Some Kind Of Wonderful

Chapter Nineteen: Running away!

“Oh what the hell, I have feelings for you, Chase.” Chase’s eyes widened. “Actually, that’s not true I have more than just feelings for you. I’vefalleninlovewithyou,” she said quickly and Chase frowned.

“What?” he asked confused. “I didn’t catch that last part.” He said and Leila closed her eyes.

“I’m in love with you, Chase.” Chase blinked once, twice, three times and just continued looking at her in shock.

Leila licked her lips stopping to bite down on her lip fretfully. Chase just looked at her his eyes showing no other emotion than shock. “Chase, please say something...anything.” Leila said quietly.

Chase blinked. “Um...” he frowned deeply his mind was unable to put together two words at the moment. “I...wha...” she stopped and sighed deeply. “H-How long?” he asked and watched as Leila shrugged.

“I don’t know, I guess I always had feelings for you. But they only became more evident after we slept together.” Chase nodded.

“Why couldn’t you tell me this before?” he asked somehow finding his voice once again.

“I was scared.” She admitted meekly.

Chase’s brow creased in confusion. “Scared of what?”

Leila closed her eyes and took a long shaky breath. “I was scared I would lose you if I revealed how I felt about you. I didn’t want to lose you as a friend because I was weak enough to fall for you.” She said casting her eyes down.

Chase reached out gently tilting her head up to meet his eyes. “You could never lose me, Leila. Truth is I understand how you
feel, you weren’t the only one that was weak.” She said his thumb delicately caressing her cheek.

Leila’s blue eyes blinked. “I fell for you a really long time ago, Leila. Just like you I was afraid to tell you how I felt because I thought I would scare you away. I wanted to tell you so many times but things always got in the way.” Leila took his hand in to hers.

“When did you realise?” Chase smiled.

“Back in junior year when you began dating that tool, Paul Sinclair.” Jeyla frowned.

“He was my first boyfriend.” She stated and Chase nodded.

“Yeah, I know I saw you guys kissing in the hall at lunch one afternoon, and I guess that’s when it hit me.” Chase explained remembering how he felt when he saw Paul kissing her heatedly.

“Wait, is that why you disappeared that afternoon?” she questioned and Chase nodded.

“Yeah, I needed to get away and clear my head.” He said his sorrow from years ago evident on his brown eyes.

Leila squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry, Chase. The last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you. I can’t believe I was so blind.” She said shaking her head.

Chase chuckled. “All this time we have both been secretly in love with each other, huh?” Leila smiled.

“Yeah, I guess our friendship was more important to us both. So, the real question is where we go from here?” she asked looking into his eyes.

Chase hesitated. “If you had told me this a few months ago, I would have been the happiest man in the world.” Leila tried to breathe through the tightening of her chest.

“And now?” she squeaked.

“I’m with Nicole. And as much as I wanna be with you, I don’t think it’s fair to just drop Nicole because...” he frowned and stopped talking.

“No, you’re right, I understand. I can’t expect you to dump Nicole because I suddenly decided to tell you how I feel; you’re in a relationship which is a good thing. I just wanted you to know.” She said swallowing the lump forming in her throat.

“I love you Leila, more than life itself. But I’m...” Leila silenced him by pressing her finger to his lips.

“Don’t, please.” She said gazing into his eyes. “It’ll only make it harder for me.” Chase closed his eyes when he saw her eyes
were pooled with tears. He pulled the finger she had pressed to his lips taking a hold of her hand. He leaned forward and
brushed his lips over hers and his heart clenched painfully when her lips quivered beneath his own.

They kissed many times before, but somehow this one was different, it was filled with hopelessness and desperation on both parts. Leila pulled away licked her lips before dropping her gaze. She wiped away the few tears that escaped her blue eyes.

“I better go...” she said standing up. Chase stood up also.

“Leila...” he said desperately but she just shook her head.

“This won’t change anything. I’ll still be your friend Chase, always. I just need you to do something for me, okay?” Chase nodded.

“I need to not be around you for a while. I need time to clear my head and somehow get over the feelings I have for you.”

“Leila no,” Chase said taking a step towards her. Leila retreated but the hurt that flashed in Chase’s eyes didn’t go unnoticed by her. “You’re already pulling away from me. I can’t lose you, I can’t”

“You won’t lose me, Chase you couldn’t. I need this please. Just don’t call, don’t come and see me for a while.” Chase shook his head. “I’ll get over it.”

“Leila...”

“Please Chase.” She pleaded. Chase knew he was making a big mistake, he loved Leila or so long and dreamt of nothing but being with her and here was his chance. But as luck would have it he was bound to another. He couldn’t hurt Nicole, as much as he wanted to be Leila it wouldn’t be fair to her if he just dropped her like a hot potato just because one of his most desired dreamed came true.

“Okay,” he agreed regretfully. “If that’s what you need then I’m going to respect that and give you the time you need. But remember one thing, I am nothing without you.” Leila’s eyes once again pooled with tears blurring her vision.

(With Me Sum41)

She threw herself into his arms embracing him tightly. Chase wrapped his arms around her bringing her as close as possible. He closed his eyes the ache he felt in his chest only increasing at the pass of every second.

Leila pulled back from the heartfelt embrace; with a nod she held her head up high and walked away.
Chase watched his best friend walk away, his voice of reason screaming at him to go after her, but he stood rooted.

^*^*^

Leila was heartbroken, deep down she knew this would happen yet, her heart nor mind listened to reason, she told him the secret she held on to for so long only to have it all blow up in her face.

She knew their friendship will never be the same now. She promised him that he could never lose her but, how was she supposed to look him in the face again? How was she supposed to look at him and not feel hurt by being rejected by him?

After hours and hours of mindless wandering and crying she took a taxi to the only person she could think of to escape from everything...Marc.

She felt like she was suffocating, she couldn’t breathe through the pain in her chest and the lump that was forming in her throat. She wiped away the tears that kept falling from her eyes and knocked on the door three times.

Marc opened the door after a few seconds he stood before her with his shirt unbuttoned showing his nicely tan and muscular chest. His blond hair was tousled like he had been running his fingers through it.

Upon setting his eyes on her his violet eyes immediately filled with concern. “Leila?”

Once Leila heard his voice she crumbled, her lips quivered and the tears she had been trying to hold back came tumbling out of her with a heartbreaking squeak. Marc instantly pulled her into his chest where she broke down, her shoulders shaking with
hoarse sobs. “Shhh,” He said quietly burying his nose onto her hair while he rocked her side to side.

He didn’t ask any questions, he just held her as she needed giving her the comfort she was looking for. He only whispered soothing and comforting words to her while running his fingers through her hair.

After a good five minutes the sobbing stopped and only once in a while a hiccup made her body shake. The tears had ebbed away leaving her face downed and stained with the little make-up she wore.

She looked up at him once she pulled away. She opened her mouth to apologise but he beat her to it. He cupped her face into his hands wiping away the tears. “Don’t apologise, that’s what I’m here for.” He assured her and Leila’s blue eyes were now rimmed red, the tip of her nose slightly pink.

“Quincy, who is it?” a voice came from inside. Leila blinked and frowned. She opened her mouth to say something but was cut off. “God, I’ve been waiting forever, what are you doing?” the same girly voice said again this time it was closer.

Leila and Marc both looked back and in the corridor stood a long legged brunette, her shirt hanging off her shoulder and her hair mused. Her hazel eyes widened when she saw Leila.

“Oh my goodness, you’re--you’re Leila Callaway!” she squeaked and Leila blinked once again and looked up at Marc who was rolling his eyes. “Oh my god, I love you. You’re even more gorgeous in real life. You look just like your mother. My mom was a HUGE fan of your father’s back in the day. She still loves him, he’s just so yummy. Oh and your brothers. I love Jaiden I could just eat him up.” Leila scrunched up her nose at that. “Oh, gosh you’re crying, are you okay?” she asked a step closer and Leila nodded.

Leila found her voice. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She said her eyes meeting Marc’, who looked apologetic. “I better go. I was nice to meet you um...”

“Violet.” She said excitedly.

“Right, Well I’ll see you.” She made a turn to leave but Marc quickly caught her arm and pulled her gently back to him.

“Wait, don’t go.” He said quickly.

“Marc, I’ll be fine.”

“No, you won’t.”

Leila sighed. “You’re busy; I’ll see you another time.”

“I’m never too busy for you. Violet was just leaving anyway.” Leila looked at said girls dishevelled state and looked back at Marc.

Leila opened her mouth to refuse but she was once again cut off. “Marc’ right. I need to get to work anyway. And you look like you need someone to talk to.” Violet said with a friendly smile.

Leila blinked confused. Not the reaction Leila had expected. She wasn’t being possessive and didn’t look like she wanted to tear Leila to pieces for even looking at Marc. “No seriously its okay, I didn’t mean to interrupt your time with your
boyfriend.”

Violet and Marc both laughed.”Oh don’t be silly. Marc isn’t my boyfriend. We’re just friends.” Leila looked surprised. “Marc, why is she still standing in the doorway? Let her in.” She said gently smacking Marc on the arm who in return scowled at her.
“Okay, bossy.” Marc said and pulled Leila inside who looked extremely confused.

“Hey, you think I can get your autograph before I leave?” violet asked with a bright smile.

“Violet!” Marc hissed.

“What it isn’t every day I get to meet Leila Callaway.” She told Marc who shook his head.

“Go to work.” He told her and she rolled her eyes.

“Oh fine.” She said and turned and smiled at Leila again. “I’m thrilled to have met you Leila.” She said and gave Leila a warm hug before bidding goodbye and leaving.

Marc cleared his throat “Sorry about her. She tends to babble on.” Leila nodded.

“She’s nice.” She said failing miserably when she tried to smile. “I’m sorry about...before.” Marc shook his head.

“Please don’t apologise. We’re friends remember, I’m more than happy to be your shoulder to cry on.” He said reaching out and tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. Marc frowned when he noticed the sorrow and new batch of tears in her eyes. “Come here, babe.” He said pulling her into him once again where she sobbed.

Leila clung to him like he was her life line. “It’s okay just let it out. You’re going to be okay.” He hummed in her ear. Once

Leila had calmed once more they moved to the living room. Marc sat down on the sofa while Leila curled up against him.

“Why aren’t you asking why I’m crying?” Leila asked her voice heavy with emotion while she looked up at him.

Marc shrugged. “Well, because it’s none of my business. I don’t make a habit of prying into other people’s lives. If you wanted to talk to me then you would do so when you’re good and ready. The last thing you need when you’re upset is someone bugging you
or asking questions.” He said pulling her hair out of her eyes.

“You’re very considerate, you know?” Marc smiled.

“Thank you.” He said and watched as Leila nodded.

“I told Chase I loved him.” Leila said quietly and Marc narrowed his eyes.

“Okay, hold it right there. Before we launch into this conversation I think we should have something to drink. Wine good?” he
asked and smiled when Leila nodded her head gratefully.

“Wine sounds great.” She said and pulled away from him so he could get up. A few minutes later Marc came back with a bottle of white wine, two wine glasses and a box of tissues.

“Figured, you were going to need these.” He said placing the box of tissues beside her.

“Thanks.” She smiled. She took the glass of wine Marc handed her and waited for him to pour himself one and settle on the couch.

“Okay, I’m all ears.” Marc said getting comfortable. Leila took a deep breath and began the long explanation.

The first bottle of wine was gone within the first ten minutes. The second was now half full. “So let me get this straight. You told him you love him, and he told you he’s loved you since your junior year in high school. But he chose to be with Nicole even though he still loves you, because he doesn’t want to hurt her?” Leila nodded sipping her wine. Marc’s brows
furrowed. “Wow, what an idiot.”

“I think he has feelings for her but he doesn’t know it yet. If he didn’t care about Nicole he would have dumped her a long time ago, but they’ve been dating for four months now. I always knew he had a crush on her.” She admitted circling the rim of her wine glass with her index finger.

“Where do you think you guys stand as friend?” Marc asked sipping his own wine.

Leila shrugged. “I don’t know. I don’t want to lose him as a friend. But at the same time I can’t bring myself to look at him without feeling hurt at the moment.” Marc nodded understandingly.

“I understand.”

“I told him I needed time to get over him, which is why I asked him not to call or come and see me for a while.”

“Do you really think that will help you?” Leila nodded.

“Yeah, it just hurts too much to around him now. If I had time away from him then maybe I can get over it you know? And things might get back to normal again.” She said refilling her glass.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Marc agreed refilling his glass also.

“I hope I am for the sake of our friendship if nothing else.” She ran her fingers through her hair and sighed heavily. “God Marc, I think I need to get away, I feel like I’m suffocating here.”

“Oh I can open some windows? He said gesturing behind him. “Or we can go for a walk if you want?” he suggested but Leila shook her head.

“No, no I don’t mean out of the house, I mean out of California, go someplace far away for a while. You know, to clear my head.” Marc arched a brow.

“You want to leave?” he asked and watched as Leila nodded. “Leila, running away isn’t going to make your problems go away.”

“No maybe not, but I’ll be able to deal with them a little better if I’m away from Chase, with no way of him contacting me or seeing me.” Marc had to admit it did make sense but he really didn’t want her to leave he would miss her too much.

“Well, if that’s what you think is best for you, do it.” He said trying to sound sincere. He was her friend, if she wants to

leave then it’s up to him to support her with whatever decision she makes.

Leila looked up at him after a long pause. “Come with me?” Marc violet eyes widened with surprise.

“What?” he asked shocked.

“Come on with me?” she said again more pleadingly this time.

Marc arched a brow. “Leila, be serious. I can’t just up and leave, I have work.” He said with a frown.

“Oh come on Marc, please. I really need you, I can’t go alone I’ll lose my mind with boredom. Besides, I need someone to keep my mind off, Chase and who better than you. We’ll have so much fun together, please.”

“Why don’t you ask one of your brothers?” he suggested but she shook her head.

“No, they’ll only irritate me by asking too many questions. And they have school. I need someone on my level who knows how to have fun.” Marc was reluctant. “You’ll be doing me a really big favour and getting a vacation at the same time.” He sighed.

“Fine, but you start crying and I’m out of there.” He said trying to look menacing but failed when his lips twitched. Leila flashed a hundred watt smile before leaping at him. “Ouuufff!” Marc groaned but chuckled wrapping his arms around her fully. He closed his eyes enjoying her warmth. “When do you plan to leave?” he mumbled into her neck but frowned when he felt her quiver.

Leila pulled back and looked at him. “Tonight,” Marc gaped at her.

“What, Leila where are we going to find tickets at this time?” he question but frowned when Leila shrugged.

“We don’t need tickets.” She said reaching for her cell phone. “Where should we go?” she asked. Marc shrugged.

“I don’t know, L, it’s your vacation you choose.”

“Okay, someplace relaxing, ohh the Bahamas?” Marc blinked.

“You wanna go to the Bahamas?” Leila nodded for the first time smiling sincerely since she came. Marc couldn’t refuse when she smiled like that.

“Okay, looks like we’re going to the Bahamas.” He said and grinned when she squealed and dialled a number on her cell.

“Hey, Greg it’ Leila, I need you to load up the jet.” She bit her bottom lip and listened to Greg. “Yeah, two of us...The Bahamas. Also can you tell the hotel to keep quiet that I’ll be staying there I don’t need the paparazzi tailing me. Okay thanks.” She slapped her phone shut sighed. “What are you waiting for, go pack.” She said and smiled when Marc shook his head
chuckling.

“How long do we have?”

“Two hours.” She said placing her cell back in her pocket. “Come on, I’ll help you pack.” She said taking his hand and dragging him to his bedroom where they packed Marc’s clothes.

^^**^^

“Leila, have you lost your mind?” Jordan asked crossing his arms over his chest.

Leila sighed she had been arguing with her family for the past twenty minutes. “No daddy, I haven’t but if I stay here I will.” She said pacing the room.

“Baby, running away isn’t going to fix your problems.” Isabelle said trying to reason with her daughter.

“I know mom, Marc already told me that. I just need to put some distance between Chase and I. I won’t be able to truly get over him if I don’t leave. If anybody should understand how I feel right now it’s you Mom. You left California to get away from dad too remember? I feel like I’m suffocating here. I really need this.” Isabelle looked up at her husband who still looked reluctant.

“Okay, go, but you call to check in every night.” Jordan said with a frown. Leila smiled and threw herself in to her father’s strong arms. Jordan held her close to him and kissed her temple. “I love you, baby. Please be careful any sign of trouble you call me and I will get you a flight out, got that?” Leila nodded placing a kiss on his cheek.

“I love you daddy.” Jordan smiled letting go of her. Leila hugged her mother next.

“I’ll be back before you now it. Thank you for being so understanding.” She said pulling back after kissing her mother’s cheek also.

“Please be safe.” Isabelle said a concerned look in her eyes.

“Don’t worry so much. I have Marc with me.” Isabelle looked over at Marc who smiled and nodded his head affirmative.

“Anything happens to my daughter I’m holding you responsible. If any harm comes to her I will make you wish that bullet you took for her finished you off. Understand?” he warned his brown eyes showing his gravity.

Marc cleared his throat. “Yes sir, I’ll guard her with my life.”

“You better,” Dayne piped up glaring menacingly at Marc who held his gaze steadily. Jaiden had been glaring at Marc ever since he walked through the front door.

“Just because you took a bullet for her doesn’t mean we trust you. So much as look at her in the wrong way and I’ll make sure this vacation will be your last.”

“Jaiden!” Leila snapped. “Lay off him okay.” Jaiden didn’t take his eyes off Marc arched a brow.

“Leila its okay, if I had a sister I would be the same. Jaiden, I understand you don’t trust me I don’t deserve any of your trusts not after what I did. But I care a lot about your sister and will never do anything to hurt her. If I do however hurt
her in anyway then you can carry out your threat and I won’t even retaliate.”

“Well, as long as we understand each other.” Jaiden said his blue eyes flickering to his sister. “Chase isn’t going to like this.” Leila sighed.

“I know, but I already spoke to him earlier I told him to stay away for a while. If he does call do NOT tell him where I am.” She said her eyes darting between her two brothers. “Got it?” they both nodded.

“Okay.” She turned back to face Marc. “We should make a move.” She said and Marc nodded straightening from his leaning position. “I’ll call you guys once I get there.” She said and hugged them all once more before taking Marc’s offered hand and leaving.

Jordan watched his daughter walk out of the house a saddened look on his face. Isabelle noticed this and moved to his side. “What’s wrong baby?” she asked attentively.

Jordan shook his head his eyes never leaving the door she just walked out of. “I’ve never seen such despair in her eyes before.” His brown eyes looked down at his wife. “It was like looking into your eyes twenty years ago when you walked in on my
wedding.” He said sadly.

Isabelle placed her hands on his chest and looked up at him. “Trust me, it’s a good thing she has Marc with her. If it wasn’t for him she would be in pieces right now. I know, it’s easier when you have someone to lean on.” Jordan nodded pulling Isabelle in for an affectionate kiss.

Jaiden and Dayne grimaced at the exchange between their parents.”And, that’s our cue to leave.” Dayne said looking at Jaiden who looked grossed out.

“Hurry, I think I just saw tongues.” He said pushing Dayne and they both ran out of the kitchen.

“Works like a charm...” Jordan mumbled into Isabelle’s mouth who giggled in response.

^^**^^

An hour and a half later Leila and Marc were on the plane flying across the ocean. Leila was looking out of the window and all she saw in return was darkness. Not a single star to illuminate the black night.

“Hey.” She blinked and looked at Marc who was watching her with a concerned look in his eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked caringly.

Leila smiled. “Yeah, I feel a little better.” She admitted. “I can’t thank you enough for coming with me Marc. It really means a lot to me that you’re here. And I’m sorry about my family being so hard on you; they can be a little over protective
sometimes.”

“Don’t even worry about it. I know they don’t trust me and that’s okay I can’t really blame them.” Marc said looking out his own window.

“No, it’s not okay Marc. You have been nothing but good to me; you don’t deserve to be treated so horribly.” Leila said earnestly.

A small smile pulled on Marc’s face. “It’s a small price to pay for being your friend.” Leila returned his smile.
The whole five hours it took to get to the Bahamas Marc and Leila spoke about everything. The conversation started with tears
and ended with laughs.

They drank champagne and ate strawberries and other snack the plane had stored. “Hey you cheated!” Leila exclaimed with a pout.

“I did not.” Marc said with a mock frown. “It’s not my fault you totally suck at poker.”

“Nobody wins five games in a row.” She said narrowing her blue eyes at him.

Marc grinned. “If they play you they certainly can.” Leila threw a chip at him. He chuckled and gulped down his forth redbull.

“You do know you’ve drunk like four of those, right?” Marc nodded.

“Yeah, what do you think is keeping me awake? One more and I’ll be on a high.” He wagged his brows at her and she laughed. “Have you ever been high on caffeine before?”Leila shook her head.

“Oh, it’s great. I usually drink redbulls on Saturday evening so I could watch the sunrise. I stay up all night and drive to highest point and sit there till dawn. There's something so serene about it. No matter where I am or however bad things may seem it just soothes me. It's a nice few minutes to just watch the sun rise and not think about anything you know?”He said.
Leila smiled and stood up; she reached into the mini refrigerator and pulled out a can of redbull. Marc frowned when he clicked the tab open and gulped it down.

“What are you doing?” he asked. Leila shrugged.

“I really wanna experience that with you.” She said with a smirk before tilting her can at him. “Here’s to the Bahamas.” Marc mimicked her gesture and they both gulped down their drinks. Leila burped and her blue eyes widened in embarrassment.

Marc looked at her amused before he threw his head back and laughed heartily. “That’s cute.” He mumbled before cackling again. Leila recovered and quickly joined him giggling like a teenager.

By the time the plane landed it was like four in the morning. Jordan had called up the hotel and sorted out a bungalow for them, which was situated on the beach. Marc whistled as they walked in to their home for the rest of the vacation. It had two double bedrooms a bathroom with a Jacuzzi and a power shower. The living room was furnished with a huge corner group sofa with 52 inch plasma hooked to the wall.

After the duo dropped off their bags into the bedrooms and they went for a walk to find a good spot to watch the sun rise.

Leila sighed watching the waves wash over the shore. A gentle morning breeze blowing back her dark hair, she closed her eyes listening to the gentle whistle. The sun slowly began peeking up through the horizon lighting up the black night.

“Wow.” She breathed taking the beautiful scenery before her.

“I know.” Marc said looking straight ahead.

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. I mean who would’ve thought the sun rising would have such an amazing effect on one person.” Marc smiled and looked at her before looking back at the rising sun. Leila looked at Marc for a few seconds; he had such a peaceful expression on his face it made her smile. “Thank you, Marc.” She whispered to him.

Marc looked at her meeting her gaze and holding it steadily for a moment. He smiled bringing arm around he wrapped it around her shoulders and pulled her into him. “Don’t mention it.” Leila let her head rest on his shoulder and sighed when he kissed her forehead.

The rest of the few minutes it took for the sun to rise, the duo remained silent gazing into the horizon, no questions, no troubles, only harmony.

To Be Continued...

&*&*&

Hey, I know you are all going to be mad at me, but the story isn’t over just yet. Chase and Leila may still get together...who knows?
Part 2 will be coming up next!
Review!