Rewriters [Completed]

Chapter 17: As Everything Should Be

I know what I said about rewriting the future but...

Kaleo stared at the blank screen of his laptop and sighed, drained of inspiration and it was not only for the book. Figuring out a solution for their situation was no easy feat. Fighting the police was out of the question for obvious reasons and as for the Vanguards of Vale, well, he wouldn't want to face the wrath of the elements.

He turned his gaze to his phone. A few days ago, he recieved a message from Julia, who threatened to hunt them down if they did not respond within 24 hours. Somehow, he could imagine her doing that and he shuddered.

There was a new message from Julia, unsurprisingly. "You two better come like you said you would! Everyone's worried sick for the past week," it read, not including the emojis.

Kaleo felt bad. He never realised how much his and Lysa's disappearance affected the book club regulars; they had bonded between themselves for possibly years while the two of them only joined less than two months ago.

I better hurry then.

Typing a quick response with one hand and grabbing his jacket with the other, he headed out of his apartment for the meeting point.

Upon reaching his destination, he was surprised to see Lysa there before him, considering he was already quite early. She looked up and as their eyes met, he felt his face growing hot with unexpected embarrassment.

He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Um, hi."

She held his gaze until she realised that she had been staring and quickly ducked her head. "H-hi."

"Um..." He wanted to say something, but those words were lost at the tip of his tongue. Quick, say something funny, it always eases up the situation.

"You look pretty today," he blurted out without thinking.

It was not funny and neither did it diffuse the awkwardness.

Lysa was rendered utterly speechless. Despite her blank expression, he could hear the sudden spike in her heartbeat for a second, which made him fully realise what he said.

He was sure his face was red all over by now. "N-nevermind, let's go," he said, brisk walking away before he could catch her response.

Why did I say that? Kaleo moaned mentally. This situation was giving him a sense of déjà vu, which only made him more embarrassed than he already was.

Just when he thought the awkwardness between them had been settled, he blew it. If Emma heard about this, she would probably laugh at him again.

Lysa caught up to him in spite of his quickened pace. His head was lowered as he didn't dare to glance at her expression.

"Thanks... for the compliment," she spoke.

"Oh, um... I was just telling the truth." He dug his hands into his jacket pockets. "Uh, I said nevermind because I was embarrassed..."

She blinked. "I know... you told me my hair was pretty last time."

He stopped walking. "Wait, you remember that?"

She nodded. "I have a good memory."

"Oh..." He laughed nervously. "Right..."

Where is that convenient hole when I need it?

In an attempt to avoid anymore awkward moments, Kaleo maintained his quickened pace while trying to think of something else.

Meanwhile, Lysa made no comment and continued to keep up with his pace. Even though she looked normal, he picked up the sound of heavy breathing and immediately slowed down.