No escape

Chapter fifteen

I can't believe how time moved so fast. I feel like it was just yesterday when I made eighteen. It's my birthday I don't know what to expect. Many people have been asking me what I like for my birthday or what I want to do for my birthday but I honestly don't know what I want. I feel like I have everything I need. The friends I have are so amazing and they are always there for me. Kayden is everything I would ever want in a guy. He takes my breath away every time I think about him. There is no single day he has made me feel like he loves me any less and there is no single day I feel like I'm less attracted to him though I'm still scared to tell him about my real feelings. To him, he is still trying to make me fall for him. Sometimes I feel saddened by it but I still can't help admiring how lucky I'm to find a guy who is willing to walk through hell and back just to show me that he can be the person I need. I had enough though, I was done playing hide and seek with my feelings. Everyone had been lecturing me on how I'm over pushing kayden and that he would eventually give up on me. I had the confidence that he couldn't do that and I knew though I hadn't said the words to him yet, my actions showed it all. I knew he already found out that I can't leave without him but I also knew how much he craved to hear those words coming from me and that's why today I have made up my mind that no matter what I have to tell kayden that I love him.
"I hope you're done fixing her makeup and hair," Lara told Skylar. My friends were buzzing around me like bees. They always went to so much trouble every time I had to be somewhere. Its not like I meeting someone new and that I have to make a very good impression and neither was I going to a very big fancy party. I just let them do as they pleased because they wouldn't let me go away with it. Once they were done dressing up, we called a cab and left for the venue. It was so dark when we arrived and they asked me to stay out while they entered the hall where my party was. I didn't find it necessary for the lights to be switched off since I knew it was my party and it was not a surprise. I stood for a while wondering what they were doing that was taking so long. It had better been worth it or else I would make it hard for them today. I almost gave up on standing out when they switched on the lights. I peeped inside to see if there was something that would surprise me but there was none. I was about to start making a fuss when music started playing and everyone moved aside. It seemed like someone was singing and she was standing behind a small crowd so they were paving a way for her. "Holy mother of God, no way. This is impossible." I murmured. I stood tears rolling down my eyes. Leah was right in front of me singing a very catching song. It was about a long lost friend and how much she missed her. I knew it was a song for me. She always loved music and she often wrote and sang for me. She was smiling but tears were also rolling down her eyes. She had changed a lot but I could still recognise her. She was slim but she had curves in the right places. She was still beautiful as ever. Her beautiful moon watery eyes communicated everything I wanted to know. It has been so long since we were apart but I still knew everything she was feeling without her communicating. Her melodious voice soothed my ears as she ushered her apologies about leaving without explanation and not contacting me. The song was so emotional and a few people in the crowd cried too. After the song, everyone joined her to sing for me Happy birthday. I was so happy to find my long lost best friend. I couldn't find the words to tell her how happy I was. "Leah," I said between tears before hugging her tight. I searched her face, I couldn't believe she was real. "Harley," she said too like she couldn't believe I was standing right in front of her. We had so many things to catch up on but this was not the right time. "I hope you are not leaving immediately," I said forming a cute puppy face she couldn't resist. "You don't have to use that face on me now, I'm staying here for week," she said. Someone coughed drawing our attention to him. I watched as Kayden moved towards me and I felt my heart melt once again for the second time in one night. He was smiling at me and I couldn't hide the blush creeping in. That's what he always does to me. I've an insane wanting for him and up to now, I'm not yet used to his tantalizing smile. "Are you happy?" He asked with a smile still plastered on his face. I couldn't answer and I just turned towards him and placed my lips against his catching him off guard but he caught on immediately. I almost forgot we were in public as he deepened the kiss and pulled me closer to him until people cheered and we were robbed of our little moment. "Later," he smirked and bit on my ear causing me to shiver in anticipation. He left to join his friends leaving me dumbfounded. My closest friends were asked to say something and Leah's revelation was mind blowing. I knew Kayden would do anything and everything to see me happy but never have I ever imagined that he would go ahead to search for my long lost childhood best friend. I looked at him and I shook my head. Tears were rolling down my cheeks  once again. I had never felt so many overwhelming emotions like I have felt today. I couldn't even explain why I kept crying but I didn't know any other way to express what I felt deep inside. I walked towards Kayden and he was smiling contented. I didn't know what to do or say that would make him understand that I was so grateful for everything he had done for me. I just hugged him very tight like he were going to vanish. I remained in his chest till I was forced to give a speech. I didn't know what to say and I was feeling so excited and emotional. I knew I couldn't say a single word without sobbing. I took the flow and stood there staring at everyone. I saw expectant faces as everyone waited for what I had to say. "What did they even expect me to say?" I wondered. I looked at where Lara and Leah were standing. They were ready getting along and it warmed my heart. I knew everyone would eventually get fond of Leah. She was really not hard to love and she was very interesting and charming. They all nodded encouraging me to say something. I think that's the little push I needed. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "I think I have said everything on earth apart from one thing and it's going to be the only thing I will say," I said and looked towards Kayden as the room fell into utter silence. I smiled when I saw his friends tapping his back like they already knew what I was going to say. I looked back at where my amiable friends were standing and they smiled too. I felt really shy to confess my feelings infront of everyone even though everyone knew that I and Kayden were a couple. It was something huge for me to say those words out in public and I hope Kayden knew how much courage it took me to say these words to him. "I love you Kayden. I love you so much," I sighed and walked towards him. Everyone cheered and I couldn't help smiling when I saw Kayden's eyes glittering. It's like he couldn't believe that I just said that to him.
"Do you know how much I waited for you to say that to me?" Kayden said once we were alone. "You don't know how happy you made me feel when I heard you say that. And the fact that you said it out there made me feel like I'm the luckiest man in the world. Your speech will forever be my best speech. What did I ever do to deserve you?" He said his eyes sparkling with love. "There is nothing you haven't done for me Kayden. Infact I should be the one wondering what I ever did to deserve you. You're an amazing person and everything about you is bewildering but you still chose to love me and wait for me. You deserve everything Kay. I have loved you for a while but I was afraid to say the words. I knew I could trust you but you know how I'm. I'm just glad you never got tired of waiting because I really do love you. I feel like screaming that out to the world so that they can know how much I love you," I muttered. "I love you too Harley." He replied and kissed me goodnight.
Kayden left very early since he had to attend to some important things at work. I was not going to college since I was so exhausted from the previous night and I was also very excited to spend sometime with Leah. She had slept at Skylar's together with Lara since I and Kayden were spending the night together. I showed up at their door as soon as I woke up. They were all sleeping apart from Leah. I bet she also couldn't wait to spend sometime with me. We talked about so many things while the rest slept. I kept hugging her randomly because I couldn't believe she was the one. Sometimes I felt like it was all a dream and I kept asking her to pull my hair like we always did when we were kids. "You couldn't wait, could you?" Lara teased once she was up. "Come on you are just jelous that Leah is stealing your spot," I joked. "You think too highly of yourself girl. I really do careless if you forget about me," she said giggling.
                          ***
This must have been the shortest week of the year. It was already Friday evening and Kay had picked me and Leah up. She wanted to see my parents before she left. I had promised to visit her but I knew that would not happen soon. I just hoped her parents could move back into the country just like she had said. I had a lot of work to catch up on since I had skipped so many classes in order to spend more time with Leah. I only took on those classes where they took records. Leah often told me it was ok she could wait till I was done with class but I really couldn't stomach it. She had been away for years and she was only back for a week. I had to make use of the limited time we had together. Only God knew after how long I would see her again. Only that I had her number this time round and she had mine. I had scolded her for not communicating to me yet she knew where I stayed but I forgave her when she explained why. Her parents had dropped her off to her aunty's and she only had picked out a few clothes leaving all other possessions behind including my contact. Her parents had promised to give my contact to her but they made up an excuse whenever she asked till she decided to let go. I was hurt by what they did but I guess they did it for the best since Leah had refused to go to school without me. She had also refused to eat and locked herself in a room for days and they found her lying on the floor lifeless. She was finding it hard to live in a place without me and talking to me might have worsened the situation. That's why her parents made sure we never contacted each other.
"Mom, dad, Callie, I have a guest for you." I screeched once we reached home. "Leah, precious Lord. You have grown my dear," mom cried out pulling her into a hug. Callie looked a little lost and I was not surprised because Leah left when she was still little she must forgotten her. I went on a date with Kay that evening leaving Leah with my parents. I felt kind of guilty for doing that but she said it was really fine. She also wanted to go around the neighborhood and check on some other friends.
Once we dropped off Leah at the airport and returned, everything was back to normal and it felt like it was just an amazing dream. I went to Ellie's so that he could help me catch up for the classes I skipped. "Is Leah coming back soon?" Ellie asked out of the blue. I looked blankly at him. There was something in his eyes that made me sure he asked for his own benefit. I smiled and bumped my shoulder into his, "are you crushing in her?" I asked. He smiled and shook his head, "not exactly that though I think she is really interesting and I hoped to know her better," he groaned. "Come on, you can tell me anything you know. I can actually give you her contact but only if you really like her," I said teasingly. "Ok, fine." He said raising his hands up in defeat, "I really liked her but I didn't get to talk to her since you were all over her," he accused. "Seriously, all over her. You are so silly. You could have told me you liked her I would have stepped aside for you. So do you want to talk to her?" I asked. "I know but you two hadn't seen each for a very long time. You needed all the time," he remarked. "Whatever, just give me your phone," I chuckled. "What are you going to do?" He asked. "Do you like the girl or not?" I asked. "I do," he replied. "Then hand over the damn phone," I said snatching it away from him. I punched in Leah's digits and sent her a message right away together with Ellie's best picture that I found in his gallery and smiled contented. I knew Ellie was the kind of guy that Leah liked and I knew they would get along really quickly. I wish Ellie hadn't chickened out while Leah was still around. Now it would be hard for them to meet and I know long distance relationships are hard to maintain. "Ok, all done. Thank me later." I said handing back his phone. "What have just done? You're crazy, ain't you?" He said trying to delete the texts but it was too late. Leah had already seen them. "You're most welcome Ellie. I didn't do anything big anyway. Anyone could do that. You just needed a little push and believe me I think Leah liked you too." I said teasingly. "Come on you're just pulling my like," he grumbled. "You know I'm not that kind of person. Leah really asked about you but I just didn't pay too much attention to it and she dropped it. I think she liked you too," I said. "But she is not responding yet she has seen the texts," he said pacing around the room. "Relax, maybe she is still fanning herself you know, when the guy you like has texted you and you didn't even expect it. She is trying to catch her breath." I said laughing at him and tapping his shoulder. "Oh my God, Harley she is typing. What do you think she will say?" He said giggling like a kid who has just won his favorite candy. "Ridiculous," I said rolling my eyes, "I don't think I want to be apart of this. I'm leaving, I think we will continue with the discussion tomorrow after class." I said tucking away my notes. "Wait, Harley, do you think I should compliment her. She has just sent her picture," he asked expectantly. "How dumb are you, like really? Did you have to ask if you can complement a girl's picture. A girl you claim you like. How did you manage to convince the girls you were with before?" I said sounding really bored. "I know but it's my first time doing this all thing you know. I have never had to vibe a girl this way it's so easy when I'm doing it physically," he sighed. "Ok, fine. Just complement her. I'm out of here," I said kissing him goodbye.
"I can't believe I would find someone so charming like Ellie," Leah said once we were on a video call. "Actually I couldn't think the interest was mutual. You recall when I asked you about it and then dropped it. I thought it would be a waste of time because he wouldn't like me back. I feel like flying back already. I wish I could complete this project already and come see him," she squealed.  "You're unbelievable, it's just a week and you have already prioritised him over me," I joked. "Check out who is talking. You should be embarrassed. It's you who is always thinking about Kay and you're complaining about me" she said. We teased each other throughout the call. Our bond was still as strong as before. It's like we never spent any time apart. I was very glad that even after all this time, I still had a place in her heart. "Who is that guy behind you?" Leah asked. We were still on a video call. I turned to see who it was and it was Austin. "I'm sorry I have to cut this call but I promise I'll make it up to you," I muttered. "It's ok, I had to go somewhere anyway. Love you girl," she said. "Love you too," I replied before hanging up.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. "To see you, what else could I be doing?" He said laughing. "It's not funny Austin. You know I don't want to see you nor talk to you," I said folding my arms. "But I want to see you and I love talking to you," He smirked. He held my hand and pulled me closer to him. I tried to pull away but he was so energetic and each time I tried pulling away he held me more firmly that my skin started hurting. "You're hurting me Austin," I cried out. "I'm not letting you go unless you kiss me. I miss you so much and I can't take it anymore," he grumbled. "I do rather kiss a dog than kiss you," I spat. "Can't you just give me another chance, haven't I tried enough? Tell me, why can't I just convince you to get back to me. Haven't you seen that I changed for you. I'm a better person now and I do deserve you," he groaned. "Just leave me alone Austin, please." I begged. I had stopped fighting now and I was just staring at him with tears rolling down my eyes. He inched his face closer and I tried to pull away but he held me so tight that it was hard to breath. He kissed me and I kept fighting but he couldn't let me go. He started kissing down my neck and that's when the door to my room opened. "Harley, Austin." Kayden called out before running out and driving off. I was so mad at Austin that I slapped him really hard on the cheek. I felt like that was not enough. "You have to explain this to him," I yelled. "You're kidding me, why would I even do that?" He said still holding the side of the face where I had hit. "You're a monster," I ranted, "get out and never return. Just leave me alone you psycho," I said pushing him out. Once he was out, I searched for my phone and I tried calling Kayden but he declined my call each time. I kept cursing Austin as I sobbed. I must have have sent thousands of messages to kayden but he didn't reply to any. I decided to go to a club and drink my sorrows out. I knew that was not a brilliant idea but I wasn't in the mood for making any smart decisions. Kayden was so angry at me and that's all that mattered. I quenched so many drinks and I do swear I had never felt so wasted like I was that night. I don't remember leaving the bar but I had woken up in a familiar apartment. "Where could this be?" I wondered. "No way, I can't be in Austin's bed. I'm so dead." I muttered to myself before checking if I was still dressed and to make sure that nothing happened. I jumped out the bed once I was sure that nothing happened, my head was pounding as hell but I had serious things to attend to. I couldn't risk anyone finding out that I slept at Austin's place especially Kayden. I do be adding salt to the wound. I picked my clutch and walked out peeping to see if there was anyone to see me. I was not so lucky though. I covered my face in shame when my eyes landed directly in Kayden's disappointed gaze. "Wow, so you got an explanation for this too?" He asked. "What are you doing here? How did you even know I'm here?" I asked. "You're in wrong but you're still questioning me?" He said narrowing his eyes. It's so rare for him to do that and I knew he was losing his patience now. "Ok, I really don't know what I'm doing here. I was just..." I said before he stopped me. "Just. Shut. Up. I'm so tired of you making up stupid excuses for your actions. You know I came here hoping that I wouldn't find you here. I went to your place to give you a chance to explain but you were not there. I asked all your friends and no one knew where you were. So I came here just to make sure you didn't proceed to make out with that ex of yours but look, here you are trying to sneak out before anyone could see you. I did so many things for you Harley. I trusted you and loved you unconditionally. I accepted your flaws and believed you everytime but what do you want to me to think if I find you sneaking out from a guy's place. A guy who is your ex and I found him trailing kisses around your neck with your eyes closed," he said rubbing his hands through his hair. "Believe me Kayden. I have never cheated on you and I'll never do that. I was too drunk yesterday and I don't even know how I got here. I promise I'm going to avoid running into Austin as much as I can. I'm really sorry Kayden but believe me I didn't do anything with him. All you saw was just misinterpreted and I was trying to push him away," I cried out. I held his hand but he pulled it away from me. "I see you really tried pushing him away. Do you know how I desperately want to believe what you're saying Harley. But do you know why I can't ?" He asked. I shook my head unable to make out a single word between sobs. "It's because a moan escaped from you while he kissed you," he said sounding disgusted. I tried to tell him I was not moaning but he stopped me. "Save it, you failed to choose between me and him so one of us has to do that. I'll help you choose Harley. I love you but I can't go on like this. So many times I have tried to understand you but I think I can't do it anymore," He said his eyes displaying grief. I felt my heart tear into pieces. "What are you trying to mean Kay?" I asked. "I mean this" he said pointing between us, "it's over." He said walking away leaving my heart shattered into a billion pieces.

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