Call Me Blade✔

Thirty-Two: Meet me in the woods

Chapter song: Meet Me In The Woods by Lord Huron.

Dustin

This week went by way too fast. It has been nothing short of fun, and seeing Blade be so carefree and relaxed made me so glad my parents invited her. It had crossed my mind to ask her to join us myself, but I had a feeling she'd say no and it felt too ballsy. I was surprised she even said yes to my parents. At first, I was worried she wouldn't have a good time or feel bored, but she fits in with my family easily and seems content with joining me and Miriam on our excursions.

I've changed my outfit six times already, feeling nervous for some reason. Usually, I'm not too worried about how I look, but for some reason I am tonight.

Finally, I decide on a black turtle neck and black carbo pants- disregarding my first two choices. I could never say no to a black turtle neck combo. It's good old faithful.

I grab the bag off my bed before heading downstairs. I had made sure to buy ingredients for s'mores since they have become Blade's favorite snack.

"Hi," I say, getting myself a glass of water. "Has Miriam come down yet?"

Mom shakes her head. "They'll be down in a few."

"You know girls," Dad starts, earning a stern look from Mom. "Always amazing and perfect and on time." He finishes in an attempt to save himself.

I laugh.

Miriam and Blade come downstairs a few minutes later. I smile at my sister who is wearing a red sun dress and sandals. Blade is wearing a dress but she has a cardigan pulled over her  shoulders--- hiding most of the outfit. She has her hair down which I've never seem her do and it looks like Miriam did her makeup.

Faith is balanced on her hip, decked out in a cute yellow dress.

"You girls look lovely!" My mom beams, taking out her phone.

"Good idea!" Miriam grabs Blade's hand, pulling her to pose.

"Hold Faith," Miriam commands me after they take a few pictures with her. She turns to Blade. "Take off the cardigan for the pictures. It's not even cold in here."

I open my mouth to tell Miriam off but Blade slides off the cardigan, and I gawk at her.

The soft blue wrap dress fits her small body perfectly. The flowly material has short sleeves and falls just above her knee. It's fairly modest but still shows a lot of skin- well a lot of skin for Blade. She shifts awkwardly, attempting to hide her wrists that I know hold a shit ton of scars.

"Perfect!" Mom says after taking a few more pictures. "Faith can stay with me. You guys have fun."

Miriam steers Blade outside before she can protest. The bonfire is only a short walk from the lake house so we arrive in no time. Miriam trots off immediately, going to greet a friend.

I lean down to Blade. "You look lovely."

She looks up at me, a shy smile on her face. Thank you. She mouths.

My eyes flicker down to her lips that are shiny with gloss and I clear my throat, pulling back. What is wrong with me? "Want to make s'mores?"

She smiles, nodding.

We make s'mores and sit on one of the benches. There are a lot of people out tonight, most of them dancing or mingling. I see Miriam getting fairly close to a guy so I keep an eye on her.

"Want a drink?" I ask Blade who nods. She already finished her s'more and is clutching the caridgan in her arms. It's pretty warm by the fire so she probably won't need it.

As I pour the drink, I notice someone in my spot next to Blade. I recognize the guy as Freddy. He greets her and she signs back to him, his face breaking into a big smile, signing back at her.

Blade perks up, and soon they're both communicating animatedly with each other.

I clutch the can of soda in my hand with more force than necessary, feeling a surge of jealousy.

Yea, what the hell has gotten into me tonight?

Blade laughs at something Freddy says, and he scoots closer to her.

"It's nice to see her mingling." I hear Miriam say next to me.

"Yea," I say, easing my grip on in the can. She's mingling and that's great. Whatever the hell I felt just now can go kick rocks. Miriam walks off, going up to a group of girls.

I bring the soda to Blade after grabbing one for Freddy as well.

Thank you. She signs to me, smiling as she takes the soda from my hand.

"Hey, Dustin."

"Hey, man." I hand him a soda and he thanks me. "I didn't know you knew sign language."

He shrugs. "My sister lost her hearing a few years back and my whole family had to learn."

I nod in understanding

"Anyways, it was nice meeting you Blade." He gives her a charming smile. "I'll text you."

She nods, waving him goodbye. I sit beside her, trying to push away the ugly feeling in my chest. She gave him her number? They talked for like two minutes. It took much longer than that for me to get her number. Okay, I'm being dramatic. It wasn't that long and she doesn't owe me anything. I'm happy she's opening up.

She scoots closer to me, putting her head on my shoulder. We stay like that for a few minutes. I don't say anything for a while, just staring at the fire.

"More s'mores?" I ask her and she nods.

After making a couple more s'mores, we sit back at our spot. Blade seems content watching everyone; her eyes drinking in everything.

"You guys are so lame," Miriam teases, plopping down on the grass infront of us. "Let's dance!" She grabs Blade's can and downs the rest of her soda.

"Nice, Mir." I say dryly. She stands up, grabbing our hands and pulling us with her to where everyone is dancing.

We dance together for a while. More like me and Miriam jump around crazily while Blade stands awkwardly. I grab her hands, swaying with her.

"Just relax." I tell her when she tenses. The song playing isn't one I recognize, but the beat and lyrics are upbeat and not one you'd sway to but we sway together anyway. Blade follows my lead, and I pull her closer- a bold move on my part- then spin her around. I start moving more and slowly she loosens up, jumping around with me a little bit.

I do some silly moves and she mimics me. Miriam joins us and we dance together, laughing as we do.

The song changes to a slow one and she lets me slow dance with her, leaning into me. The song finishes and she pulls away, a small smile on her face.

"Water?" I ask her.

Yes, please. She signs.

****