Tell No Lies

Walking on Sunshine

Paul leaned against his truck in the parking lot at the trailhead, trying to appear calm and collected but couldn't help the incessant tapping of his foot as he waited for Roisin. He knew he was early, but his dad had pretty much shoved him out the door earlier than he needed to leave, tired of his near-constant motion in the small house.

Paul checked his phone again, but there were no new messages. He had sent her directions this morning and then suggested she wear something comfortable and layers. It was still a bit warm, but depending on how long they were out, it could get chilly. And there was always the chance it could rain so she'd need a waterproof jacket.

Holy shit, he sounded like a mother hen. But Roisin was from LA, he reasoned with himself, so she probably didn't know all of this. And he wanted to make sure that as long as she was with him, she was safe, even if that meant protecting her from a cold.

He checked the time for the third time in five minutes and then glanced up at the road.

Nervous energy continued to pulse through his body, making it even harder to stay still. He pushed off the truck and bent down to go through his pack yet again. He had enough water and food - though it was more than the average person. And had tossed in a waterproof jacket though honestly, he really didn't need anything more than the t-shirt, comfortable shorts and his own worn hiking boots he had on. Thankfully the weather was still nice enough that he could get away with it without having to explain that he ran hotter. There were also a few emergency items, though he doubted they'd need them. He had been hiking this trail since he was a kid and knew it like the back of his hand, but with his dad working in the parks service and always harping on him about trail safety, it was habit.

He then stood, his ears perking up as he heard the sound of a car approaching down the road. Pulling the hiking pack on his shoulder Paul turned, waiting until a silver Jeep Wrangler came up and pulled into the parking lot, coming to a stop next to him. His breath hitched as he saw Roisin in the driver's seat. She smiled as she reached over for a bag in the passenger seat and then got out of the car, walking around to him.

"Hey," she said, sounding slightly breathless.

"Hey," he replied, feeling his heart begin to pound.

Paul was fairly sure that he was wearing a goofy grin and was glad that Jared and the others weren't around to see this. They would never let him live this down.

Big, intimidating Paul Lahote, smiling like a clown because of the spritely woman now standing in front of him, nervously gripping the straps of her backpack. Her red hair was pulled up in a bun, though wispy strands fell around her face. And even though she was decked out in sturdy hiking gear with a windbreaker, he thought she had never looked more beautiful. Just being near her had him feeling happier than he had all week and much calmer.

"So, this is it?" she asked, looking around at the edge of the forest, though she appeared to be fighting the urge to grin as well, shifting around on her feet.

"Yea, it's a good trail for beginners," Paul said. Roisin looked back at him. "Thought it might be good to start with and then I can show you some of the other more advanced ones once you're used to it."

Roisin nodded and smiled, seeming happy with the implication that this wouldn't be the only time they went hiking together.

"Sounds good," she said. "Shall we?"

Paul nodded and started to the trailhead, Roisin falling in step next to him.

"How's school?" Paul asked, figuring that was a safe enough topic to start with. They had already talked about it a lot by this point. Roisin shrugged.