still a friend - j.k.

six

Ruth's POV

We sat around the fire as the night sky began to fade. The sunset was beautiful, the fireworks already booming in the background.

Josh sat across from the flames as everyone talked. I tried not to look at him too much. He kept the staring minimal, which I was glad of.

I was still thinking about his 'message.' I didn't want to believe it could be him actually liking me. I always struggled with the idea of anyone loving me. I don't know why, I just did.

The sky started to get dark, and the fireworks began strong. We had a nice spot, there was fireworks on almost all sides.

"Can we go closer to the lake?" Sammy asked looking to his parents.

"I guess, just stay close." Mrs. Kiszka said. Danny and Sam got up, so did Jake and Josh.

"Wanna go?" Ronnie asked looking to me.

"Sure." I shrugged. I followed everyone else towards wherever it was we were going.

We walked for a little bit, when we found an opening in the trees. The fireworks continued to light up the nights sky.

"I was bored." Sammy said.

"I was too." Josh said still looking at the sky. I wasn't bored to be completely honest.

"Why did you think it'd be less boring over here?" Jake asked.

"I thought we could do something." Sam shrugged.

"Nobody brought anything." Josh said.

"We could play something." Sammy said.

"Play something?" Josh mocked.

"Hide and seek." Danny said.

"That sounds fun." Ronnie said.

"It does." I agreed.

"That means Sam has to count." Josh said after a moment of debating. I loved hanging out with this much people, it was really fun when you actually enjoyed them.

"No fair." Sam said. "Shouldn't Danny have to count?"

"We like Danny more." Josh said.

Sam was obviously displeased, but we continued anyways.

"Count to 50."

We all split away from each other to find somewhere in the landscape to hide.

I walked a few meters away trying to see in the dark. I was perfectly fine on my own. Except, I wasn't alone when someone pulled me away from my path.

I let out a small scream before a hand covered my mouth.

"Shh!" Josh whispered. I felt relieved it was him and not a psycho of some kind.

He released his hand from my mouth, but continued to pull me away.

"Where are we going?" I whispered.

"Just stay with me." Josh whispered. We walked for a minute or so, and he finally stopped. We had found another open patch. I could see the area we had been minutes ago.

"What are we doing?" I asked.

"Why are you asking so much questions?" Josh asked. I rolled my eyes and looked out. "Sit down."

He dropped to the ground rather quick. I was confused, but did as he said. I found a spot beside him. I sat close enough to where our arms would brush. It was little, but I liked it.