No escape

Chapter eleven

It's true everything he had told me was so much to take in but the kiss was hell more too take in. "When did we get from being friends to kissing?" I kept turning it over in my mind while I kissed him back. We pulled away breathlessly and we were back to the weird moments. He seemed not to be bothered and I decided to act like I'm not affected by it too. "So...?" He asked looking confused. "So?" I repeated after him frowning. "Let's go over there it's about midnight. I don't think you want to miss the fireworks. You might go back home and complain that I only brought you here so you could listen to me whining," he said. "You know I wouldn't do that. You opening up to me is the best thing I'll would ever ask for on New year's. I'm probably the happiest girl in the world today," I said running to the spot he had pointed to. He ran after me and stood behind me enclosing me between him and the bridge. "We are still friends right?" He whispered into my ears. "Yes," I responded nerveously. We stood there and waited for the fireworks. We both counted loudly as the last ten seconds ticked. Kayden held my waist as we watched the dazzling light from the fireworks. It was peaceful and I leaned back resting my head on his shoulders. "This feels romantic...too bad we are just friends," he said tickling me. I pushed away from him laughing. "You had to ruin the moment," I scolded. He smiled and went down on one knee. I was puzzled and nervous. What was he trying to do. I tried to pull him up so that he could stand but he told me to relax and see what he had to do. "Harley, I have something small for you. It goes together with a promise that I'm going to stick by you and protect you. Today I'm kneeling not to propose to you but to promise you that this is going to happen as soon as you realize that we are not just ordinary friends. Until then keep this to remind you that you have the friend who can't wait to propose to you," he pulled out something from his pocket and stood up. It was a beautiful locket and put it around my neck. I examined it delicately and it had a picture of me and him. "This is so breathtaking," I said hugging him. "You thought I was proposing?" He teased. "I knew you were not," I whined. "I saw the way you looked, and I was expecting it. I just love messing with you," he said. I knew he was just playing when he knelt down and said those words but I couldn't help wishing he had meant everything he had said. But I had some ray of hope that he meant it or else he wouldn't have given me a locket with both of us.
"Are you ready to go home?" he asked. I didn't want to go home yet, I still wanted to be with him but if I said no, he would tease me about it. "You really think I want to spend anymore second with you? No, your wrong. I can't wait to go home," I said smiling. He faked a hurt face touching his heart, "you are breaking my heart. Anyway I know you don't want to go but your so proud to admit. I'm taking your no for a yes. Get on the bike," he said giggling. "Are we going home?" I asked. "I don't know," he said. "Quit the games, you know my parents are now waiting for me. It's s few minutes to two and I'm still not home." I said with worry. It had not yet crossed my mind that my parents could be worried about us. I checked my phone and there was nothing like a call or text. "Weird," I muttered. "They trust me," he said. Before getting on the bike. "You wish," I said emphasizing the wish before I joined him on the bike.
We got home and I was not astonished to find everyone awake. I was only astounded to find them having a small party. It has been so long since they last celebrated new year's this way. Phil and Kate were on the dance floor while mum, dad and Callie cheered them up. "No wonder they didn't care where we were," I told Kayden. "The only reason they didn't care is because they trust me," he said his voice deep and husky. He sounded serious and I didn't dare to challenge him. Sometimes he acted really weird and emotional and other times he acted really cold and stubborn. Callie spotted us first and ran towards us pulling us to the dance floor. "Enough of the old couples, let young blood show you how they do it," she said winking. Everyone chuckled as Kate and Phil left the dance floor. "I'm not dancing," I said defensively. "I'm dancing," Kayden said smirking. "Seriously, then you will have to dance alone or with Callie. I'm going to bed." I said. "Your not going to bed and I'm dancing with you. Don't be such a bore," he said challenging me. He knew I was always up for challenges and I think he takes that as an advantage at times. Our mothers looked at us dreamily during the exchange and I couldn't help rolling my eyes. "Shall we?" Kayden asked and I placed my hand into his. He pulled me so close to him and I felt embarrassed. My parents were watching this. "Our parents are watching," I whispered. "Yep," he said popping the p. "Don't make this dance seem too intimate, they might think otherwise." I stated. "We have to show them how they do this," he said pulling me even closer to him so that there was no space left between us. "I'm sorry for this," I said stomping his foot. "You're a rough dancer," he said giggling but still kept me as close as possible.
                          ***
I heard a knock at the door waking me up from my dream. I opened my eyes slowly adjusting to the light. "What time was it I pulled my cellphone but it was dead. I recalled I didn't charge it last night. I tried getting up but every muscle of my body screamed in pain. I saw this coming, I danced so much last night especially when my parents left. I didn't mind Phil and Kate seeing me dance. They actually joined us and Callie and we danced till five in the morning. I dragged myself out of bed and put my phone to charge just before I opened the door. "You..." I said frowning. "Were you expecting someone else?" Kayden asked. "Not really, but I feel like I haven't slept in years and you're already looking fresh and stunning," I groaned. "You finally admit that I'm stunning," he said smirking. "It's not time for games Kay, I really want to sleep," I said heading back to bed. "I'm not letting your lazy ass get back to bed. We have to go somewhere remember?" he said. "I really have no idea what you're talking about. The only thing I've an idea about is that I need more three hours of sleep," I grumbled. "You can't sleep the whole day. It's already three in the evening and you still want to sleep?" He whined. "What, three. Holy crap, was I this tired?" I asked not intending to get an answer. Kayden rolled his eyes and ordered me to go and shower. "Do you really say we had to go somewhere today?" I asked confused. "I sneaked in later this morning when I was sure everyone was asleep and I asked you to join me today. You said it was ok and here I'm to pick you," he said sounding like he can't put up with me anymore. I got into the shower and let the warm water massage my body. The ride on the bike and spending so many hours in cold must be a catalyst for this pain. I wonder where Kayden is taking me. "Where did he even get from the ideas of me hanging out with him?" I complained to myself. I really enjoyed having him around but him dragging me out of bed today is everything I hate about him. "Are you going to stay in there for the rest of the day?" Kayden knocked. "I'm done, can't you be patient for once!" I exclaimed. "I have been sitting for an hour and I still hear water running in the shower. You got me thinking that you must have fallen asleep again," he said. "Can't we really go another day?" I asked. "No we are going today because you have just two weeks before we resume with college and I'm going to be busy for the next days. I'll not have time for this," he mumbled. "I've stepped out to make you something to eat and giving you room to dress but I promise if you are not down in thirty minutes I'm coming to drag you out," he warned and I heard the door shutting after him. I stepped out of the shower and tried to get something to wear. I was really so moody today and I didn't feel like wearing anything. I settled for a black short round dress  that went up to my knees and slippers. I added some little mascara and lip gross and I joined Kayden. Callie was talking to Kayden and she looked like she had just woken up. Mum was in the kitchen and dad was watching soccer. I greeted my parents and then walked to where Callie and Kayden were seated. We ate together and Kayden told my parents we were off to somewhere. They told us to be careful and we left.
"Where are we going?" I asked Kayden. "You will see," he muttered stopping at a store. He bought flowers and two candles. "Why are we buying this?" I asked. You will see was all he said. The rest of the ride was in silence. I was glad we were using his parents car and not his bike, I don't think my muscles could take on a bike. I opened my eyes when I felt the car stop. "Did I dose off?" I asked blinking. "Yes and I didn't want to wake you but I think you woke up when the car stopped," he mumbled. "Where are we?" I asked looking around. "I brought you here to meet someone. I come here to meet her every new year's to wish her a happy birthday and new year. I normally come alone but I wanted you to meet her today," he said. "Why did you buy candles and flowers instead of a gift? Is she your grandmother or your friend?" I asked excited to meet her. "You will see, are you always this anxious?" He asked teasingly. He led me to a narrow path before a graveyard came into view. "Graveyard..?" I asked surprised. "Yes, you thought we were going to another bridge?" He asked teasingly. "Not really  but this never crossed my mind," I said defensively. "Who are we here to see?" I asked but Kayden just continued walking till he reached his destination. He knelt down and lit the candles he had brought. It all made sense now. He wiped away the dust off the grave and removed the flowers that were dead before he put the fresh ones. He was lost in thoughts and I decided to wait before I joined him. I wondered who it would be. When he turned his head in my direction, I took that as an invitation and came and knelt beside him. "She was my strength, my bow and my shield. Everytime I came here, I felt guilty for what happened. I would tell her she doesn't deserve to be here. I would tell her that I deserved to be here. I know she was protesting I could feel it but today I came here and I told her something different. I told her thank you for sacrificing your life in order for me to be a better person. Harley, that's how much she loved me. She will forever have a permanent place in my heart but I think I should let her rest. I had been complaining all this time and I know it made her restless but I know today she is very happy wherever she is. She must be very happy that I found you. Harley, meet Julia. She is the girl I told you about last night," he said drawing patterns around her name that was engraved on the gravestone. I squatted closer to him taking his hand and squeezing it. I looked at him through the rays of the setting sun. It was such a beautiful sight. His features were now relaxed and for the first time since I met him, he seemed genuinely happy. He must have let the past go now and I was really happy for him. He had been in such a traumatic experience but he still managed to go on. He had used his fears and weakness as his strength. I felt my heart soften for him. I had grown to know him now after spending several weeks with him. I just knew that whoever will end up with him will be so lucky. He is not perfect but with the limited experience I have with people, he is one of the few that I could try to lean on.
                            ***
It's been two days since I last saw Kayden, I wonder where he is always off to. He even doesn't take calls and he only texts to say goodnight. I leave my window open so that he can crawl in but I guess he is not home since he doesn't come. I always leave something by the window that will show proof that he came in and I didn't hear him but by the time I wake up, everything is still placed where it was left. I was starting to miss him terribly. I felt like I should ask Katie but I knew that would stir up their fantasies so I just dropped it. I decided to call all my friends and catch up with them. I had stopped communicating with them since I spent most of my time with Kayden.
"Tell me every single detail," Skylar screeched. "There is nothing to tell, you guys are just like our families. Me and Kay are just friends," I snorted. "Come on we know you girl, so tell us everything. Did you even hear how you pronounce his name. You make it sound like it's the best name in the world. Wait, has Kay ever heard you call his name?"  Sherry asked. I was video calling them and there faces looked like pure amusement. "Yeah, though not often and he doesn't even think it's sexy or I call it in any special way," I said. "Why do you think so low of yourself, I really want to kill that monster. He really destroyed your mentality and made you feel low about yourself. But let me tell you girl, Kay must be an ego maniac but trust me he wants to beg you to say his name again each time you say it," Skylar said winking. "Seriously, you had to mention Austin," I said faking hurt. "Don't pretend that you're still bothered by that name. I know you have already moved on and it's only Kay's name written all over your heart. Austin is going to drop dead when he finds out you moved on from him," Sherry squealed. "Actually that's true, he is used to girls running after him even after hurting them. He is surely going to hate on you," Skylar added. "Come on girls, can someone tell me why we are even talking about Austin?" I asked rolling my eyes. "We are sorry," they chorused in unison. "But we seriously want you to realise that you are interested in Kay and the way you speak about him, it makes me feel like he is really a nice guy. You're glowing more of late. And I know it's not because you're home, it's because of Kay. That's not friendship, you guys must be interested in each other but you don't want to believe it," Sherry said. "ok, enough of me. You guys should also tell me about your holiday," I said. Skylar was so excited to tell me about her holiday she had practically met someone who she thinks she likes and she can't wait for me to realise that iike Kayden so that we go on double dates. I rolled my eyes at that and Sherry just kept on laughing and supplementing where necessary. "I can't wait to see you girls. Even though we have been rarely talking, I really miss you," I said sending them a flying kiss. "We miss you too Harley, don't forget to reconsider how you feel about Kay. See you," they said.
I felt lonely immediately I disconnected, I had already talked to Ellie and Lara. Callie was away at a friend's house for a birthday. Home was really boring. My parents were back to  work now and so we're Kayden's parents. I was really going to run crazy if I kept up with this. I tried calling Kayden but he still didn't pick. I decided to watch movies as I waited for Callie to come home. I felt my phone vibrate from the dining table. I couldn't help smiling when I saw I had a text from Kayden.
Kay: good afternoon to the most beautiful lady I know.
Harley: you have not been taking my calls!😠
Kay: I know babe, I'm really sorry. But I did make sure I say goodnight. It counts right?
Harley: It doesn't count. I'm really pissed at you.
Kay: Just say you miss me.
Harley: I don't miss you.
Kay: then why are you upset.
Harley: Because you are a jerk.
Kay: am I?
Harley: Nevermind. Why did you text me?
Harley: You decide to ghost me and then you want to text me like nothing happened.
Harley: atleast tell me what has been going on with your life. What keeps you so busy.
Several hours passed with no reply from Kay, and I decided to just divert my attention to something else. I was grateful when Callie returned home atleast she would distract me. Kay called later that evening and he apologized for being rare and we talked for hours. "You don't know how much I miss you Harley," he said before hanging up. I couldn't help giggling.
Callie helped with making dinner though she was not so useful but I was glad she considered helping me instead of watching some kids show or animation. I taught her how to make chicken stew and she promised to make lunch tomorrow with less help from me. I just had two weeks before I returned to college and I wanted to make the most out of them. I wanted to make sure Callie is a better cook and I wanted to have some quality time with Kayden. I wondered how I would make the last part possible since he was always away. I had to come up with a plan.
"Hello mum, how was work?" I welcomed mum placing a light kiss on her cheek. "It was ok love, where is Callie?" She said heading to the kitchen. "Wow what's that amazing aroma. You have already prepared dinner?" She asked. "Yes mum and Callie too was a great help," I remarked smiling. "I wish you were always around. I wouldn't worry about coming back and making dinner. I can't wait for dinner. It seems really delicious. I can't believe my babies have grown this first," she said. "Come on mum, I'm not a baby. I'm in college remember?" I said feigning hurt. "Yes I know but as long as you have no boyfriend, you will remain my baby," she said laughing. "Mum, not now. Please," I begged. "Ok, let me shower because your dad will be here in a few," she walked off still laughing.  Dinner was great and I couldn't help feeling sweeter as my parents kept praising my food. My mum even made a face every time she muttered delicious. Callie kept giggling especially when they praised her too. I cleared the table and cleaned the dishes  before I went to bed. I stayed up until Kay returned. I wanted to crawl to his room but I guessed that he might be very tired and needed his rest. I missed him so much though I was very stubborn to admit that. I wondered if what everyone was saying was true. Did I have feelings for him. I brushed those thoughts away. There is no way I could have feelings for him especially when it has been barely a year since my last break up. That night I had a dream about Kayden. He was teasing me about messing up their kitchen while I was baking for him a birthday cake. It was a beautiful dream and I woke up smiling. I felt a little happier because I had spent some time with Kay even if it was just a dream. "I guess it counts," I muttered to myself.
                          ***
I've two days to go back to college and I still haven't got a quality time wish with Kayden. We have been trying to text a little bit more but I still I crave for him physically. I'm sure he knows I'll be leaving soon but he hasn't said anything about us meeting before I leave. I decided to let it pass too and I stuck around the safe topics. I kind of feel sick like the first time I were to go to college though this time I'm just frightened by how much I'll miss Kay. My thoughts drifted back to Austin, I recalled when I met him on the train, and how everything revolved. I laughed at myself at some point for being as silly as I had been. It didn't hurt anymore and I was nolonger angry at him though I still felt like I would never love again. I was still scared to feel that pain all over again. I couldn't trust anyone that easily. The Pain regardless, I still cherish the good times we had. Love is actually a beautiful thing though it hurts sometimes. I didn't notice Callie come in as my thoughts drifted back to Kayden, I wondered if he would ever hurt me in case we dated. "Is someone day dreaming about kayden?" A voice startled me. "Hey you, you scared the crap out of me," I accused. "Don't be mad at me, I'm sorry for interrupting your thoughts but I really need to spend the last two days with you. You know I miss you so much when you are away. I know you would rather spend that time with Kayden but too bad he's not here hence you have no choice but to spend that last hours with me," Callie mumbled. "Callie!" I warned. She said rolling her eyes, "don't act like you don't miss him. You had better stopped acting cold. You don't want to lose a good guy." "Whatever, what do you want us to do?" I asked getting up.
Mum had said we are going out for dinner so we spent all evening playing games as we waited for our parents to get home. I now had one day to go and I still hadn't got a day with Kay. I was really miserable now that I had no hope that I'll ever get some time with him before I go. I was grateful that everyone tried to make my last days special.
Callie made me wear something so flashy and I wondered why she bothered so much. We were just going to dinner with my parents plus I was not in the mood for looking sexy. We reached the hotel and took our table. It was quite a long drive from home and I wondered why my parents had to choose it especially since we were having a simple family dinner. I felt a little strange since the place felt like Kayden was here somewhere and I knew I was now hallucinating. My family acted quirky throughout the whole dinner especially Callie. I would have suspected something was up but I hadn't talked to Kayden all day so I had nothing to worry about. I knew he was too busy to talk to Callie. She definitely has an entirely different reason for giggling like that. "Harley can you escort me to the restroom?" Callie asked. I rolled my eyes and stood up following her. "Why would our parents choose to have dinner here? We could eat around home," I remarked. "It is not that far, the traffic was just heavy," Callie said. "That's not an excuse, they knew traffic would be heavy but still chose it," I remarked. "The food is amazing. Have you realised that you have been complaining about everything since Kayden left? Do you miss him?" She asked winking. "I don't miss him," I said irritated. "I'm not dropping this until you confess," she said smirking.  "Ok, fine. I miss him but only as a friend," I said just as Callie disappeared into the restroom. I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall. "I really miss you," I whispered to myself. "So you miss me?" I heard a voice that was too familiar. I felt goosebumps fill my whole body as my heart started racing a hundred miles.

Thanks for your time❣️
Keep the fun going⏩ glad you are enjoying. Feel free to comment and like