The Shadow of Our Past

An Opened Book

"Hey," a deep voice whispers to me while tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I can only manage to grumble, which grants a soft laugh from the man I rest my head on. "We are packing up and I should probably get you home."

I force my weary eyes to open, the sight of a dying fire greeting me. I push myself to sit fully, instantly missing the warm shoulder against my cheek. "How long was I asleep?" I catch Ben's attention as he begins to stand. I can barely see his face, but I still notice the slightest blush on his soft expression as he gazes down at me.

"Maybe forty five minutes or so. You were out like a light," he says with a hint of a smile. I hum in thought as I stretch my aching neck and shoulder. Even though the mental comfort of sleeping on Ben's shoulder is nice, my body still protests at the awkward position.

"Shit," I mutter. "Sorry." He waves it off as he crouches down to grab his bag.

"If it was a problem I would have told you," he reassures. I push myself from the sand, groaning as my legs also protest. "Let's get out of here before you're missed at home."

I scoff, brushing some loose sand off my legs. "My mom knows that going out with Jess and Ethan means I'm not coming home until late." I shrug and he looks at me doubtfully. A few moments of silence pass between us while we gather our bags. I slip my abandoned sandals over my feet, the unpleasant feeling of sand in my shoes makes me grimace. I attempt to shake some of it out, but only small bits of sand fall from the sandals.

"You know," I start. "You said you would take me to your house some day," I suggest while quirking my eyebrow at him. He glances at me, considering the idea. I can see a little crinkle form between his furrowed eyebrows as he thinks. Just this little detail about him makes me secretly blush as he looks to the darkened horizon.

"Sure, why not," he decides. "But we should go before Jess and Ethan think we're dead." I nod my agreement, suddenly remembering that it isn't just Ben and I here. I look around, trying to spot two figures in the dark. "They're out by the cars," he explains, answering my unspoken question.

I hum, looking back to Ben who now also has his guitar case in hand. "Okay, let's go then," I confirm, beginning to trudge off towards the brush. He follows my lead, grunting as he, once again, gets assaulted by branches and leaves. I do my best to hold back a laugh and instead let out a stifled, amused squeak.

"It's not funny," He pouts behind me in a joking manner.

I freely laugh this time before commenting "Ben, you're getting beat up by trees. Of course that's funny!" Something about saying his name feels so natural and so do my genuine giggles that he's the cause of.

He plays along, jokingly warning, "don't test me, Sunflower." My eyes widen at the nickname, but my steps don't falter. That's new. I can hear him clear his throat, obviously embarrassed and flustered.

Neither of us have time to speak again as we reach the end of the small trail. Ethan and Jess are both setting their things in the trunk of Jess's car, oblivious to our approach. Ethan is the first one to look up, followed by Jess who grins widely at me. We walk closer, Ben engaging in conversation with Ethan as Jess approaches me.

"We are gonna head out, so don't do anything stupid while I'm away, Kira," she imitates a stern father while she pulls me into a hug. "See ya, Sunflower." My jaw nearly drops at her jab and I throw a frightened glance to Ben. Thankfully, he's caught up in saying goodbye to Ethan.

Jess gives me her signature pointed, sassy look, pats me on the back and then walks away. Ethan takes the hint as she pulls the driver's side door open. He waves to me, then joins Jess in her car. They drive off, leaving just Ben and I in their wake.