Jayden
I leaned in closer to Allison, my hands cradling her face. “You naughty girl,” I whispered, my thumbs tracing her cheeks. Allison’s eyes sparkled with nervousness, and she gulped twice.
“What? How am I naughty?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
I whispered against her ear, “You’re thinking of something really naughty, aren’t you?”
Allison’s eyes widened, and she shook her head vigorously.
“What? No, not at all. I’m not thinking about that,” she retorted, a hint of defensiveness in her tone.
I chuckled, my eyes locking onto hers. “Fine, fine. Anyway, that’s not why I said I’m taking you with me.”
Her brow furrowed, her curiosity piqued.
“I’m actually taking you somewhere,” I revealed, my voice low and mysterious.
Allison’s eyes widened, a gasp leaving her smiling lips. “Wow, is it like a date?”
I laughed, poking her forehead with my finger. “No, naughty! Goodness! I just want you to follow me to the place I have in mind.”
“Where’s that?” she asked, her curiosity palpable.
I took a deep breath before responding. “My mother. The reason I came here was to see my mother.”
“What happened?” she asked, a concerned look on her face. “I hope she’s okay?”
I sighed deeply, shaking my head. “It’s complicated.”
“Please explain,” Allison urged, her voice trembling with concern.
I held her hand, offering reassurance. “Don’t worry, I’ll tell you about it on the way. For now, we should leave.”
Allison’s curiosity lingered, but she nodded. “Okay, but I should tell my mom first. Hopefully, she’ll accept the idea.”
I smiled. “I already told your mom, and she said I should take one of my sisters. Obviously, I couldn’t take Sally…” Allison laughed, and we headed downstairs.
As we reached the living room, Sally looked up from her phone, noticing us heading for the door. She quickly got up and tapped us, signing “Where are you guys going?” in her energetic way.
Allison and I exchanged a glance before turning back to Sally. Allison replied in sign language, “I’m going out with Jayden to see his mom. Mom asked me to go with him.”
Sally raised an eyebrow, studying us for a moment before signing, “Okay, but remember, my eyes are on both of you.”
Allison rolled her eyes, smiling, and we continued out the door.
As we settled into the taxi, I gazed out the window, my mind consumed by thoughts of my mom. Allison watched me, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. I wondered why she was worried about someone like me. I was toxic, and I wasn’t good for her. I hoped she wasn’t falling in love with me.
I turned to her, and she smiled softly. “Hope you’re alright?” she asked, her voice gentle. “I can tell you’re not feeling too good. Is everything okay with you and your mom?”
I sighed, my expression somber. “To be honest, I’m not feeling too good. I found out my mom is sick. She’s… not well.”
“I’m so sorry,” she said, her eyes filled with empathy.
I looked away, memories of my complicated past with my mom flooding back. “Despite everything she’s done, I still went to see her. Foolish, right?”
“Not at all,” she replied, shaking her head firmly. “She’s still your mother, no matter what. I’m glad you still care about her, even after everything. I hope she makes amends with you.”
I chuckled, touched by her kind words. “I hope so too. I didn’t know my baby was such a good talker and great adviser.”
Allison’s face turned red, and she looked down, smiling.
I leaned in, my eyes locked on hers. “Right now, I’m feeling so excited… can I kiss you?”
“What? Here?” Allison asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
“Yes, baby,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
Allison glanced around nervously, like a thief trying to hide. “Jayden, we’re still on our street. What if we get caught?”
I chuckled reassuringly. “Oh, come on. We won’t get caught. It’s just us and the driver. Besides, who would recognize us from inside the taxi?”
Allison’s voice trailed off, “I don’t think we should-”
Before she could finish, I grasped her chin, pulling her closer. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, the tension between us growing. Allison’s initial hesitation melted away, and she enthusiastically reciprocated.
We explored each other’s lips, our tongues dancing together. I savored the taste of her, sucking gently on her bottom lip, then her upper lip.
We finally broke apart, gasping softly. I smiled at Allison, but our intimate moment was interrupted by the driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror.
Allison’s eyes darted away, her cheeks flushing. I smirked, looking out the window as we drove further away.
As we stepped out of the taxi after the long hour drive, I felt my nerves kick in. The empty fields surrounding us seemed to stretch on forever, and the deserted road ahead made me even more anxious. I hadn’t felt this way since returning to the US.
Allison seemed to sense my unease, noticing my fidgeting hands. She reached out, taking my hand in hers, and I felt a surge of gratitude.
As we walked, I stopped abruptly, looking at Allison with a mix of surprise and appreciation. “You’ll be fine, okay?” she said, her voice reassuring, her grip on my hand tightening.
I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening to me. I couldn’t fall in love with Allison, and she shouldn’t fall for me either. It made no sense. I was not worth it, and I’d only end up hurting her. I needed to put a stop to these feelings before they spiraled out of control.
I slowly pulled my hand away from Allison’s, then took a few steps back. She looked at me with a questioning gaze but didn’t say a word. I could see the wonder in her eyes, wondering why I’d suddenly withdrawn.
I pocketed my hands, feeling a pang of guilt. “Allison, I think we should stop here now.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, her eyes welling up with tears.
“Go back home,” I said, my voice firm but gentle. “I’m sorry for bringing you all the way here.”
Allison’s whisper was barely audible. “Jayden?”
“Allison, please leave.”