ChloeI sat on the floor of the apartment, surrounded by papers and pictures, as tears streamed down my face. The sound of my sobs reverberated through the room, and as the sun set, its gentle glow filled the space.Aiden, seated across from me, cried out in his own anguish. His little voice cracked, and I knew he needed comfort just as much as I did. Summoning all my strength, I crawled across the floor, unable to stand, and reached out to pick him up. I brought him close to me, holding him tightly against my tear-soaked chest. Slowly, his cries subsided, and he nestled his head against my neck. Gazing out through the large window, I looked at the city sprawled before me. "Why do you look at me like that?" I asked, lifting my gaze from my cup. He shrugged, momentarily averting his eyes."You're beautiful," he said, sliding his hands into his pockets and leaning against the doorway. "Even if you don't realize it.""You're just being nice," I replied, playfully pointing my pinky fing
SlimI stared down at her, waiting for her to speak. Her eyes widened just a bit, and I knew I caught her off-guard. But as she laughed, I raised an eyebrow."That," she paused to laugh. "That was smooth," she said, pulling away from me as she laughed.I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned back against the railing, waiting for her to sober up. As untimely as this was, it amused me how she could laugh in serious situations. It seemed like the only time she was genuinely happy."Okay, okay, let's try this again," she said, still giggling, and I rolled my eyes, taking her hand and bringing her closer to me. I lifted her chin, lowering my lips to hers before moving them to her ear, shifting some hair out of the way."Does it make any sense," I started, letting my hand slip further down her back, "if we both already know the answer?" I finished, watching as she shivered.Slowly, the moonlight revealed the dark tint of red on her cheeks, and I chuckled, tilting my head back and staring
ChloeGlancing back at Aiden, who was sleeping soundly in his seat, I wondered how we would manage taking care of him while attending school. Hayden was right. We were just kids ourselves, and now we were responsible for another child. Hayden paced outside, conversing with the person on the other end of the call. Though he spoke calmly, the slight clenching of his fist revealed his underlying tension. Finally, he ended the call, walked to his side of the car, and got in. Silently, he pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the street, occasionally glancing at me when he felt my gaze upon him."Are you okay?" I asked, concerned. He sighed, shaking his head. I decided not to press him further, turning to face him and leaning against the door, taking photos of him without his knowledge. At a red light, he glanced over, his expression blank. I laughed."The apartment is all set up," he informed me, and I realized that we were heading there instead of to the college.I nodded, marveli
ChloeI dragged him down to the parking lot where his car awaited, and he unlocked it, holding the door open for me. I smiled and slid into my seat as he closed the door. Then he walked around to his side, briefly checking his phone before getting in and looking at me."I want to take you somewhere," he declared, his eyes mesmerizing me. And somewhere along the way, I managed to ask my question."What about the others?" I inquired, and he rolled his eyes, shrugging."I don't care," he stated plainly, and I burst into laughter, trying my best to maintain composure. Once I sobered up, I took out my phone and called Kai."Hello?" he answered."Hey, Kai," I began. "We'll see you guys back at the dorm," I told him."Okay. Why? Are you guys going to f-" "Kai! Leave the girl alone!" Leah yelled in the background. I couldn't help but laugh, covering my mouth, and heard them on the other end joining in. Then there was shuffling."Chloe? We're going home once we leave here. But we'll be back n
ChloeAfter he left, I stepped into the shower, feeling the cold water wash over my body, instantly relieving the tension in my muscles. With each breath, I could feel myself relaxing, ready to continue my shower. Once I finished, I wrapped myself in a towel and walked out into my room. I noticed Hayden sitting on my bed, engrossed in something on his phone. As I entered, he placed his phone next to him and rubbed his hands together before leaning back. He silently watched me as I grabbed some underwear, his eyes following my every move. I casually placed my bra at the bottom of the bed and proceeded to put on my underwear. Just as I was about to reach for my bra, he intercepted it, tossing it next to him. I rolled my eyes at his playful gesture."Really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. He smirked mischievously, patting his lap.I shook my head, chuckling, and he rolled his eyes as he sat at the edge of the bed. Then he sighed, picking up the bra and holding it out to me. I nai
Chloe "Hale," I heard him call. My eyes slowly opened, fluttering as they adjusted to the sunlight.Once my eyes were fully open, I looked up and found Hayden standing in the doorway. As I shifted slightly, my body felt as though I had run an entire marathon."Yes?" I replied, sitting up and watching as the sheets fell onto my lap. I was covered by one of his shirts that I had stolen, and I slid out of bed, making my way to the bathroom.I looked back at him, waiting for him to speak, but instead, he leaned against the door frame and smirked at me as I forced my legs to work properly. Rolling my eyes at him, I entered the bathroom and began brushing my teeth. Today was Saturday, and I planned on spending it sleeping."The others are coming," he said.Or not."When?" I asked, looking up at him in the mirror, and he smirked, walking over and placing his hands on my hips."A few minutes," he said. "But that doesn't matter," he finished, shifting some hair out of the way before placing a