Scarlet scars

Chapter 15: kidn*pped

Scarlett's POV

"This is yours" he said as he passed me a bag. I eyed him in confusion and took it.

"They're clothes" he said

"Clothes? Why are you giving me clothes?" I shifted in my seat uncomfortably. Was he trying to point out that he didn't like what I was wearing? Hell even I didn't like it, but what could I do?. But it's a bit embarrassing when somebody points out. He looked at me raising an eyebrow.

"Firstly, is there anything wrong with me giving you clothes?" He asked with a frown on his face and I didn't know how to reply. I opened my mouth and closed it. I must have looked like a fish.

"Cat got your tongue?" He said smirking. But it still didn't ease my being uncomfortable. But I decided to not say anything.

"They are matching clothes" he said and I opened the bag to find a white long sleeved T-shirt and black skinny jeans and a pair of vans. A smile crept up to my face. They were so cute and like a smaller, feminine version of what he was wearing.

I felt much better knowing he just got them so that we could match and not because he pitied me or something. I was also glad he didn't get me a dress because I don't like those.

We stopped at a convenient store, and I went to the bathroom where I changed my clothes.

'dayum! I look cute' I said looking at myself in the mirror. I was glad the Tee was long sleeved, because if it wasn't, I would have had to cover it with my hoodie because I had a few bruises visible on my arms.

I looked at the one under my arm which looked a bit purplish but it would heal in a few days. The cause of this one two days ago, was "coffee too hot" so it ended up on my body and I had lifted my arms to protect my face, so my arms got it and some of it fell on my chest.

I glanced at the mirror one last time, picked up my bag and went out. He was waiting for me not far from the bathroom. I rolled my eyes at the irony. Might I run away?

He stood with his back facing me. He was busy munching on something. A chocolate bar. It was time for payback for following me to the bathroom. So I sneaked up on him, grabbed the bar and ran straight towards the the parking lot.

"Hey!" He yelled and I saw him coming after me. I increased my speed but him being him, he caught up to me and grabbed me by the waist. I didn't win, so I decided to take a bite before he took the bar away. He made me turn to face him and I didn't even put up a fight.

I was busy stuffing my face with chocolate. He tried to grab it and I lifted my hand up, but he was tall. He didn't even have to try. I was on my tiptoe but still. I gave up and he just chuckled getting his chocolate bar from me and took a bite while the other hand was still on my waist. I wanted to speak but My mouth was still stuffed so I couldn't. I decided to swallow the chocolate first and then he was going to hear it. The chocolate was just so perfect, I could melt in it

I savored the test and I don't know how I had closed my eyes until a tiny moan escaped my mouth. I opened my eyes to find Jerald looking at me like I had done something serious. I raised an eyebrow in confusion. He just cleared his throat and let me go, to which I immediately missed his warmth.

"Uhm.. Shall we?" He asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Oh so now you ask me.. Thought you'd kidnap me" I said sarcastically as I made my way to the car.

"I could-" I glare at him before he finished whatever he wanted to say and he gulped "I mean I will never do that again" he said raising his hand in mock surrender.

"Good" I said with a smirk of my own and walked ahead of him over-swaying my hips on purpose. I don't know why I did, but I just felt like doing it. I looked back to find him still rooted on his position looking at me. More like my butt. I blushed for the nth time that day.

"My God! Are you coming?" I asked without looking at him and he murmured an 'oh' before catching up to me and grabbing the bag from my hand.

"I've got hands you know" I said but I didn't try to grab my bag back.

"So do I" he said while pressing the button to open his car.

"It's my..."

"Yea whatever get you ass in the car Cally" he snapped at me and I shuddered. I was left speechless as he held the door for me to get in. I quickly did as told, but there was no need to snap at me.

I sat in the car sulking. I wonder why everyone did that whenever I'd talk. At home, if I talked back like I just did with Jay, I'd have been shouted at or hit with something. That's why I stick to nodding and being a "yes ma'am" person.

He sat in the drivers seat and started the car.

"Cally" he called out but I didn't look at him. I was facing the window I just hummed in response.

I felt him move so I turned to look at him and One minute he was in his seat, the next his face is so close to mine. A shiver run down my spine and I gulped. He looked into my eyes and so did I. His eyes trailed down to my lips and by impulse I bit my lower lip. He gulped and his hand reached for my seat belt and buckled it on me.

He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his head. He closed his eyes shut for a few moments. I wondered what was wrong with him but decided not to ask and looked out the window again.

"Seat belts are important too you know" he said looking at the road as we pulled out of the lot.

"Mhm" I nodded. Though he could have just told me to buckle up. "Thank you" I murmured

"Here's your chocolate bar" he said and I got it murmuring another thank you without looking at him. I just held it in my hand thinking about how I had been giving myself way too much importance. What if one day, I wake up to find Jerald not here any more, what if I wake up one morning and he hates me and sees me for who I really am. A nobody. What if I become a nuisance to him like I am to everybody else.

I really did forget who I am and where my place is. But why does he have to be so good to me and then snap at me the next second. I'm never affected when any of my family members yell at me or anyone else for that matter, but here I am sulking over being snapped at. Am I not a grown up? But I had better warn him to just treat me one way because I can't take it. Loving me or hating me, one side and that's it. 'So I'll ask him ' I made up my mind

"What's on your mind"

"Did you have to snap at me?" We both spoke at the same time. His forehead creased, and then his face relaxed as if he had realised something.

He touched his fore head as if straightening the creases on his forehead and sighed. I didn't even realise that the car had stopped at Something that looked like a gateway to a fair? I looked at him again.

"Childish much" he muttered under his breath and yet I heard. But maybe I misheard.

"What?" I asked wanting to say it again. To which I knew he wouldn't do it.

"I'm sorry" he started, "it's just that .. I don't like it when you treat me like a stranger, you always say no to whatever I do for you. Is there anything wrong with me doing something for you?" He asked in all seriousness.

"It's not like that.. It's just that, I'm used to doing everything alone.. Used to being dependant on myself" I said looking him in the eyes

"But I'm here now. Can you also be dependant on me?" He asked

"For how long.. A week, a month? A few years and then you leave like you did years back?" I didn't waver, I looked straight in his eyes asking him these and something flushed in his eyes, I couldn't make out what it is. He looked hurt and sad. Something else too. Sympathy. For me? He's pitting me? We stayed like that for a few more minutes and by that time my tear glands where preparing for action. They are such cry babies, I know.

He tucked a stray hair out of my face and caressed my cheek.

"Look I'm sorry I wasn't around and I won't pretend I know what you went through... But I'm here now, I know words aren't just enough, so I'll show it you" he leaned in and kissed my forehead. A tear managed to slip out of my eye but he wiped it with his thumb and leaned in to kiss my cheeks.

"And you know what? I'm proud of the woman you've become. My brave miss independent. But I want you to allow me be in your life. I want there and I regret it now, I regretted it everyday I was away from you and I know sorry just ain't enough. So I want to be here..... But you know what Cally?" He asked pinning his forehead on mine

" I'll only do that if you let me" he continued kissing my cheeks and forehead and wiping stray tears. I blinked out the tears from eyes and nodded. I didn't feel like talking otherwise I'd just ruin the moment. Because as much as his words are reassuring, I can't help but worry about him leaving just when I get used to having him around. We stayed like that for few minutes and then he moved away gently smiling at me and I smiled back. He unbuckled his seat belt and

"I was asking you what you wanted to have for lunch... You didn't tell me" he was now looking at me raising an eyebrow.

"You did?.. Yea you did" He must have asked but I didn't hear him. " whatever you'll have" I said knowing full well I've always loved food. So whatever he is going to have will be something nice and hopefully new.

"Okay.." He got out of the car and went to my side to open my door. Not that I couldn't do it, I didn't know if this was our destination.