Wishing Star

Chapter 8

The rest of the week flew by, with Max avoiding Caelum as much as possible. He had no idea why she had pulled back, but he recognized her need for space and had left her alone for the most part.

She knew it wasn't fair to him. She knew she had been hot and cold since showing up in his life a month ago. He had been nothing but a good friend, vouching for her without even knowing her.

Now, here she was on a Saturday night, sitting in her usual spot on the front porch, alone except for her trusty friend snuggled into her side. Copper never asked her to be vulnerable. He never asked anything of her. He was just there for her. And while she appreciated his unwavering support, she knew she couldn't expect that from her human friends without a good explanation.

She honestly didn't expect Caelum to join her tonight. She knew he was giving her space and would continue to do so until she approached him, which she planned to do.

Soon.

Tonight.

He deserved an explanation for her behavior. She was getting on her own nerves, so she couldn't imagine how he felt. He was probably getting whiplash from her emotional immaturity.

The front door opened, and Caelum walked out, barely sparing her a quick smile as he lumbered off the porch. He was dressed for warmth in a red flannel jacket, his usual jeans, boots, and a black beanie on his head.

She gathered her courage. "Where are you going?"

He stopped short and turned to her, and his eyebrows lifted in surprise. "I thought it would be a good night for stargazing," he explained. "I'm headed up to the trail."

She tried to hold on to her failing courage at his detached tone. "Mind some company?" she asked hesitantly.

He looked away and stuck his hands in his pocket. "Sure," he nodded his head. "Go grab your jacket."

She did one better and grabbed a couple of blankets and his hoodie hanging by the door. He observed her arms filled with blankets but didn't comment. Once they settled in the golf cart, Copper resting on the blankets in the back, they rode to the back of the property in silence. The silence continued as they climbed the trail, Caelum, ever the gentleman, grabbing her hand and helping her over all the large rocks he could probably navigate in the dark. As soon as Max was safe from falling, he dropped her hand and continued in front of her, a flashlight leading the way. They finally made it to the bench where they sat down, still no words spoken between them.

Max took the initiative and spread one blanket over their knees. The other she threw across his chest and pulled it around herself, trying to block the wind at her back.

They looked towards the town, the lights of the buildings twinkling, reminding her of the Christmas village her mom would set up on the mantle of the living room when she was a little girl. If it were light outside, she'd see the fall foliage, crimson and orange, blanketing the scene. Living in the midwest, fall was always her favorite season, but it was nothing compared to the fall of the northeast. Since the trees had started changing colors, she came up here a lot.

In the daytime, at least.

Looking at the sky, she took in the stars, bright and plentiful on such a clear night. There was no aurora borealis, but it was still indescribable. The stars would always mean something to her.

Thinking of that night when he unknowingly made one of her dreams come true gave her the courage she needed to start talking.

"I'm sorry," she started.

He turned to her and stared at the side of her face but didn't say anything.

She continued to look up at the stars, knowing it would be easier to get it all out if she wasn't looking into his eyes.