Truth or Dare-ing?

CHAPTER 9

Katherine Whitlock

Since it's Sunday today, I woke up late. I stared at the ceiling for a while thinking of the night I had at Austin's house. How is he right now? Was he still ill? After finishing fixing myself and my room, I headed downstairs, just in time to smell the scent of vanilla bundt. Memories of the past flash through my mind. How my mom and dad used to cook this when they’re still alive. Yet despite those, the gruesome nights still lingers in my mind. I took a deep breath and headed to the kitchen and saw Granny making those bundt.

“ Good morning Dear, missed this? It’s your mom and dad’s death anniversary.” Granny reminded me with a soft smile on her lips. A pang of hurt and happiness burdened my chest as I remembered them. Thinking about the years I had with them and the accident that took both their lives. I will never forget that night where everything in my life began to change.

“ Aren’t you going to visit them today? I’m coming later, will you come after?” Her eyes are full of concern and empathy. It’s their 2nd death anniversary and I’ve never gotten to look at their grave after that accident. I can’t stop myself from crying. “ Dear, I know this is hard for you but it’s been a year since you haven’t visited them. Please,” the understanding and softness of her voice is evident.

I took a deep breath and met her eyes. I guess I’m getting older now, it’s time to visit them. Right? “ I-I will. I just need to check something first.” Not a minute passed and I left the house and started the engine of my car. It wasn’t that long drive after all. I then stopped at a huge house. The huge black gate stood in front of me, I pushed the buttons of the bell and the maid opened the door for me. She greeted me with a warm smile before letting me come. As I entered the house Austin’s cousin, Kyro greeted me.

" Hey Princess, miss me already? huh?" He teased while giving me a mischievous smile.

" You wish. How's Austin?"

“ He’ll not come down.”

“ What do you mean? Is he still in his room? “ He just shrugged his shoulders. I made my way to Austin’s room ignoring Kryo’s explanation. I took a deep breath and knocked but no answer came from him. I knock again but still no sign of him opening the door.

“ Austin? Will you op-”

“ I told you, he’ll not open the door. Even if his mom asked him to come out. He’ll not, why don’t you just talk with me? Huh?”

“ No thanks, I’ll just have to wait then.” I said with a shrug.

“ You’ll kill your feet then. Come with me, I’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

“ Not so fast, Kyro. I’ll just walk on my own. See ya” I said and was about to walk away when I heard the door creak open.

Austin Zayne Marshall

I heard bantering outside my room. I tried ignoring it and let myself fall asleep yet the familiar voice shrinks me. Katherine. I wasn’t going to open the door but hearing Kyro’s voice with Katherine woke me up. I slowly opened the door to see Katherine walking away but stopped as she heard the creak of the door. I crossed my arm while maintaining my cold expression. Staring at her eyes and scanning for Kyro who is now staring at Katherine as well. That guy!

“ I told you..”

“ Oh Princess!”

“Kanojo wa watashi no monodesu. Shirizoite kudasai, samonakereba jigoku o ataemasu” I said without emotion while I grabbed Katherine’s hand and headed inside my room. The bang of the door sounded so loud that I bet Katherine jumped. He finds my girl interesting huh? Really?

“ What did you say to him?” she asked while she sat on the couch. Her eyes filled with curiosity.

“ He’s such a brat and he would likewise stop bothering you” I lied and massaged my temple. I made my way to the nearby window watching the flower and Katherine’s reflection.

“ Oh yea. He really is,” a soft chuckle escapes from his lips. I shifted my gaze towards her, eyes glaring and she was left nothing but stunned.

“ W-what? Any problem with that?”

“ Yes.. Don’t talk to him from now on. “

“ Why?”

“ You’ll never want to scream my name don’t you? Darling?” I smirked as I looked at her nervous expression. Her breathing moves fast and her cheeks are a bit pinkish, I can’t help but form a thin smile on my lips seeing the way she reacted to me.

Katherine Whitlock

What on Earth is he trying to do with me?

“ A-Austin… back off” I was left stuttering by how close we are now. I can almost feel his hot breath. He slowly moved away from me. I sighed deeply. I could almost hear my heart beating so fast.

“ Austin, how are you feeling now?” I asked, trying to regain my composure.

“ Good”Is that all he has to say? Good? Well I couldn’t blame him. He’s a cold-heartless guy. One word is enough to communicate with a person. I then remembered visiting my parents. I wondered if he’ll come with me. I was about to speak but was interrupted by his question.

“ You’re the one who helped me yesterday?” His blue eyes are intently staring at me, waiting for my response.

“ Yea.. you got an allergic reaction, I helped you with your medication and then you -”

The hug! Yea I remembered the time when he hugged me. I wasn’t gonna tell him about it.

“ Then what? “

“ Then your Mom thank me”

“ So, are you free today?” I asked as the silence is building in the room already. His eyebrows are raising.

“ Yes I am free. Why do you ask?”

“ Wanna come with me?”

“ Where?”

“ That’s a secret.” I pulled him off the couch and opened the door. WHile walking down the stairs, I saw Kyro scrolling through his phone. He looks like he’d seen a ghost and his gaze then drops to my hand. We passed him while we made our way towards where my car was parked. The awkward silence is surrounding the car, I don’t mind it after all. I focus my attention on driving and let my mind be occupied by the tranquil view.

“ Where here” I stop the car in front of a huge gate. The Golden Cemetery. It reads. It’s been more than a decade, carved into a piece of wood. Somehow it starts to fall and rust forming into the metal of the gate.

“ A cemetery huh?” His tone is mockery and sarcastic. I stepped into the gate and the cold atmosphere brought a shudder to my whole body. I inhaled deeply and walked to where my parents’ graves are. It’s been a year since I hadn’t visited them, the night still lingers in my mind. I stop in an old oak tree. I look down to see the two graves in front of me.

I felt Austin standing beside me, looking to where my eyes were focused. “ It’s my parents death anniversary.” I started as I tried to be as calm as possible. I felt drops of rain starting to fall down the graves of my parents. I didn’t mind it at all. I focused my attention towards them.

“ I was 6 years old when I lost them. We’ve been hit by a car..and I saw blood from my parents’ face. I cried and cried but nobody heard me. I don’t know what to do. I was lost and alone.”

I look to see Austin’s reaction. His blue eyes are staring directly at me. This time I can see how worried and concerned his eyes are. I burst into tears just in time the rain started to pour. I felt his hands wrap around me, it’s warm.We stand there hugging each other while the rain dances around us. I never knew he’d do this to me. I have much to learn about this guy.

I break the hug and start to wipe the tears away. We were totally soaked in the rain and I can’t help but laugh at our situation.

“ What’s so funny?” he asked but I just laughed and spread my arms wide. Enjoying the drops of rain in my face. I found myself playing in the rain with Austin. He’s smiling. We dance and savor the moment we have here.

Austin Zayne Marshall

Seeing Katherine in this state is such……. I can’t imagine. Despite all the problems she has, she still got this smile on her face. Wait! What is wrong with me?

I can’t help myself but loose toward Katherine’s presence. She’s perfect…. Too perfect. Her moves are as pretty as she is. Every detail of her………she’s a goddess. I found myself loving how she played with the rain. This can’t be! I break my own rules, I break the walls between us. Why am I admiring every detail of her. This- I can’t explain this! This can’t be happening! Austin!

I noticed that Katherine’s been shivering from the cold, so I pulled her into the car.

“ Would this warm you up?” I asked her as I turned on the heater from her car. I glanced at her. She’s leaning against the window, watching as the drops of rain begin to pour down. I started the engine and found myself peeking at Katherine. I sense that Katherine’s been shaking from the cold. I then find a blanket at the back of her car and gently put it on her. She’s asleep. I can’t stand it anymore, I let myself smile at her cuteness. I drove Katherine home to find her Grandmother waiting for her at the dining area.

“ Granny, I'm home!” she happily said as she greeted her grandmother with a hug.

“ Khai! You’re wet. Where did you go? Who’s this young man with?” she said worriedly while giving a reassuring smile at me.

“ I’m Austin, Madam. Pleasure to meet you. But I need to go.” I said, glancing at Katherine.

“ Oh I see, Take care then Austin. It’s nice having you with my granddaughter,” she said as I walked out of the house.

I let myself wander for a moment. Am I falling in love? That can’t be happening! This isn’t myself anymore. I don’t even know myself. Am I really?