Endlessly

Chapter 4 ; sunsets, small town

We must have fell asleep because before I knew it my alarm clock was going off and it was 6 A.M. I shook Chris’s shoulder until he slowly woke up. After I knew he was awake I started picking out my clothes and getting ready for school. Chris doing the same. He let me use the bathroom first to do my hair and shower. Then he proceeded to shower and change. I was dressed in a cardigan, a plain white tee, blue jeans and some white converse, Chris in black skinny jeans, a white tee, and a pair of vans. 

I wasn’t sure how my mom would react to Chris staying over night. I mean sue we did it when we were kids but we’re teenagers now. The more I thought about it the more nervous I became. Chris saw me biting my nails and he took my hands in his. “we can just tell them I fell asleep on your couch during the movie, they’ll believe us.” he whispered as we walked down the steps.  This didn’t calm my nerves much but I smiled softly and nodded..

When we made our way into the kitchen everyone was gone except for my mother. It was almost 8 am, we would most likely be late for first period. Mom didn’t acknowledge our presence until Chris broke the silence. “Good morning Mrs. James.” he said sweetly, obviously trying to win her over. My mom turned around quite shocked, eyeing the boy. I held my breath, half expecting a scolding, half expecting a call to Christopher’s parents. Then to my surprise she smiled softly and hugged him. “Chris sweetheart its been ages!”

Mom made us breakfast and chatted with Chris for a little while I grabbed my backpack and keys. I had already told Mae I didn’t need a ride this morning. While rushing around and getting the things I needed for school I hit the home button on my phone. It was later than I anticipated. Running down the stairs in a hurry, I grabbed Chris and told my mom goodbye. 

Chris’s car was already out front from last night so I let him drive. We sat in a comfortable silence while the radio played lightly. I was staring out the window while he drove down the open road. Slowly I started to realize this was not the way to school. Confused, I looked over at Chris who was smirking widely as he turned onto the interstate. 

I sat straight up in my seat and gasped. “Christopher William Smith what the FUCK do you think you’re doing ?” I screeched. I guess Chris thought my rage was funny because he broke out into a fit of laughter leaving me speechless. “princess don’t worry I’m not going to kidnap you or anything, we’ll be back by sundown.” I glanced around not sure what to think. “fine.” I said stubbornly. “on one condition” I said smirking like I’ve seen him do a million times. “and what’s that” he said looking quite surprised. “I pick get to pick the music.” 

****

When we finally reached our mystery location it turned out to be not so much of a mystery. It was an old vacation home of the Smiths’ that our families would stay at during spring break. “this morning before you woke up I packed you some clothes and a bathing suit so we can go swimming.” He said. I forgot Chris was beside me. We were both beaming, thinking of all the memories we had here. 

The rest of the day was spent splashing around and swimming in the lake. Now we were sitting inside eating our packed lunches even though the sun was going down. My skin was slightly darker and my cheeks had sunburn but it was worth it. 

We sat in a comfortable silence, listening to the water and the birds. “Thank you” Christopher mumbled. I turned to face him, “For what?” “For not pushing me away after the way I treated you.” he said still not looking me in the eye. What I wanted to do is tell him I love him and then kiss him, we could ride off into the sunset and then live happily ever after. But this is not a fairytale, and he does not love me back.

“I couldn’t let that destroy our friendship it wasn’t worth it.” I smiled lightly. “you’re my best friend.” he finally looked at me. There was something unsure in his eyes, something I didn’t recognize.