Ch-11 ★Love that can’t be hidden

[Aulaura]

Cargo loading site in WestWale, London

The music blared out of the large stereo, filling the entire tunnel with its vibrancy. People were chatting, dancing, and just having a good time. I tried joining them but I couldn’t. My mind kept on reverting back to Hunter. He still hadn’t made an appearance or maybe I hadn’t seen him yet.

I hope he doesn’t try anything on Sam. I hope he stays true to his words. I kept on looking for Sam in the crowd making sure she was safe. She was dancing with a group of girls. There was a carefree look on her face, I almost felt guilty for leading her into a possible trap. No, this is not my fault. I didn’t have a choice ...sorry Sam.

She came up to me, smiling brightly. Her golden hoops dangled in front her pulled back blonde hair. “This place is amazing!”

I leaned back into the bar table. “Told you,”

She crossed her arms over her pale, orange dress. “You were right. I really needed some time off studies and college,”

“I’m always right,” I shrugged my shoulders, giving her a lopsided grin.  “After all I am Aulaura Grey, the fu-“

She held her hands. “I know, I know the future CEO of Innovation,”

I gave her a funny look. “I was going to say the future of dance,”

“Sorry, Mr. Grey says that so much it-“She muttered, embarrassed. 

“Chill, it doesn’t matter. Go enjoy,” I shooed her away.

She took hold of my hand. “Come on let’s dance,”

“Nah I don’t feel like it.”I took a seat on a stool, facing the bar table and sipped the coke.

She came and sat beside me. “You’ve been saying that for the past hour,”

“My feet hurt,”

“Excuses, excuses,” She held up her hand, motioning the bartender to come here.

A cute boy with short brown hair came up. He was wearing a red bow tie with his tight, black vest.  “What would you like on this fine night?” he spoke, propping his elbows on the table as he leaned towards Sam.

The boy looked way too interested in Sam. She was a total boy magnet. She didn’t do it intentionally. It’s just something about her behavior or maybe her gorgeous looks that had boys surrounding her like flies on a piece of cake.

“One glass of Fruit punch,” she was well aware of the fact that the bartender was practically drooling bucket loads of salvia.

The poor guy was whipped. “Excuse me?” Sam snapped her fingers in front his face.

“Sorr-sorry,” he scrambled on his feet, rushing towards the other end of the table.

 “I thought you were going to order some vodka for me,”

 She gave me a reprimanding stare. “That stuff isn’t good for you,”

 I controlled the urge to roll my eyes. “Sometimes you act like my mum,”

 "Yah because you’re not smart enough to handle yourself,”

 “Hey,” I slapped her arm. “I’ve got plenty of brains,”

 "Okay then use that brain of yours and find some nice bloke for yourself,” Her eyes scanned the crowd of sweaty bodies dancing on the dance floor.

“I could say the same to you. You haven’t dated any guy since I first met you,” Now’s the chance Sam. Tell me about Hunter. I know you feel something for him that’s why you haven’t moved on. I have never seen you interact with any guy wholeheartedly. Now that I realize it, you usually avoid having long conversation with guys.

Sam seemed to be at a loss of words. “Because, because-“She looked down at her hands, her eyebrows furrowed together. “Because no guy has been able to capture my heart,”

 “Or maybe you’ve already given your heart to someone else, “I brought the coke can to my lips.

 Her eyes widened. She took hold of my hand, squeezing it painfully. “What do you mean?”

 I set the can on the table, its contents slipping over the edge. “I was making an assumption,” I freed my hand from her grasp. “Why are you freaking out?”

 Sam looked dubious. “Do you know something-“She stopped midway, her eyes carefully studying my expression.

I took another sip, the cold liquid calming my parched throat. “Why are you acting so strangely? Are you hiding something?” I replied half-jokingly.

In the short time she has known me, she knew me better than anyone else. That’s what sucks about this situation. Why is that the people you trust the most let you down? I guess it’s right what people say about it. ‘Trust is an open door for betrayal,’

“I’ve told you everything you need to know,” She answered me with a grave expression on her face.

“Don’t worry. I trust you,” I buried my hands into the pocket of my grey hoodie. “Are we going to sit this thing out or what?” I got from the stool, heading towards the dance floor.

“I thought you weren’t in the mood,” She trailed behind me.

I raised my hands in the air. “Well now I am,”

~*~*~

It’s been about thirty minute since I’ve been dancing randomly, alone in the center of the dance floor. Thankfully, no-one seemed to be taking notice of me.  I was tired, frustrated and dance was the only way to let it out. Bodies of sweaty people were surrounding me. I didn’t mind. I just need to get this weight off my chest.

Sam was dancing with the group of peppy girls from earlier. Hunter was still no-where to be seen. He could be watching from the sidelines. God knows what’s up with him? Firstly he asks me to bring Sam to the fiesta and now he’s no-where to be seen. He had me worrying for nothing.

 Sam came up to me. She had a frown on her face. “Hey, remove that big hoodie of yours or else you’ll  get suffocated from the heat,”

 I took off the hoodie, revealing my full-sleeve, knee-length black dress. I tied the jacket around my waist. “Good now?”

 She nodded her head. Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to come face to face with Dale (organizer of the dancing fiesta).

 He smiled warmly at me. The bald spot on his head seemed to be getting wider. He was wearing a sleeveless t-shirt that showed his rippling muscles.

 “Ya came here again,” His emerald eyes shone with joy as he smiled warmly at me. “I take it that ya like tis’ place,”

“Who wouldn’t? This place is amazing!” His smile grew even more at my compliment.

“Where’s Jay can’t see em’ anywhere? “He asked me. With difficulty I controlled the cringe that was about to escape my body. I felt my heart pick up its pace with the mention of his name. Jay Walter, the man with too many problems, wasn’t here at the fiesta. I thought he was a regular here. Was it because of things that happened today, he didn’t show up?

“Um I came here with my friend,” I pointed towards Sam who was standing beside me.

Dale turned his shoulders to look at Sam. The instant she came into his view his smile vanished, it was replaced with a grimace. “What are ya doing here?” he barked. The bald spot on his head turned red.

 Sam backed away, looking offended. “Why are you being so rude? I don’t even know you,”

He rotated his neck, which made some nasty, crackling sounds. “I know girls like ya. Who are ya tryin ta fool, Melody?” The same name scribbled in Jay’s room. Who was she? From the way Dale was reacting, she was obviously not the right kind of girl.

I stepped between them. “She’s not Melody,”

Dale looked at me, bewildered.

“She’s my friend, Samantha. She looks a-lot like this Melody person,” I stated in a manner of explanation,” I caught Sam staring at me in way that meant ‘you better give me some serious clarification later,’

He kept on staring at Sam. “This...its nuts,” He rubbed his eyes. “I’d be darned she looks like da exact copy of Melody,”

 He seemed to have calmed down. He scratched the back of his head, awkwardly. “Sorry, it’s just that ye don’t like Melody,” He spoke looking in Sam directions.

Sam just nodded her, still shocked by the fact that someone with her appearances walked the earth.

Dale shook his head as if to erase some bad memory. “Ey’ Melody women,” He clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “Not a good women. She ruined Jay’s life. Bitter, bitter girl she was,”

“Who was she?”

Dale looked at me as a brief urgency entered his eyes like he had just realized he had said something he shouldn’t have. “His ex-girlfriend,” He spoke in a rush. “I’ve go...attend the dancing ring,” He quickly disappeared from my sight. It seemed like he wanted to escape my questions. Strange.

“What was that about?” Sam questioned me.

“Something about the weird Rockstar Jay Walters,” I shrugged.

“So,” She dragged the word.  “There is a girl who likes exactly like me,”

“Yup,”

 She raised her eyebrow, titling her head to one side. “Why didn’t you tell me about this earlier?”

 “I don’t know much about her either,” More people were arriving inside the tunnel. This place was more packed then the time I came here with Jay. I guess the word got out that such an amazing place existed in London.

 “I look like Jay’s girlfriend. Huh- who would have thought that?” I get it now, that’s why Jay looked so uncomfortable with Sam when he was at my birthday party.

“Ex-girlfriend,” I added, wiping the bead of sweat from my forehead. It was getting hot in here.

“Oh, looks like someone is jealous,” she teased me with a knowing smile.

I felt heat rush to my face, great- now she’ll mock me for the rest of my life. “I- I’m not,” I stuttered feeling a bit unsure.

“Aulaura Grey you’re so smitten over that boy,”

My blush seemed to be darker with each passing second. I couldn’t ignore the rapid beats of my heart, the strange feeling in my stomach. What was happening with me?

 I need get away from here, away from this feeling. I hated it. I felt sick. “I’m going to the deck,”

“Okay, I’ll be here,” Wait, I can’t leave here Sam alone what if Hunter tries something on her?  He could try to hurt her. I should stay, no I can’t I need to clear my mind.

 “Aren’t you coming along?” I hoped she’d say yes.

 She shook her head. “Nah, I’m gonna grab a drink,”

 She could manage herself for few minutes’ right? I’m sure Hunter won’t try anything in front of so many people. “Just stay here, I’ll be back in a few,”

 “Where would I go? Now you’re the one acting like a mum,”

 “Right,” I murmured, if she only knew. She turned her back towards me and made her way through the masses of people.

~*~*~

I walked out onto the deck of the abandoned, cargo ship. It was floating on a piece of water from the river Thames.  The water was darker than the night surrounding it. Tonight, the sky was starless, only the bare moon shone in the empty canvas of black.

 In a distance, I could see the London Bridge.  Its expanse was illuminated by streetlamps. Beyond the bridge, you could see the beautiful, glamorous city of London. Glowing Silhouettes of tall, towering building were outlining the city with limitless wonder.

 I let out a soft sigh, tugging my gray hoodie around my arms. “London my first and only home, there is no place like it,” I whispered to myself, a slow smiled tracing my lips. The air held the wetness of the water, the smell of lake moved with the breeze.

 I could hear the gentle ripples in the river. It was nice sound almost like a lullaby. It lulled away the chaotic thoughts in my mind.

There were very few people on the deck, probably because of the freezing, windy weather. Strands of my muddy, brown hair drifted along the direction of the wind.

There was a couple standing near the oil cans filled with lighted wooden chips. They were holding hands, whispering sweet nothings in one another’s ears. At the distant edge of the deck stood a guy his back facing towards the deck as he leaned over the railing. He had his hands causally stuffed into the pockets of his black leather jacket. I’d recognize that jacket anywhere. I felt a small tug inside my heart. 

It was Jay, of course he wouldn’t miss a day of the dance fiesta not for Dale at least.

I don’t for how long, I stayed rooted to my spot watching Jay look at the serene river. I don’t know when the couple left the deck. I don’t know when it started to drizzle.

Droplets of rain, slid down my face taking splotches of make-up with them. Jay moved back from the railing, turning around, he caught the sight of me. Small drops of rain were gathered in his messy, mop of black hair.

His brown eyes widened for a split second.

I wanted to disappear right now. His words from earlier were echoing through my mind.

 “Before I lose control over myself. Leave!”

Before I knew what was happening, my feet ran in the opposite direction. Fear filled me.  I wasn’t scared of Jay. I was scared of the feeling that took control of me whenever I’m around him. I wasn’t running from Jay, I was running away from my own heart. I don’t know how I was going to run away from something that was inside of me. I don’t know how to run away from these feeling brewing inside my heart.

I felt a solid clasp on my wrist. “Stop, Aulaura, I’m sorry for today,” He spoke, breathless. I turned around we were standing on the right end of the deck. The river surged beside us.

I spun my face towards him. “Let go of me,” I took hold his hand, yanking it off my wrist.

I noticed the fatigue surrounding his eyes. “I’m really sorry. I hadn’t meant to behave that way...” He grabbed a fist full of his hair. “I just lost control.”  He let his hands drop to the side in defeat.

I felt bad for him.

Should I forgive him? I won’t be able to avoid him for the rest of my life. He was the brand ambassador of Innovation. I was going to bump into him for the rest of my life or until he was the ambassador.

“Fine,” I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. “I forgive you,”

He gave me his famous crooked grin, the one that made girls drop to their knees. “Thanks,” He replied. “And thank you for taking care of me,” The humble tone in which he spoke in caused my heart to flutter like a humming bird. 

I waved it off. “It was a favor for a favor. You cheered me up on my birthday. I took care of you while you were sick,” 

“You’re a true business man’s daughter,” he chuckled. Was that my identity? Was I nothing more than a rich man’s daughter?

I wrapped my hands around the rusted, railings, looking at the dazzling city-lights. “I guess,” I shrugged my shoulders.

He stood behind me. “You don’t want this, right?” He had caught me off-guard...He had figured me out so easily.

I faced him. “How do you know? You don't even know me,”

He walked closer to me, stopping few inches before me. My heart hammered wildly against my rib-cage.

“I know you enough,” He took in a deep breath of air, smiling warmly. “Sometimes you have to tell others what you’re going through. Not everyone can see through your heart,”

“I don’t get it,” I mumbled looking at my reflection in the dark water. Wisp of brown fell out the bun embellishing my round face. The uncertain shock was visible in my eyes.

He placed his hand on my shoulder; his reflection fell onto the water as he stood behind me. He looked awfully handsome.  Maybe the river was playing tricks on me. His coal black covered half of his forehead. A gentle subtle traced his sharp jaw, his tan skin contrasted with his black hair.

 Damn, how could someone look so amazing hot? Keep the hormones in check, Auluara.

I watched his eyes look at me with an understanding expression. People usually gave me their pity or jealousy. No-one ever tried empathizing with me but he did.

“You have to let your father know what you want. He isn’t psychic. He can’t guess your thoughts,”

“I don’t know what I want,” I whispered, wanting him to stop. If he keeps this up, the feeling I have for him will only grow.

“Dance,” He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’ve seen that look in your eyes when you dance, the way a person looks at the moon. You admire it and you have the desire to reach it,”

“I can’t. I can’t tell him that I want to be a dancer. He’ll hate me. I want him to be proud of me. If I become a dancer, he’ll think of me as disgrace,” Tear fell out of my eyes, falling into the river causing small ripples to rise in it. Our reflection got distorted from the tears.

“You don’t know. You haven’t asked him yet,” He removed his hand from my shoulder. “In the beginning he’ll be a little anger but slowly he’ll understand you. Parents want nothing more than their child’s happiness,”

“How can you be so sure?” I grumbled edging closer to the river. A calm breeze flew atop the river before brushing past us.

“The same thing happened with me. When my parents found out I wanted to be a musician, they were furious. But eventually understood that music is my life and now they are the happiest and proudest parents on earth,”

I couldn’t find the words to disagree with him.  “I guess you’re right. I should tell him,” I should tell him but I can’t. It might shatter our family.

“But you won’t,” He replied, nonchalantly. “You’re too scared,”

I turned around, giving him a bull-eye. “Excuse me?” He practically knew nothing about me and here he was making assumptions about me. Ridiculous!

He held up his hands, “Whoa, calm down you’re taking it in the wrong sense,”

“But you called me scaredy cat,” I poked his chest, causing him to move backwards.

He tapped his chin. “Mm I don’t remember using that particular word,”

“You’re mocking me,” I puffed my cheeks up.

He rolled his eyes. “No, duh- Sherlock Homes,”

“You’re so immature for a twenty four year old guy. Are you sure you’re twenty-four. Maybe there is some fault in your birth certificate,”

“Says the eighteen year old midget who still uses the word scaredy cat,”

“What’s wrong with that word? –Wait- did you call me a midget? I’m not short. Let me tell you I was the tallest girl in elementary school. I was taller than most of the boys in my class. So that proves I’m not short. I’m only four inches shorter than my father and he’s pretty tall.

“I’m taller than Sam and she’s very tall. I can reach for the high cabinet in the kitchen without a stool. My mom has to use a stepping stool cause she’s short. When I used to play cricket with my friends, the ball used to get stuck in the tree. I was the one who brought the ball because I was the tallest. Then in chemistry I used work with burette because no-one in our group was tall enough to reach its rim.

“I was the first one to get selected for basketball because of my height. I’m awesome at sport. My coach said I should try for basketball team in nationals. Some of my friends say that I should audition for England’s next top model cause I’m tall-“

Jay let out a tired sigh, rudely interrupting me. “Do always talk this much?”

“And now you’re calling me talkative. You’re the one who’s been blabbering about how I should tell my dad about my dream. I haven’t said much since then and now that I begin to talk and you go all oh-la-la on me. First you call me scaredy cat then a midget and then you call me talkative freak.  How is a girl supposed to live with someone like you-“

Jay startled me by placing his hand over my mouth. “I get it, I get it. I’m sorry Mrs. Defensive,” and now called me defensive, I narrowed my eyes at him.

“You called me defensive,” but it came out as strangled blah-blah because Jay still hadn’t removed his hand from my mouth.

This is when I realized how close we were, my back was pressed into the railing. I titled my head to look up at him. He looked uncomfortable. He too realized the lack of distance between our bodies.

I was so close to him that I could see the tiny speck of gold in his brown eyes. I could see dryness of his lips, they were chapped. I could see the small, uneven marks on his skin. I could see that he wasn’t perfect but for me he is perfect the way he is.

My heart was beating a mile a minute. A strange nausea surrounded me. My eyes lingered to his lips, it might be considered rude of me to stare at them for so long. What would it feel like to kiss them? I closed my eyes, shaking my head. No, this isn’t right.

I opened my eyes. Jay dropped his hand from my mouth. His eyes darkened as licked his lips moistening them.

He didn’t move nor did I make an attempt to move. I gripped the railings. 

My heart beat kept on increasing, so did the sickening feeling in my stomach. He reached out for me, his long, thin fingers tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. All the feelings maximized themselves by hundred folds.

I freaked out. I wasn’t used to all this. I lost my balance as I stepped back. My feet got caught onto the edge of the railing. Both of my hands went flying out, trying to get hold of something so I wouldn’t fall into the river.

Unfortunately, that thing happened to be Jay, his eyes widened as I took hold of the collar of his stripped shirt. Damn it.

“Ahh,” I screamed. Jay too lost his balance, he toppled forward. Pushing me into the lake since I was holding onto his collar, he too fell into the freezing lake with me.

Both of us fell into the lake with big splash. I held onto Jay tightly, I grabbed his neck as I thrashed in the water.

“You’re ...choking...me,” He coughed, spitting the water out on my back.

“I can’t swim,” I yelled, frantically.

The river was so cold. I could literally feel my body go numb. The currents in the river had carried us far from the deck, great! I was so scared. I could feel hot tears spilling out of my eyes.

 “I’m not good swimmer myself,” He wrapped his arm around waist. “Hold onto my chest and try kicking your legs and back forth. I don’ think I’ll be able to get us there single handily,”

I nodded my head. The fear of the unknown lurking beneath us in the river consumed my mind. I tired moving my legs but they wouldn’t budge. They felt like dead weights.

“I can’t move my legs,” I cried.

“Just relax, leave it to me,” I held onto his back, closing my eyes. I rested my head against his back.  “Aulaura, I’ll get you out of here. Don’t worry,” 

He took long strokes with his arm. I held onto to his back tightly. Resting my head against his broad back, I tired moving my legs but they just wouldn’t budge, damn.

 This was all my fault if I hadn’t freaked out.

“We’re almost there,” Jay kept on saying. “Just hold on. It’ll be alright,”

I didn’t open my eyes. I felt the cold, icy water rush past me. Jay’s voice was my only comfort. “Just a little bit more,”

I huddled closer to him, warmth from his body radiated out into me. I could hear the impact when his arms hit the water pushing it back and moving us forward.

Soon Jay came to a stop. “We’re here,” He panted, his chest rising and falling rapidly under my arms.

He turned to look at me, placing both of his hands on my waist. I felt my cheeks redden. Thankfully it was dark or else he would have seen my hideous blush.

He lifted me upwards, situating me on the edge of the railing. I climbed off the railing onto the deck. I held out my hand for him to take.

Taking my hand and putting his other hand on the railing he chambered himself upwards. Jay stumbled onto the deck.

 He was worn-out. Panting heavily, he rested both of his hands on his knees.

“I got a good work out to today,” He chuckled, in between breaths. I felt so guilty right now.

“I’m sorry-“My apology letter was interrupted by a loud sneeze.

A series of sneezes escaped Jay’s mouth. He was also trembling. God, he hadn’t recovered from his infection. I had stupidly dropped him into the cold water. He’ll probably get sick again. Oh no. Stupid, Auluara, stupid, stupid.

“Jay,” I rushed to his side. “Are you okay? Did you take the medicine I left for you? Oh my god this all my fault,” I touched his forehead. He was burning with a fever. “You have fever. We have to get you home right away,”

“Relax,” Jay regained his composure. “I’m fine. Just a little cold,”

“You’re not fine. You’re burning,”

“Aren’t I always,” He threw in a suggestive wink. His sense of humor never fails to amaze me.

I shook my head with annoyance. “Come on, I’m taking you home. Hand over your car keys,”

“You don’t have to,” He murmured, smiling slightly.

“I want to,”

His smile wavered, his eyes began darkening again. There was storm brewing inside them. “Why?” His face was blank. No trace of emotion stroking his face.

The walls were up again but this time I was prepared to break them down.

“Because you need me and I need you,”

“I have nothing to give,”  He clenched his jaw tightly.

“I don’t care. Keys?” I held out my hand.

He muttered something along this lines of ‘you don’t need to be pushy,’ I rolled my eyes.

He held out a pair of sparkling key. “Don’t crash it. It’s my baby,”

“Don’t worry I’m an amazing driver,” I grinned, flashing my hundred watt smile.

“We’ll see about that,” he grumbled.

~*~*~*

We entered the tunnel.  There weren’t as many people as before, just a handful of them. Most of them of were crashed out on the bar. Few of them were dancing wildly. I couldn’t make out any of their faces.  Most of the neon lights had been turned off only the green ones hanging the center were on.

“Jay, what time is it?” I asked, dreading the answer

“Um,” he pulled out his phone. “Thank god, I had waterproof covering,”

“Tell me the time?” I snapped.

“Yah-yah okay,” he grumbled. “It’s past midnight,”

“Shit,” I groaned, gripping my forehead. No-way Sam would wait for me that long. I hope Hunter didn’t get his hands on her.

For once, I didn’t have to worry about my parents. Both of them were out of town, dad had a business tour and mom went on some mother vacation thing. Not that she need a motherly vacation, she was barely a mother to me.

“I have to look for Sam,” as soon as those words escaped my mouth I spotted her dancing under the green lights with some curly-haired guy. “Thank goodness, Sam!” I yelled catching her attention.

I took hold of Jay’s hand so he won’t take this opportunity to escape.

“I’m not going to run away,” He smirked. “You have the keys to my car,”

I narrowed my eyes at him. “I’m not taking any chances,”

I speed walked towards Sam. She gave me a delightful smile. By the looks of she was having a good time. I recognized the curly-haired boy standing beside her, Matthew.

 He gave me a cheeky grin. There clearly something naughty running around his mind. “Why are you two-wet?” He wagged his eyebrows at Jay. I felt heat rush to my cheeks, great.

Jay let out a loud groan. “Matt, keep your dirty thoughts to yourself,”

“No, seriously,” There was a frown on Sam face. “What happened?”

“Umm it’s my fault,” I scratched the back of my head. “We fell into the river,”

“Now how did that happen?” Matthew grin seemed to be getting bigger. “What were you two doing?”

“Nothing!” Jay and I spoke at the same time.

“It sure doesn’t look like it,” Matt snorted. 

Wait sec, what Sam and Matthew doing here-- in the center of dance floor. “Forget about us. What were you two doing?” I directed my question towards Sam. She looked a bit flustered.

“Well, I was keeping a fine lady company while she waited for her friend,” Matthew spoke, coming to her rescue.

“Aulaura, you took awfully long,” Sam raised her thin, perfectly shaped eyebrow. “I was getting tired of waiting,”

“Sorry, “I mumbled.

“Are we heading back?” I could tell Sam was ready to leave this palace.

“Actually I was going to Jay to his apartment,” I bit my lip. “He has a bit of a fever,”

“I’ll be fine,” Jay stated causally.

I gave him a sharp stare. “I don’t trust you take care of yourself,” Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. An uneasy look crossed Jay’s face. I mean I’ve barley know him for two days. I need to back down a bit.

“Don’t worry,” Matthew interjected, giving me a genuine smile. “I’ll take good care of him,”

I think it would for the best if I backed out. “Okay,” handed Matthew the pair of silver keys.

Jay waved his hands hysterically. “Hey! don’t give him my keys. He’s gonna wreck my car,” Jay eyes were practically of size of two miniature golf-balls. I laughed silently.

Matthew placed his hand over his chest. “Your car in safe hands. Come-on lover boy lets go,”

“Why do people call him lover boy?” I asked Matthew. I remember Tepica (the girl I met the first time I came to the dance fiesta) calling him by the same name.

Matthew patted Jay’s back. “Because this boy here is famous for his cheesy love songs, you should know that being his fan,”

“Well I’m not an obsessive fan who hunts down every single piece of information about the star,”

“I think you are,” Sam spoke in a small voice. I slapped her arm.

“No I’m not,”

“Man, I’m drained out,” My eyes snapped in Jay’s direction. He was watching Sam with that same nostalgic look. Was it because she looked exactly like Melody?

Matt grabbed his shoulder. “Okay we’ll be heading out,” Matthew looked concerned for his friend.

I nodded my head. Then I remembered something. “Make sure he takes his medicine,”

“Will do,” With that they disappeared from the tunnel.

I let out a disappointed sigh. I really wish I could have accompanied Jay.

Sam gave me a strange look. “What was that all about?”

“What?” Confused on what she was asking me.  

“Never-mind,” She shook her head slightly.

~*~*~*~

I let Sam drive the car and I was regretting my decision big time. She zoomed through the highway with the speedometer reading over 100/km per hour.

I held onto the belt with my nails. “You should slow it down a bit. We might crash into someone,”

“There is no-one on the road,” She stated the obvious.

“We might crash into a streetlight, or-“

“Stop being so paranoid,”

“I’m not being paranoid,” I retorted, looking out the window, everything passed by in hasty blur. “Just a little worried,” I hope Jay’s alright. I hope he has taken his medicine.

I started playing the end of my damp hoodie. Leaning back in the leather seat, I closed my eyes, enjoying the heat warming my cold toes.

“Aura?” Sam started, addressing me by my nickname. Her voice was hesitant.

I didn’t bother opening my eyes. “Mhm,” I urged her to continue.

“Do you like Jay?” Peaked my eyelid open to look at her. There was tense expression on her face. “The way you were worried about him today...it seemed like you really like him-“

I was thrown back by her question. Did like him? No, I didn’t. I mean I barely know him. A small laugh escaped my mouth as I tried hiding the confusion in my mind.

“Don’t be silly, Sam, I don’t like him,” I hated the uncertainty in my voice. “I was feeling ...guilty-he had to take a swim in the river because of me and he caught a fever. That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less,”

“Are you sure?” Her eyebrows were knitted together.  

“Geez, I’ve only know him for two day. Cut me some slack,”

“Aura, sometimes an entire lifetime falls short to like someone, sometimes a minute is long enough to fall in love. Love is light a lightening bold, it strikes in the most random manner, leaving you breathless...” I think Sam wasn’t trying to convince me, she was trying to convince herself. That lost look in her eyes was the proof of that. Did that mean she met Hunter? Did he finally make an appearance?

“How do you know? Have you ever even been in love?”  

From the corner of my eye, I saw her entire body stiffen.

“You have, haven’t you?” I smiled.

She didn’t reply. She just kept on staring at the road laid out ahead of her. Her eyes carried a detached expression in them.

“No, I haven’t,” There was no trace of emotion in her voice. She wasn’t going to tell me, was she?

I looked out the window, silently watching the surroundings, the emptiness of the city.

Some things can’t be hidden no matter hard you try and one of those things happens to be love. Sam, no matter how hard you try. You won’t be able to hide your love for Hunter. Hunter may be a vile, disgusting man but he truly loves you, Sam. Soon, Sam, soon the truth will come on your lips.

Author’s Note:

Ohh cover to the side, is that one better than the one I have right now.

Say what! Say What! Aahh extra-long update. Whoop, whoop.

Little question time.

1)  Which secret revelation are you waiting for the most?

2)  Whose your favorite character and why?

My answer: Secret revelation-Probably Sam’s Secret.

Favorite Character: Jay, yup that was an obvious one. I like him because he has good heart and because he’s a fine piece of meat.

Share your answers :-)

I think this might be the last chapter containing the dance fiesta. I dunno if you guys like the dance fiesta thing then I might add more chapters with it.

So do you guys like this chapter? Any questions, doubts?

Cheerio-Tak