*Okay!*
Mhm!
He cleared his throat.
As he began to weave his tale, he felt the knot in his chest loosen.
He began his tale, a weaving a story of about man who used to worked himself to death in a world far beyond this one. He was what they called a real estate collage student, balancing a gruelling nine-to-five job, barely making ends meet. Then, one faithful day, he fell asleep reading his favourite novel. When he woke up he found himself in the body of a noble whose family was drowning in debt.
"Imagine the challenges he faced—society's scorn, his family's expectations, and the weight of his past!"
He exclaimed, fully immersing himself in the character's struggle.
Seconds turned into minutes.
Soon those minutes swiftly spiralled into hours.
He described the clever schemes he devised, the friendships (enemies) he forged and (more) enemies he made along the way.
By the time he wrapped up his tale, the kids were in tears, their emotions fully engaged.
Small sobs escaped their eyes.
"That was unexpected!"
Carol cried out, wiping her cheeks.
"He finally ended up with the queen!"
Liam added.
"What an amazing story!"
Eli added, his eyes shimmering with admiration.
Carol was trying to hold her enjoyment of the story.
Liam was grinning ear to ear clearly thrilled with how the story captivated his friends.
"You've got to tell us some stories like that."
His eyes gleamed, excitement building in his face.
A sly smile escaped Taylor's face.
*I have plenty of more stories to tell but….*
"Of course! I'd love to but."
"But?"
Liam asked.
Taylor paused than pointed at the sunset.
"Sure, but it's getting dark and I promised my mom I'd be before the sun sets."
He said glancing at the horizon, where vibrant hues of orange and pink painted the sky.
Their expressions quickly shifted to disappointment.
"But, we want to hear more stories!"
Carol protested, her face lighting.
"We can start fresh some other time, I promise."
"We'll hold you up on that."
Liam said, while beaming.
"Let's go!"
Taylor urged, as they passed through the front door back into the fading daylight.
"Where are you going?"
Liam's father asked, looking up from his work.
"We're just escorting Taylor back to his home."
Liam replied, trying to sound casual.
"Alright, just meet me back at home, I'm locking the shack."
He instructed, his voice warm yet authoritative.
"Yes, father."
Liam answered obediently.
"Just be safe, okay."
He added with a bit of concern in his voice.
"Sure thing!"
They all chimed in.
"Thank you!"
Taylor added, feeling grateful for the moment.
"We'll be safe!"
He reassured his father as they walked together toward the entrance of the yard.
As they were walking Liam, Eli and Carol were walking together on the front having a delight yet pleasant conversation.
Leaving Taylor and Lowell walking together behind them, silence feeling the atmosphere.
*Well, this is weird! Never thought I'd be nervous to talk to a girl.*
Deciding to break the silence Lowell spoke.
"I'm glad you're back."
She said, her voice sincere.
"T-T..ank you."
Taylor stammered not expecting the words to come out of her mouth.
"Uhm… could I ask you a question?"
"What is it?"
Taylor took a breath and said.
"Did I do something to hurt you?"
"Yes!"
She immediately answered.
*Wait! So I did do something wrong, so then why don't I have recollection of doing something to her?*
"I'm sorry but I don't remember touching yo-"
"No!"
She stopped and paused before, caught him off not giving him a chance to finish.
She tightly clutched her chest, before saying.
"You hurt me another way, worse than anything I could ever imagine."
Taylor saw a tear leaving her eye.
"Do you remember a letter?"
"A letter?"
*Nope, doesn't ring a bell at all! Why can't I seem to remember it?"
Taylor tried to remember but, nothing seemed to ring a bell.
*It figures, after all he's just a huge jer-*
Taylor didn't let her finish her thoughts.
He bend his upper body slightly.
"I'm sorry!"
*What gives? why is he apologising if he doesn't remember?"
"I'm sorry for whatever I did wrong. I don't remember but if it hurt you that much then it must've been terrible."
Lowell was taken aback by his actions, her cheeks turning red.
"Wait, wait, wait it's okay you don't have to apologise, I can see you really mean it so you can stop now!"
She tried hiding her already flustered cheeks.
"Huh! Really are you sure,"
" Yes! Now stop!"
Then he lifted his upper body.
"Hey, guys! Why are you so far, slow pokes!"
Eli taunted.
"Okay we're coming!"
"Come on let's go!"
Taylor offered a hand.
Lowell hesitated before finally letting go of the past.
She took his hand.
They tried to catch up to Liam and the others.
*Mabye, he really is sorry Although I don't wanna believe it, but he really has!*
Once they all reached the town square, they turned to say they goodbyes.
Taylor, finally let go of her hand.
Sorry about that.
"Sorry for that!"
Taylor scratched his head.
"I-It's nothing!"
She brushed it off.
"See you guys!"
Carol shouted, enthusiastically.
"Can't wait for more stories."
Eli said already bouncing on his feet.
"Yeah, goodbye…"
Lowell added trying to keep herself together.
"Yeah, I'll see you Lowell."
She quickly turned away and rushed off.
As he walked away, with Liam. Liam suddenly spoke.
"Hey, Taylor."
"Huh! What's wrong."
Liam spoke.
"You sure were talking to Lowell, for a long time mind telling me what you were talking about."
"It's a secret!"
Taylor jockey trying to divert his attention to something else.
"Are you too already dating."
"What no!"
Taylor turned his head away.
"Oh, sorry then it must be something important right."
"Uhm… yes!"
*Come to think of it she was blushing a lot, No, but I'm older like 15 years old (mentally) or something, and she's 10 years old so that's like a five year old age gap.
I hope I didn't give her the wrong impression! Even so I wonder why was she mad at me in the first place, something about…. A love letter? Or something! Either way I'm sure it's nothing!*
Taylor brushed the thought off.
***
This is an extra chapter, as thanks for over 100 subscribers.