Chapter 10: Kai Guterez

I wear a black t-shirt with blue jeans over to see Sylva. My parents and I get to her house and step in to be greeted by Sylva's parents. I look up to the balcony to see a beauty to behold. I give a smile and wave to her.

She's so beautiful.

"Now Kai, you can go up to Sylva's room and hang out there, or wherever you guys decide to hang out in the house," Mrs. Cobb says to me.

"But don't do anything too fun, got it?" Mr. Cobb threatens... I think.

"Yes sir, I won't do anything you wouldn't want me to do," I give my word. What I really mean is that I wouldn't do anything she doesn't want me to do. She's just so amazing, I don't know how to act with her.

"Well, we'll be leaving. Have fun you two," my mom calls out as our parents say their goodbyes and leave the house.

The echo of the door closing rings in the house and Sylva and I stare at each other. She begins to giggle and I laugh with her. This is an awkward moment, but not the usual kind. The kind of awkward moment when it's comfortable and it's not a real awkward moment. Does that make sense?

Oh well.

Sylva walks down the stairs and towards me to give me a hug. I hug her back and give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hello beautiful, it's nice to see you," I greet her.

She blushes. "It's nice to see you too. Let's go to my room again and chill out together."

"Sure." We walk up the stairs and into her room on the left. Her room is the same as when I left yesterday.

Sylva takes a seat on her bed and pats the spot next to her, inviting me to sit next to her. I do as offered and sit fairly close to her. I can smell her strawberry shampoo. It's nice, comforting even.

"I know this is kind of awkward, with the whole marrying situation and all, but I'm glad I got to meet you at all," I say to break the silence. "I'm sure you're not thrilled about this marriage either, but we can make the best of it."

"I can't see anyone in a romantic way when I just meet them, you know? Takes me a while to get used to someone." Sylva starts to blush. "Don't get me wrong, I think you're handsome and charming, but I can't see you that way. I just wish none of this were true. Marriage to me has to be meaningful and have memories and adventures together to make it truly work. Thomas and I used to talk about marriage until he cheated on me. We were high school sweethearts, but he decided he liked my best friend enough to be disloyal. I don't know you that well, but I guess I can try."

"I understand, I'm not excited about this marriage either, this isn't how I planned mine to be," I look down at my hands, avoiding eye contact so she can't see my blushing face. "But I would love to get to know you before everything happens, so we at least have some connection."

"This is all for the stupid companies, it's not how I want this to be." Sylva gets quiet before slowly whispering, "but I guess I wouldn't mind getting to know you either."

I look at her to see her looking down at her legs and blushing a little bit. I pick her chin up with my index finger and give her a smile. She returns with a smile and stands up. Sylva walks over to her TV that's by the door and turns on the VCR and BeetleJuice illuminates on the screen.

She walks back over and sits beside me, a little closer than before.

"Hope you don't mind this movie, it's one of my favorites," Sylva smiles.

Laughing, I say, "I don't mind at all, this is one I've seen the beginning to, but fall asleep half way through."

"Well you won't be falling asleep this time. I'll go make sum popcorn and get snacks to eat while we watch."

"Want me to come help?"

"I think I can manage, thanks though."

She turns and leaves the room.