Destined To Be.

Chapter 4

James

Ayla, Ayla, Ayla.

Why does she torture me? Why does she take over my whole damn mind. She’s there when I’m closing my eyes to sleep, she’s there when I wake up. She’s fucking everywhere and my feelings for her are getting stronger and stronger.

It’s been two weeks since I’ve last seen her. I’ve been avoiding her. After our encounter last time, I couldn't risk being anywhere near her again. What she does to me, the feelings she invokes in me are so damn intense and raw that I know if I don’t distance myself I'll do something that I’ll regret.

I’m staying over at my Aunt Jean’s. She’s mom’s older sister and she has always been there for me aside from Mrs Khan that is.

Aunt Jean doesn’t have kids of her own, so as I'm her only nephew  and as she's mom's only sibling she spoils me rotten. Her husband, Uncle Dave is the same.

I hear voices when I make my way towards the kitchen. I see Aunt Jean and Uncle Dave are seated at the table talking quietly amongst themselves. When they see me approaching they stop.

“Morning sleepyhead, Come have some pancakes, they’re still warm.” Aunt Jean fills a plate full of pancakes for me and pours me some coffee.

Sitting down, I look at the plate and I quickly tuck in. My dad and I rarely share breakfast together as he is always on call. So I’ll either have cereal or toast . Aside from Mrs Khan sending me freshly cooked parathas or omelettes over, I rarely have a nice warm breakfast waiting.

“So James. Have you thought about your options? You know you don't have that long to go before the holidays are over.” Uncle Dave, leans forward and helps himself to a piece of toast as he awaits my reply.

“Uncle Dave, I don't have a clue what I want to do. I know most kids have everything planned out beforehand but I just don't know.” I’ve finished the pancakes and stop my Aunty from filling my plate up again.

“What about following in your Father’s footsteps. You know you ha….”.

“No way! Not a chance Uncle Dave.” I immediately shut him down.

“Why is that , my boy?” Uncle Dave means well. I know he cares about me and I’m very lucky that I have people who actaully give a fuck about what I do with my life...but he's making me feel suffocated with his persistince.

“Dave, just leave him be. I trust James and I know that he will do whatever makes him happy.” Aunt Jean reaches out and squeezes my hand, I return the gesture, thanking her with my eyes.

“Rightio then, Well I’m off. I promised John that I'll help him fix his mower. Damn man nearly chopped his fingers off, faffing around with it.” Uncle Dave then gets up , pecks my Aunt on the cheek ...ruffles my hair  and leaves to get ready.

My Aunt waits until he's gone before she turns to me, a look of concern in her eyes. She looks so much like Mom that my heart hurts looking at her.

“Come on then, spill!”. She leans back in her chair, her coffee cup in hand and awaits for me to talk.

Uh..oh!!

“There’s nothing to sp…”.

“James Dean Hudson! I know you and I can tell something is wrong ...so tell me.” She's not gonna give up. She's concerned about me. When Mom died she has taken over so to speak and I know she means well.

“It’s Ayla.” I sip my coffee, my face flushing as I mention her name.

“Ayla! What about her? Is she okay?” She puts down her mug and turns to me in panic.