Chapter 10

Here I am, caught in the middle of both their attention, this not being my first time. Once again, I have no words to speak, especially with Reece openly staring at me, in the presence of Colton. I've been caught trying to escape, all because Reece stood in my way.

He should have walked past, but no, he is standing here.

" Why are you standing here, looking at me like that?"

" Like what?"

" Like you have something to say."

" That's because I do, but not here."

Words to respond get stuck in my throat, due to hearing the sound of footsteps drawing near from behind, reminding me of Colton.

I turn around, in time to watch him approach me. At first Colton doesn't say anything when he stands infront of me, being a step or two apart in distance. I notice his eyes move between me and Reece as if trying to conclude something.

" I had to leave Colton." I decide to speak up, before he reads too much into why Reece and I are standing, in the middle of the empty school hallway.

"I have somewhere to be, actually it's work."

" You're working?" Reece speaks up, cutting Colton off.

I glance at him, giving off a nod in response.

" I'm sorry for just walking away and not waiting."

" Where?" Again, Reece speaks before Colton does, making both of us to turn to him.

What is it with the questions?

In time of responding to telling him where I work, we hear someone calling me. Glancing over Reece's shoulder, I see Mikayla standing near the exit, waiting for me.

I thought she had gone home. Guess not.

I wave my hand, telling her that I am coming.

" I have to go now." I say, already starting to walk off.

" Wait, Skylar." Colton's hand on my wrist stops me. " So you wont be able to make it tonight?"

" Tonight?" I ask, frowning in confusion.

" You forgot didn't you?"

I continue staring, blinking up at him.

" The party?"

My eyes go wide in realization of what I forgot.

" Oh yes, the party. Uh, I'm sorry but I cant go, I was meant to tell you earlier but it slipped my mind sorry." I say, feeling really bad when I see slight disappointment in his eyes.

" Why are you sorry?" My head snaps to Reece, who just asked this question.

He steps much closer now, straight face on and sharp eyes laid on me, making me a little nervous.

" You are busy and besides, that scene is not really your scene, it would make you uncomfortable. You know what I'm talking about."

What is Reece doing, talking like this as if we are alone, when we aren't.

" She wouldn't be alone, I invited her fully aware of everything. I wouldn't dare let anything happen to Skylar." Colton steps in, making his voice heard and for us to not forget, that he is still here.

My cellphone starts ringing before any of us can say anymore. Pulling it out, I take note that it is my mom calling.

" I should go." This time, I walk away from both of them, without saying goodbye but giving Reece a side glance.

And everything in it says, What have you done?'

I should have changed my number.

Those words have been popping up in mind, each time I am not distracted by my work. He had easy access to me because he kept my number. In all these years, he's kept my number. He's proven it to me by the text he sent.

Why didn't he call once?' I found my mind randomly ask that question during my time, contemplating whether I should or not, answer him.

I surely was quick to answer myself back, that it would not have been the best decision on his part. When we'd said goodbye to each that day, there was a sense of finality, no more was left to be said.

He wanted to meet up later and everything in me, wanted to deny him this moment. I wanted to say no many times yet that small part of me, felt to say yes. I've denied him friendship and the least I could do, was meet him.

Part of me agreeing to meeting him later on, was to hear out his reason for his actions earlier. I dont understand why his demeanor and attitude was off. His tone was almost dismissive of Colton's understanding, the way he was acting, made it seem as though Colton was trying to force me, into agreeing to go out to that party. I dont understand why he had to act that way.

Colton is a nice guy and I dont place him under the category, of any of the typical guys I run into at school. He's been nothing but nice to me, something I appreciate. Reece should know this too.

He's known Colton longer then I have but today proved different. It just didn't make sense for him to act that way.

Isn't he Colton's close friend?

Reece is simply involving himself in my life, even though I have hinted that we should just remain as schoolmates, and nothing else. He is always where Colton and I are, that alone is concerning, because Colton might get suspicious and think there is more, to what we've told him.

I dont want Colton to get the wrong impression.

Returning from the back, I stop in my tracks in surprise, when I see my mom and an unknown gentleman, seated at one of the booths at the back.

" Skylar!" My head whips in the direction of the call.

One of the waitresses at the front desk, waving me over since one of the orders is ready. Stealing a glance my mother's way, I catch sight of both she and the male, now looking at me.

I remind myself that I am at work and I need to focus, although question of who that man is, rings in mind as I resume with work.

My mind simply goes blank when realization of how close, the table I am attending to, is to my mother's. One thought pops in mind at the last minute, almost accusing, that my mother is on a date. Worse of all, at my workplace.

Only by the corner of my eye, do I spare a glance to the man. He sure is handsome yet strangely staring, it makes me both nervous and uncomfortable. Being done with attending to my custormers, I start to walk away, sparing another glance at my mom and her friend, in time to see a waiter attending to them.

At the front desk, I discreetly watch them and I release a small sigh of relief, when I see that they ordered takeaways. Mom, keeps on glancing my way and the slight shake of her hand, indicates that she's nervous.

I look away then, not being able to take anymore of watching them.

Thankfully, it wont get anymore awkward, because they are leaving.

" Skylar." I tense up, hearing my mother's voice behind me.

" Mom, I cant talk right now, I'm at work." I say, turning around to face her.

Everything on her face says that she wants to say something, but she gets my point, that I cant be distracted.

" I'll come fetch you."

" No, it's okay mom. I'll get home on my own." I say, already looking around in search of any custormer, needing assistance.

" You cant possibly walk on your own at night Skylar, It's dangerous and -"

" I have to go mom." I say, when I take notice of someone waving their hand, needing me. " Besides, I might have plans."

I walk away before she can say anything. It's only when I dont feel her gaze on me, that I glance her way, following her every move as she heads out, to meet that same man, who had been waiting for her.

I've once entertained the thought of my mom meeting someone, but only for a short while, an hour or so to be exact. A part of me has always made peace with the fact that my mom, will never grow old, that she deserved a companion.

It's just that to finally see it happening, makes me feel weird. It felt like I caught mom doing something illegal, but this is not the case. Even though I am aware that at some point in her life, she would find someone, I just didn't think it would be now.

I guess she's realized, that she's been single for too long.

                             *******

That lady came by again, the one with the adorable daughter. The same daughter who reminded me of the baby I had.

Calling her my daughter or baby, would be me claiming someone elses's child. I gave her up, this, my consciousness keeps on reminding me. The reminder is like a punch to my stomach, but I live with it.

Thankfully she came alone this time yet I couldn't hold my tongue, from asking about her. Everything in me froze in place, after I released a question about her. The lady remembered me and therefore was all the more happy, to share abit of information with me.

I found myself being attentive and feeding off every word she said, putting up a picture as she spoke. The conversation wasn't long because she had to leave, but hearing about that little girl, felt more then enough.

The little girl's name is Ava and I think, it is just perfect for her.

I make it to the park, this one closest to my house. I arrive there being the first and this giving me time, to think things over and mentally prepare myself, for whatever conversation Reece and I will have tonight.

I spend time on the swing set, letting my thoughts take over. At the sound of leaves scrunching behind me, I let out a breath. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Reece coming towards me.

"Finally, you're here. I dont even know why I came, seriously." I grumble, rising to my feet and turning to face him.

" You actually came. Thank you."

" I shouldn't have."

"You did, so thank you." He repeats.

" So, will you finally tell me, why you wanted us to meet like this?"

" I think you know why." He says, coming over to sit on one of the swings.

" No I dont actually."

" You treat me like a stranger." He points out.

" That's because you are a stranger."

" No I'm not, I'm -"

" You're what, the father of the baby I gave away!"

" We did!" He corrects.

" Does it make a difference?" I raise my brow.

" Yes actually it does. You didn't go through everything alone, I was also there. I know -"

" No, you think you do but you dont!" I say, turning my back to him. " You dont know what it's like to let go...." I cut myself off, before I say anymore.

" Skylar -"

"Is this the reason for calling me here, to make me feel bad and bring up the past huh?"

" No, I didnt mean -"

" You always dont mean what you say, just like you didn't mean it when you said you'd be there for me, against the world." My eyes grow wide after the slip of tongue.

I cant believe I just said that.

A gasp slips past my lips when I feel his hands on my arms, making me to freeze in place. He turns me around to face him.

" I meant those words."

He steps closer but I just cant move away. I dont understand why my body is betraying me right now.

" I meant what I said to you, why question that now?" He asks.

Words get stuck in my throat when his hand makes contact with my cheek, his eyes trapping mine.

In an instant, the image of her in my arms comes into mind. The trail of her scent lingering to my nose, watching her being taken from me, during my hazy state before I lost sight of my surroundings.

A shot of pain, unexpectedly shoots right into my chest.

" You weren't there when they took her from me." I blink at him after these words slip out.

What is wrong with me, why am I being so vocal with my thoughts?

Undeniably, I hear his intake of breath before he takes a step back, his hand shaking a bit, when he pulls his hand away.

So much emotion plays on his face that he cant even hide. I have shocked the both of us, with my words. I was thinking out loud and here I am now, being absolutely speechless on how to recover.

" Skylar -"

" I- I have to go." I mumble, taking a step back.

He opens and close his mouth, his eyes pleading for me to not leave. I shake my head before rushing off.

I cant be here any longer, I have fallen weak in my emotions and memories.

" Skylar wait!" I dont, but push my feet faster, wanting to put as much distance between us as I can.

" Skylar no!" I yelp when I am suddenly spun around to face him. " No, I wont let you walk away from me, not anymore!"

" Leave me alone Reece!" I try wiggle free from his hold but he tightens it.

" No, you will tell me what you meant by what you said, why do you -"

" I dont have to say anything, you cant just force me !" I retort, wiggling harder and forcing him to let me go, which thankfully he does.

" W- why do you do that - why do you treat me like this, why do you make me out to be your worst enemy!" He shouts, making me jump.

I find myself just staring at him, not having any response.

I watch him run his fingers through his hair, letting out a frustrated sigh as he stares ahead.

" You act like you dont know me, like I am a stranger to you when I'm not. We have history and we cant ignore that. I cant okay!" He turns to me. " I cant pretend like you."

Somehow those words feel like a slap to my face.

I dont know what he sees on my face but it has him blinking, as if he's replaying the words he's spoken.

" Skylar -"

" What do you want from me?" I ask in a low tone.

At first he doesn't say anything but let his eyes run over my face. " You dont understand." He mumbles, stepping closer.

His closeness for the first time, doesn't cause a reaction in me, due to his words replaying in mind.

I cant pretend like you!

He touches my face, tilting it so our eyes connect. I notice it then, him leaning in as if in a trance, one I need to break.

" Wasn't it enough that you were my first?" My breath touches his lips yet my words freeze him in place.

We remain standing in this position for a minute or so, silence being our companion.

" That's not fair Skylar." He almost chokes on those words.

He leans back but not removing his hand. " Paying with silence is not fair." I say.

I step back, lingering eye contact for a second more before I turn away and leave.

And this time, he doesn't stop me.