Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 15

Even though I didn't want to leave Kai or the atmosphere of the warm restaurant my heart twisted. Thinking about Calhoun being in any type of pain made me fret.

"Hey Kai." I said his name softly. He looked towards me with a smile.

"I'll be back okay? I just have to go somewhere." I was partially outside already as I waved. I could tell that Kai was confused and promised myself that I would explain the matter once I returned. Maybe Calhoun could even join.

I dialed Calhouns number.

"Hey where are you?" I asked.

"Back at the picnic spot." I closed the phone and ran towards the field of flowers.

I was out of breath once I got there. I searched for Calhoun and finally found him.

"What are you doing here in the cold?" I asked and he shrugged. I kneeled down next to him.

"All this time I'd been silently breaking Ashers heart without knowing. I'd been dating girls in front of him. My touchy habits had gone too far. I apologise to you as well Eli. I won't make you uncomfortable again."

"Calhoun just to make something clear. You have never made me feel uncomfortable. I can't exactly help you with Ashers case since I never liked someone before." There was too much going on and too little time to even breathe.

"Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it. I need to apologise and say that I never meant to lead him on." I nodded and then squeezed his shoulder.

My phone rang and I answered.

"Hello Emily." She seemed to be showcasing hints of sadness and I tried to think about what I'd done wrong.

"You havent done anything wrong honey. It's not your fault." She sniffled

"Daniel is leaving tomorrow." I didn't know how to take the news. I knew Daniel was a very busy man, however during these passed for weeks I'd grown accustomed to having a father.

I'd been opening up slowly, more so with him than Emily. Telling him about certain good experiences I had whilst in the orphanage. He also agreed that we'd go on a camping trip together, just the two of us.

I sighed against the phone.

"He is coming back in a months time and said he would not stay any longer." I smiled as her voice became cheerier towards the end.

"There is a car waiting for you. We are going out tonight. I've asked them to lay out the special outfit we bought the last time, and I'll meet my handsome boys there." I stared at Calhoun with a worried gaze.

"Dont mind me. Please you deserve all the good that's coming towards you." I stared longingly at Calhoun and debated on whether or not to instigate contact.

I closed my eyes and stopped over thinking. I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around  his waist, closing my eyes in the process.

Calhoun didn't reciprocate so I moved backward. His hand flew to my back and pushed me back onto him. My eyes widened at the contact and then I smiled.

"You'll be okay." I said as I moved away from him, suddenly feeling empty.

"Goodbye." I waved and walked away. I didn't want to leave Calhoun alone, knowing that I would like to be cheered up when down. Funny enough before I'd met Calhoun there were only a miniscule amount of people who would cheer me up.

It was nice. It made me feel warm inside just thinking about it.

When I got to the gate I noticed someone standing with a sign that said: Eli. I rushed to his side and told him to hide it. I wasn't use to this kind of attention. Everyone was staring.

I got in the car and as we drove Kai popped up in my head.

"Stop, please stop sir."He pulled over and I told him that I'd be right back.

I ran as fast as my feet could go. Once I got there I ran right into his chest. Breathing heavily I looked into his honeycomb orbs.

"I'm so sorry Kai! I didn't mean to make you wait so long. I thought I wouldn't see you again."

"I'm glad you came back regardless. What was the matter?" It felt as if he knew where I was.

"Calhoun called so I went and checked up on him but he will be okay. I know it." I looked at Kai again.

"I'm so sorry Kai. I really wanted to spend time w- i-i mean eat at this lovely place." I scrunched my face to the side.

Kai chuckled slightly as he stepped closer. My heartbeat became weak as I moved away from him. Why was his presence so overwhelming?

"Are you free Friday?" He asked and I couldn't help but be shocked. Was he going to ask me out again?

I nodded and he grinned gleefully at me.

"I'll take you out for a proper meal okay? I'll pick you up at eight?" Kai was undeniably sweet, but I didn't have his number, how was he going to know where I lived?

"Oh, hey Eli can I get your number?" I bit my lip trying not to smile like an idiot.

I handed him my cellphone and as I watched him type, the rays of the sun hit his eyes at just the right angle. He was breathtaking.

"Is there something on my face?" Beauty Kai, nothing but beauty.

I shook my head and looked elsewhere. Suddenly Asher appeared out of nowhere.

"Are you dating Calhoun?" My eyes immediately darted towards Kais.

"No, that's absurd." I looked at Asher confused.

A honk sound could be heard and I knew this supper was important to Emily. Why did I want to clear any doubt that Kai might've had?

"Where do you think you're going?" I flinched. Kai stepped in front of me blocking my view.

"He says he is not dating Calhoun. Please show him some respect." Kai looked at me and smiled.

"I'll call you. Go on now."