My Hometown Love

Chapter 51 – Back To Reality

Kevin’s P.O.V

I parked my car on the curb and walked up to Lexie’s house. My eyes fell on Lexie who was swinging herself softly on the porch swing. Only thing was, she seemed like she had a faraway look as she swung unenthusiastically. Then suddenly, she had this fearful and angry look on her face. I quickly hurried my steps to her as I called out to her.

“Babe, you okay?”, I asked while I waved my hand in front of her face.

When she didn’t respond, I gripped the swing chains hard, jerking the swing to a hard stop. Lexie jolted awake from her daze and looks up to me, with the same angry and fearful face. I quickly sit next to her and hold her hand.

“Are you okay? What happened?”, I asked her.

“Yeah. I’m fine. I just drifted off thinking.”, she replied as she eyed me up and down.

“Oh yeah? Thinking about what?”, I asked curiously.

“Just wondering what would have happened if I didn’t move to New York or if the graduation dance incident didn’t happen. Or if you were the same person back in high school.”, she replied hesitantly towards the end.

“Interesting. So, tell me. What do you think would have happened?”, I say as I put my arm around her.

So, Lexie begins telling me everything she imagined, right from the library job to Liliana. I sat there with my mouth open, surprised at both her imagination and the fact that I might have ended up like that.

“Liliana? Really?!”, I ask as I shudder at the thought.

“I don’t know. It just popped up. Maybe since she always had a thing for you.”, she replied as she giggled at my reaction.

“No, thank you.”, I reply as I try to shake off the idea from my head.

Lexie laughed at this as she slowly leaned against me, sighing deeply. I knew she was going to start overthinking it all because that was what she usually does. I desperately tried to think of a way to change the subject.

“So, not a doctor but a car doctor, huh?”, I asked sarcastically.

“It’s funny that I imagined you use those exact words. Ironically.”, she replied as she looked up at me.

“Weird.”, I say as I play with her hair.

“So, did you get jealous seeing Liliana and bad boy Kevin together in your imagination?”, I asked interestedly.

“Ew. No.”, she replied in a split second.

“Liar!”, I said as I nudged her knee.

She responded by nudging my knee back, hard.

“Ow!”, I exclaimed overdramatically.

“Need a doctor?”, she said sarcastically.

I wrestled her into my arms as I started tickling her till she pulled away in defeat. We both leaned back on the swing, breathing heavily.

“Do you think the Kevin in my imagination will get together with me? I mean, will they find each other?”, she suddenly asks with seriousness.

I looked over to her with feelings of love and yet a pinch of sadness. I pulled her hands towards me as I interlaced my fingers with hers.

“I would like to think so. But if he doesn’t, he is a complete i***t who is missing out on the most amazing girl.”, I said before lifting her hand to my lips and kissing it.

I looked over to her to see Lexie beaming with joy as I drowned in the pools of her eyes. She leaned on my shoulder as I kicked my legs to start the swing again.

 *************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

We just sat there swinging away as we silently watch the world go by. The sound of Kevin’s phone ringing put a pin into our little bubble. I watched as Kevin picks up the call and speaks professionally.

Must be work-related.

Kevin nods his head a few times as he agrees before ending the call and shoving the phone back into his pocket.

“Work?”, I ask him.

“Yeah. They need me on a case.”, he replies halfheartedly.

“Oh? What’s the case?”, I ask, trying to figure out why he wasn’t very interested.

“There’s this little girl in Roseburg I need to check on before we get her transported here for her treatment.”, he replies.

“Okay? What’s the problem?”, I ask, pestering him to know more.

“There’s no problem. Just that the last time I went away, the accident happened. So, I’m just a bit hesitant.”, he replied sadly.

“Oh, you poor thing. Can’t someone else cover for you?”, I say.

“No. She’s my patient. No one knows her case like I do. I should be the one to check her.”, he replies determinedly.

“Then it’s settled. You’re going to Roseburg and you’re going to come back straight to me.”, I say as I run my hand through his hair.

“Actually, do you want to come with me?”, Kevin suddenly blurts out.

“Really? Are you sure you want me there?”, I ask despite being excited.

“Of course! It’ll be our first trip as a couple.”, he replies excitedly.

“Okay then. I’ll come with you.”, I say as I hug him.

“The only thing is that I can’t take my car, so I was going to take Betty. How do you feel about that?”, he asks cautiously.

“Oh wow.”, I reply as I think about going on the whole journey on the motorcycle.

“Think of all the fresh air, wind in your hair, and the beautiful scenery.”, Kevin explained.

“I guess? I have to face my fears at some point, right?”, I finally say.

“Yes. You’re so brave. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you snuggled close to me to protect you.”, he says as he pulled me into his arms.

I let myself melt into his arms as I forget everything else and focus on us.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

“So, when are you both leaving?”, Jake asks as he places a mug of coffee in front of me and sits down opposite me.

“Bright and early tomorrow morning. Oh, that reminds me. Do you still have the extra accessories for Betty? I think I need to fix them up before the drive.”, I say to him before taking a sip of the glorious coffee.

“Wait! You’re going to be taking the bike? How on earth did you get my sister to agree to that?”, Jake replies in shock.

“Well, all it took was a little Kevin charm.”, I replied cockily.

“Oh please.”, Jake replied as he rolled his eyes at me.

“Well, I took her on a ride a few weeks back and she did pretty well. It took a lot of convincing and promises that I’ll keep her safe.”, I explained cautiously.

“You better take care of her dude, or else, you will have to face the wrath of Jake Cooper!”, Jake said dramatically.

“Noted.”, I replied before we both broke out laughing, sending the rest of the café into confusion.

*************

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I browsed through my closet in frustration, grunting at each choice I pull out. Giving up, I crash on my bed in defeat.

Ugh! I have nothing to wear!

I put my arms on my forehead, desperately trying to c***k my head on what I should wear for our trip tomorrow.

I sat up straight suddenly, realizing that there’s only one person who can fix this. I stretch my arm trying to reach for my phone lying on my bedside table. I scroll through my contacts and tap on her picture. I put the phone to my ears, waiting for her to pick it up.

Lexie: “Priya! Hi!”

Priya: “Lexie! How are you?”

Lexie: “I’m good. Listen, I need your help with something?”

Priya: “What’s the fashion emergency?”

Lexie: “Wait? How did you know?”

Priya: “Intuition, woman! Now, tell me.”

Lexie: “I’m going on a bike trip with Kevin tomorrow, and I don’t know what to wear.”

Priya: “Hurm…I see. Are you free today?”

Lexie: “Yeah? Why?”

Priya: “We’re going shopping. Because, if I know you well, you have nothing suitable in that closet of yours.”

Lexie: “Yeah you’re right. Pick you up in an hour?”

Priya: “See you then.”

Two hours later, we’re browsing through the rack of the 4th store we’ve visited today. I lazily skimmed through the clothes, on the verge of completely giving up, when Priya shrieked.

“Ahh! This is the one! Finally!”, Priya said as she stared at the cloth hanger in her hand without taking it off the rack.

“What is it?”, I asked from afar.

She pulled it off the rack and showed the whole outfit to me as she looked proudly at it.

“Uh, no thank you.”, I said as soon as I saw the outfit.

“Come on, Lex! Trust me, this is perfect. I bet Kevin’s jaw will drop when he sees you in this.”, she pleads.

I walk up to it and take the hanger from her before walking over to the dressing room mirror. I place the outfit in front of me as I imagine myself wearing it.

Kevin Walker, you’re in for a delightful surprise.

*************

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I parked the bike outside the Coopers’ residence, took off my helmet, and leaned on the bike as I waited for Lexie. I had my back towards the house as I watch the cars driving by.

Ahem!

I heard a sweet voice clear her throat behind me. I casually turn around to face the all-time familiar voice, only to almost choke on my own breath. My jaw dropped at the sight of this figure in front of me.

Oh. My. God!

There standing in front of me was Lexie. The only thing was it wasn’t my usual Lexie who was rocking summer dresses and jeans with cute tops. This Lexie was dressed in a red and black leather biker suit. I eyed her from top to bottom as I memorized every detail of this amazing woman in front of me.

Pick up your freaking jaw, Kevin!

Lexie’s hair was flying loose in the wind. She was wearing a red top inside with a matching leather jacket and pants. Tucked against her hip was Jake’s old helmet. I looked up to her face where she was proudly smirking at me as she arched her eyebrow at me curiously.

“You ready, Walker?”