Page 27 of Light in Your Eyes (Romero Brothers #1)
Layla
I watch as Kellan talks to his phone. “Come on, Jaxon. Pick it up,” he says urgently. “Pick it up.”
Still, it seems that he doesn’t get any answer from the other side of the line. Kellan curses and ends the call. He looks restless, and I can’t help but feel concern.
“What’s the matter?” I approach him. “Are you okay?”
“Never mind.” Kellan shuts his eyes, throwing his head back. I can see clearly the irritation on his face because Jaxon hasn’t picked up his call. “Fucking jackass.”
Kellan huffs, and his chest rises and falls. I know that he’s worried about Jaxon. I haven’t heard from him either ever since he called me for the first time to talk about Kellan.
Knowing that Kellan needs to get his mind off Jaxon, I suggest, “Do you want to take a morning jog with me?”
Kellan doesn’t answer me verbally, but then he tosses his phone to his bed and puts on his shirt. After wearing his sneakers, he strides toward the door. “I’ll wait for you at the jogging track.”
“Okay. ”
After Kellan closes the door behind him, I change into a pair of joggers while still wearing the same T-shirt. I wear my shoes and exit his room.
When I arrive at the jogging track, Kellan is already running. I do a warmup before taking a morning jog.
While we’re exercising together, I notice that our stamina difference is very obvious. His speed is way better than mine that he’s already run past me for God knows how many times.
After a while, I stop running and take a walk instead. I watch as Kellan keeps a steady speed. He’s doing good, but he still looks like he still can’t get his mind off his failed call with Jaxon earlier.
Then I notice that he needs to fix his shoelace.
“Wait.” I say as he runs past me again. “Your shoelace.”
My words make him stop, and I approach him. I get down on one knee and fix his shoelace with a smile. After I’m done with it, I stand up and face him.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I ask.
“About what?” Kellan asks, still catching his breath from running.
“Jaxon,” I say. “You called him earlier, didn’t you?”
Kellan sighs. “He didn’t pick up my call. And it made me fucking worried.”
“Your brother is a strong man,” I say, trying to assure him. “I’m sure that he’s okay, and he will find a way back to you.”
I truly hope that Jaxon, Cole, and Levi are okay and will go back soon.
“I know. It’s just…” Kellan squeezes his eyes shut, throwing his head back. “He was never out of reach like th is before for so long. Something bad must have happened, but I know that he has Cole and Levi with him. Hopefully, they’ll fucking make it out.”
“They will,” I say.
We finish the jog and go back together to his room. I close the door behind me.
“I’m going to take a shower,” Kellan says.
While waiting for Kellan to use the bathroom, I sit on the bed and check my phone. Messages from Archer pop up.
Archer : Me and Nana are doing well.
Archer : With the money you sent us, Nana’s health is getting even better. And we don’t have any outstanding issues with the insurance.
Archer : I’m worried about you. Are you okay over there?
Archer : Why did you never take a leave? Maybe during the weekend?
A smile touches my lips. I quickly reply to him.
Me : I’m doing good, Archer. Don’t worry about me.
Me : I’m just glad that you and Nana are doing well.
Me : I miss you two so much. I love you.
I put my phone back on the nightstand, and that’s when Kellan walks out of the bathroom, already changed into new clothes. I watch as he heads to the door.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Practicing.” With that said, Kellan leaves again, shutting the door behind him.
I sigh, staring at the door. He just finished running, and now he’s about to practise martial arts.
I’ve known Kellan for quite a while, that I can figure out what’s happening with him. Usually when he’s doing exercises non-stop, it’s because he’s trying to get his mind off something.