Chapter 30 New Couple? (1/2)

Sam, Sarah and Kay were walking leisurely to the booths, and saw the commotion that the other three were making.

”Is it always like that, wherever Kyle goes?” Sarah asked in awe, her eyes blinking rapidly.

”Yeah,” answered Sam, ”He's like a walking disaster.”

”Poor Kyle,” Sarah sighed, ”It must be so hard for him. Even though he looks unaffected, it can't be easy living like that. It's as if his life is in a fishbowl, always under scrutiny.”

Kay turned to face her in surprise at her sense of observation and empathy. Sarah didn't see it, however, as she was busy looking at Kyle with a worried look on her face.

This was the first time Kay heard someone actually trying to understand Kyle, and to view things from his point of view. People tend to think that Kyle was the type of person that thrived on the attention that was thrown upon him. Actually, it was no surprise people would think that as Kyle would sometimes act to instigate it even more. However, it was just that. An act.

Kay had actually asked him about it before. She was already feeling the pressure of all the gazes upon her by the boys, but most of the time, they kept their distance. They were either too scared, or too polite to do anything untoward. Perhaps it was because she was a girl, and viewed as a delicate flower.

It wasn't the same for Kyle, as he was a guy. It was as if the 'protection' she enjoyed, was not afforded to Kyle. Also, girls somehow tended to be more vocal and quite forward in their attempts to grab his attention. Only the shy ones kept their distance, but most were bold about it. Kyle couldn't be rough or harsh with them because ... they were girls. The double standards wasn't helpful to him in this instance.

Kay thought about the time she had asked him that same question Sarah raised.

They had been lying on their backs in the backyard at night. They were looking at the stars in the sky, twinkling brightly among the dark backdrop. It was serene, and quiet, unlike the normal chaotic situation outside. So she asked him, ”How do you deal with it, brother?”

Kyle didn't need to ask what she meant, and she knew he understood. He didn't answer immediately, and she patiently waited for his answer.

”There are many things in life that you can't control, like what people say or do. But you can control how you react to it. I can either get irritated and complain about it, or I can simply accept it and go along with it. I choose the latter.

Kyle then turned to look at her, touching her face as he smiled, ”And I have you with me, keeping me sane and grounded.” He looked back at the sky, deep in thought as he continued, ”I don't take it seriously either. It's a good distraction, I suppose. Harmless. So long as they do not cross the line, I guess I'll just enjoy the attention and let them worship me for the perfect being as I am.”

Kay smacked him then, then came closer and snuggled up to him. He indulged her and put his hand under her neck, kissing her on the head and pulling her closer to him. Kay loved it when he hugged her like that. She felt so safe and protected. She figured that all those girls were right about one thing though. Kyle IS perfect. She is certainly going to find it hard to find a guy that would be at par with him. He set the bar too high!!

Kay's thoughts came back to the present, as she looked at Sarah. She wondered if Sarah could actually be the one who would thaw her brother's heart. He literally spent his whole life just planning and executing the plan to save his two children from his previous life, and never truly formed any relationships. A sister and brothers can never replace a beloved.

Kay decided to observe Sarah closely. This girl could be her future sister-in-law.

***---***---

Kyle was now at the football booth stand, and Ali looked at him. ”You want to sign up for this as well?”

”Why? Scared of the competition?”

”Pfffffft. Hardly,” Ali retorted, putting down his name. Kyle did the same, and told the girl that was manning the booth that he could be contacted via Ali. She didn't protest, simply nodding her head in a daze. She hardly heard what he was saying, as her internal monologue was going, 'oh dear oh dear oh dear oh my. It's Kyle. Kyle. oh dear oh dear oh dear oh my. I'm so glad that I'm the manager here. oh dear oh dear oh dear oh my. I get to see him close up twice a week. oh dear oh dear oh dear oh my. I'm gonna diiieeeeeeee'

”What are you signing up for, Xing Han? Chess again?” Kyle asked.