Today was the day. The day Adam was leaving to head back to Chicago. After today they didn't know when they would see each other again. Yes they lived in the same city but they had busy lives, they didn't go to the same school and they didn't have similar sports interests. And it's not like they could be on the same teams anyway but they knew they would work at it and make it happen. But Kim and Adam were still crushed about today. They had talked about spending most of the day together to soak up as much time together as possible.
Like most days this week Kim was up early and texted Adam to meet up for their usual run. He was already waiting for her text knowing he didn't want to miss one second of time with her. He headed outside to wait for her, anxious to see her and hold her. He started to walk up the road when he saw her walking closer. As soon as they met they just wrapped each other in an embrace. Adam felt his shirt getting wet, he looked down to see Kim crying. "Hey Darling it's going to be okay. I promise, we will see each other. We are not ending this, we are just moving it to a new city. I want you in my life everyday. Please don't cry!" Adam pulled back slightly to wipe her tears away. He kissed her slowly trying to pour all of his intentions into the kiss.
"I'm just going to miss not seeing you everyday. I love what we have right now and being away from you just sucks so much. I don't want things to change but I know it will and that it has to. But this is truly the happiest I have ever been. And I owe it all to you!" Kim returned the kiss with passion and fire. The emotions of it all were strong and heavy but they needed to get them under control. "I wish we weren't 13 and could be out in the open. I really want to be able to kiss you out in the open in front of everyone, no shame." Adam laughed knowing it sounded bad. "I understand what you are trying to say and I agree. Let's walk today so we can spend more time together." Kim offered as she held out his hand to take it.
As they walked around town they talked about life. Where they wanted to go, who they wanted to be. They talked about how they wanted to handle their relationship once they are back at school. People always think you are lying when you say you met someone on summer vacation, so they talked about how that would go. They luckily took lots of photos together and would take more when they got back to Chicago. "How about Tuesday we meet up? What do you think?" Adam asked as they continued walking. "That should work. I do have a dance class that day but since it's summer it's earlier in the day instead of 5 at night. I should be done by 1 though." Kim replied as was returning back to her schedule next week. The thing she was concerned about.
"That's fine. We can do lunch afterwards, maybe a movie too." Adam was just happy to see her, even if he had to wait for her schedule to clear up. "That sounds wonderful! I will bring a change of clothes so I don't have to go out in my dance outfit. "I don't know, that dance outfit sounds appealing." Adam laughed as Kim swatted him. "It's not cute! It's boring! And all pink! I can't wait to change out of it." Kim laughed knowing how quickly she's out of it when she gets home. "No matter what it is I'm sure you look adorable." Adam kissed her head as they kept walking slowly.
"So What is your schedule for summer sports?" Adam asked not sure what she had going on. "Um so dance is Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Soccer practice is Monday and Friday at 5, soccer games are Saturdays they start at 8 and end at 3ish. Plus you know I run everyday. So I'm pretty busy but plenty of time to hang out around it all." Kim shrugged knowing it was a lot. "Well I also have practices the same time as you with soccer but mines baseball so that's helpful. So I know we got this!" Adam squeezed her hand knowing she was worried they would drift apart due to their schedules.
"I know it's just hard not to worry. It's what I do. But it seems like we have a good amount of time to work with. I just want this to work out." Kim sighed as Adam wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I know darling and I worry too but if this is what we both want then it will happen. So that's how I know we will make it. You and me!" Adam stopped walking so he could look her in the eyes. He reached up to hold her face as he leaned in to kiss her softly. "I want this too!" Kim smiled before kissing him back.
They started walking again enjoying the silence between them. Knowing they were on the same page made them both feel lighter. They could do this. They would over come. It would be amazing. They had started back as Adam was asking questions about the town they were in. Pointing to some tombstones on the side of the road. Kim telling him the story and then telling him she has a book all about the town that he could borrow when they get home. He had made good progress on the first book he borrowed and it was better than he thought it would be. But since he imagined she read romance novels anything would be an improvement.
The town was fairly quiet that morning so the bakery was empty and the tables were too. They sat at what seemed to be their table enjoying their last cinnamon roll together. As they slowly headed home they made plans to meet at the beach again later. Neither wanted to miss out on each other or the beach. It was just to much fun and too beautiful to not be there on their last day. The beach was just as empty as the town. It was check out day for most people so the town would remain empty till the influx came later that night.
The couple headed into the water to play in the waves and splash each other. They traded soft pecks often enjoying their families being busy elsewhere. It was an enjoyable day. After they showered and got dressed they headed back into town for lunch at a local place on the water. They sat at a picnic table under a shade but close to the water, they could here the water lapping under the boardwalk. The breeze coming off the water was lovely, it kept them cooler in the hot summer sun. "So my mom just texted me asking to meet up this week. She's thinking Wednesday which is a day we have nothing going on. Are you okay with me spending that day with her?" Adam asked as he ate his lunch. "Baby! Of course I'm fine with that. She's your mother! And I will never control you. My parents tried that and they are headed for divorce. Go see your mother!" Kim was shocked that he was concerned about her being upset. "Thanks darling!" Adam squeezed her hand as he continued to eat his lunch.
As the day continued on the young couple explored the shops, took lots of photos, some serious and some funny. They both laughed so hard their sides hurt. Before they knew it it was time for them to head home. They were doing dinner with their families but agreed to meet up one last time before he left. They would meet at the beach to watch the stars one last time but it was really to see each other one last time in their now favorite place. They had a quick make out session before heading to their homes for dinner.
Adams family was leaving shortly so he told his dad he needed a few minutes by the ocean before they left. He texted Kim saying he was on his way. As soon as they were at the beach they were wrapped in each other's arms. They made out as tears fell down Kim's face, in the end Adam was crying as well. It broke his heart to see her cry. "Tuesday darling. I will see you Tuesday and we will talk everyday. I promise we will be good." Adam kissed her again trying to soothe her fears. As they said goodbye Kim sat in the sand letting the tears fall.
As they both traveled back to Chicago they kept in constant contact with updates of their travels. It was nice to know where they were located, it brought them comfort. When Adam arrived home he went straight to bed, he was exhausted from the long trip. Kim's family was still on the road but she was happy to hear he was home and asleep. When Kim arrived home she sent a photo of her in her room right before she fell asleep. Monday they both spent the day doing laundry from the trip and texting each other. Kim had been out running twice trying to make sure she was ready for dance class.
It was finally Tuesday, Kim had finished dance class and had changed in the bathroom before meeting Adam out front of the studio. "Adam!" Kim ran and jumped into his arms. "Hey Darling! God I missed you!" Adam kissed her hard before pulling away to see her smiling face. "Can we get out of here! I'm over this place!" Kim groaned as she looked at the building. "Of course. Let's go get some lunch and we can talk about it." Adam slowly let her down but didn't let go of her. They walked to a nearby diner to get some food. "So now that we are alone, what was that about?" Adam asked holding her hands. "He just doesn't get it. I was dancing cause it was fun, now it feels like a chore. And the constant nagging at me and only me makes me not want to dance anymore. I told him I'm thinking of quitting. He didn't take it well at all. Told me he was going to call my parents to make sure that I can't quit." Kim explained as she got more angry.
"Maybe change studios? Or take a year off? That way you can see how you feel about it, if you miss it or not." Adam noticed her eyes weren't focused on him anymore. He followed her eye sight to see what she was looking at. "Kim? What are you looking at?" Adam asked startling her. "I saw him watching us. He took photos of us." Kim's voice was shaky. Adams head snapped around to see the man getting into a car and leaving fast. "Kim it's not safe for you to go to that class anymore. I'm serious Kim you need to quit that class and be safe. Never forget to have your cell phone on you at all times. And I'm getting you a knife. You need protection." Adam was pissed off and scared for Kim.
"I don't know what to do. If I quit that's not going to stop him. And he hasn't done anything to be arrested for. Trust me they will say him taking a few photos isn't enough. But I will be careful I promise you." Kim calmed down some as they had lunch together. It was enjoyable to be together again. They both heard Adams phone buzz. "Answer it it's cool." Kim didn't mind. "It's Jay asking about a movie tonight with Erin. How about I say yes and tell him I'm bringing a friend. Then we surprise they with that being you?" Adam suggested. "I love the idea! Sounds like fun!" Kim was excited to see her friends and to spend time with them and her boyfriend. "Okay I set it all up." Adam smiled as they fell into an easy conversation.
As they left the diner Kim kept her eyes peeled to see if he was still watching them but she did t she anything. They got a cab ride over to the movie theater where they were meeting Erin and Jay. "Okay stay behind me. I want it to be a surprise." Adam said as he walked in trying to keep her behind him. "Yo Ruz where's this friend you wanted us to meet?" Jay called out as Erin stood next to him. "Right behind me. Surprise!" Adam announced as Kim jumped from behind him smiling. "What how did this happen?" Erin looked shocked as she came over to hug her best friend. "We met on vacation and we spent the entire trip together for the most part. And we are together but our parents don't know." Kim shrugged as Adam hugged her. "This is insane!" Jay was shocked but hugged Kim anyway.
"Speaking of insane, Kim isn't that your dance teacher?" Erin pointed towards the food court. "OMG yes it is! He followed us to the diner earlier and now he's here! I don't like this. Somethings not right!" Kim was shaking, she was scared. Adam pulled her into a tight hug trying to calm her down. It didn't really work so they moved her into the theater where the movie was and sat at the very back so no one could sneak up on them. She felt sick the entire movie but tried to enjoy herself. She was with her boyfriend and best friends, she was safe. When the movie ended they left and noticed the guy was gone or at least out of sight. They moved outside the mall to wait for Erin's foster mom Camille to pick them up and take them home.
Kim was on edge the whole time not realizing that Adam was as well. He was scared for her but also angry that a grown man was following a kid. When they arrived at the Voights house they all went to Erin's room to talk. "Okay here's the plan. Kim you will never go to dance class alone. One of us will always be with you. Really don't go anywhere alone, it's not safe. You need to quit those classes but I know your mom won't allow it, we talked about that before. We catch him following you enough we get him for stalking. And because you are 13 I'm sure child endangerment as well. Promise me please." Erin was full on cop mode and it was kind of funny knowing her past. "I promise!" Kim was beyond scared but she had to keep going.
The group eventually all went home with promises to take Kim to dance on Thursday. As Kim got in her moms car she started to beg to quit dance but like she thought her mother didn't care. She had invested too much money for Kim to quit now. Kim tried to explain that he was following her but her mom didn't believe it. Why would a grown man follow a child, she said. Kim felt stuck. Kim went straight to her room when she got home and called Adam right away.
"Hey baby!" Kim sighed as she heard his voice. "Hey. What's wrong? I take it the talk with your mom didn't got well." Adam asked knowing the answer. "Yup! You guessed right. She doesn't believe me and said she invested too much money in this for me to quit now. I just don't know what to do about that but I do know that I'm happy with you being in my life." Kim wanted to end the bad conversation with something positive. "I'm so sorry darling! I don't know how to help you but I am also happy you are in my life. I'm so incredibly happy with you in my life." Adam smiled thinking about their time together. "Are you excited to see your mom tomorrow?" Kim asked changing topics. "Yeah it's been a bit since I saw her so yeah it would be good to see her. I think my sister is going too so that will be nice." Adam was happy that he was seeing his mom again. He didn't always get a ton of time with her because she works and he had school and sports.
"Good I'm glad! Tomorrow I'm going for a run and then hanging out with Erin since neither have sports tomorrow." Kim explained her day so Adam knew she would be busy as well. "Just be careful on your run. Take your phone and a pocket knife it you have one. Maybe a whistle. I just want you to be safe tomorrow." Adam was worried about Kim going out alone right now but he wouldn't stop her from running, she loved running. "I promise I will. I know how scary this is and I won't knowingly put myself in danger." Kim replied as she thought about the situation at hand. Adam left Kim before their parents got home from work, hoping to continue to hide their relationship. They texted through out the night before going to bed dreaming of the future.
The next morning Kim got up to head for a run, she noticed a car following behind her but tried to act natural. She changed directions trying not to rub the same trail as normal hoping that would throw this person off. It worked somewhat when she headed down some one way streets. As she returned home she noticed the car was no longer near here and that made her happy. She locked the doors right away and headed upstairs to take a shower, not before texting Adam a good morning text and to let him know she was home safe. Kim saw his reply after she showered, smiling wide at his text.
Adam had gotten up and eaten before receiving Kim morning text message. He tried to conceal his smile hoping no one would see it. He replied before getting ready to see him mom for the day. She wanted to do back to school shopping which he hated but would suffer through for her. He texted Kim and Jay as he was getting ready trying to set up plans for the weekend. They set plans for Saturday night for them to head to a underage club. It sounded fun and they knew it was safe because Erin's father knew the security there. Adam left the house as he heard his mother honking her horn outside.
As they headed to the mall Adam saw a familiar face in the car behind them. He texted Kim to keep her up to date. He was happy to hear she was at home with Erin trying to figure out what to wear to the club. She sent him several photos of outfits that were contenders. He laughed thinking about how bored Erin must be knowing she hated clothing shopping and being girly. He also couldn't help but wonder which outfit she would chose. After several hours of shopping Adam was hungry and beat. He couldn't wait to head home. He and Kim planned a Skype session since they couldn't meet up.
He was thrilled when his mom pulled into a diner for a late lunch. "So Adam who is this girl you keep texting?" Adam looked at his mother shocked. "You think I didn't notice that you are happier and seem lighter? Yeah okay. So just tell me who she is?" His mother left no room for argument. "Um her name is Kim. She my age, we have a lot in common. But dad and her parents don't allow dating at our age so we are hiding it. I really like her though. She's different and makes me smile a lot." He took out his phone and showed his mom some photos. Her eyes focused on the background. "You met at the beach and you both just happen to live in Chicago? That sounds like fate." His mother gushed and Adam turned bright red.
"Yeah we met at the beach and yes we both live in Chicago. We even have friends in common. It was a big surprise to say the least. But it just shows how connected we are. She loves to run and I have a hard time keeping up but it makes me want to be better you know? She also got me to start reading. She's smart and wants to help me to be smarter. And crazy enough I want to try for her." Adam was confused about his feelings. They were new feeling he never felt before. "Sounds like you love her son. But be careful, you haven't known her long at all." Adam shook his head agreeing with her.
Adam kept those words in mind as they finished lunch and headed home, he knew Kim was having dinner with Erin and Kim's family so he was in no hurry to call her knowing she wouldn't answer. He settled into his bed to read the book Kim had given him. He was almost finished it and he had to admit it was better than he wanted to admit. This may need to become a thing going forward for him. Before he knew it it was 7 and his computer app was ringing. He smiled seeing Kim's face on the screen.
"Hey baby how was your day?" Kim asked as smiled taking in Adam face like it was the first time. "It was good. Got some new clothes for school and told my mom about us. And before you freak out she flat out asked who the girl was that was making me smile so much." Adam almost laughed seeing Kim look like her eyes were going to pop out. "And what did she say?" Kim asked concerned. "She was happy for me, for us. But warned that we may be falling to quick. Saying we haven't known each other long, which I agree with but it doesn't change how I feel. I understand we need to be cautious especially since it's our first relationships." Adam answered watching Kim process what he's saying.
"I understand what you are saying and what your mom is saying. And I agree as well but I truly feel so connected to you that I'm willing to take a chance. Now tell me you saw him following you to the mall? I'm pretty sure he followed me on my run this morning till I went down the one way streets. And I made sure all the doors were locked in the house just in case." Kim and Adam has started to keep a list of every time they had been followed. They needed proof before heading to the cops. "Yeah I saw him in the car behind us as we drove to the mall. But I never saw him inside the mall. I think he's trying to learn our schedules. We need to be more careful." Adam admitted as he thought more about their current situation.
They talked longer about their plans for tomorrow. Adam was going to Kim's dance class with her, promising to stay in the waiting area the entire time. They also talked more about club night knowing it will be the first time they got to hang out with out fear of being caught together since they got home to Chicago. They were both excited to see how the night went. Excited to be able to kiss in public, hold hands and hold each other. It was very enticing to them. As they headed to bed they both signed off with a blown kiss and fell asleep looking forward to tomorrow when they would be reunited.