsy."

I turned round just as Travis approached. His chest bare and shorts covering his lower half. He pulled out his headphones and tapped on his apple watch, I'm assuming to end his run.

I couldn't help smiling at the simple nickname and dimple on his cheek from his grin. "Been for a run?" I asked, shoving my hands into the deep pocket of Daniels hoodie.

"Yeah no shit." He chuckled. "What are you doing up so early?" I just shrugged as he pulled a t-shirt from his waistband and pulled it over his sweaty torso. "Are you okay?"

I quickly remembered my promise to Daniel to stay clear and nodded. "Yeah. I should probably get back inside. Be there when Daniel wakes up."

His grin fell with a simple nod as I passed him. Although I soon heard him follow, "My brother told you to stay away from me didn't he?" He stated, forcing me to stop and turn to face him. The look on his face was one all too familiar. He was disappointed. Hopeful in a way but disappointed. Like he knew the question would hurt him. My silence was obviously answer enough as he nodded again. "Yeah. Don't worry I'm used to it."

I watched as he pulled out a wooden chair and slumped into it. I turned back to the house for a moment before taking a step to take a seat next to him. "I'm sorry that he was so rude to you."

He picked up a knife from the table and started to twist it in his fingers. "You don't need to apologise on his behalf." He said shaking his head. "There's always been some rivalry between Dan and I. I just didn't know it ran this deep."

"He told me that you left home last year?" I knew Daniel would be mad at me for even asking that question. But part of me knew that Travis might be the only one to be honest about it.

He nodded. "I needed some time to myself. I had to figure out who I was you know? I couldn't always be the little brother. It was time to grow up." He sighed again. "I'm surprised he told you that much if I'm honest. Although I'm sure his sixth sense is waking him up right now, terrified I'll run my mouth."

I frowned. "Run your mouth about what?"

He looked up from the knife and I suddenly realised he had no sunglasses on this morning. His scar was laid bare for me to see. "I shamefully lied to you Haylie." I sat back in my chair, already filled with disappointment that another Parker was a liar. Despite not knowing what he had lied about. "I didn't get this scar by saving a woman. I suppose that's just what I tell people, so I seem like a better man."