The air is light and smells oddly of pizza and Febreze. I glance around the house to take in the cozy yet modern style. Pictures that are displayed on top of a fireplace catch me eyes, so much enjoy wrapped in one tiny frame. Pictures of mini Kahlil along with Wade and a woman with warm eyes. I smile softly.
His mother.
Blinking a couple times, I frown. Why am I here? Why did I agree to come to their house?! I look to everyone else as they get comfortable with their environment. I can't be here. I've gone too far, this is too personal.
"Nevy." I make eye contact with Kahlil as he touches my shoulder.
"Are you okay?" I push my glasses back up and nod. I try to plug up my nose but it's already too late.
God, why does he smell so good when he just came from playing in the dirt with a bunch of sweaty jocks?
He smiles, taking me to the living room where the others are. Wade and Mona smile at each other before turning to us.
"So, we'll do prepare dinner and you four stay out of trouble." Wade gives a sly smirk while Mona glances at her son teasingly.
"Especially you, Adri." He shrugs with a smile almost as if to say 'can't promise anything'. We nod and say okay like good little kids before they head toward the kitchen.
"So, K.C, let's see that room of yours. I've been wondering since the last time we were here." Adriano smiles as he wiggles his eyebrows at Kahlil. He chuckles, shaking his head.
"I mean, I guess." He starts walking toward the stairs.
"This a-way." I awkwardly walk in front Leon while Adriano jokes around with Kahlil about whatever. I feel his calculating stares as they penetrate my back. I frown.
This is getting real bad, real fast. I need to somehow convince him I'm neither Nadia or Nevy. My gaze casts up and I see Adriano glance at Kahlil then wink at me before continuing with their conversation. My frown deepens. I also need to convince the two that I don't want Kahlil to tease me until I'm begging for it.
I mentally sigh, playing with my bangs.
God, what type of mess did I get myself into?
⚀ ⚀ ⚀ ⚀
I watch as Kahlil chuckles at Adriano's confusion. He's been more playful ever since we left school but I still have this weird feeling that something's up. I wanna ask what's wrong or comfort him but it's not my business nor place. I can't get involved in any of their personal affairs.
And yet, I'm here.
I sigh, sliding my glasses farther up my bridge then glance at Kahlil's open bedroom door.
Thank god he left. I hate when he tries to interrogate me. And then with the questions, he was asking! Ugh, I hate him.
"Whatever, you're a cheater and I'm going downstairs to that lovely flat screen." Adriano huffs before storming out, shutting the door behind him. I shake my head with a small smile. He acts such like a child sometimes. It honestly surprises me that he can live by himself.
"Well," Kahlil sighs though his expression screams amusement.
"Guess it's just you and me." He smiles at me before walking over and taking Leon's seat.
"Ah, my heaven has finally come." We chuckle as he leans back on propped arms. His shirt stretches over the taut muscles hidden underneath. I bite my lip, deciding to look around his room instead.
Two bookshelves filled with Sci-fi and horror, awards, video games... my hand feels at the soft fabric between my fingers. My eyes widen.
We're alone in his room, on his bed with the door closed. I sneak a glance at Kahlil. He's already looking at me with a teasing smile.
"What's Miss Little Nevy thinking about?" I blush as my eyes avert to my lap, where my hands now lay.
"Nothing." He chuckles softly to himself then grows silent.
"Nevaeh." I frown, looking at him as his tone is dangerously serious.
What—
"Thank you." His eyes capture mine, such sincerity shining through and taking my breath away.
"I'm really glad I bumped into your locker that day." I stare at him as his eyes plead for his mouth to say more.
"Even more glad that you snatched me into a closet and caused me to be eight minutes late to class." A lovely smile blesses its way onto his glowingly beautiful face before a small chuckle rips through those lips. Oh, how a sound can bring such enjoyment to my senses, I wouldn't know.
"Had to have my heaven." His features flicker toward another emotion as words mumble pass his lips. I furrow my eyebrows.
"Huh?" His smile returns as he shakes his head.
"Nothing, now," he jumps up and holds his hand out to me.
"Let's see what everyone else is up too." I stare at him, trying to figure the emotions he previously showed before giving up and taking his hand.
Giving me another smile, we walk out his room. I frown when his gaze leaves mine.
I wish I didn't care but it's hard when you feel such warmth in one smile then strained contentment in the others.
⚀ ⚀ ⚀ ⚀
I sigh, closing my eyes once my back presses against the hardwood.
Shit, it's good to be home.
Removing myself from the door, I open my eyes. Never again will I go to a 'friend's' house. I mean, the food was great and the dinner was actually pretty fun but... I can't. I've already hurt my family, there's no reason to hurt more. Frowning, I start walking toward my room but stop when I notice someone in the living room.
"Sammy?" He's sitting on the couch facing the TV with a controller in his hand but there's nothing on the screen. He stares at the TV, seeming to be deep in thought until his eyes meet mine. I furrow my eyebrows. For a while, we don't say anything, just stare. Then his gaze returns to the TV screen.
"I like Kahlil, he seems cool." I smile softly as my gaze finds the floor.
"He is.. I do too." Our eyes connect again and mine begin to water as we share a simple smile.
'I'm so, so sorry.' I rub at my arm, averting my gaze. I'm sorry for not being strong for you when you really needed it... that I caused your fears.
"Nevaeh." It wasn't until his slim arms wrapped around me that I realize I dropped to my knees. With my cheek pressed against his small chest, I close my eyes and bathe in his warmth. Crazy how frailest of things could end up being your strongest foundation.
"I know I'm secretive and I don't let you in but it has nothing to do with your age, Samuel." He comes to sit down with me as I open my eyes and gaze into his.
"You're the most mature, thoughtful, and kind 13 year old I know." I bite my bottom lip, trying to stop crying.
"It's- you've been through too much already, there's no need for you to stress yourself over me." He frowns, furrowing his eyebrows.
"It's supposed to be the other way around, Sammy." I try to joke but he continues to frown.
"If... you're not going to talk to me then at least talk to Kahlil." My face goes blank as I stare and his distraught expression.
"Or your other friends or Auntie Jonna, just don't.." He stops when his voice cracks which cause a strong, painful pounding in my heart.
"Don't destroy yourself for the sake of others."