The Exception

Chapter 44: I Trust You

"And before you say no..."

"Which is exactly what I am going to do,"

"Just try one bite," Evan dipped his fry into the strawberry milkshake and lopped it into his mouth. I laughed at just how ridiculous he looked. He smacked his lips. "Come on."

"Fine," I rolled my eyes, grabbed my fry and tried it. It was oddly satisfying. We were in another café, closer to my home, as Evan didn't want to try anything too complicated or scary just yet.

"So, I have a question," I murmured. 

"Shoot," Evan responded and leaned forward. "What does my princess desire to know?"

"What happened between you and Keith?" I asked.

Evan sat back. "Wow, you really don't hold back."

"Not when it comes to the truth," I answered. Evan sighed and took a deep breath. "I don't know, just seems Keith doesn't want to tell me. Looks like there is a lot of bad blood between the two of you."

Evan nodded. "Look, Keith used to be in our school, right?"

"Yeah," I said. "Sounds like he was quite well known."

"You have no idea...he was really popular...really well liked, and he was there when I came along with my sister..." Evan responded. "Let's just say, that we never really got along."

"Why?"

"Let's call it an extreme difference of opinions...but we managed to resolve most of the conflict amicably, and we both agreed it to be better if we try and stay out of each other's lives as much as possible..."

"And then I came along, and messed it all up,"

"I wouldn't say that," Evan placed his arm over my shoulders. "You made it so much more interesting."

He leaned forward, but stopped midway. "May I?"

I nodded, and he kissed me again. This time, more softly, cautiously. He drew back and grabbed another fry.

"So no surprises tonight?" I asked and Evan smirked. 

"Just one," He winked, and I shook my head. He fished out a small pink packet from his pocket. He took my hand and placed it there.

I smiled as I opened it and took out a small golden necklace, with a butterfly in the middle. It was stunning, to say the least.

"Evan, wow, this is beautiful," I gasped. 

"Something as beautiful as that belongs on the neck of a woman as beautiful as you," Evan responded. "Look, I know, I'm not perfect...and truthfully, I'm a jerk...I know that. I know I say things I shouldn't, but when I'm around you...I want to be different. I want to be the guy I was years ago, before everything."

"Do you say that to all the girls?" I asked him. He laughed and shook his head.

"That is a catch 22 question, and you know it," Evan winked at me. "I guess you just gotta trust me in this. I'm serious, about us."

"Well, you did drop me off in the candy store of your rival, that was quite risky..."

Evan shrugged. "I trust you."

I looked at Evan, who stared at me and smiled. He reached out with his hand, and gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "May I?" he motioned towards the necklace. I nodded, and turned, grabbing my hair and lifting it. I felt Evan bring the necklace across and clip it to my neck.

"Thank you," I whispered to him. His smile broadened, wider than anything I had ever seen. It gave me hope. Maybe, I could let the past between Keith and Evan go, and focus on the fact that I my have captured the heart of this amazing singer.

And he may just have captured mine.