Riley's Box

Part 48

I really did try to keep my mind on finding a shadow spirit for the rest of our time in the forest, but I was distracted and for a very, very good reason. 

My heart had grown so warm with everything that Jason had told me. 

Hell, stop it, Riley. Now is not the time. You've been friends with the boy for most of your life, get over it. 

I was not about to get over it. 

"Riley, concentrate," Avidicci told me. 

I met his gaze with a friendly smile and really, really tried to concentrate. 

It wouldn't be an easy task, but I knew how important it was for me to keep my focus, here. 

After Jason had told me what he had, I had honestly felt as though time had slowed down. The feeling that I had made the moment seem like a dream, yet nothing had ever felt more real in my entire life. Although Jason hadn't uttered the words 'I like you', I could guess from what he had told me earlier that this was the direction that things were heading in. At least, I really, really hoped that they were heading in a good direction. I needed that. I needed this. I needed him. Together, us and the Sins needed to send those pesky shadow spirits back where they came from. We could do this. 

The sun warmed my skin, as it shone down on me between the thick green trees. 

I could see from the gaps in the tree branches that the sky was blue and vibrant. It felt like the beginning of summer, but we were beginning to enter May, now, so I supposed that much made sense. 

The air felt warm; the weather felt summery. 

As we continued to walk on through the forest, I could hear the sound of birds twittering away and the scent of pine needles combined with Jason's cologne was honestly heavenly. 

The climate was warm and it made me feel a little sleepy, but now was not the time for that. 

I glanced around at my surroundings to see if I could make out any weird, shadowy figures. Alas, there was nothing there. 

A cool breeze drifted through the trees and caused the hairs on my arms to stick out again. 

"Here," Jason spoke, offering me his jacket. 

The weather was pleasant. Jason was more than pleasant. His denim jacket felt so comfortable on me, as though it fit me perfectly. 

Of course, it was a little extra large for me, but it was comforting all the same and it smelt like him. I breathed in his scent and smiled, feeling calm in the moment. 

This was going to have to go on record for simultaneously being the best and weirdest Spring that I had ever experienced. 

A few blue birds fluttered through the branches of the trees and an eagle soared above us. 

My eyes glanced down towards the ground and I made out the shapes of a couple of squirrels and mice that scurried by over the old, crispy, fallen leaves. 

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a dark figure and was convinced that it may have been a shadow spirit. 

It was not a shadow spirit. It was only a large dog- a black Labrador, which was utterly adorable. His owner walked past with him and didn't seem to notice Jason and I. 

I released a breath in the relief that I didn't have to fight an actual creature from Hell. At least, I didn't have to fight an actual creature from Hell yet. 

Feeling Jason's eyes on me, I turned to him with a friendly expression. 

"How are you doing?" I asked him kindly. 

"I'm doing okay, Riles," he replied.

 I could tell by his voice that he was being honest. Good. I didn't want to have to keep secrets from him anymore. 

"I really love this forest. Look at all of the birds, the animals, the trees. It's such a lovely day!" I said, as I skipped ahead. 

Jason released a gentle laugh. 

"Someone's talkative," he told me. 

"I am indeed. That's what makes me so cordial," I said. 

"That's a new one," Jason told me. 

I felt my mouth twitch, at the same time that his lips curved into a sweet smile. 

Hell, I wanted to kiss him. Now was not the time, though. 

"I'm trying to expand my vocabulary," I explained. 

He gave an inclination of his head in understanding. 

"Are you sure you're okay with all of this?" I asked him, my voice caring. 

Jason's gaze warmed again. I felt as though it would melt me into the leaves that lay underneath my sneakers. 

"'Cause I understand if all of this is a bit much," I said, feeling the concern creep into my gaze. 

At that suggestion, Jason shook his head. He then outstretched a hand towards me and I took it at once. 

He squeezed it. 

I squeezed it back. 

"Nothing is ever too much for me," he said. "Trust me, I've been through a lot of stuff," he reminded me. 

He could say that again. I wouldn't make him, though. I knew that Jason didn't like to talk about his past and that much was understandable enough. It hadn't been easy for him. That much was for sure. 

"So, you're all good with us helping them?" I asked him. 

"If he's not, he can leave," Invidia said sardonically, as she turned back to look at the two of us, with a serious expression. 

"No," I said. 

I could feel Jason smiling at me. 

"I said that I would help you all and I intend to do that, but Jason is coming with us," I said. 

Jason was going to stick by me because he was a caring person. I had always known as much about him, and I understood why he was like that, too. His father had put him through a metaphorical Hell, he never wanted anyone to go through what he had. 

I squeezed his hand again. It was a non-verbal way for me to communicate him that I was going to stand by him, no matter what happened.