Crossing Jupiter (#Wattys2015)

Chapter Nine

The minute I got my permit was the minute I drove out of this god forsaken state. No offense to New York but, it's just not my ideal state.

I imagined myself graduating at my old school with all these people I used to know. But, things change. Big things happen, and that's why we have to make decisions that can change our life.

Where am I driving to? I have no clue. I thought about going to Connecticut, but then I realized that I can't even find my way home without asking for directions. Plus, it's a 200 mile drive, and I don't have money for gas.

But I know I'm going somewhere. Somewhere that can allow me to think.

I pull over by the forest. The trees sing as the wind hits them, which gives me comfort. It reminds me of my old backyard, where Jasper and I used to pretend that we were back in medieval times, and I was the princess while he was a knight.

Someone knocks on my window. "July? Is that you?"

It's Bay. Obviously. I get out of the car and rest my elbow on the hood. "It might be, but then again it could also be her twin sister. You can take your pick."

"What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same."

He motions me over. "Walk with me, and we'll talk about it."

I oblige. The leaves crunch under our feet as we move. "Aren't you supposed to stay away from me?" I ask.

"Hey, that was your idea. And yes, I am, but considering I can't, means that I will."

"Alright, so what are you doing out here?"

He shrugs. "Taking a walk to clear my head. I got one week of ISS, so my mom and I aren't on the best of terms at the moment. I guess I just wanted to get away from all of it."

"You and your mom don't get along?"

"We get along fine, until I screw up. Then she becomes the wicked witch of the west, and I have to stay at Derek's for a night or two."

The clouds begin to overcast. "Looks like a storm's coming." Bay murmurs.

"I always thought that you were this perfect kid. Then yesterday hit, and I realized that you might be more troubled than I thought." I whisper.

His eyes twinkle. "You thought I was perfect?"

"It's crossed my mind."

We continue walking deeper into the forest. The wind stops, along with the birds. An eerie silence settles over the land, and a pause is fighting between the both of us.

"July, what are we doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"We've just been running in circles ever since you got here. Every time I get close to you, you shut me out. I want to know you, and I want to be your friend, but you never allow me to. Just because I have feelings for you doesn't mean that I will force anything on you, because I won't. I'd never dream of doing that. I just wish you'd open up to me, so I can open up to you."

I smile a little. "Then ask me something. Anything, and I'll answer, as long as you do too."

"Alright." He pauses. "Favorite color?"

"Cobalt blue. Yours?"

"Green, but not bright green. A subtle green."

"Cooking or baking?"

Bay grins. "Baking, for sure. I love to bake crazy things, whether it's bread or cheesecake, I'd do it."

I raise an eyebrow. "I never thought of you as a baking guy. Have you ever dated anyone?"