Fearful Love

Chapter 7 - The Hill

NOTE: You guessed it: another song! Play it when the story says so.

"Do you want anything to eat?" Cole asked, gesturing towards the kitchen.
"No, I'm okay. Thanks though!" I responded.
"So...what brings you to Helena?" he stumbled.
I thought for a second. Should I tell him all about me? Probably not. But don't lie.
"Um, I'd rather not say." I painfully said.
"Mysterious! I like it." Cole grinned. I blushed like a tomato. He had the weirdest effect on me. I noticed his braces. They didn't make him look any less cute.
He adjusted his blue hat. "Do you maybe, um, want to go to dinner? With me?" Cole looked down at the ground smiling and blushing.
I sat up from my laying position, astonished. He really wanted to go on a date? Maybe I would. I should. I needed something to take my mind off of my messy situation.
"It's totally okay if you say no." he added at my silence.
"No, I was not saying anything because I just needed a second to process things. But absolutely! I would love to." I stuttered. Now it was my turn to blush.
"Cool." he smiled. Again, that adorable face.
"Any ideas?" I asked. I noticed my rib felt better, just a little sore. And my thigh was numb from medication.
"We could have a picnic! It's a really nice day. Or evening, I guess." Cole said. He fidgeted with his thumbs.
"Sure." I smiled. This boy, the one who always made me smile.
While Cole packed food in a basket I went to the bathroom. My hair was wavy but not bad. My face was okay. My jeans and pink floral shirt were nice enough for a date, right?
We walked out to the driveway where a red Bronco was parked.
"Wow, you have a Bronco?" I said.
"Yeah..." he blushed. He opened the door for me and I stepped in, as not clumsy as possible.

PLAY SONG HERE

We drove off and weaved through the town roads. He laughed and I did too. The sunlight glinted off him and I realized I had a crush on Cole, this random boy from Helena, Montana.
We began to drive up a steep road. We parked on the side of it and Cole led me off the road, picnic basket in hand. We layed a blanket down and sat on the edge.
My heart thumped out of my chest. It was golden hour, and Cole looked so handsome. We ate the sandwiches and talked.
Cole was a runner, just like me. He had four siblings, all of which were with his Mom. He was an extravert. He loved sunsets. And he was actually a very sensitive guy.
I was so nervous. But in a fun way. The way you feel around the person you like. That feeling like your stomach is flopping around like a fish. That your heart will beat so fast it wins a track race. That you were meant to be together.
The sun dipped below the horizon and the lights of Helena twinkled with the stars. The moon shone bright. There was nary a car on the road.
We kept laughing and talking and enjoying ourselves. I felt happy and light in a way I hadn't felt in the last week. I felt better with him than I ever had with Dave.
"Cole." I said. We locked eyes and I melted again.
"Yes Shelly?" he replied.
"I like you." I blurted out. He laughed lightly.
"So do I. I'm glad it isn't just me." Cole smiled.
We both had the same idea. He leaned in slowly and so did I. We kissed gently and it felt pure and happy, not like with Dave.
The moon and the stars kept shining. Helena still sat nestled below us in its spot. Cole and I stayed on that hill for hours, just talking.
And the men were still out there. But Cole was here now. And that was enough.