Chapter 24 - KMCF

I took my chances and led off to roam through various hallways, all were magnificent, but not helpful. Nothing recalled my memory, instead they created new ones. I was cautious, I made sure I knew how to get back to where I started.

Jen, you're lost.

I was a bit scared, no one knew I was here and they probably weren't going to show up anytime soon. I maneuvered back to my original spot, I believed that Hunter had probably mixed back into the party so he wouldn't have seen me. At least, my misplacement removed the possibility of having to lay eyes on him for a while.

He talked and I didn't, I listened. Though, I wasn't going to easily fall back into his arms, just to repeat the same cycle. Maybe if it was some other woman, she'd probably try to understand and forgive quickly, in order for her to be able to keep him, a handsome rich man. Did he prefer those types of girls? Ones that were easy to catch and easy to let go? He had been with a lot of them, but never liked them nor the life lived with them. Then why me? I jumped into his arms in less than a week, wasn't I easy to grab? Why would he still stick around for me?

I sighed a couple times while I was in deep thought. This was too complicated, too complicated for me.

In a few seconds one of the twin doors opened and a tall man wearing an expensive looking, blue suit walked out. No doubt it was Hunter, his eyes immediately trapped mine.

I didn't know what to say, I mean what was I supposed to say? It looked like I was waiting for him. "I thought you left," he said.

I glanced at him for a few seconds before I averted my gaze. "Yeah."

"Yeah?" He walked closer to me and my malfunctioned heart commenced faster heartbeats. "What's wrong?"

I'm lost.

That was what I couldn't  say. Instead, I was avoiding his emerald green eyes, eyes that wouldn't look elsewhere but at me.

Was it uncomfortable? Yes. It felt like he wasn't going leave for awhile. "You're lost." He spoke finally, but also figured out my dilemma.

My head shot up in an instance, just in time to capture a small smile on his lips. I wasn't sure if it was there because he guessed the problem right or if the problem was as funny as it was childish.

"Just follow," he said. He turned on his heels, it took me a few seconds to move my feet because not only was I confirming that I was lost, but I proved that I needed him.

A few moments after I decided to accompany him, he out of nowhere stopped. I stopped too, as he turned to face me. "Only if you hold my hand." There wasn't some type of menacing smirk on his face that matched his words. In fact, he didn't really have a facial expression, just one that meant he was serious.

"Excuse me?" While I was holding a confused expression, He placed his hand in front of me.

"I'll take you back to the party, only if you hold my hand."

"Definitely not," I took a couple steps back while my eyebrows furrowed together. I must've looked at him like he was insane, I didn't know what he was planning and I didn't want to be a part of it.

He nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders and began to walk further away from me. I needed to get out of here and my only hope was disappearing from my sight.

I didn't need him, if I could try a little harder this time, I could definitely find the party. But, even encouraging myself to do so, put me down.

Just hold his hand, it won't mean a thing as long as you don't make it that way.

I headed towards Hunter's direction, what started out as walking became a bit of speed walking. I slipped my hand in his and at the same time we both gazed at each other. His green eyes got lighter and my cheeks filled themselves with red.

His hand was bigger than mine, but warm and welcoming enough for me to want to keep it there forever. I fooled myself, it did mean something. It was a symbol of what I wanted us to be, a real couple.

We weren't side by side, he was a little ahead and I dragged behind while our hands were still locked together. I scrutinized the way his suit complimented him, I had hardly seen him wear one and my heart banged consistently just staring at it. The bit of wind, he caught while we walked, flapped the lower part of his suit jacket. Also, the scent of him tingled in my nose as well as my own smell.

We walked through a hallway, I began to recognize. It was either one of the paths I doubted or one I didn't come across. It was similar to all the other ones, the identical marble floor with very specific details. A few side tables to support the crafted flower pots, hidden lights to illuminate small items and grant the spectator a different take on beauty. This one was a tiny bit abnormal, the walls had delicate laced indents.

The blaring of music swelled louder and louder as we ambled some more. I underwent a blinding wave of sadness, knowing we were going to let go of each other soon.

It didn't take long for us to arrive at the celebration's entrance. I took my hand back in an instant, believing it'd trashed the feelings I attained. There was a gigantic door that stood in the way of the party.

I strolled towards it, ignoring Hunter's presence and trying to escape the situation. "Jen."

I shut my eyes tightly and emptied out the air I held in. I pretended that I didn't hear him and entered the party.

** **

Miranda and I stood side by side, attentively listening to Marcos. He had the such a proud and contagious smile.

"Definitely. This was another amazing experience! To see part of my world walk along a runway, there's really no better gift in the world than that. And to have you all join together to capture the moment, that's a blessing." Marcos positioned himself in front of the large crowd, confidence tied to him. "Don't think my creativity stops here, this is just the beginning. Watch out, Manning, I'm going to surpass you one day." The spotlight poured all over Hunter, in which the audience was able to catch the smirk between the two handsome men and laugh.

Right after I went back into the party, Miranda walked up to me with a questioning look. First, she handed me back my purse in regards to Marcos. She then told me that Marcos was ready to start his short speech and passed it to her. We had a few minutes until Marcos was going to use his charm in words to take the celebration to a whole other level.

Hunter joined the room a couple minutes after I did, I guess he did it to avoid any rumors about us if we came back together. Either that or he needed time to cool his head.

"Help is always involved in anything. So, I want to take some attention off of me and give it to those who deserve just as much." The spotlight that had once been on Hunter had now skipped towards a large number of people. Marcos was first to clap for them and soon enough we all did.

"And now for the moment you've all been waiting for. You're probably wondering where or who will be selling my line, to relieve your stress, I'll tell you." He paused for a long time, just staring at the anticipation being worn by the people.

"Tessa Day, Verge." the spotlight shines down on a middle-aged woman with long brown hair. Verge, a very popular store for young and old adults. Selling not only clothes, but anything and everything that made sure you didn't leave with just a shirt.

Marcos announced a few more stores and the people who represented them before bringing us to attention. Though from all the popular stores he called out, it made Anders feel like an elementary student trying to play with the high schoolers. I was aware that a silly promise got us to where we were standing, but could that just be it?

"And finally, Jennifer Anderson and Miranda Dillon, Anders." The light shifted to us, and with that we earned clapping. From the corner of my eye, I could see Valerie and her clan sharing unbelievable looks at one another. I didn't really care, instead I smiled at Miranda who's eyes read: we're getting there.

"I hope you all enjoy the rest of the party, we have more coming your way." Marcos gave the microphone to a nearby staff and engaged in a conversation involving a group of men.

"So..." Miranda crunched up her face to exhibit curiosity. "Where were you?"

"I went to the bathroom, but I kinda got lost," I replied, hoping she wouldn't dig into it.

"Because you're terrible with new places," she said with a grin.

"No, I'm not." We walked towards two unoccupied seats.

"Hunter showed up, how do you feel?" This wasn't Miranda feeding into my life, she gave the appearance of being concerned and I knew she would never falsely be worried about me.

"I thought we were going to make today all about Marcos?" I replied as I got comfortable in my seat.

"To the point where we can't even think about our own well being?" She questioned.

"If that's how far we have to go, then so be it," I retorted. Could I have told her? Yes. Did I want to? No.

"He must've done something really bad to have brought out an attitude like this." She glared at me lightly.

"Exactly, so can we talk about this tomorrow and not during a celebration held for a close friend of ours or in the same room as Hunter?" I sighed and pulled my hair behind my back.

She stared at me for a while before speaking up. "Have it your way." Miranda reached into her purse to take out her phone. "We should get going, it's ten o' five."

"We should say goodbye to Marcos first," I said as I stood up, and I fixated my clutch nicely in my hand.

"Okay."

We looked in the direction where we last saw him, only he seemed really into the conversation he was having. I had never seen him smile as brightly as he did with that group. So, instead we waved him goodbye, hoping he saw it through the corner of his eye.

As we walked out, I snuck a peek at Hunter involuntarily. Our eyes caught each other like they were long lost lovers. He smiled a little before he brought his beverage to his perfectly shaped lips.

This whole thing seemed like a big joke to him, as if we were playing a game and I didn't know how to play.

** **

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This would be my present to you all.