Moving On
1228 Words
Everyone is coming down just as we are about to enter the building. Lilly sees me and gives me a look. I look away and she squeals.
I start laughing. Monica is still hanging on Leon for dear life. He clears his throat.
Leon: Y'all ready to head home?
Kai: I'm staying the night.
Briggs: s**t. Then I will too.
Kai: Lilly, is that OK?
Lilly: Of course you're my brother. And you're welcome anytime baby.
She gives Briggs a kiss. Leon looks at Kai. He clearly doesn't like that idea. Monica has a look of pure delight on her face. She whispers into Leon's ear and he smiles.
Leon: Alright. Later then.
No one says anything else to him as they get in the car and drive away. I grabbed Kai's hand and we walked inside. Once we are back in the apartment, Lilly stops and looks at us. She points between the two of us. I look at Kai and he nods. I shook my head vigorously. She squeals once again.
Lilly: Well, let's clean up and head to bed.
Me: Its fine. Kai and I got it. You guys head to bed.
Lilly: Are you sure?
Me: Yeah. I'm not tired, and I have the day off tomorrow.
Lilly: Oh ok. Well, thanks. Night you guys.
Me: Night.
She gives me a hug and I fist bump Briggs. Kai does the same. They head off to Lilly's bedroom and me and Kai start cleaning up. He gathers the trash while I start putting the leftover pizza and liquor up. I sweep and he swipes down. Now all that is left is the dishes. I fill the sink up with soapy water and start washing. He rinses and puts them on the rack.
After we finish the dishes, we go sit on the couch. He looks at me and I quickly turn away. I still feel his eyes on me. I look back and he's so close. Suddenly, we hear a door open. Lilly pops in.
Lilly: So you're my brother and you're my bestie. But don't f**k on my couch, or I'll kill you both.
And just like that, she disappears back into her room. I covered my face to hide my embarrassment.
Kai: Are you really a virgin?
Me: Yes.
Kai: How old are you?
Me: Twenty-five. You?
Kai: Twenty-seven. How long were you with Daniel?
Me: Since I was eighteen.
Kai: Seven years and you managed to keep your virginity. You have a strong will.
I lay back on the couch. Hearing that I feel like something is wrong. Is it that bad? Leon was shocked when I told him too. I covered my face again. He pulls me towards him.
Kai: Nothing's wrong with you. You're a gorgeous and smart girl. Hold on to it until you die if you have to. It's special and only someone special deserves it.
It's like he read my mind. I lean into his touch. We lay back and he surfed the channels. His cologne is intoxicating. It's not too strong. My eyes slowly close until I've fallen asleep in his arms.
I woke up to the smell of coffee. I sit up and see Lilly leaning on the counter with a mug in her hands. I stare back until I realize I'm in the living room. Kai's still asleep. I jumped up and rushed to my room. Lilly starts laughing. She knocks on my door.
Lilly: I'm sorry. Its cute. I like you with him more than Leon. My roomie is going to be my sister-in-law.
Me: Lilly. Please stop.
Lilly: Ok. Ok. I'm sorry, but just know I support you guys.
I hear her walking away. I changed clothes and headed back to the living room. Kai is awake now.
Kai: Morning.
Me: Morning. How'd you sleep?
Kai: Great. You?
Me: Good.
I can't make eye contact. He notices and gives me a hug. It's a quick hug before he heads to Lilly's room to borrow a change of clothes. He heads to the bathroom to change. He returns shortly, making himself a cup of coffee, then sits down next to me.
Kai: So what do you want to do today?
Me: I dont know.
Kai: I know something I want to do.
Me: What's that?
He leans in close. His cologne invading my nostrils. He whispers in my ear.
Kai: Can I kiss you?
Me: Are you really asking that?
Kai: Well, we aren't dating. Why wouldn't I ask?
He really just asked if he could kiss me. I mean, I did enjoy our kiss last night. I think for a moment.
Me: Ok.
Kai: Really?
Me: Should I change my mi-
His lips are on me before I can finish my statement. The kiss is the same as our kiss from last night but more gentle. More caring. We hear Lilly's door open and we separate. She and Briggs walk by giving a knowing look and head out the door.
Kai: Melanie. Are you really ready to move on?
Me: Yeah. Why do you ask?
Kai: Ok then. Will you be my girlfriend?
I know I said I wanted to move on, but there are so many things to consider. Leon and I just broke up, but he's already with Monica. They are brothers, though if Leon wasn't an asshole I probably would be with Kai right now. I looked over and saw Kai looking at me.
Me: Yes.
Kai: Really?!
Me: Yes.
Kai: Great! Now I want to take you somewhere.
Me: What? Where?
Kai: It's a surprise. Let's go.
I go to my room and grab my phone and we leave. We walk down the street and head back into the forest. We continue until we get to the place we basically first met.
Me: Is this-
Kai: Where we laid after I saved you? Yes.
Me: Why'd you bring me here?
Kai: I spent alot of time here when you started dating Leon.
He grabs my hand and we start walking further down the river. We cross over by using rocks in the water. We find a log and take a seat. He starts talking.
Kai: Before my parents adopted me, I remember feeling like everything was over for me. Like life would only get worse for me. They welcomed me into their lives and showed me love when they didn't have to. I realized then that nothing is ever as bad as it seems. When I saw you on that bridge, I didn't want you to feel that way. I wanted to show you that whatever was so bad in your life there was a way to come back from that feeling.
I wipe tears away. He wraps an arm around me. I lean into his touch. He kisses my forehead. He turns my face towards him.
Kai: I promise you I will never hurt you. I'll treat you like what you are. A princess. My princess.
I hold his gaze. His words resonate within me. I feel more drawn to him. His words were sincere. I kissed him like I'd never kissed anyone before. The kiss is a mixture of longing, affection, and possibly love. We end up having a small make-out session before we decide to head back home. Today we started a new journey together.
- Writer
