No escape

Chapter eighteen

I have been avoiding Kayden for a fortnight now, I couldn't face him anymore after that heart shattering moment we had. I felt like I had nothing to fight for now. If he was going to keep chickening out, then so be it. "Are you and Kayden alright?" My mum inquired. I simply smiled and changed the topic. The last thing I wanted to talk about was my relationship with Kayden. I had actually given up the act of pretending like I couldn't walk. "Harley, I know you're avoiding this topic. Neither of you will tell us about what the hell is happening. You're driving me insane," mum accused. "Mum, just let her be. Whatever it is. She is not yet ready to talk about it and when she is ready I'm very sure you will be the first person to know about it," Callie hollered rolling her eyes. She was really being super nice and she was always there to save me from such conversations. I smiled at her thanking her briefly. "Mum, dad...I'll just go have dinner in my room. Thanks and goodnight." I grumbled. I walked away without another word, picking my plate and a glass of water.
I saw Kayden talking to my mum after dinner. They were both in the kitchen and that's where I had to place the dishes. I placed them on the dining and called after my mum, "mum, I'm really sorry but I have got to leave these here." I was taken aback when she just nodded and waved me off.
The next morning, I didn't say farewell to anyone. I had told Callie about my plan so she would tell mum and dad when they looked for me. I was really losing myself every single day and I needed a breather. "Skylar, wake up you sleepy head. You even didn't pick me up." I scolded hitting her head hard with a pillow. "Ouch, one day you will give a heart attack," she exclaimed. "You would have earned it anyway. If only you had picked me up just like you had said, I wouldn't have woken you up that way. Just do your duties and you won't have to die early." I lamented. "Whatever, I'm glad you are here. The guys have been missing you like crazy and I'm actually jelous. They never miss me that much when I'm away," she joked. "I don't think you care about being missed, I actually bet you have a heart in there." I teased poking her chest. She winced feigning hurt and we all burst out laughing. I leaned against the wall and smiled contentedly, "atleast I'm laughing," I sighed mentally. "Harley, my dad is home." Skylar said sounding torn. "You ain't happy about it?" I asked frowning. "Of course I'm but I didn't expect him to be back this early and you know what that means," she paused and I nodded. "Girl this is so unfair, I cared less when you were not here but now that you are here God, how am I supposed to stay home all day." She whined. "Stop complaining, you haven't even welcomed me yet. I'm second guessing why am here in the first place," I said just as my phone vibrated. "Damn it's my mum," I whispered. "How did they find out that you have left. It's still so early," Skylar murmured puzzled. I shrugged and picked up trying my level best to stay calm. "Harley, where are you?" She asked. I knew she was extremely angry but she was trying very hard to stay as calm as she could be. "I'm at Skylar's," I stated. Ok I really don't know what was so funny but I wanted to laugh. I had to stifle my laughter before I pushed her to the edge. "Who gave you permission?" she asked. "Mum, I'm really sorry. I just felt suffocated there since I and Kayden had a huge fight and everytime I saw him I would feel hurt all over again. I didn't want to talk about it yet and I knew you couldn't let me get away before I fixed things with him but mum believe I have been trying to fix it. I told Callie everything and she is going to tell you all about it. Just don't be angry mum. Please," I sobbed. "It's ok baby but don't ever go anywhere without telling us. We were worried sick about you. And I want you home as soon as you feel better. You can't keep running away every time you face a challenge," she muttered. "Yes mum, I'll be back immediately. Thank you mum. I'll give you a call later. I have to unpack my stuff. I love you mum," I said. "I love you too daughter," she sighed.
"Wow, it's was not as bad as I expected it to be," I told Skylar once I got off the call. "I knew it was not going to go nasty. You are just a coward," She said. "On a real Skylar, I thought my parents were going to follow me here. What are we going to do today?" I asked changing the topic. "Nothing I guess, told you my dad is home and we are going to just stay here and stare at the screen. Maybe we should just get popcorn and have a movie night later with Sherry," she grumbled. "I bet you're going to be so bored here that you might pack up and leave tomorrow," she said laughing. "Come on, I know it's not as bad as you make it sound plus it's not as depressing as my place," I said. "My parents are awake, we should go greet them," Skylar said dragging me with her.
Her dad was actually a nice guy and I wondered why Skylar couldn't stop complaining about him. He had actually offered us tickets to a concert the next night. "No way," Skylar and Sherry chorused. "Sherry is this really happening or it's another fantasy?" She shrieked. "Skylar it's real, he really has given us tickets to that concert." She screamed hugging me. "Guys, you probably just fear the big guy but he seems really nice and nothing like strict. He got us tickets to a good damn concert like really, you guys have the best dad," I said. "I think I'm going to keep inviting Harley here every single time dad denies me something. It seems you have the magic," she giggled.
"Your birthday is coming up, maybe the old man just wants to make it up to his teenage daughters," I said. "Yes mum," they chorused.
I called my mum just before I got to bed that night and we talked about everything. Callie had told her everything that happened and she was feeling sorry for me. She wanted to talk to Kayden but I told her it wouldn't be necessary. Kayden needed to make up his mind but he must do it at his own accord. I had hardly slept when my phone vibrated beneath my pillow, I groaned and picked it up. Kayden's name lit up on the screen. What did he want from me, I cogitated about picking up but I decided to just switch off the phone. I knew our conversation would end with me in tears and the reason I'm here is to get a little bit of happiness.
                           ***
We were ready for the concert by eight and Skylar's dad was dropping us and promised to pick us up at exactly midnight. Skylar and Sherry complained but atleast it was better than not attending at all. He gave us loads of instructions and we nodded like we gave a damn and when he was satisfied that we would behave, he let us join the line and disappeared into the night. We searched for Skylar's clique once we were in and she ran towards them bumping into people which earned us a couple of curses from the frenzied crowd. "There comes my beautiful girl," Rapha said. "Guess how much I missed you guys," I said hugging each one of them. "Or you mean guess how much I missed you Rapha," one of the guys teased. All the other guys burst out laughing as I shyly took a seat next to Rapha. "You look beautiful tonight," he said. "Thank you," I blushed. "You guys look so cute together," Skylar said. I shot her a warning glare and she shrugged.
                            ***
"Did you have fun?" Skylar's dad asked on the way home. "Yes, it was so much much fun." I chuckled bumping my shoulder into Skylar's. I knew she was very angry because the fun had just started. I didn't want their dad to feel bad so I did all the answering while Sherry and Skyalar kept rolling their eyes. My phone lit up and checked only to see a texts from Kayden.
Kayden: where are you
Kayden: Why didn't you pick my calls last night?!
Kayden: Harley??!!!
Kayden: I'm worried about you
Kayden: please talk to me
Kayden: what's this? I can't believe you want to reconcile with me but you keep flirting with every single guy you see. Is this the reason you were not replying to my texts?!
He sent a photo of me and Rapha. Our faces were just inches from each other but it was clear that we were not going to kiss. I wondered when it was taken but then I recognized the dress and the place. It was taken today back at the concert, I turned and looked at Skylar who simply smiled innocently and I knew it was her. I didn't know whether to reply or not. What would I even say if i had to reply. I decided to drop it switching off my phone before I could do something stupid.
"Harley you have a visitor," Skylar's mum said knocking softly on the door. "Visitor?" I asked my voice husky. "What time is it?" I wondered searching for my watch. It was five in the morning. I rubbed my eyes sleepily as I sauntered towards the sitting room. "Who ever that person was, must have a very good reason for waking me up," I groaned. "Kayden," I said frowning. This is definitely a dream, Kayden can't be here. "Are you real?" I asked. Both Kayden and Skylar's mum burst out laughing. "She is definitely so sleepy maybe you could wait for her to sober up," Skylar's mum suggested. "No, we are leaving now. She will sleep on the way home," he stated.
That got me wide awake. "Excuse me," I ranted. "Don't say a word, show me to your room and pick your stuff," he said. I was about to start making a fuss about everything when Skylar's my mum carresed my shoulder. "Let it be, come back when you fix everything." She said politely. I was about to ask her how she came to know when Sherry showed up with my bag, of course it had to be her. I looked at her disappointed and I grabbed my bag from her. "I'm sorry I had to leave this way, please tell Skylar and dad that I said goodbye." I said my voice muffled because I was close to crying. The last thing I saw was Sherry trying to catch up with me to explain.
"Why do you keep hurting me?" I asked Kayden once we were alone. "I can't live without you," he said and started driving. I stared at him and I could feel anger radiating off me. I had so much hatred for myself for allowing myself to be his puppet. I hated him because he had so much power over me and I hated the world for not letting us be. We drove in silence for the rest of the journey with only a few sobs from me. He flinched everytime he heard my sobs. I knew he always hated it when I cried but he kept doing the same things all over again. He suddenly stopped the car ten minutes away from home, "we need to talk." He said stepping out of the car. I saw him make his way to my side to open for me but I didn't want him to act all gentle on me so I beat him to it. I opened the car before he could and I tripped in the process. On a spur of a moment, he had me gathered in his arms. I sighed and closed my eyes. It had been so long without being in his arms. We stayed like that for longer that we should have and I only pulled away when I finally had some energy to push him away. "Thank you," I muttered. "I will always keep you from harm's way," he smirked. Ok such moments are the reasons I hate him so damn much. He is acting like everything is normal. I can't even bring myself to be mad at him when he is acting this way. And this is exactly why I hate myself too. "Harley," he called. I turned and stared at him raising my eyebrows. "Please wait for me at that tree," he stated walking back to the car. "Ok," I muttered my voice barely a whisper. Yes I know I'm crazy and insane but that's what he does to me. Anything he says I agree without contemplating. I'm supposed to be very mad at him for dragging me here without my consent but here I'm in the middle of nowhere walking to a tree because he asked. I even didn't bother asking him why I should be going to the tree, I just agreed. "Harley what happened to you?" I murmured. I can't believe I was that cold, mean heartless girl who found a flaw in each and every guy. I couldn't believe Kayden melted away all the rage I had for guys and he makes me doubt if I ever loved Austin. I think I just wanted to stop being the abnormal girl who had never dated at eighteen and I convinced myself that I'm attracted to Austin. "Definitely that's it," I agreed to my inner girl. Unless I could come up with a better explanation for being insanely in love with Kayden. "Sorry for keeping you waiting," Kayden said startling me. "It's fine, what's that?" I asked. "Try to guess," he said winking at me. I missed this playful side of him and I wished all that stuff never happened. "A picnic really? The sun is barely out," I chuckled. "Like I care, time frame doesn't stop me from doing the things my beautiful girl loves." He said sauntering to where I was standing. I frowned at him and he frowned too. I couldn't help laughing at how his eyes got crinkly. It was so cute and I loved it. "I missed your infectious laugh," he giggled. "Don't you dare come closer," I warned between giggles. "Or what?" He challenged. "Or you are a dead man," I stated. "Like you can live without me," he chorused getting closer and aiming for me. "I'm supposed to be very mad at you right now, don't you dare..." I screeched when he started tickling me. "But your not mad at me right?" He said teasingly. His torn had changed from playful to raw, husky and dangerous. He had that sort of sparkly, adoring thing in his eyes. "Harley," he whispered. We were both panting now and our foreheads were placed together. He slowly moved his hand until he found mine and laced his fingers with mine beneath my thighs. I felt my knees buckling and I leaned further into him for support. If Austin made me weak in my knees, Kayden made me forget I have knees at all. "Kayden," I shivered beneath him. "I can't leave without you Harley. I have tried but you're everywhere. I'm tired of fighting. I don't care if we are wrong for each other, I can't live another second in life if I don't know if you're still mine. When I saw those photos of you with that guy, I felt like I was being suffocated with a pillow. I felt like something was sucking out my life. I swear I was going to die last night Harley, I'm really sorry. I know I hurt you, I know you have a million reasons to be mad at me but please don't send me away. I'll do whatever you want, kick me, punch me, do anything but don't send me away." He said dropping to his knees. I stared blankly at him and I couldn't believe it. Tears were streaming down his eyes and when I looked into his eyes, I saw so much hurting there. I felt my heart stop for a bit only to beat again for him. We loved each other so much that we hurt each other so bad. I was so mad at him but I couldn't do anything when he looks this tired and miserable. I squatted in front of him, "do you know what I want to do to you?" I asked. "No," he mumbled his voice raspy from crying. "Kick your ass," I laughed hugging him. "Does that mean your not going to send me away?" He asked smiling. "Oh my God that smile," I couldn't help falling deeper for him each time he smiled. "Yes I'm not sending you away but you are still going to receive a punishment for dragging me here. Come on get up now, people might think you're proposing." I said shyly. "Why, do you want me to propose to you?" He asked. "Are you crazy? I'm just in college," I stated. "Wow, someone can't wait to be my wife. You didn't say I shouldn't propose and that means you want me to propose to you," he smirked. "You're so full of yourself, who said I want to be your wife. Dream on big guy," I said tapping his shoulder. "I know you want to," he whispered beneath my neck causing me to shiver in anticipation. He laughed at my reaction and I hit him. "Ouch, that hurt. You're such rough a wife," He teased. "I'm not your wife," I screeched. "Will we eat already before those things get cold?" I asked. "Definitely my beautiful fiancee to be, I can't believe you are having a picnic in your night dress." He laughed. "It's your fault after all," I whined.
                            ***
"I can't believe you're going out on date with him," Callie screeched. "You guys are making it sound like it's a big deal." I accused. "You don't know how much I missed you guys, you know those cute moments of sneaking him into your..." I rushed and covered Callie's mouth before she could spill our secret. My mum looked at me questioningly and I gave her my most innocent smile. "Anyway I will leave you two, I'll be downstairs with your dad." She said leaving my room. "Callie!" I scolded. "I'm really sorry, I couldn't contain my excitement. You know just how much I wanted you guys to get back together so that Kayden could sneak to your room and I play with him." She said chuckling. "Seriously," I murmured and fixed my make up. "Harley, Kayden is here." My mum called. "I'll be there in a minute," I said.
"Wow, you look perfect to night." Kayden breathed. "Thank you," I said blushing. "Take care of my daughter and I swear to God I'm going to cut off your neck if you dare make her cry," my dad warned. "That day will never ever come again sir," he said politely. "Shall we?" He asked. I nodded and we walked to his car.
"What do you want to do tonight?" He asked. "Anything, I don't care." I said happily. "Maybe we should just go on an ordinary date, we go have dinner and go for a movie or something," he suggested. "I can't believe you asked me out on a date and you had nothing planned for the night," I said teasingly. "Come on, don't make this hard for me. I know you love the idea. I liked you better earlier when you had missed me so much and you couldn't wait to be in my arms," he smirked. "I liked you better when you were not so full of yourself and you were crying like a baby," I laughed. "Are you going to tease me about that?" He challenged. I knew I couldn't take that road. It was so risky and he had so many things to hold against me. I held up my arms in defeat but I kept chuckling. "You are never going to stop, are you?" He asked. "Why would I?" I asked. He bent towards me and whispered, "I can make you stop," nibbling on my ear for a brief moment causing me to stop chuckling immediately. He smiled satisfied and I cursed under my breath.
"How was our first date?" He asked once he had sneaked back into my room. "It's not our first date," I accused. "Hey, it is. Remember we had issues and now it's like our real first date. I want to forget the past. Can't we just pretend that it never happened," he said smiling. "Yes, I think that's better," I sighed. "You had a long day, I should probably let you have some rest. Goodnight my fiance to be," he said kissing my forehead. "I'm not your..." He silenced me with a kiss on my lips. "Stop denying what you want love. Now sleep ok." He said caressing my face. "Don't leave me," I said breathlessly. I was really scared that if he left he might change his mind. I was also frightened that once he leaves, this might be just a dream and I would wake up the moment he leaves. "Don't worry "I'm going to be watching you all night." He said kissing my palm. I snuggled closer to him and smiled contented as I drifted off to a world of wonderful dreams.
"Good morning beautiful," Kayden smiled as I struggled to open my eyes. "You didn't sleep?" I asked astounded. "Yes, I said I would be watching you all night and that's what I did. I couldn't take my eyes off you. You're really beautiful," he said. I know I was all shades of pink as I felt the warmth gather around my cheeks. "You look so adorable when you blush. I missed it," he chuckled. "Will you stop please, I'm actually flattered. I can't believe you watched me all night." I muttered. "Then you probably don't know how much I love you," he whispered. I was speechless, what was I supposed to say when he was being so sweet. "Baby you know how much I want to spend every single second with you but you know the kind of trouble we would be in if anyone found out that I slept here." He said. "But I don't want you to go," I whined. "Wow, I like this new version of you. Finally someone admits that she is a lovey-dovey," he teased. "I hate you, just leave already," I said hitting him with a pillow. "Are your periods soon because you're so moody. A few moments ago you were worshipping me and now you are trashing me," he laughed harder. I stood up ready to exit the room. He jumped off the bed and grabbed me forcing me to sit on his lap, "come on princess, I was just teasing. Please don't be mad at me," he begged. I fought trying to escape from his grip and lap but he only held on tighter till I gave in. "Promise to stop teasing me then," I lamented. "I promise," he chuckled. "Now will you kiss me good morning?" He asked crushing his lips against mine before I could reply. "I love you Kayden," I sighed. "I love you too," he murmured placing light kisses on my forehead, nose and at the corner of my lips.

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