Chapter 2: Just Us

“Your assignment on the history of Afghanistan still stands and must be submitted first thing Monday morning,” Mr. Jackson declared as he strode out of the classroom, briefcase in hand.

I let out a small groan and slumped back in my chair. Fridays were supposed to be light and carefree, not burdened with reminders of looming deadlines.

“Hey, lover girl,” came a voice from behind me, warm and teasing. “Are you going to leave the class, or should we just camp out here all weekend? Your choice.”

I turned to see Cleo, my best friend, grinning from ear to ear. Her playful tone and that mischievous sparkle in her eyes were all too familiar.

“Yeah, let’s head home,” I replied, laughing as I grabbed my bag. “Mom and Dad will worry if I’m late again today. And besides… IT’S FINALLY FRIDAY!”

Cleo laughed along with me as we left the lecture hall, our footsteps echoing in the nearly empty corridor.

“So,” she began, her voice laced with curiosity, “tell me, Celine. How’s Kaleth? What did you two do yesterday? And where did he take you this time?”

“Cleo…” I sighed dramatically, knowing there was no escaping her relentless questions. “We went to the usual spot—the park—and after that, I think we went somewhere else, but I can’t really remember where.”

Her eyes widened, and she pouted dramatically. “Come on, Celine, tell me everything! Please!” She batted her eyelashes at me, her ‘puppy dog eyes’ act in full swing.

I rolled my eyes, a grin tugging at my lips. “Fine, alright! Let’s go,” I said, relenting as we made our way to the bus stop.

During the ride, I filled her in on most of what had happened, deliberately leaving out the part where Kaleth seemed a little disturbed. Cleo and I parted ways soon after, her goodbye as warm and cheerful as ever.

“Hey, Mom, I’m back! Where are you?” I called as I stepped into the house, kicking off my shoes and dropping my bag on the couch.

“I’m in the kitchen, Celine,” came her reply.

I hurried to the kitchen and found her busy with dinner preparations. “Where’s Dad?” I asked, leaning against the counter.

“He went to get me some groceries. He’ll be back soon.”

“Alright, Mom. I’ll be in my room if you need me.”

“Okay, dear,” she said with a smile.

Once in my room, I flopped onto my bed, letting out a sigh. My thoughts immediately drifted to Kaleth. I grabbed my phone and dialed his number, but there was no answer. I tried again. Still nothing.

*Why isn’t he picking up? I hope he’s okay. I hope he hasn’t done anything reckless,* I thought, worry starting to creep in.

I tried his line one last time, but when the call went unanswered yet again, I couldn’t sit still any longer. Grabbing my jacket, I hurried out of the house, calling to my mom, “I have something important to do. I’ll be back later!”

Arriving at Kaleth’s house, my nerves took over. My legs felt like jelly, and my heart was racing. Summoning what little courage I had, I rang the doorbell.

“Who’s there?” a voice called, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching.

“It’s… Celine,” I stammered.

The door swung open, and a young woman greeted me with a warm smile. “Oh, you must be Celine! Kaleth’s told me so much about you.”

“He has?” I asked, surprised.

“Of course,” she replied, motioning me inside. “I’m Jessica, his sister. Go on up—it’s the first door on your right. He’ll be happy to see you.”

I thanked her and made my way upstairs. Kaleth’s door was slightly ajar, so I peeked in. He was lying on his bed, fast asleep. His peaceful expression tugged at my heartstrings. Even in sleep, he looked so beautiful—his dark curls framing his face, his lips slightly parted, and his chest rising and falling rhythmically.

Unable to resist, I stepped closer and gently ran my fingers through his soft hair. His eyes fluttered open, and a small smile spread across his face.

“Hm… the one I love the most is here,” he murmured groggily.

“Yes, she is,” I replied with a playful smile. “Because a certain someone made her worry a lot.”

“Sorry,” he said, his voice heavy with sleep. “I didn’t call you earlier. I was just… so tired.”

He pulled me down beside him, and though I tried to resist, the way his blue eyes looked into mine made my resolve crumble. A warmth spread through me as he held me close.

For a while, we just lay there, staring into each other’s eyes. The silence between us wasn’t awkward; it was filled with an unspoken understanding, a love that didn’t need words. I could feel his breath on my face, warm and steady, and for that moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist.

“Celine,” he began softly, his voice tinged with emotion, “if for whatever reason the world wants to tear us apart…”

“Kaleth,” I interrupted, placing a finger on his lips. “Could you do something for me?”

“Anything,” he replied without hesitation.

“Could you leave the world outside and have this moment with me? Just us?”

His eyes searched mine, and then he smiled—a small, genuine smile that melted my heart. “Just us?”

“Yes. Just us,” I whispered.

He pulled me closer, wrapping his arms around me. His lips pressed gently against my forehead, a kiss so tender it made my heart ache in the best way.

He held me tightly, and I could feel the warmth radiating from his chest, seeping into every part of me. I wished with all my heart that this moment, this bubble of peace and love, would never end.