Page 34 of August and the Night

I take the documents with me before heading back to the dining room, pacing back and forth, my impatience growing as I await Layla's return.

When I look at Oliver again, my contempt only deepens; there he is, his face streaked with tears one moment, and then back to greedily devouring his meal the next. He holds a steak in one hand and a baked potato in the other, he offers me a piece of the meat. I simply shake my head, unable to comprehend the absurdity of the situation.

Layla finally descends the stairs with a big backpack on her shoulders, her gaze catching Arthur's figure on the floor. A gasp escapes her lips, and I swiftly close the distance between us, enveloping her in a protective hug.

I guide her away from the distressing sight, and as I take her bag from her, I can feel the tension in her shoulders begin to ease. She shares a heartfelt hug with Lily, exchanging goodbyes and a kiss on the cheek before they part ways. With her hand now resting in mine, we make our way to the car. She settles into the seat, her eyes looking up at me, a question in her gaze.

"Are we going home?" she asks, her words resonating warmly within me. I can't help but smile at the thought that she considers my home as hers now. Though I try to suppress the feeling, and deny its existence.

My nod confirms her assumption, and a radiant grin spreads across her face. She gives me a small peck on the lips before she leans her head against the window, exhaustion taking over. I feel a rush of affection for her that I cannot stifle. She drifts off to sleep, and I battle with the idea of my heart yearning for her the entire trip home.

28

Layla

As the car glides along the road, I slowly stir from my sleep, the drowsiness lifting as the surroundings become more familiar. It's just a few minutes before we will arrive at August's house.

I blink my eyes open and smile slightly at August. My thoughts race, reflecting on the intense moments that occurred not long ago; I still have not processed anything.

We pull into the driveway and come to a stop, I feel a renewed sense of alertness. I reach for my bag, ready to step into the house and change my clothes for more comfortable ones. But before I can even grasp the handle, August's hand gently covers mine, stopping me in my tracks.

I look up at him, our eyes meeting, and his eyes search mine, as if wanting to know what I am feeling. I myself still do not know.

"Let me take that for you," he says softly, his voice soft and gentle. He retrieves my bag and steps out of the car, holding the door open for me. I follow suit and get out, taking in the sight of his house. I can never get used to how beautiful his house is; I always have to admire it before stepping in.

We walk side by side to the entrance, my steps keeping pace with his. Once inside, I turn to him and wrap my arms around him in a tight hug. His embrace is strong and comforting, anchoring me through the storm of my emotions.

"Thank you," I whisper, trying to convey my appreciation. Despite the unknown that lies ahead, his actions have shown me a side of him that I hadn't fully grasped before. He has been my protector, standing by my side when I needed it most. There is no denying that the side of him I have seen today is dark, grueling, and unforgiving. Yet, I don’t seem to mind. On the contrary, I love it.

He pulls back slightly, his gaze locking onto mine. "You don't have to thank me, Layla. I didn’t do anything that I didn’t want to do."

His words are harsh and carry a hint of something I can’t decipher. I shrug his tone off, acquitting it to the rough day he has had. My heart feels full of him; having him as someone I can trust is a lifeline. The unknown future still looms before me, but in this moment, I feel safe, knowing that I am not facing it alone.

We go to the living room and get seated comfortably next to the bird enclosure. We sit side by side, the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee I made filling the air.

The sounds of birds from the enclosure nearby soothe us, providing us with the first sense of calm since the dinner. I look at August, my heart racing slightly as I prepare to discuss the uncertain path ahead.

As I take a sip of the warm coffee, I can't help but let out a small sigh. "The birds are the most thing I look forward to coming here," I murmur, looking intently at the aviary.

August nods in agreement, his gaze locking onto mine. "Absolutely. It's mine too."

I look down into my coffee cup, swirling the liquid absentmindedly. "So, what do we do now?" I ask nervously.

His expression softens, and he reaches out to touch my hand. "We do whatever you want, Layla. Your safety and well-being are my priority."

A small smile tugs at my lips as his words resonate with me. "Well," I begin, starting to feel the excitement for the new life I am going to build for myself, "I've been thinking about buying an apartment."

He frowns, his brow furrowing. "An apartment? Why would you want that when you have a place here with me?"

I shake my head gently, meeting his gaze with sincerity. "It's not about that, August. I want to make sure that we make this decision not because I need somewhere to stay away from my father, not just to solve one of my endless problems. I want us to be in a good place before we make a decision like moving in together. I want us to make this decision when we truly feel like it is time to do that in our relationship."

He lets out a sigh, his expression conflicted. "I understand your point, Layla. But I want you here, I love having you here."

I bite my lip, understanding his point of view but also holding onto my conviction.

"I know you do, and I love it here too. But I want to do this right. Moving in together should come at a time of love, not just out of necessity."

He nods slowly, his eyes locked onto mine. "Okay," he says, his voice tinged with reluctance. "But promise me that you'll stay at my place for now. Let me ensure your safety before we make any more decisions."

---