The General's Son w***e

XIV

Remember that time I said I never felt so awkward in my life? Well, I lied, this was the most awkward I felt in my life.

I silently thanked the gods when I saw McKenzie return with Jenna, although I wasn't that thankful for Jenna's presence, I simply couldn't keep my eyes off McKenzie.

I stood when they arrived, but obviously, my eyes weren't on my date, but rather the beautiful blonde that's been stealing my thoughts and dreams since the day I met her.

Eventually, McKenzie and Jenna adjusted in their seating arrangement and continued to eat as if they had never left.

David questioned, “So Amora, how'd you end up attending our school more than halfway during the year?”

I chewed, “I was forced.”

Jenna nodded as she looked at David, “I haven't seen you around before, where was it that you said you came from?”

McKenzie interjected, “Jenna that is enough, let the poor girl eat.”

I was most certainly thankful for McKenzie stopping Jenna and David from asking such personal questions, I honestly was feeling targeted for some reason.

When the table fell silent and nothing but silverware and ceramic noises filled the silence, I thought for sure I was done being interrogated. I obviously was wrong.

As I was in the middle of drinking my water, David asked, “So have you and Jenna had s*x yet?”

I ended spewing my water at McKenzie from the suddenness of the question. When I tried to help wipe down McKenzie, I accidentally bumped into the waiter who was carrying a tray full of food and drinks for the table next to us. The contents came crashing down on me as I held onto the waiter for support. During this commotion I'd committed, he and I tried to stand without any further disruptions but evidently failed.

I tried to help him up, but ultimately bumped into the waitress that was serving the food to a nearby table. The food came crashing down on the customers that had been patiently waiting for their food all night and I felt bad, so I decided to make up for my clumsiness.

I grabbed a few napkins from our table as I tried to pat them clean, “Jesus! I'm so sorry.”

The older gentleman grabbed my wrist and spat,

“Please, you've done enough.”

I frowned, “I'm sorry. It was an accident.”

“This is a sight for sore eyes,” David spoke.

I stood full height as I looked around noticing the entire restaurant fell silent, all eyes on me. I felt so ridiculously awkward and knew I ruined everyone's night when all I'd ever wanted was to feel loved.

I turned to McKenzie, tears starting to form in my eyes, “I can't do this right now.” McKenzie looked down at her plate.

I turned back around to avoid any unwelcoming stares; I had enough for the night. So I took a step forward, wiping the tears from my eyes when I heard McKenzie call out.

McKenzie shouted, “Amora, wait up.”

I pushed the double doors open and ran to the nearest alleyway, ignoring McKenzie and her attempts to stop me. I wanted to transport out of this situation as soon as possible but I couldn't control my powers in the state I was in right now as I couldn't stop crying.

“Amora … ”

I faced the outside wall of the restaurant, “Everything is fine McKenzie, go back inside and enjoy the rest of your day.”

“No, I'm staying with you.”

I felt a pair of arms wrap around me, I was already having a bad night, having McKenzie this close wasn't helping me cope with my inability to human.

I sighed, “Please don't.”

“Hush … just let me hug you.”

I whined, “I'm getting food and liquid all over you.”

She turned me to face her, “Does it look like I care?”

I shook my head, “Well no, but David is still in there waiting for you.”

McKenzie rolled her eyes, “Yeah. And so is Jenna, they'll be fine together.”

I monotony spoke, “I'm not going to get rid of you am I?”

She smiled, “Nope.”

“You're the worst.”

She laughed, “Correction, I'm the best.” She poked my nose, “Now let's turn that frown upside down.”

She started tickling me; I tried to fight her off as I was pinned to the outside wall. As soon as I broke free, I ran for my life but she clearly had good cardio and immediately caught up to me. So I did what I had to and turned invisible as she passed straight through me.

I turned visible again, holding back my laughter as I caught her from behind, making sure I locked her arms against her body so she couldn't move them and picked her up.

She breathed out, “Amora, put me down.”

I smiled, “Not until you stop sadistically tickling me.”

She laughed, “Okay, fine. You have my scouts honor.”

I smirked, “Plea … ”

She slumped in my arms, “Oh come on that isn't fair.” She laughed, “Amora! Please?”

I whispered in her ear, “Now say that Amora is the coolest person you know.”

She gasped, “Are you asking me to lie?”

“Hey … ” I placed my chin on her shoulder, “I am cool, and you know it.”

She smiled, “I think you have me confused for you.”

Now it was my turn to gasp, “Okay, you might be cool … but I'm way cooler.”

She turned her face closer to mine, “That’s a matter of opinion.” She said with a hint of naughtiness.

I looked at her lips, “You know … opinions can be altered … ”

She whispered, “I could use a little convincing.”

I stared deeply into her emerald eyes and occasionally looking to her lips, the desperation filling the air as the both of us sought the longing for each other. I slowly released her as she continued to gaze into my eyes; I could definitely feel the heavy walls that surrounded her emotions lower, but only for a split second.

McKenzie cleared her throat, “Um, we should head out.”

I rubbed the back of my neck, “Sure … ”

We started to walk away from the restaurant when

McKenzie stopped, I asked, “Something wrong?”

McKenzie stomped her foot, “Sh*t, I forgot my stuff at the restaurant.”

I shrugged, “I can quickly get it for you.”

She smiled, “Could you?”

I nodded and proceeded to retrieve McKenzie's belongings. When I arrived at the restaurant, I overheard Jenna whispering to David as I advanced towards the table.

“Clearly our plan isn't working; she's just too good to her.”

David nodded, “Agreed, I do suppose we could intervene?”

I awkwardly grabbed McKenzie's belongings as David and Jenna stared at me, “I'm not interrupting anything am I?”

Jenna smiled, “Not at all.”

I nodded once, “Ok, um … I won't be staying and neither will McKenzie.”

David spoke, “That’s quite alright, we understand you had a rough night.”

I stared at him, “Uh, thanks?”

He nodded, “Hoping you have a good night now.”

I looked at Jenna, “Um … you too.”

I left the restaurant with McKenzie's items feeling completely and utterly confused.

I woke up extra early today to ensure that Amora would be here, when I opened my eyes, to no surprise she was gone.

This felt like a secret tradition we shared every single morning we woke up to after spending the night with each other.

A tradition that I was growing irritated with.

I sighed as I put on my glasses and looked at Thor who happened to be on my bed where Amora once laid.

I smiled knowing that Amora had strategically put him there because I knew I didn't bring him up here and my bed was too high for him to jump up on his own.

I picked the happy dog up into my arms and placed him in my lap, lowering my face to his, I whispered, “Amora's such a sweetheart, isn't she?”

Thor responded with a happy bark and I gave him some pets, then ended up playing with his ears.

When I got bored, I tousled my hair, feeling one hundred percent lazy for the day as I decided to take Thor downstairs for breakfast. I prepared breakfast just for myself, seeing how my company always became MIA in the morning.

I just wished she would have stayed for this one in particular.

It was my birthday.

I went about my morning as I turned on the radio and unsurprisingly a sad song belted out, so I changed it not wanting to feel even worse about my pathetic life. When I switched to a different station, another sad song blared through the speakers and I sighed turning it off.

After Thor and I silently ate our breakfast, I trudged up the stairs trying to find something meaningful to carry myself through the day.

I found nothing.

I searched my closet for something to wear, not like it truly mattered what I wore today, but I wanted to atleast look sort of decent for my grandparents. They usually stopped by for my birthday and I didn't want to look like my life was a wreck, even though it was.

I was in the middle of changing when Amora appeared at the door and she immediately shielded her eyes as she fumbled for the door. She moved quickly, her feet could hardly keep up as she struggled for the door handle, she spoke shakily, “Oh my … um … handle … I can't find the handle …. ”

I kept glancing at her from time to time as I casually pulled my shirt over my head, she was so adorable.

As soon as my head poked through the opening I witnessed Amora had found the handle but her foot ended up kicking it shut which caused her to run straight into the door still shielding her eyes as she fell over.

She whined, “Owwwie … ”

I chuckled, “Are you good down there?”

She replied, “Depends, Are you good up there?”

I crawled over my bed to see Amora lying on her back causing me to smile down at her.

I laid on my stomach and placed my fists under my chin as I propped myself on my elbows, “You know Amora.” I paused and she looked up, “I think you're far too innocent for me.”

She smiled, “The feeling is mutual.”

I got off the bed and walked over to her offering my hand. We stood face to face as she searched my eyes causing me to look at her in question, “Can I help you with something?”

She stripped me of my glasses as she smiled, “You have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.”

I blushed, “That’s rather extra friendly of you to say.”

I watched as she struggled internally with herself as she opened her mouth to say something but was quick to shut it.

I poked her shoulder, “You know … they make these things called doorbells, or simply knocking would be effective too.”

She smirked, “What an interesting concept to understand.” She said handing my glasses back, “I actually have a surprise for you.”

I smiled as I took my glasses back, “Oh?”

She smiled back, “Yea, so how about you get ready and I'll just wait for you downstairs.”

I'm not going to lie, I kind of loved this more confident and bossy side of Amora, it was kind of sexy.

She nervously laughed, “Um okay … ” Then itched her arm, “I should leave now.”

I bit my bottom lip, “Okay.”

I watched Amora awkwardly exit my room, trying my best not to smile because I also loved this side of her.

After I cleaned up, I walked downstairs to find

Amora petting Thor on the couch and I couldn't stop smiling. For some reason, I was feeling extremely happy today and I had Amora to thank for that.

Which had me reassessing the whole friendzoning her.

Amora spoke, “I don't mean to overstep, but I noticed the rose isn't in its usual spot.”

I patted my pocket, “That’s because I keep it in here.”

She raised a brow, “Oh?”

Obviously, I wasn't going to tell her why and I knew she was going to eventually ask because she's always so curious about everything.

I rubbed the back of my neck, “Yea, so um where were you this morning?”

She shook her head, “I have a better question. Why do you keep that rose in your pocket?”

I tilted my head, “I'll answer that if you answer mine first.”

She set Thor down and stood, “No. You first.”

I crossed my arms across my chest, “I asked first.”

She mirrored me, “And I asked second.”

“Right so that means you have to answer me first.”

She stepped closer, and spoke above a whisper, “No it doesn't.”

I stepped closer to her, “Yes … it does.”

She took another step forward, using the same tone, “No.”

So I took another step forward, “Yes.”

She closed the gap with one final step, “No.”

I sighed in frustration, “Yes. It. Does … those are the rules. Rules are what keeps things in order.”

She smirked, “I'm a rule breaker.”

I shoved her lightly, “Yea right. What’s the worst rule you broke? Forgetting your backpack on your first day?” I gasped, “Let me guess, you intentionally didn't bring it, because you're such a badass.”

She playfully responded, “Maybe I did … maybe I didn't.”

I playfully whispered, “How mysterious.”

At this moment, I actually took notice of Amora's blush and I wondered to myself if I'd ever witnessed her did that before.

It was definitely cute.

Come to think of it, I was beginning to sense how close and personal we were becoming and suddenly felt my stomach tighten.

I searched Amora's eyes and something in them felt like they were trying to tell me whatever I was missing.

I gently placed my hand on her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin radiating off her like a halo. I sincerely kept my gaze into her now changing eyes, “Thank you for always being here.”

She nodded once, “Ok … ” Then backed away, nervously laughing, “We should go to the thing.”

I bit the inside of my cheek, “Yea … the thing.” “Right.” She held out her hand, “Ready for an adventure?”

I smiled, “With you?” I locked hands with her, “Always.”

That was the first time Amora transported me through magic and honestly that was so much fun.

Regardless of the side effects that included nausea, light-headedness and minor blindness from the seemingly Sci-Fi image that spiraled around us.

When I composed myself, I finally looked around and noticed we were at the church that I found Amora in one day, “Why are we here?” Amora stared at me blankly causing me to raise a brow, “Are you okay?”

She shook out of her trance, “Yea … yeah.” Clearing her throat, she took my hands and nervously spoke, “Before I tell you why you're here, I have something I wish to tell you, something I had wanted to confess for a while now … ”

I stared at her confusingly, “Ok … I'm listening.”

She exhaled, “Ok … I … um … I … ”

Me and Amora jumped after hearing the door slam shut and Amora quickly let go of my hands and took a few steps back.

Fayette and Perry shouted, “Happy birthday,

McKenzie.”

I continued to study Amora as she appeared to be even more anxious, like she was on the verge of a mental breakdown. She started to pace back and forth cursing herself out as she held her palm to her forehead.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, “What did we miss?” I looked at a smiling Fayette, then glanced at Amora, “What’s wrong with her?” Fayette asked after noticing Amora's current status.

I shrugged, “I'm not entirely sure.” I raised a brow to her, “I don't mean to sound so blunt but if I heard you correctly, you said happy birthday, right?”

She nodded, “Yea, and we brought presents.”

Perry showed me the bag he was holding, “You're going to love these.”

I pressed my lips together, tearing up slightly, nobody had ever celebrated my birthday after my parents’ death. Although my grandparents usually made the effort to see me on my special day, I never considered it much of a party.

Perry spoke, “We'll give you a minute.”

I nodded and proceeded to walk over to Amora. I stopped her from pacing and she looked at me with wide eyes, “I can explain … ”

I whispered, “Can we continue this conversation later?”

She nodded awkwardly, “Sure … Yea-ok.”

I felt a tap on my shoulder and immediately turned around, this time I cupped my mouth and the tears surfaced, “Ohmygod.”

I couldn't believe what I was seeing as I stared into the eyes of my best friend, Sara. I haven't seen her since the day she died and honestly I couldn't believe I wasn't in total shock.

She smiled, “Hi.”

Ok, so now my body started to react as I mentally absorbed this overwhelming situation.

Sara held out her arms, “Well? Are you just going to stand there or you going to hug a b***h?”

I immediately hugged her, “How am I seeing you right now?”

She laughed, “My father kept my urn here in his office, you know how religious he is, and well Amora's friends sort of released me by accident. You should really be hugging them, mostly Amora for setting all of this up.”

I turned to glance at Amora, questioning Sara,

“Setting all of what up?”

She smirked, “I'll leave that one up to Amora.”

I searched Sara's eyes as I heard yet another voice, one that belonged to my other friend, Stacy.

She squealed, “Oh my god!” And ran over to us, holding a cake with one arm. She side hugged both of us, “I honestly didn't believe Amora at first but seeing Sara with my own eyes ….” She gestured with her hand, “Wow! It's really you ….” She trailed off losing interest and yelled over my shoulder, “So Amora, when is that other thing happening?”

I questioned Stacy, “What other thing?”

Amora replied, “Whenever McKenzie is ready.”

She looked at me, “You don't have any frying pans on you, do you?”

I shook no, “Why?”

She shrugged, “Just making sure you don't hurt the rest of our guests.”

I stared at her in confusion, “What do you mean?” I turned back around towards my other friends, “Do you guys know about this?”

Sara smiled and Stacy whispered, “Turn around.”

As I did, it felt like my whole world shut down as I immediately broke down crying. I fell to my knees, trembling as I covered my mouth from a state of sheer disbelief.

“Happy birthday, little Mac.”

I stayed on my knees and cried into my hands, words couldn't even explain the raw emotion that was pulled straight out of my soul.

Eventually, I felt the warm embrace of both my loving parents, honestly I couldn't have felt any happier than I felt in this very moment alongside my mom and my dad.

I cried into my hands and attempted to speak, “I miss you guys so much.”

They spoke in unison, “We miss you too.”

I felt my parents rub my back in attempts to calm me down, but I was emotionally overwhelmed.

Mom addressed lullingly, “Are you ready to stand up, sweetie?”

I nodded and they helped me to my feet because I obviously couldn't stop trembling, I was literally an emotional wreck. I dabbed at the corner of my eyes with my fingers to remove some of the stray tears of joy then fanned myself to cool my face off.

Dad asked, “Are we all good now?” I nodded, occasionally dabbing at the corner of my wet eyes, “Excellent.” He clapped, “Because I'm just dying to have a piece of cake.”

Mom added, “I second that.”

Sara yelled, “Don't forget me.”

Then lastly Stacy shouted, “I'm coming too, because

I totally just got that Mr. Grace.”

My laugh came out a little shaky as I rolled my eyes at my dorky parents along with my friends. Then when my eyes met Amora's from across the room and I mouthed a thank you. She weakly smiled as she soon joined her friends over by the presents.

The party soon ended and I eventually had to officially say goodbye to my parents. It was undoubtedly the hardest thing I had to do but in the end, at least I got the chance to say goodbye and they finally got the closure they needed to move on, and so did I.

It was just Amora and me back at my house and we were sitting in a comfortable silence as our backs rested against my headboard.

I side glanced at her for a long time and when she finally felt my eyes on her, she slowly rolled her head until her eyes met mine.

I asked, “So what was that thing you wanted to confess?”

She shook her head, “Nothing.”

I was a little disappointed, to say the least, I guess I shouldn't assume that just because my walls have crumbled didn't mean Amora's did as well. I actually felt the sadness in her voice and it truly broke my heart from how hollow it sounded.

I peeled the blankets off and walked up to Amora on my knees. I cupped her face as I straddled her, looking her straight in the eyes, I whispered, “Thank you so much for everything you've done for me.”

At this moment, I knew how much I f*cked up by friendzoning Amora. I felt it in my heart how much I truly cared about her and I wanted to show her what she means to me.

So I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers, feeling that spark igniting in the pit of my soul. My stomach tightened as her lips danced with mine, the feeling my body was receiving felt tremendously amazing. Although the kiss didn't last long, I could truly feel the power behind our shared kiss and it felt absolutely magical.

She smiled, “I want you to have something.”

I raised a brow, “Another gift? Amora, you don't have to, you've done plenty.”

She shook no, “I seriously want you to have it.” She said as I watched her take off one of her necklaces.

She admired it before handing it to me, “I want you to have this.”

I looked down at it and remembered it's sentimental value, “I can't accept that.”

“Sure, you can.”

I was hesitant at first, but ultimately knew if I didn't accept Amora's offer, she would keep pressing the matter. So I took it and pulled it over my head. I smiled at the piece of metal and ran my fingers along the engraved symbol, it looked so captivating up close.

Amora questioned, “Do you like it?”

I looked up at her and genuinely smiled, “I love it, what does it mean again?”

She smiled with a gleam in her eye, “It's my mothers, she's a Tsunanian, it means water.”

I looked into her eyes, “I carry it with me because it makes me feel closer to you, like you are somehow always by my side. It makes me feel protected and truly cared for … and knowing that it was made from pure love warms my heart.” I confessed.

Amora looked at me confused, “I literally just gave that to you?”

“I meant the rose.” I clarified.

The smile I received after my confession seemed to satisfy Amora and without a doubt, I knew something between us changed for the better.

And now … I was beginning to think I finally found the meaning in my life.

And her name was, Amora Vixen.

Ok, so recap of last night, McKenzie kissed me, like actually kissed me, and I felt so much energy from our shared kiss, something about it felt, magical?

But it had me questioning why? Several questions swarmed my brain as I tried to analyze exactly what was going on between McKenzie and I.

Nothing seemed to make sense except for the fact that possibly we were actually becoming closer.

Which I didn't mind.

I sat up in her bed careful not to wake her as I contemplated in my head if I should stay or leave. I brought my knees to my chest as I bit my thumb, looking down at the peaceful blonde. My heart screamed to stay and enjoy one beautiful morning with McKenzie but my body acted differently.

So I ultimately decided it was better to leave the room, still not comfortable to where our relationship stood, it was so confusing.

I swiped the sheets off me as I continued to side glance at McKenzie making sure she didn't wake to my movements. When I successfully made it out of McKenzie's room without a stir on her side, I stayed by the door side as I stole one last glance at her.

I tapped the door silently and whispered, “You're truly something else, McKenzie.”

I trudged downstairs with barely a smile as I advanced towards the kitchen to prepare breakfast for us. Thor came sprinting from the living room and shadowed my every move as I prepped my workstation. He was becoming an issue when it came to the simplest of tasks but I for one, didn't mind, our bond somehow got stronger and I knew McKenzie secretly enjoyed Thor's admiration towards me and me for him.

I was in the middle of scrambling a pure delicacy (scrambled eggs and bacon) when I heard shuffling behind me and turned to see McKenzie smiling exceptionally bright for an early morning.

She spoke, “Good morning.”

I nodded once as the sound of bacon and eggs sizzled throughout the kitchen. I replied, “Morning, you look beautiful today.” Then turned my attention back to the eggs.

“How?” she asked in confusion.

“Genetics, mostly.” I flipped the bacon, “But in addition to your incredibly good looks, you have an amazing personality and you're a genuine person.”

I felt a pair of delicate arms wrap around my waist and my eyes went wide as my body warmed immediately from the touch.

I turned around and now was extremely close to McKenzie's beautiful face. I was awestruck and found I was in a loss for words especially after my eyes caught a familiar shine. Naturally, my eyes trailed down towards the distraction and I internally smiled when my eyes saw the necklace I had given her from last night.

She smiled, “Well … ” She started before letting me go to bend down and pick Thor up, “Then have I got a wholesome interaction for you.”

I raised a brow as I watched McKenzie walk over to the radio and pull out her phone to which she plugged in then searched through it.

A song blared from the speakers and all my attention was on her as she turned to me and started dancing.

I rested my back to the counter as McKenzie was fully invested in her dance routine with Thor against his will, his face said it all but McKenzie was unfazed that her dog wasn't enjoying this as much as her.

I covered my mouth to withstand the series of chuckles that threatened to escape as I watched McKenzie live in this moment, it was silly but adorable.

I smiled when she released Thor but stayed on her knees, her head swaying to the beat as she occasionally pointed at me. I can honestly say I had to turn around after that because I felt this uplifting feeling in my stomach and I truly felt an all-time high of pure happiness.

The song slowly came to a stop and McKenzie turned me around, “So how was I?” she asked as she moved her hair from her face, completely out of breath.

“Well, if you want me to be honest, if you were trying to mock the mating dance of the feral Wallawoo, I applaud you. But if you wish for me to lie, I thought you were amazing.”

Her face contorted, “A walla-whata?”

“A Wallawoo.”

She giggled, “What a fun word … Wallawoo.”

McKenzie started to walk towards the stove and I continued to study her every move to fully understand what just happened. I flipped the bacon again as I used the plastic spoon to stir the scrambled eggs occasionally stealing glances at McKenzie. She disabled her phone from the radio and began to scroll through it and I was nervous to initiate a conversation.

“So who sang that song?” I asked.

She placed her phone down as she hoisted herself onto the counter on the other side of the stove and tucked a hair behind her ear, “The one and only king of rock and roll.” She rolled her eyes.

I raised a brow, “A king? Sounds worthy, who exactly rules that fraction?”

She looked at me quizzically, “Elvis Presley.” She glanced at the bacon before returning back to my awaiting gaze, “One of his known songs called burning love.” Then winked and slid off the counter.

I watched as McKenzie walked sweetly over to me and locked her hands in front of her. She leaned in and spoke, “I'd like it if you could stop by the park after school today … ”

I turned off the stove and questioned, “Is it something serious? Was I wrong to compare you to a creature from my realm? If so … they're actually cute little guys, it's just their mating dance—” McKenzie pulled me towards her as she placed her lips upon mine. That same feeling sparked in the pit of my soul as my stomach tightened. It was short-lived much like the one last night, but the emotion was true and it spoke more than words itself.