Chapter sixteen: One thing led to another

O L I V I A

When I came around, my neck was slightly stiff. A hand was still stroking my hair and it felt so amazing that I didn't want to wake up. A low hum of a vehicle prompted me to open my eyes. I did so slowly, taking in the surroundings. In my line of sight was the gap between the two seats that were in front of us.

Right. Flight.

I blinked as more memories came crashing back to me.

Cramps. Ibuprofen. Kaison.

Ohhhh, fuck.

I turned my head slowly upwards, only to meet a pair of piercing light brown eyes. My breath hitched as they assessed me.

"Hey," I whispered.

"Are they gone?" Was the first thing he asked.

"Yeah," I replied softly, moving to sit up. I avoided those bottomless eyes. I kept the blankets close to me to conserve the warmth. I hated the airplane cold. I looked around to see that a lot of them were either sleeping or staring vacantly at the screens in front of them. My window was open and it was dark. "How long was I sleeping?"

"About two and a half hours," he answered, stretching his legs. I looked at him guiltily. He looked visibly stiff.

"Sorry," I apologized.

He scowled at me. "Shut up."

"What are you even doing here?" I asked him.

He gave me a sheepish smile. "I . . . exchanged seats with Ross."

"Who?" I frowned in confusion, still a little dazed from sleeping.

"Ross," he repeated, clearing his throat. "The guy who was sitting here before me."

"I-" I smiled, shaking my head. "Thank you."

"It was nothing." He shrugged.

You exchanged a seat that reclines back for a seat that barely offers any legroom for those long legs of yours. Yeah, no biggie.

"Sure." I laughed lowly. "Whatever you say."

"You hungry?" He questioned.

"A little," I said after a thought. I had mostly just had fluids and semi-fluids. I was famished.

"Me too," he agreed. "There's still time for dinner, though."

"We can have snacks," I suggested.

"Cookies?"

"No," I groaned. "I've had enough sweets to last me for a while."

"Understandable." He chuckled. "You devoured all those poor chocolates and ice creams like there was no tomorrow."

"I felt like it," I said. "I always listen to my tummy when I'm on my period."

"I know. Omelet?"

"Nah, I had that for breakfast." I sat with my back against the wall, my feet folded close to me on the forsaken seat.

"Pancakes?" He asked, coming closer and pulling my feet onto his lap.

I sighed to hide a smile. "Nope, they're sweet too."

"Chips?"

I brightened up at the idea. "Yeah."

"Alright." He chuckled at the contrast.

Ten minutes later we were stuffing our faces with salted potato chips. The same attendant who had come to us before came and looked visibly relieved to see me alive and smiling. We sat in companionable silence. We had gotten some cold Pepsi and had synced the same movies on our screens. 

I turned to say something to him when I noticed an old woman glaring at me. I didn't know her so I thought maybe she would avert her gaze and focus on her actual target. I looked at her in surprise for a nice ten seconds before I discerned that the glare was meant for me.

I cocked my head to the side in confusion and she shifted her gaze between me, my legs, and Kai deliberately. Talk about a salty lady to go with the salty chips. My lips formed an 'o' in realization and I tore my gaze away from her hostility, focusing back on the screen and taking my legs off of Kai's lap in the process. I was pretty sure I was beet red.

The problem wasn't that she didn't like it. The problem was I liked it too much and I shouldn't. I was more comfortable with it than I would like to be at the moment. And the way it felt so natural unnerved me. Also, there was this other thing.

Why are we doing PDA when we're not even a couple?

I could feel Kai's perplexed gaze on the side of my gaze at the withdrawal but I pretended to not notice. I kept staring hard at the screen in front of me without actually seeing anything. My blood was thumping hard in my veins.

For a minute there, I'd forgotten that he was no longer my boyfriend. I'd forgotten that we weren't dating. I'd forgotten that we were no longer eighteen.

I exhaled, looking out the window.

I need to be more careful around him. The closer I get to him, the harder it will be to go away. And walking away is inevitable.

But why? Why did I have to do that when every time I was with him I go back to the old me? The unbroken, carefree, and unguarded me who wasn't afraid to love and open up? Why couldn't I just fuck everything and stay there with him where it felt right?

Because you don't want another heartbreak. You don-shouldn't trust him.

That's why.

With my mood ruined, I munched aggressively on the chips till they were gone.

* * * * *

"Wake up," I patted his cheeks softly, urging him to open his eyes. He stirred, grumbling incoherently.

How do I end up in situations like these?

"Kai," I prompted again.

He squeezed his eyes tighter and then opened them slowly, squinting up at me.

"We're landing," I sighed. "Sit up and put your seat belt on."

"Two minutes," he mumbled in true Kai fashion.

"He has already come up to me twice," I chided him, referring to the steward in our cabin. "Aaannndddd I see him coming for the third time. God, just sit up, please!"

"Okay, okay!" He sat up complainingly. I saw the steward suppress a smile before he turned back around. "I feel dead."

"You slept for three hours only to be woken up so violently," I said, watching him wince as he tried to sit comfortably. He looked stiff and the sling didn't seem to help. "I don't blame you."

"That, and the fact that I stuffed my stomach before I crashed," he added. I gave him his sunglasses and he put them on, evidently reluctant.

"Hmm, that." I put on my seatbelt. Then I assisted him with his.

"Thanks," he breathed out, running his good hand through his disheveled hair.

"Don't mention it," I answered, listening to the announcements being made in the cabin. Apparently, it was a little cloudy and we were expecting turbulence.

I whimpered internally.

I was fine with flying, but turbulence? Holy fuck, that scared the living shit out of me.

"It's probably nothing major." Kai leaned in. "For one, it's September. And I checked the weather after we boarded."

"Um-hmm," I hummed back, feeling relieved. The plane was already descending and it was obvious by the way my ears were popping every once in a while.

"Chill." He chuckled, watching me. I was probably pale.

"Yeah, I mean, we're quite far down," I remarked, trying to look out of the window from the aisle seat where I was seated ever since Kaison was tired and wanted to lay down. "Maybe we won't- argh!"

"You just had to jinx it," Kai muttered, lacing his fingers with mine.

I breathed heavily, so shaken that I didn't even notice the nasty and amused looks being thrown my way at my loud exclamation.

We're going to crash.

"I'm just going to pray till we land," I managed to utter before closing my eyes and leaning my head back on the headrest.

Kai laughed lowly. "You do that."

I promise I will be good, God. Please just let me live. And I swear . . . .

Only when the plane bumped once and then twice, signaling that it had touched the ground, and when I was finally thrown back into the seat did I loosen my vice-like grip on Kai and open my eyes.

He shot me an amused look. "Better?"

"Better." I gulped, wiping my damp hands on my jeans. My chest felt tight. "And I'll be even better when we get off this damned thing."

Not long after that, we were at the baggage claim counter. We had gotten off towards the end because we had to get Kai's bag from his cabin. We had stuck together throughout then and met up with Josh.

"I am bloody sleepy," I mumbled, keeping an eye out for my suitcase.

"Me too," Josh agreed, stari- uh, glaring at Kai. I was too tired to even ask.

"Glare later," I snapped at the pair when I spotted my luggage. "Get me my suitcase first."

"Liv," Josh whined.

"Just do it," I barked, feeling crabby. The turbulence had messed up my head. I hated it. Humans are not even supposed to fly. Turbulence is God's way of remaining us that.

Very inconvenient, if you ask me.

I had to freshen up, too. Periods just make you weak as fuck and then they add to your to-do list. Most girls out there will relate.

"Geez, okay." He groaned. "Do you see it?"

"Yeah," I pointed at it, "The small, black American Tourister."

"Gotcha." He nodded. He waited till it was within his reach and then heaved it off the conveyer belt. Then he took another off and smiled at me. "And that's mine."

"Awesome," I said unenthusiastically.

He laughed, pushing mine towards me, apparently unperturbed. "There you go."

"Thanks." I sighed.

"You're most welcome." He grinned.

How? Just . . . how?

I resisted the urge to stamp my feet. "Let's go."

To my surprise, the boys walked behind me instead of with me, talking in hushed, aggressive tones. I tried listening in, but it was too low, and was getting lost in the dull airport noises. I gave up after a while.

We had just made it outside. The guys had finally caught up with me but were sharing a stony silence. It was grating at my nerves. The fact that I had not had the mind to book myself a cab after landing wasn't helping either. And that's why I almost cried with joy when I saw an empty cab nearby. Without a word I started to walk towards it but I was stopped.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kai questioned, curling his palm around my bicep.

"To that cab, before someone else claims it," I answered in a haste, tugging at my arm. His hold tightened, but not in a way that it would hurt. Just firmer, enough for me to not be able to break away.

"Nuh-uh," he shook his head, "You're not going alone."

I shrugged. "Josh can come with."

"He lives on the opposite side of the city." Kai rolled his eyes. I cross-checked with Josh and turned out it was true. Kai released me. I glanced back at the cab and groaned. It had been spoken for by some redhead.

"I hate you." I wagged a finger at Kai.

"I know," he said drily.

I glared, pissed at both losing my cab and his state of nonchalance. "My mode of transport is gone."

"I'll drop you off," he stated.

"Of course," I scoffed.

"Just cooperate. It's literally almost one in the morning in here. You're better off with me."

"He's right," Josh agreed begrudgingly, pocketing his phone. "And my cab is here."

"Oh," I exhaled. "Nice seeing you, Josh. Keep in touch."

We have unfinished business, boy.

"I will," he promised, smiling faintly like he could read my thoughts.

"Bye." I hugged him.

He hugged me back. "I swear I love Samantha. I am not toying with her," he whispered in my ear.

"How can I be sure?" I whispered back.

"Trust us. I promise you, you will not regret it."

"I better not," I hissed at him. "Or I will kill you. That's my promise to you."

"Noted."

"And not a word of this to Sam. Are we clear?"

I felt his head nod a little against mine. "Crystal."

"Good." I released him. He gave a tentative smile and I gave him a flat look in return. I didn't trust him yet. He exhaled and focused on Kai, shooting him a meaningful look. In response, Kai just stiffened and looked away.

There was definitely something going on.

"See ya," Josh said before walking away. Neither Kai nor I responded to that.

I looked at Kai when Josh was out of sight. "Well?"

"What?" He met my eye.

"Where's our ride?" I scowled.

"Oh, right. That." He nodded. "He'll be here soon."

"Your driver is not punctual," I grumbled.

"It's not my driver. I don't have one. It's my friend," he told me.

"Oh." I closed my eyes, feeling embarrassed. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright." He waved it off, not looking at me. He was looking around for his friend, it seemed. "So, just to make conversation, what did you talk to Josh about just now?"

"What did you guys discuss so secretively before?" I countered. He pursed his lips.

That's what I thought.

I wanted to be smug, but I was too tired and the emotion demanded some zeal I could not spare. I was ready to lay down on the pavement. It was so difficult to stand upright. My lower abdomen felt numb and my legs felt weak and unsteady.

"Kaison! There you are!"

I keened internally.

Just rip the band-aid off at once. Why do you keep pulling it off little by little, hun, Universe?

"Chelsea," Kai greeted almost reluctantly. "What a pleasant surprise."

"Surprise?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "If this is a surprise, what the hell do you call me coming back to a stranger?"

He ran his hands through his hair nervously. "Umm . . . "

"Where were you?" She demanded. "I tried asking the guy but he wouldn't tell me!"

"I was on the plane," Kai answered evasively. I held back a snort.

Like he could've skydived out of a commercial jet.

"Oh, really?" She taunted.

He sighed with what I guessed was exasperation. "I was with Livvy."

"Why?" She asked incredulously, not even bothering to look at me. I rolled my eyes.

I hate you too, bitch.

"I don't owe you any explanations." His voice finally took a firm tone.

"Kaison-"

"Sorry, we have to go," he interrupted her. "He's here." Kai nudged his shoulder with mine. "There. Let's go."

"What-"

I held back a yawn carelessly. "Uh? Hmm. Let's."

I ignored Chelsea, following him to a white land cruiser. I looked behind my shoulder to see her huff before a car stopped in front of her and the driver walked out to greet her. I looked forward again to see a man dressed similarly to Kaison step out of the vehicle and hug him shortly.

"Hey, man," he spoke gruffly.

"Thanks for doing this, Milo," Kaison returned.

"Don't mention it." Milo grinned. "Who's the lovely lady you are here with?"

"Livvy, this is Milo: my best friend, and teammate. Milo, meet Olivia. We went to school together," Kaison introduced.

"Hi, nice to meet you." I put my hand forward. "Please call me Liv."

"Likewise." He shook it. "Wait, is she the Olivia?" He turned his head towards Kaison with an excited smile.

That's interesting.

I looked at Kaison to see him give Milo a sharp look that cleary screamed 'shut the fuck up'. I smirked despite myself.

"It's getting late," Kai said curtly. "Can we get going?"

"Fine, keep your cards close to your chest." Milo rolled his eyes. "I'll find out one way or the other."

"Whatever," Kai replied.

"Where do you live?" Milo asked me. I gave him my address.

"Are you sure it's alright?" I said, feeling abashed. "I can seriously book myself a cab."

"It's no problem." He assured me with a smile, opening the trunk of the cruiser. "A friend of Kai's is a friend of mine."

"Thank you." I smiled back gratefully as he stashed our luggage there.

"Let's go!" He walked towards the driver's seat.

"Livvy, you can sleep in the back if you want," Kai told me, opening the door for me.

"It's alright," I replied, kissing his cheek in thanks before climbing in. "I will be fine."

He closed the door behind me with a smile and climbed into the shotgun seat himself. I put my head against the headrest and closed my eyes as Milo changed the gears. We drove in comfortable silence with Kaison and Milo talking occasionally.

"Shit," I heard and started out of my nap. I winced at the slight crick in my neck. I hadn't meant to fall asleep.

"What now?" Milo muttered.

"I don't understand," Kai mumbled. "How did they fucking know?!"

"What's up?" I asked hoarsely, straightening up.

"Paparazzi," Kai groused.

"Where?" I frowned, peering outside. I couldn't spot them.

"I see a few round and about. See? There's one. And him. And then look at her there." They pointed at people after people.

"Okay?" I agreed, not really following.

"They're hiding in plain sight," Kai filled me in. "Who the heck tipped them off?"

"Oh." That made sense. "What next?"

"A hotel," he groaned out.

"I'm sorry, mate," Milo said. "I would've let you stay but Gracie-"

"I know, I would never want to impose," Kai comforted. "I can stay at some hotel nearby. It's fine, really."

I bit my lip, trying to keep my mouth shut.

"Are you sure? I mean, you're jet-lagged, too."

"I'll be fine."

"What about the press? If a few of them are here, I'm sure some of them are at the hotel, too. They know your pattern."

"I didn't think about that," Kai lamented.

"I have a vacant room you can crash in," I blurted out.

When am I going to learn the art of keeping quiet?

"Right!" Kai exclaimed, his voice thick with relief. "Griffin isn't coming home for a while. But are you sure, Livvy?"

"Yeah." I shrugged. "Why not?"

"Thank you!!" He cheered.

"Oh, it's nothing," I said with a smile. How my voice sounded sure and steady, I'd never know.

And this is how you dig your own grave and then go lay in it.

"To casa de Liv, then?" Milo asked. Kai looked at me as if to say it was alright to say 'no' even at that point. I appreciated it, but my stupid mind was made up.

"To casa de Liv," I confirmed.

What can possibly go wrong?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A/N:-

Poor Liv. She thinks I'll let her have peace * chokes out an evil laugh *

Stay tunnneeddd to know what goes wrrrooonnnnggg. Or right. Ah, a thin line.

QOTD: Ice cream or smoothie?

Stay safe. Take care. I'll see ya tomorrow!

All my love,
xoxo.