Come Closer

Chapter 52

Avelyn waved Jayden goodbye as he drove his shining red black car away. She stayed near the water fountain till Jayden vanished. It was late at night, and the patterns of the stars hadn’t ever looked more confusing than that day. She sighed to herself, and turned towards the mansion. Today was fun, but what Jayden had said, confused her mind. ‘What did he mean by ‘being careful’?’ So far, Hayden had never been anything but a great companion. She liked him, of course, but it didn’t matter. She preferred keeping her little crush on him to herself.

She placed her crutch on the stairs, and tried to place her wounded leg up, but failed as it ached. She had been sitting for a long time, and it had made her leg’s movements a little hard. “Mmh” She placed her leg back on the floor, and took a deep breath. She regretted skipping her exercises that day. Again, she tried to climb the stairs, but the slight slip of her crutch made her fall face first on the ground. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” She heard the freaked out cry before she looked up.

She smiled sheepishly at Hayden. “Thanks!” She managed to straighten herself, but couldn’t escape from Hayden’s grasp on her waist. “Couldn’t you just call someone?”

Hayden asked annoyed. “I just thought that I can manage this.” At this, Hayden rolled his eyes. “I just thought that I can manage this.” He imitated her, and flicked her forehead, to which Avelyn responded with a scowl. “You should keep your stubbornness to yourself. Next time, call someone to help you.”

He slowly climbed the stairs with her, supporting her. “Where did you two go today?” Hayden asked over the dinner. “We went to watch the cliffs. Jayden said that I needed sometime out.”

“Hmm. That’s right.”

An awkward silence fell upon them, and they dared not to look at each other. “Uhm! The food is delicious!” Avelyn miserably failed in starting a conversation, and bit her lip. ‘Why on earth would I say that?’ “Yeah! I love this!” Hayden nodded several times like he was confirming the fact to himself.

Avelyn rolled the left over pasta on her plate to left and right, and glanced at Hayden. She had lost her appetite by now. “I should go to my room. Just feeling a bit tired.” She said, getting up from her seat. “You need any help?” Hayden almost got up in a haste. “NO no!” Avelyn scratched the back of her neck. “I mean, I’ll call you if I need your help. But for now, I want to do it alone. Thanks, though!”