Forever Trust In Who We Are

ChapterXI

"James..." Kristen said drowsy, nestled in his chest in the warm water.

"Yeah?" he asked, resting his chin on the top of her head.

"I've been wanting to ask you something... please tell me the truth, will you?"

"O... OK..." James frowned.

She raised her face, in search of his eyes, "You told me you broke up with your last girlfriend before going on tour, 'cause you better tour single would you do that to me too?"

"What?" He was taken by surprise.

"I want to know if that is something you do."

"I just came back from tour!" he spat back.

"That only lasted 10 days... and you already cheated on me..."

"Oh, c'mon!" He was openly angry.

"Wait," she pleaded, trying to calm him down. "I'm not trying to bring that out again... it's not about that... I... I'm scared... would you do that to me?"

James took an uncomfortable look around the room, taking a finger to his chin, lost in thought for a few seconds that seemed an eternity to Kristen, as she chewed her bottom lip waiting for his response.

"Look..." he started to say, staring down at her, "I don't know what I'll do until I do it. Things with Therese weren't going that well, and I said fuck it." Then looked into her eyes, "But, understand that I just don't go planning my every fucking move, I act as I fucking feel in the moment." And took a hand to caress her neck, "I thought you already knew that about me".

"I know that..." she replied sadly. "So you're telling me you don't know if you'd dump me?" Kristen felt like crying.

"No! No, no, no... that's not what I meant... I mean, I don't have a rule about breaking up with my chicks before touring. Has happened that way, but they've been more casual relationships, Kris. I love you."

"So?" her eyes lighted in relief.

"No, I don't plan to dump you in my next tour, "James said, rolling his eyes. Pleased, she went back to rest happily on his shoulder.

But while Kristen slept soundly, James laid sleepless by her side for a while. The warm bath left her cheeks bright pink, and the sight brought him memories of their second night together.

***

The morning after he broke his arm James woke up late. His arm felt numb and stiff but overall he was feeling pretty fine. When memories of the night before came to his mind, he suddenly looked for her but she wasn't any way around and a rush of guilt ran through him as he wondered how she managed to get back home, or if she did it avoiding trouble. Then he noticed the scribbles in his palm:

Nursing services: (415) 369 19-81

P.S. Take pills at 11 am

Grinning, he jumped out of bed to call her back.

"George's Garage, may I help you?" A man's voice he clearly recognized came through the receiver.

Fuck! "Good morning, Sir. May I speak to Kristen?"

"Ah, the not-yet-boyfriend, huh?" Kristen's father barked.

"Yes, Sir. No! I mean, no, Sir, " he stumbled nervously at his words. "I mean, I'm officially dating Kristen, Sir." Shit!

"Mhm!" the man just growled. "Wait there," he heard him call her in the background, "Kiki! Your boyfriend is on the phone!" followed by several male voices howling. Then heard her dad's voice again, asking, "What's that?"