Just for A Summer

Chapter Six

Rocky stands in the middle of the trees, throwing punch after punch at the grey sack. His sandy blonde hair shakes as he throws himself into a kick. His tanned back glistens with sweat.

It's almost mesmerizing, watching him fight. The energy and emotion in the air is almost palpable as he grunts and groans. The bag must be weighed down very well, because as Rocky pummels it, it barely moves an inch, and I know he's not weak.

How long has he done this? Where did he learn how to fight? He's never shared this, this powerful, heart-wrenching side of himself with any of us. To me, Kate, Shred, and Matt, he's goofy, golden boy Rocky, athletic and charismatic and at times even a little bit cocky.

I'm planning on watching him for a few moments before I call out, but I don't get the chance. Rocky stops his assault on the bag and leans down, placing his hands on his knees and hanging his head. I'm tense as he opens his eyes.

Time seems to stop. The forest seems to go quiet as his bright green eyes stare penetratingly into mine. The only sound is his heavy breathing and my heart pounding in my chest.

It never occurred to me that Rocky would be angry, but that seems like a very real possibility now. I feel so invasive. What if he just wanted to be alone? What if he wanted to keep this place a secret? What now?

Finally, he sighs, shakes his head, and stands.

"Liz."

I give him a sheepish smile. "You okay?"

He stares at me stone-faced for a minute, and I brace myself. But then, to my surprise, he smiles.

"How did you find me?" he questions.

"How do you think?" I say sarcastically. A look of realization crosses his face.

"Slash," we both laugh.

I take a step closer to him. "But seriously, why are you beating yourself up over this?"

"Well technically, I'm beating this old thing up," he jokes, gesturing to the sack.

"True."

"But really? You want to know why?" he questions.

"Yes! Of course I do! I don't understand why you're so upset. Just go to regionals! Matt's not going to be mad at you, none of us are! I'm so proud of you, Rocky." I hug him tightly.

He looks down at me. "Liz Asher, you are something special," he smirks.

"So, you going to tell me?" I smile up at him.

He sighs,"Okay, fine. But can we at least go sit on the sand? Branches are not very comfortable seats."

Rocky picks up his things and starts down a makeshift trail that I didn't notice on my way in. I trek, after him in comfortable silence.

Rocky and I have been friends since he moved here when he was 10. At age 12, his parents divorced and he lives with his dad now. His mom was an alcoholic, which none of us knew until he told us last fall. We always knew something was going on, though. He seems like an open book, but there's so much more to him that only a few people see.

We finally make it to the beach and I plop down onto the sand. Rocky sits down beside me.

"So, want to tell me what's going on now?" I say, looking away from the water and into his eyes.

"Sure."

There's a moment of silence, and then he begins.

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Hey lovelies!

Picture is of Liz, played by the lovely Bridget Mendler.

So sorry for the horrific slow updates, but I'm really busy.

Vote, and of course don't forget to comment! I love hearing your ideas.

Hugs,

-K