SAM POV
I hurried out of the room, leaving my phone on the bed. I went down to the kitchen and saw Kent sitting there so composed, as if he owned the place. He was sipping his coffee, lost in thought, unaware that I had something to do with him.
I couldn't resist the playful urge that took over me. With a playful grin, I leaned over and gave him a strong tap on his arm. It surprised him, making him choke on his coffee and cough uncontrollably. As he tried to catch his breath, I couldn't help but laugh at the sight of coffee coming out of his nose.
"Sam, what on earth?" he gasped between coughs, glaring at me with fake anger.
I tried to hold back my laughter, but I couldn't help it as tears of amusement rolled down my cheeks. "Sorry," I said between chuckles. "I just couldn't help myself."
He shook his head, still coughing as he grabbed a napkin to wipe his face. "You're so silly," he muttered, though a smile was starting to show on his face.
I finally got myself together, wiping away the tears of laughter. "Hey, you know you love me," I said with a grin, nudging him jokingly.
He rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his look showed he liked our fun. "Sure, sure," he answered, unable to hide the smile forming on his face.
"Please Sam, if you're planning to harm me, can you do it with affection instead?" He blurted out, and I was surprised by what he said.
Love?
His words lingered, and a deep silence fell between us. The light-hearted talk had suddenly become serious, touching something inside me. Love. Just hearing that word felt like a stab in the heart, reminding me of all the hurt it had caused.
I chuckled bitterly, my laugh mixed with sadness. Letting go of his arm, memories flooding my mind. "Do you realize," I started, my tone bitter, "that because of that love, I've had bad luck?"
He looked at me, his eyes showing worry and confusion. "What's do you mean?" he asked quietly, his voice soft.
"Nothing, what do you mean?" I avoided, my voice strained to sound casual. "What did you tell grandma about our plans? Where are we headed?" I shifted the topic, wanting to move away from the uneasy truths lurking beneath.
But as I spoke, I felt guilty deep inside. What had I done? What stories had I told myself, to hide the truth?
He looked at me, sensing something was wrong. "Why? What's going on?" he asked, his voice calm but firm. "Tell me. You know I'm here to listen, okay?"
I looked away, avoiding his intense look. "Nothing, honestly," I said, the words feeling sour. I faked a smile, my face twisting awkwardly. "I'll just go make some coffee."
I thought everything was fine. I thought I had let go, that the old hurts had healed with time. But now, as memories rushed back, I saw I'd been lying to myself.
Xander. Just hearing his name made me furious, memories of our past flooding back, making me feel like I was drowning. He was the reason everything went wrong, the one who pushed me into darkness.
And still, as I muttered curses at him, I couldn't help but wonder - what made him betray me like that? What made him so cruel? What demons haunted him, pushing him to hurt me so deeply?
But there were no simple answers, no easy explanations to untangle the mess of lies and betrayal between us. All I knew was I couldn't let him hurt me again, that I had to find a way to break free from his control.
"Sam, I may not get what's going on with you, but is that why you're back here?" Kent's voice broke the tense mood, bringing me back from my swirling thoughts.
I looked at him, thankful for his lack of pestering. "Yeah, Kent, it's one of the reasons," I said, my voice indicating I had come to terms with it. "But please, don't make me talk about it. I'm not ready to revisit those memories."
He nodded seriously, showing he understood. "I won't pressure you, Sam," he promised, his voice getting softer with sympathy.
"Actually, I was gonna ask for help picking out an outfit for my cousin," he said, sounding cheerful but also a bit worried. "But I changed my mind; we're going somewhere that'll make you forget your worries and feel good."
I felt guilty, realizing my problems had affected what should've been a fun time. "Oh, it's alright, I'm good," I answered quickly, feeling embarrassed. "What kind of outfit is it? For a girl or a boy? I can help with that."
I felt his uncertainty, the unsaid words hanging in the air like a wall we couldn't overcome. He had been there for me in my hardest times, giving me comfort and help when I needed it. It was only right that I do the same for him, even if just a bit.
But he shook his head, looking determined. "Nope, my gift can wait," he said, his voice strong but kind. "But I can't ignore the sadness I see in your eyes."
I swallowed hard, feeling a lump in my throat that threatened to choke me. How did he see through my act? How did he know that behind my calm face, I carried a heart full of sadness and regret?
"Okay then, where are we headed?" I asked, curious despite my doubts. If there's one thing I learned from being with him, it's that he can turn any ordinary trip into a memorable adventure.
"You'll see when we arrive," he answered mysteriously, a playful smile on his face. "So hurry up and finish there so we can leave."