Kai slammed the door behind him, the sound echoing through the hallway. He could hear his mother's voice calling out to him," Kai, is that you? How was school baby." " Not now mom, I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone," he replied. He didn't want to talk to anyone, not yet. His anger was still simmering, a hot coal burning in his gut. He needed to be alone. Hus mother was shocked but noticed the look of anger on his face, so she let him be but made a mental note to ask him about it later.
He took off his jacket, the worn leather feeling heavy and cumbersome. The scent of Ethan's cologne lingered, a ghost of their earlier encounter. It was a scent he had grown to love, a familiar comfort but now it felt like a betrayal.
The bathroom was a haven of cool tiles and the soothing hum of the water. As the shower washed over him, the anger began to recede, replaced by a chilling emptiness. Ethan's words echoed in his mind.
He reached for the soap, the familiar lavender scent momentarily calming him. But then, the image of Ethan's smug smile, his mocking words returned. Kai clenched his fist, the anger rising again. He punched the shower wall, the glass shattering with a sickening crack.
The cold water turned icy, a stack reminder of the pain he had inflicted on himself. He stumbled back, his hand throbbing. The glass shards glinting on the wet floor. He came out of the bathroom and wore his shower robe. His mom hearing the sound rushed to his room," Kai, are you ok, I'm coming in," she said when she didn't get any reply. She saw kai starring at his hand. The cut hand had suddenly closed back on its own.
" Mom, I'm sorry," he stammered, the guilt washing over him. " I didn't mean to do it."
His mother knelt beside him, her hand gently touching his arm. " It's ok sweetheart. I know they you're upset. I'll call someone to come fix it." " Kai, she said softly, her voice laced with concern. " What happened ." Seeing that Jai was hesitant to speak, she said," is this about Ethan ?"
Kai's heart pounded in his chest, his throat constricted. He can't let his mom know that he was still seeing Ethan. He didn't speak. His mom spoke up sensing hus discomfort, " baby, I know you two are still seeing each other. Kai, I'm your mother, I have eyes everywhere. I guess you two were not so good at covering it up. But trust me, I won't tell your dad. I know you two love each other. I just hope you know what you're doing. Anyways did you two fight " she added.
" Yes mom," he replied. He confided with her about everything that had happened, and she consoled him, even going as far as to cook his favorite meal to lift his spirit.
Meanwhile, at Ethan's had, he was engulfed in a cloud of unhappiness. As he entered, he tried to mask his anger and hurt but the butler greeted him warmly saying, " welcome young master. Your parents are out of town and will be back in two weeks." " Really," Ethan responded with a hint of relief washing over him. He was glad his parents were not around to nag him. " So it's just me, Meredith and Nathan," he mused feeling a sense of freedom.
As he climbed the stairs, he was suddenly pulled over to a corner by Nathan. " What was that all about?" Ethan asked, confusion etched on his face. Nathan placed a finger on his lips, signaling him to be quiet. " Listen," Nathan urged. Ethan turned to were Nathan was pointing and saw Meredith talking to someone on the phone, her expression serious. " I'm sorry baby, please just bear with me. I love only you. My parents don't understand, but just give me time, I'll fix everything and come back. I'll call off the engagement." The words hung in the air, and Ethan felt his heart race. He couldn't hear the response of the other person from the other end but Meredith's next words were clear," okay baby, I love you so much," she said before she hung up the call.
In a moment of shock, Nathan and Ethan quietly hid themselves, waiting for Meredith to leave. Once they were sure she was gone, they emerged from their hiding spot. Ethan was reeling from what he had just heard. " She was in love with someone else the whole time?" he thought. Nathan broke the silence asking," what are you going to do now?" Ethan took a moment to collect his thoughts. " I'll think about it, for now just let me be," he replied, a newfound excitement bubbling within him.
Kai's heart hammered against his ribs. He had been trying to call Ethan but he was scared he didn't know what to say plus he wasn't sure Ethan would want to talk to him, as he knows he hurt Ethan. Tears streamed down his face as he was scared that Ethan was going to leave him.
Meanwhile, Ethan driven by a need for clarity, sought out Meredith. They were alone in the house, Nathan having escaped to a party, leaving them alone. As they chatted about random things, Ethan's gaze held a steely intensity. He knew what he had to do. " Meredith," he began, his voice calm but laced with tremor," are you in love with me?"
Meredith, surprised by the sudden question faltered. Her eyes widened. Ethan pressed on, his voice gaining a hint of urgency," or are you in love with someone else? Where you planning on calling off the engagement?" Meredith's face paled. She hadn't told him yet but the truth was out. Ethan sensing her discomfort replied," don't worry. I heard your discussion when I came back from school."
" Sorry, Ethan," Meredith said, her voice chocked with emotions. " I was going to tell you, I swear but I decided to keep it a secret until I was ready."
Ethan's response surprised her. He chuckled, a light, almost carefree sound that seemed incongruous with the gravity of the situation." I was going to tell you the same thing. I think we are better off as friends. Besides I also have someone I love dearly, but he doesn't trust me ever since you showed up." " Me? What did I do," she asked concerned.
Ethan's face etched with a mixture of pain and resignation, explained everything. Meredith listened, her heart aching for him. " I'm sorry Ethan," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. " It's all my fault." " No," Ethan said gently, placing a hand on her arm. " Don't blame yourself, it's not your fault."
The room became silent, the only sound the ticking of the wall on the clock, a relentless reminder of the passage of time. Meredith suddenly said, " I know what to do. I'll follow you to school tomorrow and I'll speak to Kai myself. Maybe hell believe you." " You're going to talk to Kai?" Ethan asked, his voice tinged with a hint if disbelief. " I'm so glad you're doing this but be careful. He is not exactly known for his forgiving nature."
" I'll be fine but you have to help me convince our parents to cancel the engagement ," she said. "Deal," Ethan said. They spent the rest of the evening talking about their partners. Feeling exhausted, they both decided to go to bed, their minds filled with a mixture of relief and anticipation for the challenges that lay ahead.