Naked (Wattys 2022)

Part 16

As we stepped inside the restaurant I couldn't help but feel out of place. My gut sank as I thought about the reason behind this sudden gathering.

What if Daniel didn't come back?

"Don't worry too much son. I'll make sure to come back to you no matter what. We have waisted enough time and I'm so sorry." He spoke softly and all the memories I associated with a good feeling was now unfamiliar.

Loneliness never left me, which made me appreciate my parents so much more. I should be angry at them, but why was I so happy that I finally had  someone to lean on.

Without knowing tears began streaming down my cheeks in full force. I looked towards Daniel and he couldn't hide the emotion any longer.

We were all just abandoned buildings. Waiting for someone to reach in and fix us. Hoping that eventually we would be able to offer some kind of warmth for someone else.

Daniel reached for me and gave me a hug, continuously telling me how sorry he was, and that there was absolutely nothing wrong with me.

That he regrets not being by Emily's side when she needed him. He blamed himself and it was clear in the way he spoke to me. He barely got words out as his eyes were clouded by sadness.

"I'm sorry." I moved away from him and smiled through the pain in my heart. It hurt, so bad.

I wiped the tears away from his eyes and I knew he needed me as much as I needed him.

"I'm suppose to be taking care of you." He chuckled and then gave me a half hearted smile.

With the many good things that were happening to me there were many cons as well. With every comforting action there was a bad memory accompanied by it.

It never occurred to me that those terrible memories weren't any good. I was brought up in an environment that I thought was healthy.

And now, I was beginning to question everything.

***

My cellphone rang during supper and I apologized profusely before getting up.

"Calhoun?"

"I need to tell you something." He sounded agitated and worry etched my facial features almost immediately.

"What's wrong?" I asked. There was a long pause before Calhoun eventually spoke.

"I kinda told Asher that we are dating." He said it so softly that I barely caught on.

"W-what?" I was gobsmacked by the sudden statement. Why on earth would he lie to Asher? This would surely make their friendship disappear.

"I need you to pretend, just for a few days okay?" I bit my lip. I told Kai I wasn't dating Calhoun. What would happen if Kai got the wrong idea?

I shook my head. What was I thinking? Why would Kai even care about my personal matters...

"Calhoun. I'm not sure. Asher is going to be really mad at you for lying. I do-"

"Please." I thought he was straight, wouldn't he be giving everyone the wrong impression? I didn't know what to do as I stared at the ceiling.

"Yes yes okay but only for a few days and then tell him okay?" Was that why Asher got so angry at me at the restaurant? How could he do that to him?

"ofcause! Thank you." He sounded depleted. I wasn't sure how it led to Calhoun telling Asher that I was his boyfriend, but Calhoun was my friend and I wasn't planning to leave him to deal with this alone.

After I ended the call I headed to our table but my phone rang again.

"Someones popular! Are you dat-" Emily hit Daniel on his shoulder and he chuckled at her facial expression.

"I'll be right back." I said quietly.

"Eli?" Kai's deep voice echoed and I wasn't really sure how to reply.

"Yes, Kai?" I responded trying not show the excitement in my voice.

"Do you have an early class tomorrow? I was wondering if we could go together since we are practically neighbors." My eyes widened. Kai lived near?

"I saw you leave earlier on. You looked beautiful. I mean handsome. " My heart faltered as I squeezed the phone.

"Hello, Eli?" He sounded a bit nervous as he cleared his throat.

"I'm here. I'm here."

"So is that a yes?"

"Yes." I whispered.

"I'll call you later once you're done with dinner? I'm sorry for disturbing you. Bye bye blue." He ended the call and I held it against my chest.

"Who was that?" Emily asked grinning at me.

"Stop asking the boy. He will tell us when he is ready." Daniel winked at me.

The rest of the supper went smoothly. We even had some cheesecake for dessert. It was something I haven't had before, but from the first bite I knew it was my favourite.

Daniel and Emily laughed loudly when I apologised for asking another piece.

***

"Hello Kai." I smiled as I saw his name pop up.

After the greeting we spoke about everything and anything. Time passed and I eventually fell asleep with the phone in hand.

"Honey. Are you not feeling well." I opened my eyes and I checked the time.

"Morning Emily! I- I need to get ready." I gently pushed her out of the room and dressed hurriedly. She chuckled and told me not to forget the card on the table.

I wet my hair and brushed my teeth before gripping my backpack, but when I got outside I stopped in my tracks.

Kai stood aside with his motorcycle and on the other side Calhoun sat in his car.

My phone went off making me aware there was a message sent to my phone.

"Asher will see you as soon as we get to the university. You have to come with me." I stared at Kai's warm smile and nearly faltered in step.

I needed to explain it to him. I got another message.

"Please don't tell anyone about this."

I bit my lip as I walked towards Kai.

"Hello Kai. I'm so sorry I didn't know he was going to get me. I- I'll see you later?"

He placed his helmet on his head and then ruffled my hair.

"See you soon."