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CHAPTER 60
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2022-04-26 12:00:59Inside the house I find everyone in. The guys are watching a boxing match, and Sam is busy with her cellphone and ice cream in a huge cocktail glass.
On the table lie some empty beer cans and two boxes of family-size pizza. I can smell the garlic and cheese, and it turns on my stomach a bit.However, my mood disagrees with it."Hi," I greet casually."Hi, Professor." Malik grins. "I thought you'd be home a little late."Me, too."Well, you thought wrong, Malik. Here I am," I return exhaustedly, and Jamal stares at me with a knowing smile.I flush. I think Jamal knows my little secret, and Malik likes tormenting me without thinking of my position with Sam, who's currently looking at us with ambiguity.How does she not notice?"And Liam, where is he?" she asks.There's something about her tone of voice that rather disturbs me. I don't even have to answer, however, asRelated chapters
Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 61
Outside the atmosphere isn't the one to call bliss. The darkness is here, and so is the light. My heart is heavy. A little sigh escapes my sullen lips as I move my gaze around, getting acquainted with the chilly breeze enveloping my skin. The palm trees are dancing gracefully, forcing a smile amid the sorrow, and I decide to join the calm swimming pool.I slowly take off the robe, without any frenzy, just calmly and smoothly. Again, the coldness wraps my skin, but my body refuses to succumb to its charm. Could it be I'm burning inside? I just smile, heading myself towards the pool entrance. I take the stairs in similar pace, slowly, getting intimate with the coldness against my feet. I love it.My body sinks unhurriedly into the depth, and I feel resurrected. I start propelling like a dolphin. Tears begin cascading down, yet again, making me speed my swimming pace to the pool end, where I flip back in the same manner. I just cry in the water, for it's easier to eve
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 62
I’m back to my trance as Malik makes me a cup of spicy tea, claiming it works best for cold. I don’t argue. I'm not a tea person but I like the flavor of spices and their enriched aroma. I think it's from India."Now tell me, what's really going on with you?" He suddenly changes attitude, from the sweet prince charming into an overly meticulous butler."I don't understand, nothing is going on with me," I lie, staring innocently at him."Well, your eyes suggest otherwise." He plays with the glass of his ember liquid."Because I've been swimming for an hour, maybe?" I shrug elusively."No, you were crying," Malik rebukes. "It's about Liam, isn't it? I thought you were having fun earlier at the beach, what went wrong?" Now he looks at me in the eyes, incessant.Everything went wrong.The tea gets ready after a ping from the kettle. He pours me a cup, and refills his glass of whisky. Smiling gratefully, I
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 63
Croissants, bacon, eggs, and a cup of coffee. What a morning! I smile from ear to ear as I sit down on the barstool, all alone in the kitchen.“Slept well, Professor?" A voice I recognize snaps from behind me.I cock my head and smile warmly. "Yeah, if you mean the three hours of sleep," I mutter and Malik laughs vigorously at the memory of last night.We stayed on TV until four in the morning. Cartoon, movies, and whatever that I fell asleep beholding was all that it took."Enjoy your breakfast, you need your energy after the swimming marathon you had last night." He winks and disappears.Smiling, I make my all to omit any ill thought about my recent affliction. My standing is still that I must go back home. And speaking of which, I should probably make a flight reservation as early as possible.I can't imagine how Sam's going to recoil about my decision but I don’t think I care right now. It’s better this way. I can't
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot Summer In California CHAPTER 64
"Kira!" Liam snaps as I drop haphazardly on the bed, my mind all over the place. He breezes my way. "What's wrong? You look pale." He quickly takes me into his arms."I'm cold." I shiver, and he looks even more bemused. "I'm fine, I'm just cold." I yield in his embrace."Okay, relax," he breathes, hugging me tight. "You're not burning, are you in pain?" he asks as I breathe soundly, my cheek against his firm chest.I thought I'm done with this feeling, why is it so strong?"Nothing happened, I can do it," I think out loud."What?" Liam questions, his brows creased together in confusion. "What's going on, Kira?" he demands quietly."Just a moment," I whisper, savoring the warmth of his body."Okay, calm down," Liam urges, despite being confused. I curtain my eyes at this serendipitous feeling, his palm rubbing my arm smoothly, cooing me.Moment passes by, and my mind empties itself, regaining the v
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot 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.
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot 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.
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot 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
Last Updated : 2022-04-26Hot 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
Last Updated : 2022-04-26
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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.
