"Edward really likes you," Kyle broke the silence as we walked together.
"Really?" I asked, surprised. I'm flattered he would think that way but 'really like,' is a bit of a stretch. I've talked to that adorable boy only twice, it's hard to believe he likes me
Kyle smiled confidently. "Yes, he does. I remember the day I lost him at the park. When I finally found him, I was so relieved. But on the way home, he kept talking about you—and he even called you 'aunt,' which was surprising because he never calls anyone that. At first, I dismissed it, but seeing him today, I'm sure he really, really likes you."
I smiled, feeling special. "Wow, I just did what anyone would've done, and he likes me? That's amazing. I like Edward a lot, too; he's really sweet. I'm happy he likes me."
Kyle returned my smile. "I'm glad you feel that way."
We continued walking in a comfortable silence until we reached the bus station.
"Thanks for walking me to the bus station. That was really nice of you," I thanked.
"No problem. It was nice walking with you," he replied. He didn't have to walk me but he did so I feel really thankful to him
"Have a good night," I bade farewell.
"Good night," he repeated, smiling and showing his gorgeous dimples—something I couldn't help but admire. He waved at me and started to walk away.
I turned my back to him, about to board the bus, thinking he had left, but then he called my name.
"Hey, Stacy."
I was surprised. Was he still here? I thought he was already on his way home.
He approached me, and I asked, "What are you still doing here? I thought you were on your way." Did he have something else to say?.
He gave a sheepish smile. "I was, but then I remembered something." Oh I see!
"What's that?" I asked, arching my brow.
"I wanted to get your phone number so we could stay in touch."
I was caught off guard. "M-my number?" That was the last thing I expected him to utter, not that it was unusual but I didn't expect it.
He nodded and pulled out his phone so I could type it in. My hands shook as I took the phone and entered my number. Why was I so nervous?, I don't understand. Was I excited to make a new friend?.
"Thanks for giving me your number. I'll text you so you can save mine, too."
I nodded, and he smiled before waving goodbye a second time. I waved back and boarded the bus.
When I got home, I found my mother asleep on the couch—surprising, since she almost never sleeps there. Was she waiting for me? But she doesn't usually do that.
I debated waking her but decided she probably wouldn't be comfortable on the couch. I gently woke her up.
"Oh, you're back," she murmured, sitting up and blinking several times—the same habit I have when I wake up.
Ignoring her statement, I asked, "Mom, why are you sleeping on the couch?"
She sighed and motioned for me to join her. Holding my hands, she said, "I know I shouldn't worry, but ever since Ethan's death, I can't help feeling paranoid about you."
She looked sad and worried, and I understood why. Ethan's death really did a number on us.
"Mom, I'm fine, really," I reassured her, but she didn't look convinced.
I squeezed her hands gently. "I'm trying my best to move on and live better. I even made new friends."
My words seemed to lift her spirits a little, and she smiled. "Really?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Who are they?" she asked.
I told her everything—from meeting Edward in the park, to Alexa at the salon, to meeting Kyle and discovering he's Edward's father.
She seemed intrigued by the story and smiled, though I found it suspicious.
"Tell me what—" she began, but my phone dinged, interrupting her.
I checked the screen. It was an unknown number:
Unknown:
Hey, it's me. Hope you got home safe 👀
I furrowed my brow, wondering who it could be before remembering Kyle's number. I mean who else did I give my number to and would ask a question like that?.
"Mom, I want to go to my room and sleep now. Have a good night," I said, kissing her cheek and heading to my room without waiting for a reply.
I lay flat on my bed, took my phone, and replied:
Stacy:
Ah yes, I got home not long ago. Thanks again for walking me ☺
Almost immediately, my phone dinged again.
Unknown:
You're welcome, no problem. Hope you come more often ✌
Stacy:
Yes, sure, as long as Alexa's my friend and Edward likes me 😊
I saved the number so I wouldn't see it as "Unknown" anymore. I noticed he used emojis unnecessarily, like the last message he sent didn't require one. I use emojis a lot as well so I think we should get along well.
Kyle😇:
So you wouldn't visit because of me?
His question made me feel bad. I didn't mean it like that. But at the same time, we aren't exactly close.
Stacy:
I'm so sorry, I really didn't mean it like that 😞😞😞
Kyle😇:
😂😂😂 I was just messing with you. I'm not offended, okay?
A smile spread across my lips. This is the second time he's pranked me today
Stacy:
Thanks for not being offended 🤗 By the way, how are Edward and Alexa doing?
Kyle😇:
Alexa's fast asleep—guess she was exhausted. Edward's wide awake playing video games.
Stacy:
What! 😦 Shouldn't Edward be in bed by now? It's late.
Kyle😇:
It's the weekend, and he doesn't usually sleep this late, I swear.
Stacy:
Okay, if you say so 🙂
We continued texting about random things like my hobbies and interests. I didn't mention Ethan because I didn't feel comfortable enough to talk about him with Kyle. Maybe if we got closer but for now i'd rather not talk about Ethan with Kyle.
Kyle is really fun to text with—he never made me bored. It was currently 11pm and we still kept talking about random things, including our favourite Instagram reels.
Eventually sleep came and I couldn't keep up anymore. I still heard my notification go off but I couldn't check my phone anymore.
I wonder whether Kyle usually slept because it was 1am I don't think I can keep up with him.
My thoughts faded into oblivion as sleep came.