21 Run Summer, Run

...Summer POV...

I watch as the man before me looks like he's just been running for a long time. He's out of breath and standing with his hands on his knees. I then ask him again.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came after you; please let me explain."

"There's nothing to explain. Why would you want to explain? You live your life, and I'll live mine, right?"

"I promised you that I would meet you. I'm a man that keeps my word. Please let me explain what happened. Please, Summer?"

"I guess I can't stop you from explaining?"

"I did not know that she was going to be in town. Hell, I never thought she would find me here."

"So, you like to run from women?"

"No! No! She is not that type of woman."

"Oh, so there's a type? You only associate with certain women?"

"God no! Well, maybe when it comes to her, I do."

I can't believe a word he's telling me. Everything he says makes no sense. I lift my hand in dismissal and turn my back on him while shaking my head.

"Oh god, please!"

"Ugh. I'm not doing this well, am I?"

"Not really no, but as I said, there's no need for an explanation."

"Dammit. She's my sister. Did I not say that? Did I miss that? I must have. I think I have. Please, Summer?"

She's his sister? Can that be true, or is he trying to pull a fast one on me? I really struggle to see if he's sincere or not. I've had just one too many people in my life that claimed they were telling the truth, but then the next second would stab me in the back. But then again, this is Austin. He was the one that helped me last night, and he hit Raymond square in the face. He was nothing but good to me so far; I can't believe that he would lie to me now? I then decide to change the subject instead of admitting I might be wrong.

"I came here for some peace and quiet, but it seems someone has stolen my cabin."

"Your cabin? Mmm…last time I checked, it was my in my name?"

"Your name? You mean, you're the one that stole my cabin?"

"Stole? Is that not too extreme? Why did I not know it was yours?"

I feel a deep redness filling my cheeks, and I know that I've gone too far. I'm so blinded by the fact that Austin could've been with someone else and not with me that I took all my anger out on him, the one that I might like very much. I just really wanted to buy this cabin for myself, and now, now he bought it. He doesn't deserve to be treated this way.

"I'm sorry, I just…It's just…this was like my sanctuary from home. I used to come here when my dad would…oh god…I got to go. I'm sorry."

"Wait! Please stop running away from me all the time."

I feel him grabbing my wrist ever so gently, pulling me softly into him.

"Austin…"

"Ssshhh Summer"

He brings my finger up to my lips. With every breath, every wink, every inch, he moves his lips closer to me until there's nearly no space left. I can feel his warm breath rapidly breathing against my skin. His softwood lace with spice is consuming my senses. I can see in his blue eyes that he desires me just as much as I do him. I crave to be in his strong arms wrapping around my waist. As he drops his hands down to the small of my back, he starts pulling me even more closer into him.

"I'm sorry…I can't."

I turn around and hastily walk toward my car. I get into my car and make sure not to look into his eyes, for I know I might just believe everything he just told me. I drive slowly on the icy roads, and the conversation repeats in my head. Could it be true that she's his sister? I want to believe what he's saying, but I just can't shake my previous relationships. I've been hurt too many times before, and then he went and almost kissed me. Urgh! He makes me just so furious, and at the same time, I'm falling very hard for him.

I drive into my driveway, and then the coldness from outside isn't as cold as it is on the inside of the house. I open the door, and much to my relief, there's no one in the house except for Catalina, who meets me at the door.

"Are you a sight for sore eyes, Catalina."

"Oh, senorita, they aren't very happy with you at all."

"Catalina, when have they ever been happy with me?"

We both laugh as we walk towards my room. We sit on the bed and catch up on old times and how she helped me escape so many times before. Then I hear the front door open, and the familiar sound of my mother echoes through the house, but then I also hear another voice I didn't want to hear at all. The voice of Raymond Young.

"Oh, Mrs. Knightley, you're such a kind person."

What? What did he drink that he thinks my mother is a kind person. If I would describe my mother, kind wouldn't be one of the words I'd used. He's clearly trying to make her think he's a great and wonderful man and the best for her daughter. If only she knew the truth, but she wouldn't believe it if it fell in her lap; all she sees is our names together.

"You're such a charmer, Raymond. Please have a seat in the living room. I'll go find Summer."

Oh no, no, no! She's just going to make me go and talk to him, and I'm definitely not in the mood. I make my way to the window and ask Catalina to cover for me, but I'm too slow as my mom opens the door.

"Summer, darling, I'm so happy to catch you here. You'll never guess who's here."

"No idea, mother."

I say it with the most sarcasm I could scarp together.

"You know, Summer, sometimes, you just like to get under my skin. Now, Raymond is downstairs, and I expect you to come and show your face."

Then she turns around and closes the door. I take a deep breath and wonder, what the hell am I doing here. Oh yes, I remember. I still need my parents' money to fulfill my dreams; I guess I need to keep sacrificing still for a while. I sigh and straighten my clothes. I walk downstairs and then into the living room, and there he sits like he owns the place. He stands up, and my mother smiles in approval of his chivalrousness, but I know it's all a ploy.

"Summer, how wonderful of you to grace us with your presence."

"Well, I just couldn't stay away."

I look at my mother, and she knows what I mean by my words. He then proceeds to take my hand and lead me to sit next to him. I cringe at his touch and know I never want to touch him again.

"I wanted to ask you something, Summer."

"Oh?"

"Yes, I know that we don't know each other, but I wanted to get to know you before I accompany you to the Christmas party, and I was wondering if you would like to go out to dinner with me tonight."

I feel my stomach doing flip flops, and I can't imagine a night alone with this money grabber. I open my mouth to answer, but as usual, my mother answers for me.

"Of course, Raymond, she'll love to go, right Summer?"

"Well, mother, I was actually going-"

"Then it's settled; you two are going to have a great time."

She pushes us out of the door while talking nonstop. Finally, we're out the door, and he's opening his car door for me.

"You know, we don't have to do this."

"What are you talking about, Summer? I would like to get to know you."

I know that my mother is still standing at the door, and I know that he's just pretending. I get into the car, and we drive to town. The ride is quiet, and I just want to escape as soon as the car stops. We stop next to a very expensive restaurant and find a seat inside. I feel immediately out of place. I remember how we always dined in places like this when I was younger, but I soon grow to love the more simple things in life.

"So what are we really doing, Raymond?"

"Whatever do you mean, Summer, isn't it obvious? Your mother wants us together; I'm just here to make her happy. Now be a good girl and act like you're enjoying the company. There are lots of people staring at us who will report back to your mother. Okay, honey?"

He smiles while grabbing my hand tightly, and I know I just stepped into trouble.