(0.5): The One Missing.

He's here.

My boyfriend is here and I don't know how to process it.

I am happy that he is here, truly, I am.

However, I am a little conflicted. My emotions are all over the place at the moment.

I am surprised, shocked even, that he showed up like this so late at night. I worry about the long trip he had to take, to get here. The exhaustion is clearly visible on his face.

He travelled a long way and arrived late, that concerns me.

He's told me not to worry, reassuring me that he is okay when clearly he is not. When he appeared at the living doorway, I sat frozen in place. It took time for me to process the fact that he's here. One touch from him knocked me back to the present.

The next thing I knew, I launched myself at him, nearly knocking his crouched self on the floor.

With Ethan here, the movie night was honestly forgotten. All that mattered and still does, is him being here when I've missed him terribly. Mom definetely had her share of fun, when she couldn't even hide how amused she was.

I must have been a sight with how clingy I was towards him. I've been super concerned about his health and safety, especially learning about him driving through the rain at night.

I didn't need to point out how tired he looks, mom had noticed too.

She has given him permission to stay the night.

I think the pleading look I gave her, did the trick too. Seeing the effort he took, to be here with me must have pulled at her heart strings. Not only has he missed me but he wants me to be comfortable.

I feel my heart skip a beat as I look towards the door, when it clicks open.

Ethan Sawyer steps out and Audrey I can't catch my breath. He looks so attractive right now in a matching grey shirt and sweatpants.

Honestly, he looks good in anything and that is not a bias opinion. His tall frame around six feet with muscular arms fit for his much lean body and small waist that I love wrapping my arms around.

It makes whatever he puts on more attractive in my eyes.

The small nose ring adds such a nice touch on him. Everything about him is simply attractive but what affects my heart more than the sound of his smooth deep voice, is his smile. When he's really happy, a pretty, heartwarming smile takes over his face and each time I get to see it, butterflies erupt in my stomach, no jokes.

An amused smile instantly takes over his features when he sees me staring.

" See something you like?"

" Yes, my boyfriend." I answer despite how warm my cheeks feel.

He chuckles, stepping forward while towel drying his hair.

" Let me help." I offer.

He hands it over and I make room for him to sit before kneeling behind him.

" I missed this, " he comments, leaning his head back a bit so I can dry more of his hair.

Placing the towel aside, I embrace him from behind. " I missed you," I confess in his ear.

I give his cheek a kiss, letting my lips to linger on his skin.

I draw back, meaning to continue with his hair only for him to stop me. His chocolate brown eyes connect with my hazel coloured ones. Time seems to stop with us connecting.

No words need to be said for us to know how much we missed each other. I lean in further, not being able to help myself and press my lips to his, for a short kiss.

" It's late and you need rest." I move off the bed to stand infront of him, but he seems to have other plans when he pulls me into his lap.

A shaky breath leaves my lips when I feel his arms wrap around my middle.

" You were the only one in mind throughout the trip and now that you are in my arms, I don't really care about anything else."

" Thank you for being here with me. Thank you for thinking of me." I say sincerely.

The realisation that I truly needed him here hits deep right at this moment.

" Did you like my surprise?"

I nod with a growing smile on my face.

" I'm glad." He gently pinches my cheek.

I perk up when I remember something. " I have something for you."

His eyes gleam with curiosity.

" Let me get it real quick(I make a move to get up but I'm quickly pulled back down), ah! Ethan?"

" Let me hold you for a bit baby and then you can show me your gift later, okay?"

There's no complaints from me.

He tugs me even closer, limiting any space between us. My hands cup his face and I pepper him with kisses, leaving his lips for last.

" What are you doing?" An amused smile adorns his face.

" Letting my boyfriend know how much I love having him here."

I feel satisfied to have painted every part of his face with kisses. By the time I give his lips the attention they deserve, he's ready to indulge into this intimate moment between us. He refuses for me to break away and demands another one, his hand resting behind my head.

Everything is done on his terms and he's the one in control. He takes his time to feel my lips, to taste them and let me know just how much he has craved such a moment.

Goosebumps move along my body as his hand gently squeezes my waist. A  small moan slips out when he tilts his head slightly to the side, further deepening the kiss.

We get lost in the moment, in each other that nothing else matters. My own hand that lightly grips on his hair stirs a groan from him, letting me know how much he loves my hands in his hair. His warmth, his touch and his presence alone makes me push every thing about the day at the back of my mind. I'm in the present, in the now and with him alone.

I lose track of time of how long we've been at it. I feel dizzy from his addicting kisses and butterflies have a field day in my tummy. His touch doesn't help me think straight.

In fact, they make me feel putty in his hands.

We almost miss the sound of my mother's approaching steps from the hallway, but thankfully my ears pick up on it before she reaches the door.

" Mom is coming." I say against his lips.

He pecks my lips twice before he lets his eyes move all over my face.

Both of us are breathing too hard and gosh, the look in his eyes renders me speechless.

I feel wanted.

" Ethan...."

" We can finish this conversation later." I swear my face heats up when he says this, his eyes and voice sounding serious.

A knock on my door literally melts the tension that had started to be lit again. And I was losing focus again.

His eyes are distracting.

" I'll let your mom know we'll be down, you can show me the gift."

Oh yeah, the gift.

I nod in and move off his lap. He walks over to answer the door while I make my way to my closet.

I pretend to not listen in on their short conversation. She pretty much lets him know that she's resigning for the night, since she starts work tomorrow.

My ears feel warm when her voice rises a little as she mentions the sleeping arrangements for tonight.

I'm not oblivious to not understand the message she is delivering.

No sharing a room.

Hearing her tell him that it's good to see him again, does something to my heart. I'm reminded that she likes Ethan for me.

He's proven to be good for me and to me.

I sometimes wonder how I got so lucky. In those times, he'd shut down such a thought and claim that he's the fortune one.

'We are good for each other.' This is what we'd agree on instead.

Later downstairs, I keep him company, as he enjoys his meal.

" I love it."

An easy smile replaces the nervous one I had a while ago, as I waited for his reaction.

" Really?"

" Hmm," he nods.

" Are you sure? I mean I can take it back if you don't vibe with the colour or if it's not the right...size.." I trail off, watching him wear the sweater I bought.

" See?(He gestures to himself), Perfect fit."

My eyes roam all over his seated frame, appreciating how good he actually looks in it.

The moment is cut shot when he pulls me close, positioning me between his legs and resting his hands on my hips.

" We are matching," I say in satisfaction, my fingers combing through his hair.

I feel a sense of pride, knowing that I got it right.

" Muffin?" I meet his eyes.

" Hmm?"

" Thank you, I really like it." Every bit of tension leaves my shoulders and I sigh in relief.

" As long as you're happy with it, I'm happy." I steal a kiss, leaving him dazed. " Tell me, how long are you in town for? Wait- are you staying in a hotel somewhere because if you are, then I can talk to my mom and -----"

"Shhh." He silences me with a finger against my lips.

" I'm thinking a week or two at most and don't worry about accommodation. I've got that sorted out."

" Are you sure?" I hope he's not just saying this.

" My uncle Steven lives close by remember? He's almost never home, with him traveling alot. So he wiggles his brows), I'll look after his place and you can keep me company."

'Ethan and I alone.' The thought makes me blush.

" Just you and me baby." He says as if he heard my thoughts.

" Thank you for being here." Saying it once doesn't feel enough.

" Only for you baby." He kisses my hand.

" Hey, do you need my help with anything?"

" I do."

" What is it?" I look

" I want for you to be happy and comfortable in your new home." He pulls me closer, out chests touching. " I need for my Muffin to be okay this time."

I embrace him, words being lost from me.

I wish for the same Ethan but I have my doubts. More than ever this time.

*

*

*

*

The next day, mom starts her job as a nurse at the Crystal Valley local hospital while Ethan takes me to his uncle's place. I missed her this morning but she left a note instead.

Being woken up with good smelling coffee and delicious muffins, with kisses snuck in, definetly made my morning.

On his way to his uncle's place, we are settled into a calm and good vibe. It's so much better than yesterday. The wind runs through my hair from the open window, I tilt my head back and close my eyes, enjoying the ride. Music playing softly in the background sets the mood right.

It's peaceful and I like it.

I had a dream last night and it was nice but silly.

Little me was simply running around in a flower field, different from that of the other dream. I wore a white dress, a flower head band on my hair and these cute little pink ballet flats. I was playing around, giggling even.

Something strange stuck out to me though, I wasn't alone. The person wasn't visible and yet his present felt enough. I could hear laughter behind me.

Male to be exact.

I sensed him to be older too, just from the sound of his laugh.

Whoever it was made it safe for me, I sensed this.

Now the question is who was that person?

Two stops we make along the way, one being the gas station while the other is a grocery store. With his uncle currently on vacation in Barcelona, Ethan wasn't sure about the state of the fridge and cupboards.

A bit of shopping felt ideal.

My shyness took over during the shopping session and Ethan looked and sounded so natural, as he included me in what he bought. It might not have been a big deal to him but it did something to my heart.

Each protest hung in the air as he shot me a look, not giving me a chance to voice it out. All I could do was watch as he filled the trolley with us in mind.

I felt giddy inside to witness him prove that he knows what I like and don't like.

He's observant.

'You should get easy access to Every thing you want when you're with me.' Those were his words as he grabbed a bunch of snacks.

Ethan likes to spoil me.

I love that he thinks of me, his heart being sincere towards me but I never want to take advantage of his kindness. At times, I've felt like I don't do enough for him when he's given me more than I could ask for.

The drive leads us to a more secluded area of town, close to the forest like mine. My concern for him living alone in such a place grows. I believe it's pretty evident on my face and that's why, he jumps in to reassure me that he'll be okay.

Ethan is capable of taking care of himself, this I know, but it doesn't mean I can't worry about him.

I don't want him to ever get hurt.

The sight of his uncle's place is very good and quite captivating. For the first time in a long time, I find beauty in the view of the forest and lake. The desire to explore it isn't there but I can still appreciate nature.

The lake cabin seems to be in the perfect place, overlooking it. It's almost similar to how I am able to overlook the forest from my bedroom window , but this place is like a whole other level.

" Your uncle's place is very nice." I comment after Ethan has shown the whole place.

And I mean well with my comment. With an open plan kitchen and good view of the living room for easy communication with your guest, to the whole place being attractive with a modern interior touch and inviting atmosphere. I'd say the place is really nice to the eye.

I am loving the LED lights in the living room. It's clear that his uncle has an eye for three main colours. Grey, brown and white.  The bedrooms have a more western rustic vibe while the bathroom has that hotel bathroom simplicity appeal to it. The shower is quite big though, I assume it can fit more than one person.

What I also find appealing is the chilling area in the backyard. One can have a nice view of the lake in the morning or evenings.

The whole place is both warm and inviting. It's definetly different from what I'd expect his uncle to go for. The bachelor style seemed more fitting and yet the vision he carries is home. Ethan has mentioned most that visiting his uncle 2as much better than the many travels, he took with his parents.

Ever since he was young, he had to adjust to the life of a caretaker or Nanny, taking care of him. Work or family related things demanded for his parents attention. Despite how much they tried to make up for lost times, somehow they fell short in understanding his needs to recieve more from them. As he grows, there's a certain level of expectation they have placed on him, which has caused some divide between them.

The little boy whom longed to be seen more by his parents does exist. They just need to look deep enough for things to be clear.

I remember months gone by and finding out about Ethan's status. He always was always a little guarded, not mentioning much about them.

'Time with you Casey is everything. The memories are too good and intimate, I love how I feel and who I am with you. I look in the mirror and feel good about who I see.' He'd said this to me and I was never the same again.

It's like he put so much value in us than what he's known for most of his life. It sounded scary as it hit in mind but also heartwarming, to be loved and treasured so deeply.

In his own way, he feared that his family status would scare me off, he never wanted me to devalue myself and question what impact I make in his life. He's always reassured me that I'm one of his most important people.

And I've never doubted him since.

So Ethan Sawyer comes from generational wealth and it seems each member of his family has their own success story. With his parents owning a hospital and are part of an organisation that helps people in need. I do know that there is family business too which demands for their attention, including Ethan. There are times when his parents would request for him to join them. Apparantly they have intentions for him to take over his father's seat but at the right time. When ever that may be.

The thing is, Ethan has his own interests and one of those things is music. He is crazy talented and in a band and I have been cheering him on at the side lines. I'll continue to do so as long as it still remains his passion. He has been one of my greatest supporters and I aim to be that too.

" I agree," that is Ethan's response to the comment I made.

" I do still think I should talk to mom and maybe....."

" May be that can kind of throw her off.' I frown at those words. " And it would be awkward to stay over for more than one night under your mom's roof as your boyfriend."

He has a point. The idea doesn't seem all that bad though, considering that both are familiar with each other.

" I just thought....."

" You meant well and I appreciate the thought." He says, stepping closer.

" Hmm, okay." I nod, finally letting it go.

The thought of both of them being uncomfortable or awkward because of my actions doesn't sit right with me, so it's better to respect everyone's decision.

" I'm sorry if I overstepped."

He takes my hand and say, " your heart is in the right place, you care and there is no fault in that. he takes the hand that was placed on the kitchen  counter and says, " your heart is in the right place, you care and there is no fault in that."

I hear what he's saying but there's little guilt in me.

" Don't overthink, hmm?" The gentle squeeze on my hand makes me to nod.

" Would you like me to help you unpack?" I ask.

He shakes his head, " that's okay, I'll deal with the unpacking later. I waych him look around before his eyes meet mine again), now that we are here, let me make us something to eat."

" Hmm." I agree with a smile.

His own comes out.

" Okay." He says, sneaking in a peck on my cheek.

I excuse myself to the bathroom while he moves over to the counter, to start unpacking groceries.

I feel truly giddy inside because I get to spend longer hours with my boyfriend, after missing him so much. The move was kind of hard, not gonna lie.

So I'm going to take advantage of the time he's here and make sure we have memorable days together.  Distance is something we will have to get used to over time, it's something new and a little foreign to both of us.

In the beginning, the distance didn't seem so bad, because we lived in different parts of the same town. Now the distance has grown bigger.

' We stick together no matter what.'

This among other thoughts have encouraged me regarding the situation. Ethan and I can make this work, no matter the distance. I believe in us to handle this.

By the time I head back, my ears pick up on the sound of voices downstairs.

Males to be exact.

" Something called for us near." I overhear a low pitched voice say and I don't miss the irritation in those words.

" Trouble?" Ethan says, with his mellow voice.

" Nothing concerning for now." Another voice, deep but in a husky way and less tense in his delivery.

" Let me guess, precaution." I frown, quite confused.

Ethan sounds like he knows something or he simply is guessing.

I don't hear any response to that. So I  take a few careful steps towards the stairs, my ears itching to hear more.

I shouldn't do this, none of this concerns me.

It's unfortunate that my curiosity seems bigger than rational thinking right now.

" You've been on the look out for a missing person. I heard."

I wonder who is this person Ethan has mentioned. There's curiosity in his tone which stirs my own.

" A rumour, that's it." A dismissive answer.

The one with the husky tone. He sounds guarded, as if they wished there would be a change of topic.

The irritation I heard before, still lingers but not so much.

" Hmm." Ethan doesn't sound convinced.

" You're back?" A change of topic, interesting.

" Not really." That's Ethan's answer.

Something twists in my heart.

I wish he was more closer to me.

I'll definetly miss him when he's gone.

" You're not alone." My back tenses at the sound of those words.

That didn't sound like a question. It sounded sure, unsurprised.

" Yeah."

My footsteps falter on the top of the stairs when I see Ethan, walk into view, with company.

I finally get a view of Ethan's guests.

I take note of how tall they are, even surpassing Ethan by inches.

All these guys before me are handsome in their own way.

Ethan has natural wavy brown hair, which has grown longer. One of the guys has dark hair, a defined jaw and strong face structure with light brown sharp eyes. His whole demeanor screams a person who is sure of himself, edgy and overall intense.

The other guy looks more approachable in some sense with less edge to him. His sandy blonde is tied in a man up.  There's a spark of secret playfulness deep within his pool blue eyes. I notice a small scar at the corner of his jaw, which doesn't take away from his good looks. Similar to the first guy, it's pretty obvious that he works out and is in pretty good shape.

I bet they gain attention wherever they go.

Just like Ethan.

One thing I noticed for sure is that the dark haired guy was the first to look my way. I didn't miss his brows pull together slightly as he looked me over.

Curiosity or suspicion, I can't tell.

And I bet he's the one who sounded guarded and irritated almost.

Ethan grabs my attention yet again when he makes his way over to me. He approaches me with a reassuring smile, one that lets me know that there's no reason to be tense around this company.

Though eased up a bit, tension lingers because I'm in the presence of strangers.

" You're all good?" The soft tone and facial expression is reserved for me, his back to the guys.

" Hmm, I'm good." I nod.

I look behind him and ask, " are you new members of his band?"

" No." " Wouldn't dream of it." Both say at the same time, the dark haired with a simple 'no' while the other gave a lengthy answer.

Ethan chuckles and says, " they wouldn't make the cut muffin." He gently tugs me closer. I now stand a step above him.

" You must be the reason this guy even considered coming back here." The blue eyed comments, stepping forward. " Hi, I'm Sam." He gestures to himself.

" I'm Casey Jay. That's what most people call me and I don't think I'm the only -----"

" She's the only reason I'm here." Ethan cuts in so fast I have no time to finish what I meant to say.

I glance to him and find him already looking at me.  My face warms up even more when he throws in a wink.

" And this guy over here is Alan." Sam gestures to his friend, who hasn't moved from his spot this whole time. " Don't mind him, he's usually not that quiet, just feeling a little under the weather." He lowers his voice as he shares the last part.

" I heard that." Alan comments.

My ears pick up on the little edge to his deep voice. Something tells me that he didn't like that very much.

" I know that I didn't lie." Sam responds, looking the least bothered.

" They are here for my uncle but since he's not here, they decided to bother me instead." Ethan explains while leaning against the stair railing.

" Wow and I thought we were great company." Sam responds with mock offense.

" Not really, I've been watching you two act like an old married couple for the last 5 minutes." Ethan says or more like teases. " And here's the only company I need." He reaches out for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

" Wow, what a way to tell us that we mean so little to you man." Sam comments.

" You're one to talk. I can't remember the last time you called." Ethan retorts with a raised brow, now challenging.

" I've been busy." Sam defends himself.

" Sure, sure, whatever you say." Ethan says sarcastically, pretty much rolling his eyes.

I glance between the two guys in both curiosity and amusement.

It seems they are the ones acting more like an old married couple.

The sound of a cell phone ringing interrupts Ethan and Sam's little moment.

" Excuse me." Alan excuses himself.

I watch him walk away while answering the phone, wondering why I could feel his eyes on me for majority of the time.

" So how long have you two been together for?"

" 2 and half years." " 3 years."

I look at Ethan, frowning a little at his answer of 3 years.

" O..Okay... Which one is it?" Even when I hear Sam ask this, I can't look away from Ethan.

"3 years?" Did I mis-calculate?

He nods, " it took a year for me to not only be captivated by this beautiful being, but pursue her earnestly, knowing that she is mine. The rest was to seal every thing and make her realise that. So yeah, it's been 3 years." Ethan explains with his whole attention on me.

Within me I feel it, that fire of passion and love brewing strongly.

I feel choked up at this very moment.

I don't even know what to say.

I open and close my mouth but I can't find any words to match his own. Despite that, the urge to speak something pushes for me to say something.

I release a shaky breath, " it's been 3 years." I confirm, a smile coming out.

He returns mine with his pretty one.

" Wow." The sound of Sam's voice knocks us out of the staring bubble that had enclosed around us.

My face warms up as I'm reminded that we are not alone. Embarassment takes over being under watch like this.  So I quickly close the distance between us and his my face in his chest

" Ethan man, you might put Shakespear to shame right now. Maybe you should write a book."

I feel Ethan shrug his shoulders, " if Casey is the main character, sure, I might think about it."

" Stop." I mumble, not being able to handle this.

My heart can only take so much.

" What? I like this topic called Casey." He whispers to my ear.

I roll my eyes, biting on my lip as I try to hold myself back from smiling.

" You must have a mission to make her blush to death and third wheel me hard, don't you? Idiot." Sam comments.

" I bet you do the same when it comes to Kayla, but now you want to act all innocent."

I lean back to look between the two guys, my curiosity peaking.

Kayla?

" She's Sam's other half." Ethan fills me in.

" Twin?"

" No, my ma- girlfriend."

" Oh, I see." I say out of understanding.

" You'll meet her soon."

I nod.

" Oh but there is something next week, so possibly your man may perform there."

My head whips in Ethan's direction.

" Thank you Sam(he rolls his eyes), you ruined my plans to tell her."

" Pleasure." Sam smirks, looking a little extra proud to hear this information.

Does this mean he possibly would have come here even without me being here?

" It was a last minute request from someone I know, but I'm still thinking about it." Ethan's response shuts down any intruding overthinking.

" Is it a party?"

" More like a fundraising event."

" Hmm, okay."

" He'll come." Sam sounds so sure as he says this.

He opens his mouth to speak but Allen's return hinders what he meant to say. His return demands attention, especially when I feel a shift in the room.

He seems more on edge than before, the proof being in the way he's standing all straight and his jaw clenched.

I notice a quick eye exchange between him and Sam. It lingers, enough to be noticeable for me.

In some sense, it looks like they are mind communicating but simply giving off a message with eye contact.

Mind communicating? No, they couldn't possibly.....

What ever Sam sees or senses,  changes his demeanor too, I notice as well. He stands up a bit straighter and that ease in his eyes disappears.

The generous smile he sends my way doesn't reach his eyes.

" Well, I think ----"

" We need to leave." Allen cuts in.

"So you're not going to give me the moment to kick you out? Damn, both of you shouldn't have shown up at all." Ethan says, teasing.

He must feel it too, the change in the room.  He's trying to diffuse whatever it is that is present around us.

" Don't worry, we'll see each other again love." Sam makes mock kissy faces, making me smile in amusement.

"Shut up." Ethan mumbles. " I'll walk you out."

He turns to me, " I'll be right back."

" Hmm." I nod.

" It was nice to meet you Casey." Sam mentions on his way out.

" Same here." I offer a small smile.

When I glance over at Allen, he nods in acknowledgement.

' He must be a person of a few words, I guess.'

And one who stares a lot.

It's like I was back at that market again, where I could feel eyes on me every turn I made.

Sam didn't do much of that staring thing.

So why him?

Why was he staring at me like that?

It's as if I was a rare breed, a strange creature or piece of a puzzle he couldn't piece together.

Weird.