Allison
As Jayden stood before me, I stared at him with bewilderment. What was he talking about? It sounded crazy, yet somehow, it made a twisted kind of sense. My eyes narrowed, frustration etched on my face as I ran my hands over my face.
“So, are you trying to say we’re going to gaslight ourselves?” I asked, my voice laced with skepticism.
Jayden snapped his fingers, a triumphant glint in his eye. “Bingo!” he exclaimed.
I shook my head, incredulous. “You can’t be serious. That’s the only way?”
“Yes,” he replied with a slight nod. “We shouldn’t believe we’re actually in an affair, even though we are. We should make ourselves believe we’re not.”
He repeated the phrase, as if driving home the point. “We shouldn’t believe we’re having an affair or anything, even though we are. More like we are denying our sins even when we are sinners.”
I swallowed hard, my eyes fixed on Jayden as if searching for words. My throat seemed blocked all of a sudden.
“Jayden…” I could only mutter, my voice trailing off.
I felt like I’d been punched in the gut, my expression a mix of shock and confusion. If only he knew how hard I was still trying to process all these things.
“Yes, baby?” he replied, and I let out a deep sigh.
“To be honest, I’m… I’m actually scared and worried,” I said softly. “It’s… just sounds somehow messed up!”
Jayden took my face in his hands, his thumbs rubbing my lips tenderly.
“Don’t worry, baby,” he whispered. “We’ll be fine. I promise you, no one will ever find out about us. But if only you can do as I have said.”
I nodded, and he smiled. “I should head out now. Our parents need to know that I came home.”
When he turned to leave, I quickly grabbed his hand, holding him back.
He turned to me, his eyes questioning. “What is it, baby?”
“Aren’t you going to tell me why you came here?” I asked, my curiosity and concern evident. “I’m quite curious, and I’m worried too.”
He sighed deeply, looking down before meeting my gaze. “Don’t worry, Alli, I’ll tell you everything once I’m done with everything I need to do. You know I can’t keep anything from you.”
I smiled, feeling reassured, and nodded. Jayden’s hands cradled my face again, and he leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle, loving kiss. I accepted his lips immediately, melting into the warmth of his touch.
Afterward, he left, and I ran to the bed, collapsing straight on it, chuckling, tossing around the bed, and kicking my bed. My face was already burning hot, and I could tell it was red already.
I was still grinning, remembering the kiss, when the door suddenly opened. Turning my head to the side, my smile faltered as I saw Sally walk in.
“Hey,” Sally signed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I shook my head, trying to brush off the excitement.
“What are you so happy about?” she signed, studying me like she would find out something from my look.
“I was just thinking about a book I read. It was really cute and romantic,” I replied.
She raised an eyebrow. “Since when did you start reading novels?” she signed.
My heart skipped a beat as I realized I’d been caught. But I quickly recovered, “Recently. Nina taught me how to read them.”
Sally looked at me skeptically but didn’t press the issue. Instead, she signed, “I came to talk to you about something.”
I sat up straight, my curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
Sally hesitated, her hands fluttering as she searched for the right signs.
Then, she walked closer, sat on my bed, and tapped the mattress, signaling me to sit next to her. I moved closer, straightening up.
“What’s going on?” I signed, curiously.
Sally’s hands moved slowly as she signed, “I think I might be in love with someone. I’m not sure if it’s love, but I keep thinking about this person, and I catch myself staring at them all the time.”
Even though Sally was an outspoken and confident person, she had always been a mystery when it came to love. I’d even joked that she had no heart since she’d never admitted to liking someone before. But now, her confession had caught me off guard, and I felt a mix of surprise and pride. My sister, once seemingly invincible, had finally shown a vulnerable side.
I mean, she’d never shown feelings for anyone before, so this was a surprise.
“Really?!” I exclaimed, a smile appearing on my face. “Who’s this guy? Tell me, please!”
Sally shook her head, hesitant. “I don’t want to say who it is yet. I need to figure out my feelings first.”
I rolled my hands, urging her to continue. “Come on, you can’t just tell me you’re in love and not reveal who the person is! That’s the best part!”
“I’ll tell you when I’m ready,” she signed practically. “Just be patient with me.”
With that, she ran off from my room as if she had just done or told me the most embarrassing thing ever.
I smiled widely and laid back down, shaking my head in amusement with my eyes facing the ceiling.
“Oh my goodness, I can’t believe this! My sister is already falling in love… when did that happen?” I chuckled to myself, trying to guess who her crush could be.
Did I know that person or not? My guesses were endless, and I couldn’t wait for her to finally open up to me.
“Does she know that I’m not patient,” I laughed, shaking my head.
Soon, I left my room, deciding to head downstairs to watch a movie or do something. As I reached the stairs, I met Jayden, who grabbed my wrist, disallowing me from moving further.
He smiled at me, and I whispered, “I’ll see you later.”
But Jayden held my hand, not letting me go, the smile still on his face.
“What’s up?” I asked in wonder.
He leaned in closer. “I already met Mum and Dad, and that’s done. Now, it’s your turn.”
“I don’t understand,” I whispered, feigning ignorance.
“I came to get you, Alli,” he whispered.
I looked at him, my heavy gulp moving down my throat.
“What… What are you talking about?” I asked, snapping my arm off his.