Michael's Story

Chapter 13

One day until Gerardo's birthday

The bright sun hung in the sky like a jewel. Beautiful chirping birds swooped and dipped through the air. It was as if they had stepped into a fairytale with the tranquility and abundance of nature.

The only person Junie confided in about her date was her mom. It was like discovering uncharted territory when she finally opened up to her mother about something personal. Still, her mom seemed genuinely happy for her. Her mother pretended to zip her mouth shut after telling her daughter to be safe. Then, something unexpected happened; they hugged and said I love you to each other.

It was a big day for Junie. Her mother was in an odd but particularly great mood, and her father was sober and surprisingly composed. Elijah and Jaya were spending time with their parents, baking cookies and on the hunt for a movie to watch. It was out of the ordinary for everything to be going so smoothly. She prayed that she could have more days that were smooth sailing.

Junie opted for a simple look consisting of a black tank top, jeans, and her curls in a taut ponytail. After Michael saw her, he couldn't take his eyes off her. It was his first time seeing her with her hair pulled back. He liked her hair this way, but Michael hugged Junie instead of saying it out loud.

He opened the door for her and Junie got in the car. She held back from making a childish squeal. Michael got in, and his music was playing softly this time.

Like before, he didn't say much and Junie hoped this wouldn't become a pattern. She refrained from asking any questions and instead sat in silence beside him. Michael continued to drive for a short while before he lowered the volume and started talking to Junie.

"Can I tell you something?" Michael asked.

Junie looked at him, "Sure."

"I don't know where we're going." He said.

"You asked me out and didn't have anything planned?" Junie balked.

"I thought I would come up with something by now. But, I'm bad at this." Michael was honest.

Junie said with a slight smile, "I can think of a million things we could do."

"Well, then help me out,"Michael requested.

Junie paused for a moment of reflection. Michael shook his head in mock disbelief and laughed at her. Junie deliberated for a while longer about the potential activities for the two of them to enjoy.

"A million things, huh?"Michael made light of the situation.

"You can't even think of one!"Junie fired back.

"You can't either," Michael retorted.

Junie held her hand up, "I have an idea, but it's elementary."

"What is it?"

"How about I just show you?" Junie said.

Junie showed Michael the way to Heart Park. Junie got out of the car first when they reached the parking lot. Michael went after her hesitantly, wondering what she had in mind. Junie approached the entrance to what appeared to be a forest. She paused her hand gliding through the air near the beginning of the path to the bridge.

"This is what you had in mind?" Michael raised a brow.

Looking around, he took in the forest and the tall grass. Finally, he observed the old bridge's rusting arch and discolored deck. Judging by Junie's expression, she was genuinely thrilled.

"It's a trail! I used to come here all the time. I haven't been in a while." Junie said. She waved him over, "Let's go. I want you to see something on the other side of the park."