30 Days Together

Chapter 8

Kyle kept throwing glances in Akina’s direction. She looked nothing like the girl he had met four days ago, she now talked more and her new hair made her face more visible and her eyes more prominent.

“Why do you keep looking at me like that?” Akina asked from the passenger’s side.

“I’m just admiring how you look that’s all,” he admitted truthfully.

Take good care of her, Julio had told him as they left the salon and Kyle planned on doing just that.

Akina rolled her eyes. “You’re probably just saying that to get on my good side after throwing my ice- cream away,” she said.

Kyle would never understand Akina’s way of thinking. She couldn’t just take a compliment like a normal person. “I’m serious, you look really beautiful but I think the glasses gotta go.”

“I need them to see.” Akina protested.

Kyle rolled his eyes. Of course he knew that, he wasn’t a monster. “We’ll get you contacts tomorrow to add to the new sexy look.” He winked and the look that she gave him had him bursting into laughter. “Which street do you live on?” he asked. He still didn’t know anything about her but he had 30-days to ask questions and also show her what life had to offer.

“12th St. uptown,” she answered.

“No way, that’s my street,” Kyle beamed. “How come I’ve never seen you then?’

Akina quickly glanced at him before looking out the window. “That would be because I just moved there yesterday.”

That made sense. Kyle wanted to ask more questions on why that was but he kept his questions to himself for the time being. He drove in complete silence until they reached their street and entered the code for the estate gate.

The gate swung open and Kyle reduced his speed. “What’s your house number?” he asked glancing at her.

“56th.”

This was no longer a coincidence. There was no way that they went to the same school, lived on the same street and were neighbours. 

“Damn!”

Akina sat up straight and Kyle could feel her gazing at him. “Damn what?”

“We are neighbours. I’m 55 and you’re 56.”

“Oh!”

“Yep!”

He drove and then parked in his driveway. They sat in the car un-moving. “I guess I’ll be your ride from now on,” he smiled showing his left dimple.

“I don’t think so,” Akina protested as she picked her bag up and opened the car door.

“I’m sure Shawn won’t mind.” Kyle said as he grabbed his bag from the back seat and got out of car following her.

Akina stopped walking as she reached the porch where the light was already switched on. “How do you know my dad?” she asked seeming sceptical of him and Kyle just laughed.

“I’ve known him for almost five years now,” he replied. “he always talked about having a daughter, I just never figured it was you.” He slung his bag on his shoulder and handed over her phone. “I already programmed my number in it, feel free to use it at your will.” He had set up her phone and added his number as Julio was doing her hair. And he hoped she would call or text him otherwise, he would be calling and texting her unstop until she blocked him which he doubted she would do.

Akina took the phone from his outstretched out. “Thanks for the day and for everything too.”

“You are most welcome beautiful.” And he meant it, it had been a fun day. “I’ll meet you here at 7:30am,” he said as he rocked on his heels and smiled.

“Good night Kyle,” Akina said instead as she unlocked the door and got in.

Kyle stood there for a bit longer before he shook his head and walked to his house.

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

Walking up to his room, Kyle threw his bag on his bed and flopped over. It had been a long day but definitely worth it. A smile appeared on his face, he couldn’t wait to officially start their 30-days.

He saw a light switch on in the room opposite his. He made his way to his own window and gently opened the balcony window. He stood on the balcony. “Hey neighbour,” he yelled. “Oh neighbour.”

There was movement from the other window and soon enough, Akina was stood by her balcony glaring at him. “Quit yelling,” she hissed. She had on black stripped pyjamas and her hair, which was now shorter was tied in a messy bun. Her glasses were pushed up her nose giving her that cute and adorable appeal.

Kyle laughed loudly, “aw c’mon, that’s not how to treat your new neighbour and school ride.” He placed his hands on the balcony leaning over a bit. “I just wanted to see your face.”

“You just saw me Kyle,” Akina sighed. “You need to do something other than annoy me.”

“But I like annoying you. And besides, I’ve not even started,” Kyle said smiling.

Akina shook her head, “why did I agree to any of this?” she asked rhetorically.

Kyle took out his phone and quickly took a picture of her and began typing on his phone rapidly.

“What did you just do?” she asked, “oh please tell me it’s not what I think it is.”

He looked up from his phone long enough to see the death glare that she was sending his way. “Good night Akina.” He said smiling as he entered his room and shut the balcony window.

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

Kyle woke up to Mike jumping up on his bed.

“What the hell Mike?” he asked as he sat up and faced his little brother. “Why are you even in my room again?”

Mike climbed off his bed and stood in the door. “Linda wants your arse downstairs for breakfast before you head off to school,” he replied with his hands folded on his chest and a smirk on his face.

Sighing, Kyle threw the blankets off and walked to his adjoining bathroom. “Tell her I’ll be out in five,” he shouted as he turned the tap. He took off his boxer briefs and stood under the shower head letting the water fully wake him up. He washed his hair and body and then wrapped a towel around his waist. He also grabbed one to dry off his hair.

When he went back to his room, Mike had already left. He quickly dressed in his school uniform, grabbed his phone from the charger and his bag before making his way to the kitchen.

Linda and Mike were already in the kitchen as Mike stuffed his mouth with pancakes. “Good morning Kyle,” Linda said placing a stack of pancakes on a plate and pushing it his way.”

“Morning Linda.” He walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He checked the time on his phone. “Shite, I’m late.” He grabbed a few pancakes and stuffed them in his mouth.

Linda gave him a disproving look as he swallowed.

“I have to pick up someone,” he said in response to her look. “I promise I’ll eat when I come back.” Kyle pulled Linda in for hug and then grabbed his car keys on the way out.

When he opened the door, Akina was seated on her porch with a novel in hand.

“You’re late,” she said not looking up from her book.

“I’m really sorry about that,” Kyle said.

Akina stood up and closed her book. She walked to his car and waited for him to unlock it.

Kyle unlocked the car and they both got in. They drove to school and the entire time Akina didn’t say anything. She just sat there staring out the window.

Did he do or say something wrong?

He wanted to ask her what was bothering her but decided to just sneak glances her way. When they reached school, she quickly got out and rushed through the school front doors.

Weird.

When Kyle got out his car, his friends were stood by their cars waiting for him.

“Who was that girl?” Vincent asked pushing off his car and giving him a bro hug.

“Akina,” he responded.

“Wait, as in the Akina who is apparently a weirdo according to Jack over here? Because damn, she looks hot.”

“She’s not a weirdo moron. Besides, aren’t we all weird in one way or the other?”

Wyatt jumped off the hood of his car and walked over to him. He slung his hand on Kyle’s shoulder. “Well did you at least get laid last night?”

Kyle pushed his hand away and flipped him the middle finger. “f**k off Wyatt.”

Wyatt burst into laughter and Vincent joined him. “Just don’t forget the party is tonight,” he said.

Kyle rolled his eyes and walked towards the school’s front doors. There was no way he could forget the party that everyone was talking about and he planned on bringing Akina with him. Jackson fell in step with him and Wyatt and Vincent continued laughing their heads off.

“I hope you don’t like her,” Jackson said casually.

“Who are you talking about?” he asked.

“Akina,” Jackson shoved his hands in his school pants. “She’s not good for your reputation, you know that don’t you?”

Kyle stopped walking and looked around at the other students milling around the hallways seeming to mind their business but still gawking at him and Jackson. “What the hell is that supposed to mean Jack?”

“I’m just saying what everyone will be thinking by the end of the day,” Jackson replied. “We weren’t the only ones who saw her leave your car Ky, you did to remember that people talk.”

“So what? She’s a human too and I can damn well talk to whoever I want. Screw social ranks,” Kyle said. He couldn’t believe that Jackson of all people was that close minded and put status before anything else.

Jackson shrugged, “I’m just trying to look out for you Ky. We are popular and she’s not, she’s a weirdo who doesn’t even have any friends.”

“Well now she has one, me.”

Kyle was pissed and needed some time to cool off. He turned back around and walked right out of the school. He took out his phone and headsets.

“Kyle!” Jackson yelled but he kept walking.

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

Kyle was casually leaning against Akina’s locker when the final school bell rang. He hadn’t attended any of his classes and he couldn’t care less. It was only for a day and he could ask someone to catch him up with everything. But for now, all that was on his mind was how he was going to convince Akina to attend a party with him.

“What are you doing here?” her voice snapped him out of his thoughts. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for Jessica’s party?”

“How do you know about it?” he arched his eyebrow.

“It’s all that everyone has been talking about the entire week.”

Understanding flashed in Kyle’s eyes. “Yeah of course,” he said. “And to answer your question, you are coming with me.”

Akina keeled over laughing, “you want me to attend a party I wasn’t invited too?” she asked hysterically.

“Yeah why not?” he shrugged.

“You must be high dude; I’m not going anywhere. I’m going home to watch TV and eat a ton of junk food.”

Kyle knew it wasn’t going to be that easy but he wasn’t about to give up that easily. He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the school doors and towards his car. He unlocked his car and opened the passenger door.

“Get in.”

Akina stood there staring at him and he could see the cogs turning in her head. “You’re taking me home right?”

“Just get in, would ya?” he said frustrated as he held the door open.

Akina reluctantly got in ad Kyle closed the door. He walked over to his side and got in. He started the car and quickly reserved out of the student parking lot.

“You are taking me home right?” she asked once more. She sounded unsure and uncomfortable.

“Nope, we’re going to the mall to get you clothes for the party.”

“What?”

“We. Are. Going. To. The. Mall.” Kyle enunciated each word slowly as though he was talking to a little kid.

He risked a glance in her direction and she was sat there gaping at him. He smiled to himself. He figured her reaction would be a death glare, not a gaping one.

They drove in silence after that and Kyle wasn’t about to interrupt the quiet. He needed a game plan and so far the only thing he had was tricking her into going shopping, he didn’t know if he could trick her into going to the party.

“This has nothing to do with the party right Kyle?” she broke the silence. “Because I’m sure my dad wouldn’t agree to it.”

“He did actually,” Kyle replied as he removed one hand from the steering and retrieved his phone. He searched his call log and threw the phone in Akina’s lap. “There,” he said, “didn’t he leave you a message?”

Akina looked at his phone, searched for hers and then turned back to look at him. “Seriously? He said yes and to enjoy myself. What kind father agrees to let his only daughter go to a party with a guy she barely knows?”

“Yours apparently,” Kyle said laughing. “But don’t worry you’ll know me soon enough.”

They reached the mall and Kyle found a parking spot near the entrance. He turned the car off and got out while Akina sat there not able to process how her Friday plans had changed at the last minute. He walked to the passenger’s door and opened it.

“I am not going cloth shopping with you,” she said as she crossed her hands over her chest.

Kyle found it cute how she was still in denial. “C’mon, we don’t have all day.” He took her hand and pulled her out of the car. “Let’s go.”

Akina leaned against his car with her hands still crossed over her chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“If you don’t move. I swear I’ll lift you and make a scene right here.” he was serious, “your choice.”

Akina made no move of walking and Kyle picked her up and placed her on his shoulder. She weighed almost close to nothing.

“Okay, okay, I’ll walk. Please put me down,” she pleaded laughing.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’ll walk on my own.”

He placed her back on her feet and Akina smoothed out her skirt. She began walking and he followed her. They entered the mall and Kyle grabbed her hand and she didn’t protest. He liked holding her hand, it always felt like it belonged in his. He quickly shook that thought out of his head, he was meant to show her the meaning of life and not get weird ideas.

“You didn’t have to man-handle me like that,” she huffed as she followed him.

“I know.”

“You are unbelievable.”

He turned a corner and entered Forever 21. He still held her hand as he walked over to the cash register. Shirley was on duty just as she had said she would.

“Kyle, I almost thought you weren’t going to show up,” Shirley said.

“Yeah, yeah Shirley. I’m here aren’t I?” he rolled his eyes. “Do you have what I asked for?”

“Of course, but you owe me.”

“We’re family, family doesn’t owe anything to each other.”

Shirley moved from behind the cash register and gave him a hug. She pulled back and turned to acknowledge Akina. “You must be Akina, Kyle has told me so much about you. I’m Shirley, this dumbarse’s cousin.”

“Nice to meet you,” Akina said quietly as she looked at her feet.

Kyle slung his hand over her shoulder and leaned to whisper in her ear. “Don’t listen to anything she says, she’s not okay in the head.”

“I heard that arsehole.”

“Do you have what I asked for?” Kyle asked laughing.

“Yeah, follow me.”

Shirley turned and walked towards the changing rooms. Kyle took Akina’s hand and followed her.

“You in there,” Shirley said pointing to the men’s’ changing rooms, “you’ll find some clothes I picked out for you.” And then she turned to Akina, “follow me.”

She spun on her heels and Akina trailed behind her awkwardly. Kyle smiled as he entered the cubicle and changed out of his school uniform.

Shirley had picked out some dark ripped jeans, a white muscle shirt, black boots and a black leather jacket. She had really outdone herself. Kyle looked at himself in the mirror and ran a hand through his hair, messing it up a bit and then he walked out of the changing room.

“You look hot cousin,” Shirley said and Kyle nearly jumped out of his skin. “Wait till you see Akina, I think she’s going to have a ton of guys after her tonight.” She smirked and led him to where Akina was.

“You are ridiculous you know that Shirley?” he said as he shook his head. “We are just friends.”

Shirley grinned up at him, “you won’t be saying that when other guys are hitting on her.”

The retort that was on Kyle’s lips faded out as he saw Akina. He was at lose of words, he knew his cousin was good but he had no idea she was that good.

“Well what do you think?” Shirley asked smirking at his reaction.

Akina had on a red tank top, black jean shorts, red ankle boots and a black jacket to compliment the entire look. Her hair was braided behind her back with some curls left hanging loose.

“She looks…. wow,” he was still at a loss for words.

“I know,” Shirley said smugly. “C’mon, get going or you’ll be more than fashionably late.” She ushered them out of the store and Kyle couldn’t take his eyes off Akina. Shirley threw him a subtle wink and he flipped her off.