Chapter 2 SLOANE
Chapter 2
SLOANE
“Welcome home, Sloane.”Aunty Louisa, Jasper’s mother pulled me into a warm hug, her hands tightened around me. It’s been a while since we saw each other. I hardly visited especially after what happened between Xaden and me.
I had to move into Jasper’s family house when I noticed my roommate at the school dorm was beginning to act creepy. Stealing my clothes, taking pictures of me while sleeping, and always knowing where I was and she always claimed it was a coincidence but it wasn’t but I had no proof.
So here I am moving into my best friend’s family house just for my sanity and safety. At least that was what I thought until the front door creaked open and that smell filled the whole living room.
That scent was so familiar, so sweet and intoxicating that it reminded me of only one person.
Xaden.
The way he walked was the same, silent, almost inaudible.
I turned, wanting to be sure that I wasn’t hearing things or losing my mind.
And I wasn’t. Because the moment his eyes settled on mine, they widened in awe, they flickered in disbelief and he froze, his fist clenching the bag in his hands.
“Xaden, you’re back. Good. You’ve been so busy with work, I didn’t get the chance to tell you that Sloane would be living with us till she graduates.” Aunty Louisa’s voice filled the living room as she explained, holding my hands and placing her head on my shoulder.
She had always been like this. Clingy and sweet. And she always treated me with more affection because she wanted a female child but never had one.
My throat bobbed as I stared back at the man who kissed me years ago and never looked at me again.
My palm got sweaty as I tried to clench onto something.
I should greet, right?
But the words are stuck in my throat. There is this tugging feeling in my chest, and it’s making it impossible for me to swallow anything or even open my mouth. It’s like I’m choking. It’s blocking my airway.
Why isn’t he saying anything?
Why is he looking at me like that?
I should talk… I should.
“Hello.” I managed to say, breathless and barely audible.
Silence. He didn’t respond, and I didn’t know what else to say.
His mum lifted her head off my shoulder, I could feel her gaze on me and then her son, probably wondering why we were both acting like broken robots and just staring back at each other, after all, no one knew that Xaden and I were once close, close enough to give him my first and only kiss.
“Is—is something wrong?” Her voice was low and curious, her grip tightened around my biceps.
I flinched.
The loud sound of the door, the brightness that came in through the door, the scent that filled the room, the noise that came with that footstep, and the presence.
It was no other than one person. Jasper.
“Hey people!” He yelled, his voice loud enough to fill the entire room. His eyes lit up, filled with so much excitement as he dropped his gun bag and ran towards me.
He yanked me off the floor, wrapping his arms around me, twirling me around still in his arms, his giggling against my neck, like a vibration, it tickled.
His presence killed the tension that filled the room and suddenly I could breathe again, suddenly my lips knew how to smile, and suddenly my voice was clear, and full laughter erupted.
Jasper was my anchor. Jasper is the anchor that keeps my life afloat. He is my best friend, one I would never trade for anything in this world.
“Finally, you’re here, Sloan.” He giggled, still holding me.
I laughed, “Okay, first of all, put me down, you’re squishing me with those gym biceps and muscles.” I teased and he gently placed me down.
“Why didn’t you allow me pick you up?” He frowned, walking up to the kitchen.
“Because I am an adult and I can take care of myself,” I answered, I turned back to check on Xaden but he was gone.., vanished.
I didn’t even know when he left.
“Jasper, help Sloane get settled, i’ll make dinner. Sloane, you must be tired, go up and freshen up, i’ll call you as soon as dinner is ready.” Aunty Louisa said with the cutest smile.
Jasper helped with my bag and we went up to the room that was reserved for me and trust me they did a great job and taking a look at how detailed and clean it is, I am one hundred percent sure, Aunty Louisa set it all up.
“Now that you are here, we can do everything together. I can finally teach you how to swim and oh, we can go to the gym together and we can even study together… this is the best decision you have made in your entire life, Sloane.” he rambled, sitting on the arranged bed, Aunty Louisa made for me.
“You wish, get out, I need to take a shower,” I grunted, glaring at him.
“So?” he shrugged, “take off your clothes and use the bathroom,” he said.
“Jasper, you have three seconds or I will grab one of your hockey sticks and woop your ass out of here.” I threatened.
He jumped off the bed instantly, “Jeez, you remind me so much of your mum… by the way, I am still scared to death of her.” he grabbed his phone and dashed out.
I took a warm shower and placed my clothes in place when my mother’s call came in.
“Hey there, beautiful.., ugh… my eyes what are you wearing! Are you still pretending to be naive and holy in front of Jasper? Girl, you need to show him that freaky side of yours.” My mum scolded right after I answered the phone.
“I am not pretending to be naive, I am… Naive and holy.” I rolled my eyes, falling into bed.
She snickered, rolling her own eyes, “Says the girl who ordered a thong and have it sent to my house and by the way, love the flowers at the front, .. It is… beautiful, too bad you don’t have a boyfriend to show it to.” she teased.
“Mum?”
“Yes, peach?” she muffled, calling me the nickname given to me by my late dad. It was the best way to remember him and I love being called peach. Jasper doesn't like it though. He is allergic to peach and he said it sounds like leech and he hates leashes.
“Guess who lives in this house?” I muffled, biting my lower lip.
“Uhm? Louisa and Jasper? Who else wants to… oh…. No!!!! Xaden? The Xaden, the big one who kissed you and never spoke to you ever again, Xaden? The boy you are deeply in love with, Xaden? That Xaden who you keep comparing with every guy you go on a blind date with?”
Yes, my mother and I are very close! And she knows everything.
“Yes, mum, that Xaden.” I groaned.
“That is unbelievable!” she lamented on my behalf and I just lay there and watched my mother fight for me which by the way lasted five seconds before she said. “So, how is he?” she asked.
Huh? Is she serious?
“Mum, why are you asking how he is and not how I am?” I frowned.
My mother sighed, “Peach, I love you so much, and I am always going to be your fan anytime any day but… did he look fine?” she asked, and the way her voice went low and very concerned, I knew Aunty Louisa had said some things to make my mum who is a full detective worry like this.
Did something happen that I am not aware of?