My Hometown Love

Chapter 38 – Venting Out

Lexie’s P.O.V

I was seating on the deck with my feet playing with the grass below when I heard a voice.

“Is this seat taken?”, he asked coyly.

I quickly ran my hand over my face to wipe off any remnants of my tears before I looked up to Kevin smiling above me. I remained silent as I tapped the empty space next to me, signaling him to take a seat.

“So, what you doing out here?”, he asked.

“Just thinking about stuff.”, I replied before sighing deeply.

“Oh? Care to enlighten me?”, he asked after he took a sip of his water.

“Well, Jake and Maria are going to be parents, Mom and Dad have their business, you have your career and I am still here with nothing planned for the future.”, I vented out as I pulled my legs up and rested my arms on my knees.

“Don’t say that. You’re a brilliant and talented person. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. “, Kevin replied rather motivationally.

“I know. That was why I felt perfect for my co-columnist job back in New York. I was good at what I did and I did it well. I thought that was my future as I imagined myself further progressing till I ran the magazine. And then, the universe decided to throw a curveball my way. So, here I am back to square one.”, I said

I felt Kevin scoot closer to me before he gently patted me on the back to comfort me. I just responded by sighing deeply and tilting my head up to watch the sky as I felt tears well up in my eyes.

“I’m sure you’ve been through this phase before getting your New York job. Then, everything fell in place, right?”, Kevin said.

“Probably that’s why this feeling is new to me.”, I scoffed.

“What do you mean?”, he asked curiously.

“After I finished my studies and while I was waiting for graduation, I sent out multiple job applications. Within a week, they called me back and set me up for an interview. So, basically, the minute I graduated from college, I had a job waiting for me.”, I explained.

“Ahh, I see. No wonder this kind of feeling is new to you. Well, take it from an experienced person in that situation. It will all work out. You just have to believe and work towards it.”, he assured.

I gave him a small smile as I pondered on his words.

“You know, I wouldn’t be in the career I have today if not for you.”, he suddenly blurted.

“Me? Why?”, I asked shockingly.

“Well, you were the only one who saw me for me and not the person I was. So, I wanted to be better for you and not let your faith in me go to waste. So, when Coach advised me and got me the job at the pet shop, I worked hard at it.”, Kevin started explaining.

I just sat there focusing on him as he passionately described his life-changing experience and how he became who he is today.

“Working with the animals got me thinking about how I want to help people and the shop owner recommended that I take some extra classes to get into med school. Despite my bad character when I was in school, my grades weren’t as bad as me. I enjoyed studying but didn’t show it out in public, to protect my rep.”, he continued.

I stifled a giggle when Kevin mentioned that he mentioned about protecting his rep.

“What? Why are you laughing?”, he suddenly blurted out, putting a pause on his story.

“Nothing.”, I replied as I pursed my lips together and covered them secretly with my hands.

Kevin just glared at me as he prepared to continue his story.

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

Kevin’s P.O.V

Apparently mentioning that I studied in secret to protect my rep as the school bad boy and Romeo is making this girl giggle.

It’s true. I couldn’t risk my reputation if they find me studying like a bookworm. I shook my head disapprovingly at the thought of my actions back then.

“Now, where was I?”, I asked.

“Protecting your rep.”, Lexie replied as she desperately tried to hide her giggle behind her hands.

“Yes. So, because of my grades, I was able to continue my studies and get into med school. To get into our local hospital, I wrote countless letters requesting to join their program before I was finally accepted. And, now here I am.”, I said.

“So, you’re saying if not for me, you wouldn’t be who you are today?”, Lexie asked curiously.

“Yes.”, I replied bluntly as I turned to look at her.

“Do you regret it?”, she asked as she too turned to face me.

“Absolutely not. It was the best thing that happened to me.”, I replied as I gazed straight into her eyes.

I longed to reach my hand over to her check and cup it as I caressed it with my fingers. I controlled myself as I put my hand under my thigh to avoid myself from doing anything rash. I reminded myself that I have poured my heart out to her but she hasn’t responded. I have to admit, it made my heart sting a little but I told myself to be patient like Jake advised.

I shifted my focus back to the sky as we silently stared into the galaxy above us.

“Hey Kev.”, Lexie suddenly said.

“Yeah?”, I said as I looked back down at her.

“Thank you for this. I really do feel better.”, she said.

“It’s my pleasure. Plus, this is nothing like what you did for me yesterday.”, I replied honestly as winced back in hurt.

“Okay, how about this. Every time I stray away from my goal or start wallowing in self-pity, you advise me and knock me back to place. And, every time you have nightmares or trauma about Salem, I’ll help comfort you and snap you back to reality.”, Lexie says determinedly.

“Deal!”, I reply as I extend my hand to shake her hand.

“Deal!”, she says as he shakes my hand.

We smile in resolve as we turn to look at the sky once again.

“Oh look! A shooting star!”, I yell as I point at the illuminated sky.

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

Lexie’s P.O.V.

I jolt up as soon as I hear Kevin shout that there’s a shooting star in the sky. My eyes hastily search the sky for it until I finally see it.

“Quick! Make a wish.”, Kevin says.

“Really? You believe in that?”, I asked him skeptically.

“Hey! There’s nothing wrong with magic and mysticism in life.”, he replied defensively.

“I know. I was just testing you, muggle.”, I replied jokingly.

I quickly close my eyes as I reach deep down in my heart. I wish for myself to be happy no matter what I do. I open my eyes slowly to see the star reaching its destination. I look over to Kevin who still has his eye shut hard and his lips moving silently as he mumbles something.

I look down to his right hand resting on the deck, lonely. I bite my lip to stop myself from reaching over and holding it as I promise myself I don’t have to wait much longer.

Soon.

Kevin suddenly opens his eyes and turns to look at me staring right at him.

Crap!

I quickly look away and take a sip of my soda, desperately hoping he won’t say anything about it.

“So, how’s your new project going? I haven’t got a chance to hear your pitch about it.”, Kevin replies much to my relief.

And so, I briefed him about my idea and plans for my blog, sparing no detail from how I got the idea to my first post.

“Wow. That is amazing, Lex!”, he said as soon as I finish talking.

“Thanks. I just have to commit myself to it now.”, I replied determinedly.

“Well, let me know if I can help in any way, okay? I will always be here for you.”, Kevin replies with a smile.

“Will do, Dr. Walker.”, I replied smirking at him as my heart glowed at his last words.

As we turned our attention towards the moon shining brightly above us, I find my head leaning towards Kevin. Maybe it was this beautiful moment right here, or the fact that he’s been so sweet. But, I couldn’t control myself.

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

Kevin’s P.O.V.

I startled a little at the sudden weight on my right shoulder. I look over to see Lexie resting her head warmly on my shoulder. I looked at my left hand, annoyed that I couldn’t use it to caress her hair. Probably it’s for the better.

I watched our breathing sync as she kept her head there silently.

“I missed you.”, I heard her whisper ever so softly.

“I missed you too.”, I replied the same way.

We sat that way for a couple more minutes before deciding to retire for the night. Maybe it was our little talk or the feeling of Lexie’s head still resting on my shoulder, but I slept like a baby that night.

*********

I woke up to my alarm clock blaring at 7.00 am. I reluctantly slid out of bed to get ready for the day.

I ran my right hand over my shirt to smoothen out the crinkles. I was wearing my blue checked shirt over a plain white t-shirt inside paired with a pair of black jeans. I stared at the mirror as I adjusted a few strands of hair that were falling on my face.

It’s funny how I didn’t use to care that much about how I looked this seriously ever since high school. Maybe it takes the right person to bring out this behavior. I laughed to myself before heading down to the Coopers’ living room. 

I walked into the kitchen to Mr. & Mrs. Cooper having their morning coffee and breakfast.

“You’re looking sharp today Kevin. Anything special planned with someone?”, Mr. Cooper said teasingly as he arched his eyebrow inquisitively.

“Oh shush honey. Don’t tease the poor boy.”, Mrs. Cooper said as he pulled out a chair for me to sit on.

“It’s okay Mrs. Cooper. Just decided to randomly dress up today. Nothing like dressing up to boost your mood.”, I replied to them.

“I can’t agree more. “, Mr. Cooper said as he gulped down his coffee and stood up.

“Here’s some toast and your coffee, dear. Take your time and enjoy your breakfast, okay?”, Mrs. Cooper said as she placed a plate of toast in front of me.

I was about to put a piece of toast in my mouth when Lexie walked in suddenly. 

“Walker! Ready for a day trip?”