¤Chapter Seventeen¤

"Why are we at my house?" I asked astonished. 

This is not what I had in mind when I told Owen we should go somewhere. Actually, I just wanted to leave Jace's presence as soon as possible —although the feeling I felt from Owen's irritably around him was... pleasant. "Also," I continued, bringing my attention to the present. "How do you know where I live?"

His cheeks slowly tinted pink as he looked at me from his stiff position behind the steering wheel. "I, uh, bumped into your friend on my way out, that's why I took so long inside"

"You —what?" I moved from blankly staring out the window at my house perched on a slope to fiercely focusing on him. His eyes shifted around nervously. 

"Yeah..." He scratched the back of his head then got out of the truck, refusing to give me anymore information. Did they tell him not to say anything? That wouldn't be the first time they tried to set me up with someone behind my back. 

Getting my bike off Owen's truck was much harder than putting it on. It could be because he is significantly weaker than Jace or perhaps my annoyance is clouding my vision and obstructing my strength. Both is also an option. 

"What do you plan on doing with me when I take you into my house?" I rose a brow. The wind from earlier seemed to have brought in some grey clouds but they have nothing on the wide eyes that stared back at me. I don't need to be able to read him to know that startled him. The fact that he brought me home caught me off guard but the plan still stands. In truth, this might work better on my turf than some random public location.

Maybe I should thank my friends after all.

Everything in our living room is decorated with neutral colors. Last year, my family discovered that plain colors helped in keeping me calm. Thinking back on it now, I guess it worked a little. My anguish gradually subsided with time and I was able to get over the jerk. The only furniture my parents didn't change in the house was the black bookshelf that was placed awkwardly next to the fireplace. It doesn't quite fit the décor. I have my own mini library in my room so I don't use it. As a matter of fact, I don't think I've ever seen my parents use it either but they're rarely home anyways. 

We sat on the plush couch in front of the TV and I propped my legs up on the coffee table, waiting for him to say something. I studied his impassive expression on the blank screen's reflection. Finally, after a few minutes he spoke, "I feel like I should thank you but I don't know how."

I looked in his emerald-grey eyes quizzically; they swirled with an emotion I couldn't understand. "You just did. Now tell me the reason for your gratitude."

His lips twisted a little as if he's trying to withhold a smile. "You didn't leave with that strange guy"

"And what makes you think I planned on leaving with him?" I placed my elbow on the armrest and let my cheek rest on my palm. So far I'm still unable to decipher anything other than his body language and right now it's telling me he's relieved but also trying to show restraint.

"He saw me approaching Brittney's car and called out," He paused then dropped his voice a few octaves to mimic Jace's deep, breathy tone. " 'Aye, Pretty Boy where's my girl Madison?' "

I flinched at my name.

"Yup that sound's like something Jace would say but—" I dropped my legs and scooted closer next to Owen on the sofa, forcing him to meet my warning glare. "That doesn't mean you get to repeat everything."

Something seemingly dejected crossed his features before he responded with "Oh."

 "Jace is it?" He clarified on the name before continuing, "Well it seems you're okay with him saying your name but not me"

This surprised me a bit but I hid it well, my gaze never leaving his. The landscape in his eyes gave nothing away. I noticed his shoulders were hunched over which signifies laziness with untrained eyes and defeat with trained eyes. Which is it? Both maybe? But why would he feel defeated when we haven't started yet? I'm going to figure him out no matter what —I have to.

"And what if I am?" I threw my head back in frustration and it sank into the cool cushion behind me.

Without answering my question he stood up and headed for the front door. "I'm glad I was able to bring you home Madi, see you around"

I raced in front of him and grabbed the door first, pulling it open. "It's raining outside, don't you think it's best if you wait until this thunderstorm passes?"

"The wind has been building up all day" He agreed then hesitated. "But..."

"But what?" I pushed. Something's bothering him.

He shook his head then leaned over the threshold to peek outside. "Shouldn't we move your bike from the driveway? It's getting wet"

I rolled my eyes, disgruntled because I'm still stuck on his issue with Jace saying my name —I know that's at least part of the reason why he's acting so weird. He won't answer unless I explain but it's complicated so I can't get into the details nor should I have to. 

If I could read him, I thought to myself, I wouldn't need him to answer because I would've already figured it out. If I focus enough, I'm able to interpret what a person plans on doing or saying next. Everyone except him. It's useful but sometimes knowing doesn't make a difference.

"Oden's fine Owen, he's a big boy" The irritation in my voice was not something I could hide this time. Maybe I should be more aggressive since 'nice' isn't helping. Then again, aggression would only scare him away, he can't handle it. If he were Jace, I'd tie him to the dining room chair and interrogate him until I was satisfied.

By all means try.

His challenge rang in my head as if he was right here next to me. That stupid man-child is quick to accept anything I throw at him and send it right back. But Owen is more... soft so I have to tackle him a different way. As if I'm approaching a lost kitten on the sidewalk.

Why do I keep comparing them?

"Oden?" He echoed, puzzled at first then his eyes lit up like a light bulb and the confusion was replaced with something else. "He's your baby, right?"

 "Yes." I responded, watching him suspiciously. "So what?"

The heavy rain slowed to a light drizzle now but he drifted further inside the living room and shut the door behind him. "I thought about naming my future son that when I was younger, you know —it kind of sounds a bit like my name so I always liked it."

I gasped, eventually understanding where he was going with this. "Oh no you don't," I shook my head vigorously. "My baby Owen —shit, I mean Oden, has no connection to you at all"

If his eyes sparkle anymore I'm sure I'll go blind from looking at them. What the hell is he thinking? And why do I feel as if the tables have turned on me again? This is not good; I don't like being cornered.

The smile that his lips produced appeared innocent but his sudden ragged breathing said otherwise. I haphazardly tried to read into his gaze. I've been doing this every time I get the chance but it's not working. The panic seeped in like a tide, rising slow at first until suddenly I'm lost in his world. Right now, in this moment, his eyes weren't grey or green —it was the perfect combination of both. Deja vu grabbed onto me as his demeanor became less intimidated and more confident.

He leaned towards me and I leaned back until It felt like my back was going to snap and I slipped. His hand grabbed my shoulders to pull me upright again but he didn't let go. His grip was firm and my hypersensitivity activated from our sudden closeness, making me feel the slight dampness from his finger tips. He's anxious.

"Owen" I began but there was nothing to say. Words failed me and my heart drummed violently against my chest. The atmosphere in the room elevated to a new level between us, creating a bubble that distorted the reality of our lives.

"Firefly" He breathed as his pupils dilated. Something about the intensity radiating off him stole my oxygen and caused me to pause for a beat.

"I-I..." I placed my hand on his solid chest either to push him away or give myself enough momentum to move back. It didn't work because my body started to shut down. Out of nowhere, I couldn't speak, my breath hitched, and my stomach tightened to knots. This feeling...It can't be...

Why did I think choosing him was a good idea again? This is similar to what happened when we were alone for the first time but now there's no bell to break us out of this trance.

Lightning flashed outside followed by the booming clap of thunder then his lips were pressed against mine in a closed mouth kiss, dissipating whatever feeble control I had left. His mouth felt soft and tender against mine. It transported our little bubble out of my living room and into a world with sunny skies and fireflies. I can't remember the last time I've felt a kiss so gentle and sweet, so innocent and pure. It vaguely reminded me of who I'm not and who I used to be. If only my firsts were as breathtaking and sensational as this.

His hands wrapped around my waist, holding me as if he never planned on letting go and my hands gripped his triceps tightly. I was briefly convinced that we were a normal High School couple sharing a sweet kiss at the beginning of our promising relationship. Goosebumps rose all over my tingling body. Perhaps if I had more air in my lungs we would have kept kissing and clinging to each other but I didn't and yet somehow managed to work up enough courage to actually shove him back before I could pass out from whatever the hell this feeling was. 

He placed a hand on his chest, but I don't think it's because I shoved him too hard. I barley had the energy or will to move him at all.

I tried to talk although I was still gasping for air. "What the—"

"Oh hello Madi dear" My mother's bright voice appeared from across the room. Dad stood next to her by the fireplace looking quite displeased at the scene before him. When did they get here? 

Owen squared his shoulders and cleared his throat. "H-Hello Mr. and Mrs. F-Fields"

"Don't mind us children, we just stopped by for a quick lunch break —Frank wanted leftovers." Mom muttered, giving dad an exasperated look. Her eyes brushed over Owen's strained appearance absentmindedly but I noticed dad studying him more carefully with a frown. Is he reading him? Can he read him?

"Uh, Madi—" Owen began after they disappeared in the kitchen but I interjected.

Grasping his shirt in my fist, I pulled him close —but not too close— and spoke gravely. "Say anything to anyone about this and you're dead. Got it?"

He nodded hastily, all traces of our fairytale moment gone from his mind I hope.

"Okay kids!" Mom walked back into the living room with a lunch bag in one hand and dad's wrist in the other, dragging him along behind her. They headed for the front door. "Sorry for interrupting you both, feel free to continue what you were doing before we got here"

"What?" I stared after them in shock. My eyes pierced dad's back as he trailed behind mom. I'm now certain he was able to read or understand Owen and his intensions because he seemed less tense compared to a few minutes ago. Of course that could me mom's doing as well —maybe she talked to him in the kitchen. 

He glanced back over his shoulder as they approached the black car in the driveway and said in a barley audible voice. "Carry on."

My brows furrowed. If I could feel embarrassment it would be raging right now. Was that them approving him? How much did they see? I was so lost in my own world that I didn't even hear when they walked in. I looked over at Owen. How is one guy able to—

He coughed. "Um Madi, you're still grabbing my shirt"

My left hand still scrunched the thin material of his shirt in my fist. I released him without making eye contact as the car drove off with my parents. My giddy days are long behind me however, it seems my flustered days are back and here to stay because I could barley form a proper sentence. "Rain's done. You leave now."

I could hear the smile in his voice hidden behind the nerves and confusion he must feel as well. "Yeah I'll be sure to give Oden a kiss too so he doesn't get jealous"

After I heard his truck start and leave I allowed my lips to curve upwards. Slightly.

What am I gonna do with him?

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