𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍

Chapter 3

RUE'S POV

"What are you listening to?" I ask Silas as I join him at the tree branch he's sitting at. I was never good at climbing trees. In fact right now I have a dozen splinters in my hands. But I feel a surge of satisfaction at my small accomplishment. He grabs his right earbud and sticks it into my ear. I listen to an electric guitar, blasting in my ear. I immediately recognize the song.

"Foo Fighters," I say, amused. "Yup," He pops his p. "You like rock too?" He questions, a spark in his eye.
"You're kidding, I love it."

He hums in suspicion, not entirely believing me. I roll my eyes. "Tell me three of your favorite rock bands that aren't Nirvana or Queen, go."
Easy.
"The Smashing Pumpkins, Guns N' Roses, Kiss."
I watch him stay silent and examine me. "Nice taste." He smiles. He had a goofy grin, one that mesmerized me.
"Told you." I chuckle.
"I want to get to know you." Silas says. I don't take my eyes off his blue ones.
"I want to know you too." I say softly.
"Let's start. Food." He says without a second thought. I raise my eyebrow.
"C'mon, Rue. Food is the key to the heart. Besides this is the way I'll know where to take you out on a date."

My eyes widen. I felt butterflies swarm in her stomach. "What do you mean?" I say, quiet. "What you heard. One day you and me will go on a date." He must've seen my face expression because he frowns. "What, you don't want to?" He asks. I think deeply.

The silence becomes too long to the point it's uncomfortable.
"Nevermind. Sorry, that was a stupid jok–"
"I don't really have a favorite food. I really like milkshakes though."

He freezes and looks at me. His grin widened. "Flavor?" Silas asks. I humm and try to think.
"I love strawberry with a cute little cherry on top." I say. He chuckles and I join in.

When I least knew it, four hours had passed. I got to know almost every detail about Silas. His favorite color was white, he liked to read, was homeschooled due to divorced parents. He had to move from California to this small quiet town nobody knows of.

It sounded sad but he looked pleased. He played soccer, liked clam chowder and bananas. I find myself dozing off, letting my head fall. It hits with something soft yet hard. I fluttered my eyes open and noticed my head was on Silas' shoulder.

I should've apologized, or immediately stood straight, but I like his warmth. It had been a long time since I felt that kinda or radiance. I think Silas sensesed my doubt because he said the following calmly. "Don't worry, I got you."

His arm slithers around my waist and tightens, securing me from a deadly fall.

I let my body relax and let my mind wander, creating new and different scenarios with each different beat and rhythm from the song.

I look up and expect fog to be surrounding us like it always did. But instead I'm greeted by beautiful stars.

Balls of fire that could destroy the Earth in any second and end my life in the blink of an eye.
I shut my eyes tight. I hated my intrusive thoughts.
I could never value something special.