Chapter 106 Confession
"Well, it's simple. You like me, and I'm happy about that, but that's it," Audrey said. "Kevin , in life, we'll meet many people we like, but not everyone we like will like us back. One day, you'll meet a woman you truly love, and then you'll understand what it means to love and be loved. Right now, you're too young to get it."
"Mrs. Johnson, I understand. I know what love is," Kevin said, suddenly emotional, grabbing Audrey's smooth hand. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. I really love you and want to be with you. When you're sad, I'm sad. When others bully you, all I want to do is protect you. I want to protect you forever."
Audrey instinctively tried to pull away, but Kevin held on tightly. After a few struggles, she gave up and let him hold her hands, feeling a flutter in her heart.
If such passionate words had come from an adult man, Audrey would have dismissed him as immature and frivolous. But hearing them from a young boy gave them a weight that left her breathless. The arguments she had prepared before meeting Kevin suddenly seemed impossible to voice. She could win any logical debate, but emotions didn't follow logic. Otherwise, Audrey, a cold and proud married teacher, wouldn't have fallen for a high school student after rejecting many admirers.
"Kevin , calm down," Audrey said, her face slightly flushed. She sighed, unable to be harsh with him. If it were Quentin Rodriguez pulling her on the street, she would have slapped him. She had said there was no fundamental difference between Kevin and Quentin to imply that, emotionally and physically, she was already committed and couldn't share herself with anyone else. But explaining it so bluntly felt too cruel for Kevin . Audrey hoped he would gradually understand these truths and that his feelings for her would naturally cool over time.
"Mrs. Johnson, I don't have any other intentions. I just want to see you every day. Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you with your family or force you to accept me," Kevin said, his voice choked. He knew Audrey was right, but he instinctively felt that agreeing with her would mean losing any chance of being with her. "If you don't believe me, I can write you a guarantee."
Audrey couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, but seeing Kevin 's serious expression, she felt touched. Since receiving her first love letter in middle school, she had lost count of the letters she had received, but no one had ever offered to write her a guarantee. She sighed and said, "Alright, you can. But think carefully. If you make a promise, you must keep it, or I'll never trust you again."
"Don't worry, Mrs. Johnson. I'll keep my word," Kevin said seriously. "If I fail you, I'll disappear from your life."
"Alright, enough of that," Audrey said with a gentle smile. Looking up, she saw a newly opened supermarket and said, "Let's go inside. Are you hungry? I'll treat you to lunch." Just then, Kevin 's stomach growled, making her laugh. Her eyes sparkled, and she looked radiant.
Kevin felt a bit embarrassed. At his age, he often felt hungry soon after eating. Most students kept snacks at their desks to replenish their energy. Kevin , being tall and active, burned calories quickly and got hungry faster than most. Whenever he visited Alissa in her office, she would give him chocolates to keep his strength up for their sessions.
"Let's find somewhere to eat," Audrey said, noticing Kevin 's blush. She pulled him into a Burger King at the entrance of the supermarket. "This seems nice. It's lunchtime, and everywhere else will be crowded."
"Mrs. Johnson, I'll follow your lead," Kevin said. The place was busy, and he held Audrey's hand tightly, feeling a sweet warmth. If he could do this with Audrey every day, he thought, he would be so happy.
The restaurant offered three meal options ranging from $10 to $20. Audrey ordered two $20 combos and found a quiet corner for them to sit in.
Kevin immediately started eating ravenously. Halfway through, he noticed Audrey watching him with interest and felt embarrassed. "Mrs. Johnson, why don’t you eat? The food is getting cold."
"I'm not very hungry. A few bites will do," Audrey said, pushing her tray towards Kevin . "Here, this is yours too. I only had a few bites. You don't mind, do you?"
Kevin quickly shook his head. Sharing food was something close friends would do, and it made him happy that Audrey didn't see him as an outsider.
Watching Kevin devour both meals, Audrey was surprised. She had thought he would leave some food. "Kevin , is that enough for you? Or would you like another serving?"
"No, I'm okay," Kevin said, patting his stomach and burping. He blushed, feeling embarrassed in front of Audrey. He worried that his eating manners might have put her off.
"Yeah, it looks like it. I'm glad. It’s our first time, and I’m glad you're happy," Audrey said with a smile, handing him a napkin to wipe his mouth. She seemed like an older sister taking care of her younger brother.
Kevin sat still as Audrey wiped his mouth, feeling a warm sense of attachment for the first time. Previously, his feelings for Audrey were mixed with desire, but now he cherished this tender moment. It struck him that even this kind of relationship would be nice.