Across the Maps

Chapter 26

I sit at the creek, my knees pulled to my chest, watching the blazing colors of the bright beautiful sunset. I've sat here since speaking to Cole, recalling the day's horrible events. How could they go so wrong? Why did I have to tell him I like him. He probably doesn't even like me back. How could I have been so stupid?

I hear a snap of a stick and turn around slowly to find Cole standing above me, hands in his back pockets. His expression is blank.

He stares at me for a little while, his green eyes bright. "Hey," his voice is so quiet I can barely hear the small whisper.

"Um...hey," I awkwardly say, playing with my fingers out of habit.

"Why'd you run?" he asks, his large eyes searching for an answer.

"I was scared," I admit, my voice weak and pathetic.

"Of what?" he asks, his voice gentle and quiet.

"Everything," I exclaim. "I shouldn't have even said what I said. I'm sorry."

"Why are you sorry for your feelings?" he questions, confused.

"I don't know. Look I should go," I stand up and start to walk away, but he grabs my shoulders and turns me around to face him.

"What do you want?" I sigh, gazing up into his large eyes.

"Did you ever think," he says. "that I might like you back?"

"Yeah sure. That'd be the day of the zombie apocalypse." I let out a ragged laugh at my humor but he just continues to stare at me.

"But seriously," Cole speaks softly. "Did you ever think that I might like you as much as you like me?"

"No," I admit softly. "I didn't. I mean how could you like me?"

"Well you know what?" Cole raises his voice slightly. "I like you. I've liked you from the day I met you. I like everything about you. Your beautiful smile, your eyes, your stupid remarks, your amazing laugh, your funny comments, and your perfect self. How could I not like you? You're perfect in everything single way."

I stand there, dumbfounded, my eyes wide and my mouth open. "What?" my voice is shaky and confused. "I...I-"

He watches me, his eyes gazing at me with such an intensity that I have to look down to avoid the brightness.

"But...Ka...Katani," I spit out the name as if it was poison.

"She doesn't mean a thing to me," he exclaims. "I mean she's a nice girl, but nothing compared to you."

I feel like a burden is being lifted off my chest. Thanks goodness. He doesn't like her. I try to speak, but no words come out of my mouth.

When I don't speak, he exclaims, "And when I saw you with Jeremy," he pauses, an angry emotion crossing his face. "I hated it. I hated him for being with you." He pauses for a few seconds, pursing his lips. "You know from day one, you haven't stopped amazing me and I was so happy when you told me you liked me, but then you ran out and I was sad and confused."

"I'm sorry," my voice is barely a whisper.

"It's okay," a faint smile crosses his face.

He reaches out, bringing his hand to touch my face, tracing my cheek. "You seriously don't know how much I like you," he grins, his voice soft and sweet.

He leans in and kisses me gently, his lips soft and warm. We stand there for a few minutes, his lips on mine. Finally we pull away and I have a large grin plastered on my face.

"What?" Cole asks, smiling.

"Nothing," I lie horribly.

"Yes there is something. Now tell me or else."

"Or else what?" I smirk.

"Or else I'm going to tickle you."

"You wouldn't," I challenge, even though I know he actually would.

"Try me," he sneers, a smirk on his face.

"Fine," I laugh, throwing my hands into the air. "I give up."

He smiles. "Now tell me," he commands in a playful tone.

"It's just that I never thought the kiss would be this great," I reply, embarrassment obvious in my voice.

"Well you were kissing me, so obviously it was amazing," he smirks.

"Yeah whatever," I reply, rolling me eyes. "When did you have your first kiss?" I ask, curious. I wonder if he was this confident when he had his first kiss.

"Last year," he exclaims. "Why?"

"I don't know," I state. "Who was it?" I ask, trying to keep the jealousness out of my voice but failing miserably.

"Just some girl. Don't worry. You don't have to be jealous," he teases. "I mean, I know I'm hot and all, but," he stops.

"I am not jealous," I object, but my high voice contradicts what I say.

He chuckles. "Yes you are."

I roll my eyes. "Whatever."

"Come on," he says. "It's getting late." He gestures to the almost pitch black sky. "Let's get back."

I nod hesitantly, not wanting the amazing night to come to and end. "Okay. Let's go."

I stand up, my legs wobbly underneath me, and brush the grass off of my jeans. We start walking back side by side, Cole only inches to the left of me.

We continue to walk up the long, winding road, darkness looming over our heads. Cole slips his hand into mine and intertwines his fingers with me.

As he turns and smiles at me, warmth fills my heart. Cole likes me. He really and truthfully likes me.

I hope you like this chapter! Vote and Comment if you like it! Sorry I updated again, but I changed some stuff. Thanks for helping me SkittlesPercyJ