Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 8

Two days passed and she noticed he was purposely avoiding her.
She went over to his apartment that day after class. She wasn't sure if it was remorse for what she said earlier or the fact that their group assignment was at stake, that drove her there.

He answered the door.
"You can't show up at my apartment unannounced."
"Well, hello to you too."
"Now's not the time for your sarcasm. I'm busy."
"Busy...huh? With one of your 'girls'?"

"Who is it dear?" A voice came through from inside.
"Eww... you do elderly women too?! You're disgusting."

An elderly woman, sophisticatedly dressed, walked up to them at the door. It was then that Jayla knew she was completely mistaken. Their resemblance was impeccable. Their silky black hair, narrow dark eyes, thick arched eyebrows... she was his mother.

"Won't you let your guest in?" He ignored the question.
"Come, my dear. Make yourself comfortable." She beckoned.

After offering Jayla a cup of coffee, she sat with her.
"So what your name dear?"
"I'm Jayla... Jayla Carlson Whyte."
"Oh, you're Renee's girl. It's so nice to finally get to meet you."
"The pleasure's all mine, ma'am."
"Call me Hailey."
"Sure Hailey."

Kaiden looked like he was having a panic attack as he watched his mum and I get along.

"So are you two friends?" His mum questioned.
"Umm... we are-
Jayla tried to answer but Kaiden cut in.
"She's my girlfriend... the one I spoke to you about."

'What the-' Jayla lost her voice.

"Oh how lovely! You should have mentioned she was Renée's girl. Well, that doesn't matter. All that matters is that you're happy and moving on.

"I hope you won't mind coming over for dinner tomorrow night my dear." Hailey beckoned Jayla
"Mum..." Kaiden retorted.
"It's a yes then. I'd love to see you there. Have a nice evening you two. And take good care of her Kaiden, she's a gem."
With that she left.

Kaiden slammed into the sofa, beside Jayla as they stared at the ceiling, trying to process what just happened.

Jayla couldn't believe Kaiden just introduced her to his mother as his girlfriend. What was he playing at? And right at that moment, she lost her voice. His mum left with the wrong perception.

'Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse.' She muttered under her breath.

Kaiden couldn't believe what he just said either. It was in the spur of the moment but he did not regret it. His family still saw him as a reckless youngster and thinking he was trying to settle down would help a lot.

"What was that for?" She finally found her voice.
"What?" He feigned ignorance.
"Don't play dumb with me. Why did you tell your mum that I'm your girlfriend."
"Felt like the right thing to do. Besides, you didn't counter it."
"This isn't going to end well.." she uttered completely worn out.
"I should probably head home now."

Back at her apartment she could not sleep. She didn't want to lie to Kaiden's family.
"I should probably tell them the truth tomorrow night. I can't go on with this."

*. *. *. *. *. *. *. *. *.
Dinner with Kaiden's family was today.
Carrie helped Jayla pick a dazzling dark red lace dress which flattered her body. She looked ravishing. She pulled her Afro into a sleek low bun. She was set.

The doorbell rang and Carrie got it.
"Hey."
"Hey."
"I'm Kaiden. Is Jayla home?"
"Carrie. She'll be out in a minute."

Just then Jayla emerged from her room and had Kaiden completely staggered.

'My jaw literally dropped when I saw her. She totally took my breath away. Could anyone look more beautiful!?' Kaiden stared coyly.

"When you're done staring, we can leave." Jayla said with pure sarcasm.
"Ready when you are." He remarked with pride as he ushered her out.

In the car, he briefed her about his family.
"You'll meet my dad, he's pretty straight forward so no small talks; you've met my mum already, my younger sister, Brianna, she's the sweetest and her twin Brian, he's the devil himself so stay off his radar as much as you can."
"That's not a nice thing to say about your brother."
"He's bad news, Jayla. All he's interested in are girls and parties."
"Doesn't seem different from you." She opined skeptically.

He sighed.
"Before the public eye, we're best friends but in real life, we can't stand each other."
"I like him already."

They made their way through the large steel gates and beautiful lawns that paved way to a gigantic mansion, no castle. It was enormous. Her home back in Austin was fascinating but this was in a whole different league; it was like Mr. Whytes New York Residence or like the Carlson's London Villa. Exquisite. Luxurious.

Kaiden held unto her hand as they walked inside. They got an instant reaction. Everyone just stopped; all movements ceased. Even the earth stopped rotating.

'Have I got something in my hair?'