Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 5

He looked startled himself but kept his composure.
"I wasn't expecting you Kaiden." Dad went on oblivious of the tension that had set in.
"Father had some pressing matters to attend to so he sent me here."
"Okay. This is my family. That's my wife, son and twin daughters." Jeremy introduced them.
"This is Kaiden, Karl Torres' firstborn son.
"Nice meeting you." Renée replied courteously.
"The pleasure's all mine."
"Let's talk on the balcony. This way." Jeremy ushered.
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman."
Jayla was completely taken aback. Kaiden was the last person on this planet earth she expected to see that night. It was just surreal.

The gentle clicking of shoes could be heard as every eye beheld the radiant beauty that descended the marble tiled staircase.

Clad in an ivory white asymmetrical dress, Carrie had styled her beautiful dark relaxed hair into beautiful waves. She was simply ravishing.

She greeted her mum and brother first and then walked up to the Carlson Whytes.
After they exchanged pleasantries, she went round to greet some of her guests.

It was almost time for thd dinner. the three girls were engrossed in a conversation.
"My knight is here." Jayla confessed
"Your what?!" Chloe replied, lost.
"Kaiden's here?" Carrie was taken aback.
"I sure hope it isn't the Kaiden I know." Chloe was almost freaking out.
"What's his surname?" Carrie quizzed
"I'm not sure but I heard dad say something like Torres."
"Oh no!" Chloe gasped.
The two looked at her puzzled.
Just when she was about to explain, Aunt Mia interrupted.
"Sorry girls but it's time for dinner."

Grandpa Whytes Dallas mansion was tastefully furnished but the decor in the dining hall spoke volumes.
They all spared no cost in making sure Aunt Mia, Melvin and especially Carrie since she was closest to her dad, were happy.

'Because guess what? That's what family's for.'

At the table, they munched on the food with relish. Aunt Mia certainly did a great job with the food and decor.

After dinner, the real party began. Music blasting in the air waves as the youngsters hit the dance floor. Most of the old folks left. Jeremy and Renee left too. Jayla and the others lingered around.

**********
Kaiden stood still, observing her. She was undeniably beautiful. Her natural Afro pulled up with a glittering hair band, her light brown skin glowing under the spotlights.

The teal wrap dress she wore only accentuated her great figure.
She was a beauty.

She fascinated him. He noticed how coy she got when he rescued her from the hands of that prick and then how super confident she got when she faced that snobby stuck up princess. She was an enigma to him- one heck of a fathomless mystery.

************
Jayla zoned out as she sipped her drink. She couldn't shake off Chloe's reaction. Chloe noticed and stepped off of the dance floor. She didn't want to bother Carrie. Tonight was her night; she deserved to enjoy it.
"Let's talk upstairs."

They marched to Chloe's room and sat. Jayla was emotionless. Chloe tried hard to read her but that proved futile.
"A penny for your thoughts?"
"What did you want to say earlier before Aunt Mia cut in?"
"When did Jayla Carlson Whyte suddenly become so interested in guys?"
"Just cut to the chase Chloe."
"So you really don't know who Kaiden Torres is?"
"Think I'd ask if I knew?"
"Seriously, do you live under a rock or something?" Chloe quizzed genuinely surprised. Jayla rolled her eyes.
"Kaiden Torres is the first son of Boston's biggest Business Mogul, Karl Torres. But boy is Kaiden known for all the wrong reasons."
"He's the biggest playboy, bully, spendthrift, alcoholic guy you'll ever meet. I know firsthand because we were both in Lakewood."
Jayla held her breath. That explained a lot.

"Jayla ... Kaiden is not someone you should be around. He's bad news. Stay as far away from him as you can. He'll only hurt you." Chloe advised and excused herself so Jayla could process everything that she had just heard.

She couldn't believe her knight in shining armour was actually a dark knight. But then again, she barely knew him. She muttered a silent prayer to God.
'God, take away this feeling'.

S

he didn't want to go back downstairs. She didn't feel up to it. Plugged in her airpods and strolled to the balcony. She needed to clear her head.

She didn't realise someone was in there until she walked in.

"I'm sorry I didn't kn-
It was a masculine frame in the dark.
He turned. It was Kaiden.

'Remember what Chloe said. Stay as far away from him as you can.' Jayla counselled herself.

She wasn't one to judge other people based on what she's heard but she knew Chloe loved her and was only looking out for her. She'd never lie to her.

"I'll just leave."
"No. Wait." He gently held her arm.
"I don't mind you being here." He confessed
"Well I don't feel like being here." She replied coldly
"I'm just being polite because I thought you could use sometime out here judging by the way you look..."

When her expression didn't soften, he continued
"Or you could leave aaand be a stuck up daddy's princess."

'Oh, he did not!"