Chapter4.
Everyone stood in complete silence. Isobel had covered her mouth in shock. Dad and Peter just stood there wide-eyed and Alex had the slightest smirk. That damn smirk was almost permanently stuck to his face.
"Kayleigh Anne White!" Dad said firmly. "You will not use offensive language like that in this house, especially in front of guest. Apologize immediately."
I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as I turned to look at Peter and Isobel. "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Gaskarth. I don't know what has gotten into me."
"Oh, it's fine, dear," Isobel smiled. I could tell it was fake and she was still shocked. Dad cleared his throat.
"Why don't the adults go out to the patio for a couple drinks before dinner while Kayleigh gives Alex a tour of the house."
Dad lead Peter and Isobel out to the backyard and left me and Alex standing in the foyer still. As soon as they were out of ear shot, Alex broke into laughter.
"That was priceless," He said between laughs.
"Shut up." I said, pushing him back slightly.
"Aw, poor Cupcake got embarrassed in front of guests."
"What did I say about calling me Cupcake?" I said sharply.
"Ugh. Fine. What can I call you then?"
"By my name – Kayleigh" I said.
"Well, you're no fun" He fake pouted.
I just glared at him. We stood in a slightly awkward silence until I cleared my throat. "So, do you actually want a tour?"
"Why not? It's been a couple years since I was last here," He grinned.
I cringed at the memories of the last time he was here. I distracted myself by walking past him, "The living room," I said flatly, pointing to the room to my left.
"I think I got that when I saw the couches and flat screen T.V"
I rolled my eyes and lead him down the hall to the right. "Basically here is the guest room, Dad's room and the bathroom."
"So if you're so rich, why do you living in a bungalow?" He asked.
I shrugged, "I guess Dad wants to spend his money on something other than a fancy house. It's not like either of us spend much time here. He's always at work or at meetings, and I have school, lessons and practise."
"Oh, like buying you a car?" He smirked.
"Fuck off" I said in an annoyed tone. "I get it; I'm the only one at St. Luke's without a car. Get over it."
He chuckled at my annoyance.
I led him back down the hallway and into the kitchen. "Obviously, you know what this is."
I opened the door that lead to the basement. "That door leads to the laundry room. And here is the other living room. Around the corner is that bathroom and computer room. There. Tour done. You can leave now."
"Wait! What about your room?"
"What about it?"
"Don't I get to see it?"
"You already have" I pointed out.
"But it might have changed since I last saw it." He grinned and then pushed past me. We both raced to the door that led into my room. I, being the lazy fuck that I am, didn't make it in time. He swung the door open and stepped inside.
"Oh, yeah sure. Go right in. Make yourself at home," I mumbled sarcastically.
"Don't mind if I do," He laughed and sat down on my bed, "Did you get a new bed? This is softer than I remember."
I gave him a dirty look. "Yes."
"Posture pedicle. Me gusta," He laid down.
"Get out of my bed." I snapped.
He smirked at me, "Ah, I do remember those being the last words you said to me in here."
I was seething with anger. "Get out!"
"Aw, Cupcake, don't get angry. I was only kidding around." He said, sitting up, smiling.
"I don't care. Do you know how long I've spent trying to block out memories of that night? That weekend? That summer?" I yelled.
"You can't still be angry at me for that." He said, smile fading.
"Oh you bet your fucking ass I'm still furious."
"But Cupcake, that was like two or three years ago."
"I don't care how long ago it was! It still happened. And nothing can erase those memories or the pain, embarrassment and tears you caused me!" I spat at him, almost in tears, "And you sitting here, laughing like it was all a joke to you hurts even more."
"Look, Kayleigh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you or make you think about that night." He said in a soft tone. He stood up and tried to reach for my shoulder.
I jerked back, out of his reach, "Do not fucking touch me."
He put his hand down. I looked up into his eyes, "How could you do that to me?"
He was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry, Kayleigh."
"No you're not. You're only sorry you got caught."
"No. Listen to me. I'm sorry I did it, but I was—"
"You were what? You weren't drunk. You weren't high. You were stone cold sober. You knew exactly what you were doing and who you were doing it with! So don't even try to go there. You fucked up. And I cannot believe we are having this conversation two years later!"
"Well you never gave me a chance to explain anything back then," He said, raising his voice slightly.
"Why? What's there to explain?" He was silent, "Exactly! There was nothing to say back then, and there is nothing to say now, so just fucking drop it."
"What if I said I wanted you back?" He asked.
I snorted, "What part of 'I will never forgive you,' did you not understand?"
"Why can't you forgive me? I said I was sorry. I admit I made a big fucking mistake. What else do you want me to do?"
"Leave." I stated. He looked at me funny, "Get out. Go away. And don't talk to me ever again."
"But—"
"No! I'm not taking you back. I don't want a single this to do with you, Alex. Once a cheater, always a cheater. I'm not taking the risk just to end up being hurt again. I will not make the same mistake twice."
He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, "Okay fine." He brushed past me and went upstairs.
I stared at the door and blinked a couple times. Wow. Maybe he finally took the hint.
I sat down on my bed and took a deep breath. My head was spinning with thoughts of that night, and what had just happened.
Alex wanted me back.
But he cheated on me.
Maybe he changed?
No. Cheaters never change.
You miss him.
No I don't. He's lying. He just wants back in my pants.
"Kayleigh! Dinner!" Dad yelled, pulling out of my thoughts.
"Coming!" I yelled and started upstairs. Great. Dinner is going to be just fantastic.
I sat down across the table from Alex and beside Isobel as Dad served up burgers and fries. I put the condiments on my bun without looking at anyone, at started to eat silently.
"So, Kayleigh, how is school going?" Peter asked me.
"It's going great," I half ass smiled.
"What classes are you taking this semester?"
"Chem, Math, Bio and Italian," I listed.
"College plans?"
"Err, not yet. I've been focusing on my music more lately than anything." I explained slowly.
"Ah, yes, your father mentioned something about a band thing." Isobel joined in on the conversation, "I do hope you have a back-up plan, just in case it doesn't work out."
"Oh, of course," I said, slightly shocked that she didn't disapprove. "If it doesn't work out I'm going to major in either Biology or Chemistry."
"Well, that's great you have a back-up," Pete added.
"How is the music thing coming along?"
"It's great" I said with more enthusiasm. "We've actually got a couple decent songs written and we're making progress."
"Alex is also in a band," Isobel stated. "Maybe both your bands could get together and do a collaboration?"
"That could be ...fun" I said, my smile fading slightly.
"Yes. You two could write a song together and then perform it at the next get together my company has!" Isobel said, getting excited. "Wouldn't that be great? You will do it won't you, Kayleigh?"
No. No. No. No. No. There's no way I can write a duo and perform with Alex. I opened my mouth to try to come up with some excuse, but Dad answered for me.
"I think that's a wonderful idea, Isobel!" He grinned.
I snuck a look over at Alex. His face was blank, along with his eyes. I had no idea how he felt about this.
"So, Alex, Kayleigh, will you do it?" She asked hopefully.
"I'm in if Kayleigh is" Alex said, looking at me.
I groaned internally, but faked a smiled, "Sure, why not? What could go wrong?"
"Yay!" Isobel smiled widely. "Do you have plans tomorrow?"
"Um, no, I don't think so," I answered.
"Great! You can come over and start working on the song with Alex. Don't forget your guitar."
I smiled weakly, "Of course not."