Chapter 11: Not Too Late to Apologize
Caden couldn't sleep. He continued to toss and turn in his bed and suddenly bead drops of sweat formed on his forehead. He couldn't stand it anymore. He needed air now. He opened the door to his room which opened out onto the courtyard where the training area was. Cold night breezes hit his face as he quietly slid the door back, trying to avoid waking anyone else in the house. He walked back and forth for a brief period of time before sitting down on the edge of the porch. A sharp gust of wind brushed across his face and he closed his eyes immediately.
It felt good to be free. No more complaining. No more feeling like Kari's slave. No more canceled plans. And...more time with his best friend. He let out a huge sigh and leaned back on the deck. Adele hadn't really showed that she was any bit upset for him acting like a dork back there but he still felt that he owed her a huge apology. Not for acting like the soulless heavyweight when realizing how evil his ex was but for everything she put Adele through. He felt angry with himself for letting Kari rule his schedule instead of telling her no sometimes. Caden became so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't hear Adele's door slide open at that moment.
"Hello Mr. Insomniac," she greeted him as she sat down next to him, "What keeps you up at this hour?" He smiled a little at her words and turned his head toward her.
"Listen," he began slowly, "I, I owe you a huge apology."
"For?" she questioned him puzzled.
He sucked in his breath and pulled his thoughts together. "Well, for," he continued, "For being a sucky friend. I let Kari walk all over you and almost left you in the dust because of her."
He waited to hear her reply and could feel his insides freezing up in fear. She wasn't answering him right away which made him very nervous. Then before he knew it, Adele crushed her small form around his body into a weak attempt at a bear hug. He was stunned but at the same time, very relieved. He allowed his arms to wrap themselves around her petite form and squeezed her closer to his chest. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla tickled his nostrils as her hair brushed across his cheek.
"I forgive you Cades," she told him as she rested her head on his shoulder, "You're my best friend. What would I do without you anyways?" Caden smiled happily as he continued to hold her. His face warmed slightly and all of a sudden, his heart beat a bit faster. Why?
