Tayla Story - 017

Perhaps I'm calling it in a little sooner than I would've liked, but I can see that my time as narrator's almost over. After all, this seems as good a time as any to wrap up this little story. Though, I don't think Alexander's quite done yet. I imagine you will all be back in his hands in the next story (though I think I did a pretty good job of handling this one).

Me and Alexander continued speaking in his room for a while after that. The two of us talked like we used to all the time. I poked fun at him, and told bad jokes. He played along with me, and hugged me, and kissed me. I almost could've forgotten all about the fact that he'd been gone for a month. It felt like we'd reversed all that time, and none of it had ever happened.

That Kyle Matthews and Frank Scuderi never walked in on our happy little life.

But that wasn't the case. I don't have the power to turn back time. I'm not a celestial being, after all.

"I'm sorry."

"What for?" Alexander frowned.

"I lied about being busy at school because I wasn't planning to let you and Kayla meet."

"I know."

"Huh? I worked it out while we were walking over here."

…

…

"You… you're not angry?" I asked cautiously.

"At the time, a little bit. But I get it now. You were just worried that I was going to decide to go back to Wellington once I met her, weren't you? And it isn't like I'm in any position to complain. This whole mess is my fault."

"Your fault? It isn't your fault at all."

He laughed, "no, everything's my fault. Never telling you about Kayla; that was my mistake. Leaving here because I expected something from my father; that's also my mistake."

"That's no fun."

"What's no fun?"

"If you forgive me for that, I feel like I have to forgive you for all that in return."

"Huh? You were planning to keep holding it over my head?"

"Of course," I said triumphantly, "I was going to extort you for everything you have!"

"Is that so…"

"While I say everything, really I was just after your microwave."

"Surely I have something more valuable than a microwave."

"I see… it's sad that he couldn't even find the time machine function."

"Huh? My microwave's a time machine?"

"No, of course not. What are you talking about?"

The two of us went downstairs to the living room after a time.

We found Kayla there, all packed and ready to go. Not that she had much with her. She had only planned to be here for one night, after all. She only had a backpack with her. Not even that large, really.

"Are you going already?" Alexander sounded disappointed just now. It made me a little upset to hear, but well… I know he's not going anywhere now. Thinking back, I was just being way too jealous this whole time. Because I was so worried that Alexander was going to leave me for her.

Still, even though I know that isn't going to happen, I'm a little envious of their friendship.

"Well, my flight's soon, and I've seen what I came for," Kayla smiled, "I'm glad you're doing well. I know you're happy here now, but definitely come and visit us sometime. It's not just me that's missing you, y'know?"

"Yeah, I will. Sometime," Alexander replied.

"And you better text me. I gave you my phone number for a reason. If I don't hear from you, I'll have to come back."

"I know, I know, you told me already."

I'd been waiting for a little bit of a lull in the conversation, and this seemed like the perfect time. Well, it might not have been perfect, but it wasn't like I was going to get the opportunity after this. And I'd keep feeling guilty if I don't say this now. I don't want that. I've had enough of feeling guilty over the last few days.

"I'm sorry."

Kayla looks at me.

"I'm sorry," I repeat, "for everything that happened since you got here. I treated you horribly, and you didn't deserve it. I know it's not really excusable, but it was just because I was jealous of you. Sorry."

"No, it's fine. I get it. I guess it must've been quite stressful not knowing when Alex was going to come back, and then finding out about me the way you did. I know I would feel the same if I found out my boyfriend had someone similar."

"Huh? You have a boyfriend?"

"I do. Didn't I tell you?"

Alexander seems to be getting a little uncomfortable with our conversation. I almost feel like laughing at the slight grimace he has on his face. I would if it was just the two of us.

"Well, when Alex comes to visit," Kayla continued, "you should come to. I'm sure everyone will want to meet you."

"Oi Kayla," Alexander speaks up, "you do remember you can't tell anyone you found me, right?"

"I know, I know," Kayla spoke to him now, "I'm not going to mention any of this to a soul. If anyone asks, I didn't find you here. I just meant, if you two come up, all of our friends will want to see you."

"Okay, good. As long as you understand."

Just then, Kayla gets an alert on her phone.

"That'll be telling me that my taxi's outside," she said, grabbing her bag handle.

"Thanks for having me, Tayla," Kayla continued on, "I know we had our differences, but you still let me stay here the whole time so thanks. And… I guess I'll see you around, Alex."

"Yeah…"

And with that, Kayla Thorne was gone.

The front door shut behind her, and shortly after that a car could be heard pulling out into the street from the curb.

Alexander and I both just stood looking at the door for a while. I could tell. I could tell even without having a glance over at him, that Alexander was having a moment. What exactly he's thinking, I'm not sure but it's not like I don't have any ideas. In fact, I'm sure it's multiple things. But I don't need to know exactly what it is. I know he's staying here, and that's all that matters.

"Oh!" Alexander exclaims suddenly, "I forgot. I never asked her how she found out where I was. Did you?"

"Huh?"

That wasn't at all what I thought he was thinking about. What he had said though, shocked me for another reason. Surely, I would've asked her that at some point, right? And yet I don't think I ever did.

"Come to think of it, I don't think I did."

"Hold on a second, I'll call her."

…

…

"Hey, sorry it's Alex-"

For some reason, Alexander's face goes pale when a voice, a voice that should've been Kayla's, cuts him off.

"Is that you, Kiss Duskdancer?"