Chapter 10 MORE THAN MEETS THE EYES

NIC'S POV

We finished parking my clothes that night. She didn't need to get packed because she never unpacked. And I must say, I'm happy I'm finally taking my girl home to show off to Alima and Iris.

I felt really connected to Cece. Like... Sometimes, I feel like I know her. She's always on my mind and when I look at her, I feel like I know what she's feeling and what she's thinking. When she's sad, I know and I become sad as well. And when she's happy, I also become happy. I guess that's why they say lovers have two bodies but one soul.

I've finally found my soulmate and Damn if I won't brag about it to Alima and Iris.

•••

We took a plane to Arizona before booking a cab to the country side. The ride was silent, and again, I felt her.

"Don't be nervous, you'll be fine." I assured her kissing her head. "In fact, I'm the one who's suppose to be nervous."

"You? Why? You're the one going back home to your family."

"Exactly. What if you don't like my family?" I joked trying to wash away her nervousness.

"Of course I'll like your family. They're your family and if I like you, I'll like them too."

"See? They're my family. And if I like you, they'll definitely like you too." I assured her, drawing her to myself as she rested on my chest. It was silent for a few seconds, and then it came to me again.

"Speaking of my family, have I ever told you that... You look so much like my little sister?"

"That's not a compliment Nicholas." She said hitting my chest.

"Ouch! That hurts. Your punches are always strong. Do you work out?" I joked.

"Not really. I guess I was born strong." She brags.

"Yeah you wish." I teased her, getting another punch. "But seriously you look like my sister." I repeated.

"Stop saying that, it's weird. Are you attracted to your sister too?"

"Who says I'm attracted to you?" I joked but I think I took it too far.

"Really? Fine!" She sulked getting off me.

"I'm just joking. it was a joke Cece."

"And now I'm angry." She continued sulking, she's such a baby. I know she just wants to be in my arms.

"And how can I appease that anger?" I asked knowing the obvious answer.

"Kiss me." She replied and I was right. "Kiss me like you mean it. Show me how much you love me through your kiss." She requested firmly.

I sucked my teeth contemplating. "Hmmmm... Cece I'd rather not. If I start, we'll definitely need a room to complete it. That's how much I love you." I said instantly getting her shy. "Awnn... now you're blushing."

"You're making me blush. Stop saying smooth things like that. Are you a player?"

"I could be, if you'd be my field." I complimented more just making her cover her now so red cheeks with her hands.

"Fine I'll stop, we're almost there." I said giving her a peck before looking straight ahead with my girlfriend rested on my chest again.

The cab dropped us off and we had to walk for about ten minutes before getting to the house. And Cece seemed really off as we walked along the narrow path.

"What is it Cece? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. I'm fine. It's probably nothing." She replied uneasily.

"Are you nervous again?"

"No it's not that. I just... I just feel like I've been here before." She said.

"That's not possible. I've lived here my whole life. If a beautiful damsel like you have ever walked into my territory, I don't think you would have gone unnoticed." I joked getting a glare from her.

"See? Definitely a player." She accused, walking towards the house which was now in sight.

"I'm not a player!" I defended running to catch up with her. "I'm excited to show you off. My sister is definitely loud but my mother is nice. You'll feel right at home in no time." I assured her but she was lost in thoughts again.

"Cece? Earth to Cece?" I called jolting her back.

"I'm sorry, this place just really does seem familiar to me." She repeated again.

"And I said that's not possible. You told me you've never been to Arizona."

"I haven't, but I think I know this place." She kept insisting. By this time, we were already at the front porch and the front door was locked and so I knocked while Cece kept contemplating.

"There's a baobab tree deep in the forest to the west." She pointed "...and there's a tree house high up ontop of it with a telescope that can see as far as The Phyrian Divide."

What the hell? That was accurately correct. Victoria built that tree house for my tenth birthday before she died. She promised me we would go up there and look at the Divide on my tenth birthday but she never made it. That tree house holds the most significance to me. I won't even let Iris and Alima go close to it, How did Cece find out? How did she know my comfort place.

"Cecelia, how did you know that?" I asked in shock.

"I'm correct, aren't I? Is there really a tree house with a telescope built on a baobab tree?"

"How did you know that?"

"I just had a feeling. I don't know but I just know." She explained, but I didn't understand what she was saying.

"Nic!!" Iris yelled jumping unto me before I could ask Cece any further questions.

"Hey kiddo, where's mom?"

"She's out back. Mom! Nic's here!" Iris yelled, alerting my mom as I carried her inside. "You promised you'll be here last week, what took you so long?" Iris asked pouting.

"Would you believe me if I said it was work?" I mimicked her.

"Nope! I won't."

"Then, what if I say it was because of a girl?" I added.

"Then I'd believe because there's one here with you. Why did you keep my brother held up?" She asked glaring at Cece.

"I'm sorry, it won't happen again." "Is she always this loud?" Cece mouthed to me, getting an affirmative nod.

So Miss, I'm the Miss of this house." Iris said going over to Cece with arms crossed. "You came to my house, you should introduce yourself." She said pretending to be angry.

"Isn't she bossy, Cece?"

"Nic, stay out of this. What's your name?" Iris asked again.

"Cecelia. Cecelia Rufus." Cece answered stretching forth her hand for a hand shake. Immediately, Iris moved backwards.

"You're... you're Ce... Cecelia Rufus?" She stuttered, losing her strength as she fell to the ground in fear.

"Iris are you okay?" I asked running to her.

"Get out!" I heard a voice from behind.

"Mom, this is my girlfriend Ce..."

"Get out!!!" My mom yelled at Cece, totally ignoring me. I could see terror, sadness, love and hate in my mother's eyes as she looked at Cece.

How could she express all this emotions at once? She has never been like this before. And why did Iris immediately tremble when Cece introduced herself?

Cecelia Rufus, I think she's more than meets the eyes.

To Be Continued...