Kaden's Luna

I’m rushing up the steps to the Nursing building when I hear someone call my name. Turning slightly, I wait for Eva to catch up before greeting her. She looks beautiful in a baby pink blouse with little birds on it and black denim jeans. Her blonde hair is curled to perfection and rests on her shoulders.

“Hey, how was work?” She greets, looping her arm through mine as we walk inside.

“It was good, I was busy assisting one of the doctors today so I had fun. What about you?” I ask as I open a door that lead into a long hallway.

“Meh, it was mostly filing paperwork and taking calls.” She shrugs as we make our way into a room.

I open my assigned locker and pull out a uniform consisting of a white shirt with black slacks. We have a practical class once every week and this clothing was necessary as we are going to be spending our time in the labs this morning. None of us seem to mind as it is comfortable.

“Did you walk here?”

“Yeah, the shop still hasn’t called me about my bike yet.” I sigh, walking into the cubicle to change.

“You could have called Maddox, Lu. He was in college since seven this morning, I’m sure he would have picked you up.” Eva grunts as she changes in the cubicle next to me.

“That’s okay. It was just a thirty-minute walk so I didn’t mind.” I reply, unlocking the door and making my way to the locker to put my neatly folded clothes in before shutting it.

Eva follows behind and does the same before we walk out of the room and down the hallway to the Health Assessment Lab. This is where we demonstrate our knowledge of all that we have learned in class by tending to patients, who are volunteers from the other group. I like this practical the most as I find it easy compared to the Self-Directed Assessment.

That is where we are given dummies as patients and we must carry out a vast number of tests and procedures without supervision. My heart would always race in fear of doing something wrong since supervisors would be walking up and down the room, observing us. Although it was nerve-wracking having them stop and stare at what we were doing without making a comment, I eventually slip into a comfortable state during the middle of the lab work and almost forget that they are there.

Today we have a practical class where we apply our clinical skills that we learned. Eva and I walk into the lab that some students from my group are already in. Maddox belongs in the other group but he chooses to volunteer because he has no other class now.

Although we are in the same course, we have branched out into different modules for this year. While Maddox and I have most of our classes together, Eva’s schedule is different. But for the labs Eva and I are reunited again.

“Alright group B! You all know your stations; they are the same ones as before. Please start making your way towards your patient and wait until further instructions are given.” Dr Cassidy instructs us, four supervisors standing by a desk behind her.

I whisper goodbye to Eva and hurry over to my patient. Today there is a petite girl in the bed with red hair and green eyes. She is fair skinned but there are freckles smattered across her nose which only enhance her beauty.

We say hello to each other and my gaze wanders over to the machines she is hooked up to. Of course, they aren’t actual machines since she isn’t ill. It is just so that we can practice what we will be doing in the real world. I look back to see Eva with Maddox and chuckle when I see that they are already bickering. Sometimes they remind me of an old, married couple.

“Okay class, the practical is about to begin now. You may not talk with any other student except your patient. Should you need anything please raise your hand and a supervisor will be with you shortly. Instructions will be given out as you complete the practical, you all should work in silence so every student is able to hear.” Dr Cassidy reads out from her clipboard before turning the page and looking back up at us. Having seen her do this a few times now, I knew it is time. “Your Health Assessment practical starts…now.”

And with that I take a deep breath and turn to my patient with a smile.

“That wasn’t so bad.” I muse, walking out of the locker room with Eva and Maddox.

“Ugh! If someone wasn’t so hell bent on annoying me then I wouldn’t have messed up on that fourth procedure!” Eva groans, punching Maddox in the arm when he cackled.

“Your focus should be on the practical and the instructions Eva bear. I can’t help it if you were looking at me the whole time.” He teases and I see her cheeks turn a fiery red.

“Shut up, I wasn’t looking at you.” She mutters before stalking off, leaving Maddox and I laughing in the hallway.

Eventually we caught up with her right before the entrance and Maddox pulls her into a hug, apologising for teasing her. She huffs but even she couldn’t hide the smile on her lips as he dramatically begs for her forgiveness. After that we head outside and down the steps, talking about what to do now that our schedules are free.

“We can go to the café down the road and grab something to eat?” Eva suggests, looping her arm through mine.

‘Help me!’ Maddox shakes his head and mouths, pointing to Eva. I catch on quick and think of an excuse. Racking my head for a believable lie, my gaze wanders to the parking lot and I see Kaden talking with a couple. As if a lightbulb goes off in my head, I pull away from Eva and muster up my most apologetic look.

“I’m sorry guys, I promised to hang out with a friend today after class.”

“Oh, that’s okay Luna. Eva and I will just go ahead and meet you back home.” Maddox grins widely behind Eva, blowing kisses in my direction.

“Who are you hanging out with?” Eva asks suspiciously, crossing her arms.

“Um…a new friend I made.” I blurt out, mentally scolding myself for panicking.

“Hmm, where are you meeting them?”

“Come on Eva, let her be. She doesn’t need two mothers, Mrs Winters is enough.” Maddox laughs nervously, pointing behind me and mouthing ‘Kaden.’

I gulp as Eva arches her brow, still waiting for a reply. Sighing, I turn and point at Kaden who is leaning against the hood of his Mustang, his body turned away from us so we can’t see him. “That’s my friend.”

“Alright, go ahead.” Eva nods, but she doesn’t move when Maddox tries to pull her along.

He waves at me to go ahead with a pleading look and I nod, it’s the least I could do for him. I hope he got somewhere with Eva otherwise this all would have been for nothing. Turning, I mumble goodbye and start walking towards Kaden who is waving at the couple as they walk away.

As soon as I see Kaden stand up, I start rushing to him because if he left then Eva will know I lied about hanging out with him today. I knew she was still standing there because I can feel her burning gaze boring holes into the back of my head.

“Kaden!” I call, biting my lip when he notices me and steps forward. “Hi.” Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

“Hey Luna. I almost forgot that you go here until I saw you.” He smiles, crossing his arms.

“Yeah…um, I actually need a favour if you don’t mind.” I mumble, my cheeks heating up as I thought about how to phrase this.

“Of course, what is it?”

“Um…Maddox wanted to be alone with Eva while they go get some food, you know how he’s trying to win her over…and to help him I said that I’m hanging out with a friend. I tried to avoid it when she asked me which friend but she was very persistent and then Maddox pointed at you and at first I wasn’t going to but then he really wanted to be with her so I told Eva that we were friends and that I was hanging out with you today.” I took a deep breath after rushing out my explanation.

He is quiet when I look up, although the corners of his lips quirk in amusement. I blush in embarrassment before tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You don’t have to…I mean, if you have other plans I can just -”

“Get in.” He chuckles, pushing me towards the car by the small of my back.

“Oh! Um, are you sure you don’t mind?” I turn to ask him when he opens the door for me.

“Positive.” He nods, before gesturing for me to sit down.

I thank him and sit in the car, the door closing after me before he rounds the front of the car. He also waves to Maddox and Eva and I can see Maddox practically grinning in relief as he waves back enthusiastically before dragging Eva away.

I hope they have a good time together. Even though I didn’t see it before, Maddox and Eva seem perfect for each other. Where he is loud and confident, Eva compliments him nicely with her shy yet sassy demeanour. I ship them, I just need a name for that ship now.

Kaden gets into the car and starts the engine before pulling out of the parking space. He is wearing a navy sweater with black denim jeans paired with white sneakers. All in all, he looked very handsome.

“I’m sorry about this, it just sprung up and I couldn’t think of another excuse.” I explain, still feeling bad because he might have had plans that he put on hold to help me out.

“Really, it’s okay. I didn’t have anything to do anyways and besides, friends hang out. That’s just what we’re doing.” He smiles gently before looking back to the road again.

“Okay.” I breath, relaxing now that he has assured me that I didn’t interrupt his plans.

“Where do you want to go?” He asks suddenly, merging in with the city traffic.

“Um…I don’t really know. Any suggestions?” I ask, biting my lip nervously as I look at the stores we pass by.

“Hmm,” He trails off, thinking as he drove. “Are you in the mood for ice-cream?”

“I’m okay with that.”

“Good. It’s not that far so we can grab some ice-cream and go to a nearby park if you want?”

I agree with him and we drive on in comfortable silence. My gaze is fixed on the passing scenery outside the window but occasionally I will feel him staring at me, but whenever I look he is focusing on the road. I can’t deny that I didn’t observe him from the corner of my eye when he wasn’t looking.

His hair is tousled sexily as if he had just rolled out of bed and not bothered to brush it, but it isn’t a bedhead. The jet black of his hair contrasts with his pretty blues but it is such a gorgeous combination that takes my breath away every time I see him. His features seem to be chiselled to perfection by God himself and he is blessed with a constant sun kissed look.

I was so lost in admiring him that when he cut off the engine, I shake my head and look around to realise we are parked outside an ice-cream parlour. Getting out of the car, I look at the quaint little shop in awe. It’s so cute with its white paint and baby blue scalloped pattern.

When we walk in, my jaw almost drops over how cool this place looks and how I have never heard of it in the years that I have been living in Berlin. The walls of the shop are painted in a baby blue with white furniture and a copper theme running throughout the store.

There are all sorts of flavours to try and I bite my lip as I wonder which one to go for. Kaden and I pick the large tubs and I ask to have a scoop of white chocolate and raspberry, cookies and cream and mint and chocolate chip.

Kaden had received a call just after he picked his flavours so he was outside. He has chosen chocolate, vanilla and cookie dough. After paying for the ice-creams I grab them and walk outside where he has finished with his phone call. He looks up when I hold his cup out to him before taking it with a frown.

“Did you pay already?”

“Yes,” I nod with a smile, squinting up at him slightly when the sun came into my eyes. “Shall we go to the park?”

“Luna, I was going to treat you. You didn’t have to pay.” He pouts slightly and I almost laugh at how cute he looks.

“Well, since I asked you to hang out with me I think it is only right that I pay.” I grin, following him down the narrow street.

He nods hesitantly and I walk beside him, amused that he is a little upset over me paying. “Next time, I’ll pay.”

“There’s going to be a next time?” I ask playfully before scooping some of the mint chocolate chip into my mouth.

“There’s not?” His eyes widen comically and I can see a hint of sadness in his eyes before he shook his head. “I mean yeah…you’re probably busy with college and stuff and -”

I cut him off by giggling at his nervousness. “Oh Kaden, I’m only joking. I’d love to hang out with you again.”

“Oh, okay good.” He nods slowly, still staring at me to see if I would change my mind.

I laugh and assure him that I’m serious before he guides me towards the park. Just as he had said, it is a five-minute walk and we arrive in no time. I rush to the swings and take a seat, Kaden following me and taking the one next to me. The park is deserted save for a couple with their toddler by the baby swings.

“Are those your all-time favourite flavours?” I ask, pointing to his cup.

“I prefer vanilla and cookie dough over chocolate but sometimes I’m in the mood for it, like today. What about you?” He asks, spooning some vanilla ice-cream into his mouth.

“I get these flavours every time.” I grin, swinging slightly and letting my feet dangle in the air.

“What’s your favourite colour?”

“Hmm, I used to like green when I was little but now it’s blue. Yours?” I say, glancing at his ocean blue eyes and knowing that it would forever be my favourite colour.

“I like red. Favourite food?”

“My mum’s pasta. Yours?”

“Burgers.” He smiles, swinging higher.

“What about…movies?”

“I like to watch horror, comedy and action movies. You?”

“I love horror.” I chuckle, swinging along with him. “But I love comedy too.”

“If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?” He asks, slowing his speed.

“Hmm, I would probably go to one of the Nordic countries. Maybe Sweden or Norway. You?”

“I was expecting something like Paris or the Bahamas.” Kaden admits, making me laugh and shake my head. “I would love to visit Montenegro, specifically Kotor because my mum stayed there for a while. She described it as paradise on Earth.”

“Wow, I was expecting something like Italy or Greece.” I tease, my heart fluttering when I make him laugh loudly.

“Nope, I like to go above and beyond.” He winks at me and I’m thankful that my cheeks are probably flushed from the cold wind so my raging blush isn’t as obvious.

“Okay hmm…the craziest thing I have ever done in my life is bungee jump off a bridge. What about you?”

“I went swimming with sharks one time in Fiji.” He smirks, kicking a pebble.

“Oh my god.” I visibly shudder at the thought of seeing one. “Were you not scared?”

“I was at the start but the more time I spent in the water with them, the more I realised that they’re harmless if you don’t disturb their environment.” He shrugs, chuckling when he notices my horrified look. “Favourite time of the year?”

“Summer.” I grin widely, remembering my last family vacation. “I love sunny days and relaxing without the worry of assignments and work. What about you?”

“Winter. You get to drink a lot of hot chocolate and nobody can judge you.” He grins boyishly when I laugh and agree.

“So is your favourite celebration Christmas then?” I ask, noticing that we have both stopped swinging and instead turned slightly so that we face each other.

“Surprisingly not. I like Easter because as a kid I loved the egg hunt and then getting to eat all the chocolate after.” He laughs and shakes his head before looking at me with a playful glint in his eyes. “What about you?”

I smile widely, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I love Halloween simply because of the movie marathons and seeing little kids in their costumes on the night.”

“What are you doing this Friday?”

I’m taken aback by the sudden question and for a few seconds I just stare at him. There’s a steely resolve in his ocean blue eyes which almost intimidates me. I feel my cheeks heat up and I groan mentally, it’s like all I ever do is blush around Kaden.

“Um, I don’t have any plans why?” I ask quietly, casting my gaze down to my hands in my lap.

“Can I take you out on a date, Luna?” He murmurs, pulling my swing towards him causing the chains to rattle as they hit off each other.

Our heads are close, lips just a breath apart and I almost want to give in and push myself forward. But I stomp that feeling down, not wanting to ruin this moment in any way. His eyes are roaming over my features, as if committing them to memory and I suddenly realise that I love the way he looks at me.

He makes me feel special and loved and I finally decided to speak, knowing my answer already.

“Yes.” I breath out, watching as a slow smile spreads on his ruby red lips.

“You won’t regret it, I promise.” He whispers, hesitantly reaching up to caress my cheek as we stare into each other’s eyes.