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CHAPTER 34
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2022-04-25 16:17:20What's wrong with him? I'm not used to hear him speaking monosyllable. "Are you okay?" I end up asking, my full attention back towards him.
"Oh yes," he answers fast. "I'm just a bit tired, and maybe bored.""You are bored? That's a lot to take in," I tease, and I'm glad to hear his grand laughter. "I don't believe that." I stand up, taking a pace towards the balcony while holding my towel tightly."Professor, I hope you're not taking me for some kind of Tom who always chases after Jerry," Malik remarks, and my big laughter is guaranteed."You're crazy, Malik.""I'm serious, though. I mean, I also get bored and in need of some solitude at the same time.""Well, I believe we all need that moment at some point. So, when are you coming back?" I ask, and I can feel Malik's enthusiasm back into full track."I was right! You do miss me, huh?" he teases. "I'lRelated chapters
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 35
Jeez, can't I sleep like a queen at least once? My frustration shoots higher as I fight the urge of drifting from oblivion when I need it the most. I'm unsure whether I'm dreaming or not when I feel someone shaking me gently. Oh, damn . . . I want to scream but I'm too lazy to even dare. For once I wish it's a dream and not reality.If I'm not dreaming then it can only be one person."Sam, please, let me sleep just one more minute." I snuggle as she continues shaking me slightly. "Ugh, I feel drowsy; can't I just sleep the whole day?"A soft and sweet chuckle fills my ears. "I know that's why I made this little serum for you," a soothing voice replies, and I wince in ascertaining manner."Um . . ." I bolt up immediately, clearing my eyes and catch the blurred features of Mrs. Eleanor's sweet smile. Oh God! "You're back!" I exclaim gleefully."Surprise!" Eleanor utters cheerfully.
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 36
Sam looks completely taken aback, despondent even. But I keep my eyes insistent. "Why? Has he said something?" she snorts, a mild anger filled in her eyes . . . the same reaction she gives whenever you tell her what she doesn't want to hear."No. I'm just saying that maybe he doesn't feel the same way. If not, then why would he keep the indifference? To play around with you? I don't think he's thatkind of a person," I say, clearing my throat. Sam frowns, but just momentarily."What did he tell you when he invited you here?" I ask, and Sam blanches.What's wrong with her? I squint my eyes at her quivering lips."Kira, I have something to confess," Sam mutters, and I look up at her. She's slightly fidgeting. "The truth is, between Liam and I, nothing extraordinary happened," she says, and I shoot a quizzical eyebrow. "We didn't even kiss like I told you before. We had nothing intimate."
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 37
"Morning," I answer crisply, watching Liam descending the stairs gaily. He's wearing a black fitted sweatshirt, his hands inside the pockets of his grey joggers.And my heart flips, as always. Such a foolish I am."Are you okay?" he asks, and I cynically huff a small laugh. He squints hard at the sound of it, probably wondering why I'm grumpy so early in the morning."I'm good," I reply and move my feet to wherever I was going, my rotten mood unchanged."Wait." Liam grabs my wrist deftly. His touch takes my breath away. "Are you angry at me?" he asks, a frown on his face.I slowly turn around to face him. His eyes are earnest. "Do I have any right to be?" I question while pulling my hand out of his.His lips harden in bemusement. "What is the matter wit—“"Oh, I nearly forgot; your mother said she had to leave early," I tell him while rubbing
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 38
I quickly change into a white max dress that's perfect for a lovely summer date.Except that I'm not going on a date. With my curls tied up, and brown sunglasses,I'm so good to go.My self-confidence is all that I need right now to beat my demons before they make me feel undeserving of good things in life."Long dresses are also beautiful on you, huh?" Malik comments when I step outside, his mien playful as always.What a tease."Is that supposed to be a compliment, Malik?" I laugh with a clear joy, and so does he with a slight shrug. "If it is, then thank you. I'm ready."Malik gives Liam a call to inform him about our little escape, and I choose to stay oblivious of their conversation as we near the helicopter. Cyrus, the pilot, regards me with a simple hello, and I answer as given."Ready?" Malik asks him after ending the call.
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 39
"I miss the ocean," I utter my inner thoughts, lost in my own trance as the afternoon stretches its wings under the blue sky.I miss home."It can't be a perfect summer without some salty water, right?" Malik slides his mobile on the table and graces me his full attention."Exactly.” Smiling, I glance up at him. "I mean, Montana is really nice, but I still miss L.A. I want to get tanned at the beach, hearing the sound of the waves, the swimming . . . I miss that.” Nostalgia blankets me.A long silence takes a reign, Malik's now-calm eyes pitching me some kind of avuncular concern. Did I say something unfitting? I feel like an incorrigible kid on the wait for the parental judgment. I hold my cooled drink once again.And suddenly Malik's face lights up and forms his infamous grin that never leaves anyone indifferent. He seems decided. What is he up to, though? My subconscious raises awa
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 40
He has no idea how striving I am to avoid any problem as far as our secret involvement is concerned. I take a deep breath, my feet heading for the stairs.But Liam doesn't let me go that easily. "What about dinner?"I halt by the staircase, gripping the handrails. "I had dinner already," I answer gruffly, whirling my gaze back at him."You did?" His voice is curt, displeased."Yeah. Would you like a receipt?" I sarcastically remark, making Malik block his mouth from laughing aloud.Liam's jaw constricts. Jeez! Well, he called for it. I stay firm."Actually, I wouldn't call that dinner, Professor," Malik says cautiously, eyes on me. "It was just a snack and—“"And I had enough for three," I interject."Well, if you put it that way, Professor." Malik laughs delightedly, successfully reading the signs. "I like your appetite, by the way.""Oh, shut up," I hiss, and he laughs even more.Jeez, there's no stopping him! I roll my eyes."You'r
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 41
Sam doesn't want to forgo about Malik and I have no intention in changing her decided mind. "So, where did you go with him? Did you get to kiss him?" She sits straight in my bed, ready to hear the nonexistent scoop.Jeez!"Why would I kiss him?" I chuckle, for it's pretty insane. Well, at least for my case with Malik as I'm already preoccupied and becharmed by the cowboy."You didn't?" Her tone is accusing."No! Stop being silly, Samantha Ford!" I scold as it’s a bit annoying."Gosh, you need to stop being a nun. I can get you a form to join the convent if you want." She laughs, arching my eyebrows in wonder. Does being single makes one a nun? I mentally pout. "I mean, when will you get laid already? Until you get married?""I don't know; maybe never?" I say recklessly, feeling somewhat hurt from the harsh truth, even though it's not a foreign speech comin
Last Updated : 2022-04-25Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 42
God, he is so barbaric. What tree has he fallen from?Eleanor rolls her eyes, which makes me laugh for real, and Malik only shrugs. I love the way he never gets offended by Liam's disturbing remarks. Such a lovely friendship they share."Who wants to go swimming in Miami?" Malik makes a dramatic inquiry."I do." Sam raises her hand immediately.And I . . . well, I follow suit.Malik smiles triumphantly. "See, brother? Winner takes all," he rubs it in, and Liam frowns."You should loosen up a bit, honey. What's the point of taking a leave if you're only going to confine yourself in this country house?" Eleanor says in a motherly way, but someone doesn't flinch a muscle."Don't worry, Aunt," Malik says. "I'll just cancel his ticket."I don't know why, but I always find them like two little boys who love bickering to one another.And it's kind of cute.Watching Mr. Intense sulking is as if I'm seeing the younger version of himself that I wish I knew. I
Last Updated : 2022-04-25
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Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 73
Smiling faintly, I turn my back to hop into the taxi that's been waiting for ages. The driver is probably wondering why we're having a display of affection in the middle of the city, instead of wherever we came from.It's when Malik grabs my wrist suddenly, right before I grab the door handle.He steadfastly pulls me to his side, like he's forgotten something very important. I'm so startled as I land my hands on his chest, and find myself tightly against his body. He swallows nervously, his shiny eyes piercing into mine.I don't understand this attitude, until his lips land onto mine.I don't do a thing. I'm just too puzzled to react. He's kissing me, I know he is, but it's like I'm hypnotized with the shock or something. Everything ceases to exist, and I can't even feel my own heartbeat.What is this? What is Malik doing now? My two subs widen their eyes, utterly shocked.He suddenly frees me, and I look up at him
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 72
"What happened?" Malik eyes my suitcase with pure dismay."She knows," I sob, wiping my tears. "She's found out already."Malik says nothing. Slowly he pulls me into his arms and I easily dissolve in his embrace. My hiccups take the best of me like a child, my chin on his shoulder. I feellost and empty. I just cry . . . and he rubs my back gently, no word coming from his mouth. I still can’t believe the worst has happened."I'm sorry for this." I finally tug out and manage to smile while picking my bags, ready to face the aftermath; my scary unknown after ruining everything."It's okay," Malik tells me softly, smile forced and rueful. "You're still leaving?" He sounds indisposed."Yeah, I can't stay here anymore." I lift my eyes to meet his, a bittersweet laughter escaping my lips at this mess I'm in. "I don't want to be here, Malik. I don't have any right to be here." Tears fall down yet again, blurring my vision
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 71
"I can't believe this! So you're trying to excuse yourself by pretending that you had no choice?" Sam is gravely amused."No, I'm not making any excuses! The last thing I wanted in my life was hurting you, and you know that perfectly well.""No, I don't think I know." She shakes her head in denial. "And you've succeeded to hurt me, just so you know, Kira. And I'll never forgive you for this.""Sam," I breathe, "I'll understand if you decide to do so. But truly, I'm really sorry.""With that face of yours, everyone thinks you're a saint," Sam snarls with a fine deliberate to hurt me, which works perfectly. "The nice one." She twirls around me. "The good one . . . Always the loved one." Now she stops moving."Sam, that's not true." I wipe off the fallen drop."And of course I'm the bad one, right? So tell me, Kira, how did you seduce him?" she mockingly asks. "How were his kisses like?" she adds, and I swallow the anger t
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 70
"You're finally back," Sam utters casually, her eyes stone cold. Seeing my astonished face upon the sight of the diary, she lifts it up, smirking."Did you read my diary?" I manage to ask with much difficulty, as though a fishbone is stuck to my throat."Oh . . . tthis? I didn't mean to read it," she says coolly."What?" I scoff angrily. "That's my fucking diary!" My body trembles, fear and worries engulfing me wholly."I only wanted to return your charger, and by pure coincidence, your lovely diary dropped and flipped." She smiles, a very bitter smile, and I'm stuck to my feet. "Why, Kira? Why this?" she asks me in a soft voice while getting closer.I press my lips together to repress whatever that's about to burst in me. My worst nightmare is here. I'm not sure which one is scary, between my dreams at night or this foreign situation that I've brought upon myself.What should I say now? That I'm sorry? That I can expla
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 69
I return to where I parked the car. I can't say I've had my fill, but I've quite enjoyed this Ocean drive neighborhood. Well, eventually I realized where I am during my promenading. I even had a pleasure to relax and grab a big bite of cheeseburger so cheer myself.And I usually eat a lot when I'm stressed.I'm about to hop in the car when the incoming call on my cellphone stops me halfway. I slam the door sharply before rummaging inside my bag. I clutch my phone and a hard scowl appears on my face when I find it's a new number. I swipe the receiver hesitantly."Hello?" I croak."Where are you? We need to talk.” A male voice snaps quickly, causing a shiver throughout my skin.And I could recognize this voice even in my deep sleep.”Liam,” I breathe softly."It's good that you know my voice by heart," Liam remarks. "Where are you, Kira?" he practically snaps at me again."Liam, please, no
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 68
They tried talking to me, the girls, the boys, but none succeeded to open my mouth. The world had lost its colors in my eyes, but some brunette kid named Samantha didn't give up. She tried until I opened my mouth."It hurts," I utter, tears streaming down. "That's what I said." I lift my eyes at Sam. "Why are you reminding me?""Nothing," Sam says softly. "I just want to say that you're the person I love and trust the most in my life. I know you'd never hurt or betray me, because you're my bestfriend. I want to be that person to you too, Kira. I know I can be bitchy . . . but I never intend to hurt you. If I did, by any chance, please forgive me." She sits next to me, and my heart shatters.Guilt. Pain. Loss. I feel them all at once."No, you haven't done anything to apologize for," I breathe and I know I'm the one who should apologize to her.But I don't have the guts to."Did Jay do anything to offend y
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 67
"Are you deaf? I said let go of her.” Liam’s voice isn't harsh, but the threatening vibes it exudes is quite alarming."Easy there, bro." Jeremy releases me from his grip. "We're just talking,” he says and my eyes are on my wrist, faint finger marks accented on the skin."Don't call me bro, kid!" Liam snaps, his fists clenched as he glares at Jeremy with blazing eyes while pacing closer. "Are you okay, Kira?" He glances at me . . . at my wrist, too, and I nod like a little girl would.His jaw ticks. He pulls me to his side and I'm worried whether he has heard the rest of our conversation or not. I hope he hasn't. He then glares back at Jeremy, eyes dark."She told you to leave her alone, didn't she? Why were you forcing your hands on her?" He places himself between Jeremy and I, making me stay behind him. He’s tense.Jeremy roams around, like a tamed dog, holding his head and waist with either hand. I know he usually acts macho and a
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 66
Once again Malik restores back my sweetest smile. Only he can influence good even in bad times, and I'm so grateful for his being supportive: at least I've got someone to share this ordeal with. Jamal and Natasha join us shortly, and I believe I'm more relaxed with them than my previous companion."And my job here lads and ladies . . . is done!" Jamal announces cheerily, and from a distance I see the others enjoying the self-service."You're the best barbeque maker, I swear." I give compliment when due.I can't explain how tender and juicy this meat tastes inside my mouth."I know, right? My boo is the best." Natasha kisses him.Malik and I share a smile."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Kira," Jamal says, his voice calm and reverent."Oh you got that right." I thumb up. "And I seriously need the recipe for this vegetable noodles," I tell Natasha and she promises to give it to me anytime.
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 65
Liam is now out of sight and I’m only thinking of him. I wonder what he is doing right now. Malik, Jamal, and Natasha are still around the grill, chatting over something humorous judging from their laughter.I have been oblivious of whatever Sam and her friends are hilariously discussing about, and only drop a comment when necessary. Sickly enough, Jeremy has been eyeing me and it’s uncomfortable."This house is so damn terrific," Veronica utters, her eyes batting around like butterflies. "Who's the owner?" she inquires while her boyfriend stares around snobbishly.Sam gives them a clear picture of the owner by pointing out at Malik's direction. She tells them more than asked when Veronica swears to have seen Malik before. Discretion is never in my friend’s dictionary."And are you the one riding his dick?" Jeremy asks Sam, and the two ladies laugh as though it was something beautiful to say . . . or hear.So disgusting.
