Chapter 11: How Could She?

I somehow mustered the courage to walk outside the diner and face the reality of the situation. I needed space and I deserved it. The cold wind lashed against my face and made me shiver. I liked the quiet here and decided to ponder. Leaning my head against the wall, I thought about what I had heard. One question haunted me. How could she?

The enlightened and wise side of my mind told me that people especially the media loved sparking rumours and that there was no reason to be pissed. Besides, Caroline herself said that she liked me a lot and that I was everything to her. She would mean it, right?

The doubtful side irritated me saying that maybe she was just having a fling with another guy who was not only a millionaire but also a Hollywood heartthrob. I had never pictured Carol as a girl to die for fame! That was totally a no-no! But hey, if she was staying there for a long time...why wouldn't she fall for a guy who had everything and a perfect sight too? Acknowledge her while seeing her work? Praise her all the time? She wouldn't let go of such a chance, right? After all...I was blind...She didn't need me...

Sorrowfully, I released a heavy breath which I didn't know I was holding and pinched the bridge of my nose.

"Hey! You okay? I'm sorry for what happened back there. I really don't know anything..." I didn't let her complete as I grabbed her tight and enveloped her in a hug that was filled with so much of need. She rubbed my back soothingly and whispered sweet nothings to console me.

Gently, she let go of me and brought me to sit on the steps next to her. I felt her soft fingers open my palm and paper wrapping landed on it. The burger. I grimaced thankfully and opened it up and began savouring it hoping it would drown my sorrow. I heard her munching by my side. Soon, a comfortable silence enveloped between us and I beamed at the wonders Abigail's presence could do. She was the best!

"So..." She began. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

I hesitated a little and stretched my legs while sipping my lemonade which she offered. Clearing my throat, I began. "So...you already know the girl, right?" Her silence made me proceed. "Umm...actually, I never knew her at all. It was only during our school's match against St. Mark's that I got to know her."

"How did that happen?" She asked, her voice inquisitive.

"Look Abi, you know that I'm not a hopeless romantic or a corny sort of a guy so do not giggle or tease me at the next words I'm going to say." I pouted at her pleadingly and she thwacked my arm. "That depends." She mused. My pout and frown deepened and she burst into a fit of giggles. "O-okay! Continue, s'il vous plait!" Chuckling, I continued.

"Alright. So...she...you know...made me do something which all thought was impossible that day..."

"Did you pass the ball, Kevin Ronald Sanders?!" She shrieked and I had to shut my ears. Good guess there, Sherlock!

I guessed she noticed my expression because at that very moment, she began whooping with all her might and doing her very silly victory dance. She raised me to my feet and I was a bit tipsy with her insanely torturous manoeuvring. "Oh my gosh! How did that chick do that?! This is so awesome! I'm so happy for you, Kev!!" She squealed. I shushed her and calmed her down as she was breathing heavily. I sat her down and it took a minute for her to relax. It was always like that. Abigail = Hyperactivity to the fullest.

"Sorry. I'm really happy. But hey, you continue with your story." She demanded.

"I had heard the voice of one certain girl among all the cheers and she was the one who gave me hope and a chance even when I had not asked for it..." Nostalgia struck me and I wandered off to the past.

"What had Caroline said?" She whispered.

"She had said, "Go Kevin...go!! You make Beverly High proud!!", I still remember the words as though it happened just yesterday...I know this sounds weird...but I really have no clue as to why her voice really made such an effect on me..." I trailed.

"Hmm...neither do I. But I believe everything happens for a reason..." Abigail trailed.

I thought about what Abi said. I smiled at the memory and drifted away. A tap on my shoulder brought me back from my reverie. Jeez! How could one girl affect me so much?! 'She's not just 'one' girl. She's the girl you like and the one you want to be with forever...' My conscience corrected. Alright, I was becoming a softie and somehow, I was fine with it. Talk about falling in love...it would change you completely...

"Then what happened?" Abigail asked.

"I did something unimaginable." I replied, smirking at how many times I would shock Abi today.

"Again?!! Kevin Sanders!! Do you want me to get a heart stroke?! I seriously can't think of anything more unimaginable!!" She surrendered.

I chuckled at her and she threw a pebble on my lap. My voice cracked humorously as I explained to her. "I-I invited the batch of St. Mark's to join us for the after party."

"You did WHAT?! Did you do that just to find her?!" She shrieked in disbelief.

I nodded and chuckled at how I had convinced the principal that day. "You were smitten by her! Good Lord! What happened then? Did you find the girl of your dreams?" She teased.

"I had gone to the fence surrounding the lake when I heard her. She had initiated the conversation. I think she hadn't recognised me...but then...she came closer and we got ourselves introduced." I sighed. "I was really glad to get to know someone like her."

I felt Abigail shift closer. "How did you feel when you were with her?"

"I felt so free and comforted! It was like all the sorrow and burden was lifted off of my shoulders! I could tell her anything I wanted and she was a damn good listener. She coaxed me and her touch and presence was all that I would ever need...She accepted me for who I was and it did not matter to her that I was blind...She's someone I hope to get. To be mine. I've been with many girls before but she...she's too different. I can be myself with her. Her giggles, her laughs, they're all too cute! My only wish...is if I could just see her. See her beautiful smile...her twinkling eyes...her mischief...everything...Riley said she was beautiful...I like her a lot, Abi."

I heard Abigail release a heavy sigh. Did I hurt her? I hoped not! I had chosen my words very carefully because...this was Abigail we were talking about. She was my ex plus my best friend plus she was hoping that we would be together again, I think. Even though I was trying to make her see me only as her best friend, it surely would take her time to move on. I guessed...it was good I told Abigail everything. Maybe with my confession, she would learn that I truly liked someone?

"I guess...I guess...she's the right girl for you, Kevin. I mean...never have you felt like this ever before, right? This could mean something...maybe...she really is the one! I can just understand how much you care and like her by your voice...and hey, don't even think about getting pissed off at the situation. She accepts you for who you're and she doesn't care whether you're blind or not. Such girls are absolutely rare and yeah...you better treasure her! Love for each other deepens with distance and I know you guys are made for each other...Don't think that just because you're blind...she'll-she'll leave you, okay?" Abigail sniffed a little and I wrapped an arm over her shoulders and brought her closer.

She hugged me tight and wept on my shirt. I kissed her forehead and rubbed her arm soothingly. She chuckled lightly. "You're the one who's hurt here and look, I'm the one who's crying! What an irony!"

"That's why I love you, Abi. You care for me and it hurts you when something hurts me and I couldn't have asked for a better homie than you!" I replied.

She giggled. "Don't think that you've hurt me, okay? It's just that...I'm so happy for you...happy you've found someone perfect and you're as good as settling down in a relationship rather than flirting with the rest. And...I'm trying to move on from you and knowing this fact...I'll not step in your way. Don't you worry. Anyway...tell me more..."

Clearing my throat, I held her hand as I continued. I told her about the very night when she had come and how at midnight Carol had come to say goodbye. I told her about the confession and the kiss to which she squealed like a five year old girl! I then told her about the call I made and the agreement we decided on. At the end, I was breathless and she offered me her glass of lemonade as mine was already finished what with all the ranting.

"Wow! This is the cutest love story I've ever heard! The girl crushing on the guy and the guy then crushes on her and then they confess to each other and then poof...they part ways but...their bond just deepens." She concluded excitedly.

I laughed at her enthusiasm.

"What should I'd now?" I asked her.

"Call her. Don't act like you don't care!" She replied, nonchalantly.

I removed my phone and gave it to Abigail to find her number. "Woah! She's a stunner!" She hooted. I beamed at her.

She hummed as she waited for someone to answer.

"Hello?" She started.

Silence.

"Aaron?" She questioned, her voice wavering slightly. Aaron was Carol's brother. Did she know him? How?

Beep. I heard her hang up. "Take this." She whispered.

Her voice cracked and she hugged me tighter. She cried profusely on my shirt. Something was seriously wrong here. Abigail was never the crying type! Before she left for Paris, she was the bold and strong girl. That was until her parents made some very weird excuse of her not wanting to have any leisure and study all the time at her place. They didn't even let me meet her and then she left! Anyway...Where was that girl I had known? I tried consoling her and her weeping wouldn't stop. What happened to Abigail Watson? Why did hang up when Aaron answered?! How in the world did she know him and not know Carol?!

"Abigail, look at me. What is happening to you? You were never like this before! What's mellowing you down so much? Can you please tell me?" Tears filled my eyes too hearing her cry bitterly.

"I-There's a reason I went to Paris, Kevin! Not only was it be-because of dad's transfer!" She stammered.

There was another reason? I was now dumbfounded. What could've been the other reason?

"What're you trying to say?" I pushed on.

She took in a deep breath.

"Kevin, do not judge me." She pleaded.

"I've never done that and I never will." I promised.

"I-I...umm...Aaron and I...we...were dating and it was on one party...where we...slept together..."

"Uh...okay...and?" I dreaded at what was coming next because her sobs increased.

"I didn't realise it...I-I was pregnant..."

"What?! Fuck no!" I thundered as my world came to a halt and the only sounds were of my erratic breathing and Abigail's crying.