The Firefly

27°

-You're not serious, I hope.- Mr. Hale looked bewildered.

-Never been more serious than that.- I exclaimed, observing the bicycle in front of us with a proud expression.

Leda had managed to bring me my bicycle that morning, and I had managed to get the model out with an excuse.

-I'm not getting on it, it's excluded.- Protested the boy without moving an inch, the sun illuminating his every feature.

-Come on! Make an effort, please.- I said, trying to persuade him.

-I mean, it's not like I'm making you ride the bike alone, Sir! You'll be in the back.- I reassured him by pulling him slightly by the arm and trying with all my might to entice him to try.

He turned his face toward me, grim. -I told you to be informal.- He reiterated coldly.

-I feel uncomfortable when a friend speaks formally to me.- I swear that at those almost whispered words my heart skipped a beat.

-Do you consider me a friend?- I must have looked downright ridiculous with that stunned expression.

-I'm considering it.- He kept his distance from the vehicle.

A strange warmth was created in my chest area accompanied by an uncontrolled smile.

-Then you will agree with me that you should try something new after so much.-

-Being friends does not mean thinking the same way.- He justified himself expressionlessly.

-No, but it means trusting the other person. Don't you trust me?-

He said nothing for a few moments.

-If you address me informally, I might reconsider.-

-Could you please get on this damn bicycle, Jake?- A hint of a smile appeared on his marble face that uncovered the small dimples.

-If I refused?-

-You said you would reconsider!- I croaked.

-I never guaranteed anything.-

-I'll strap you onto this bike.- I said through clenched teeth, electrocuting him.

All tension seemed to disappear from my body as a small, restrained laugh escaped the boy's rosy lips.

I tried to ignore the strange goose bumps all over my body as he resumed his speech.

-Come on, where is this bicycle?- He asked trying to sound annoyed, despite the small smile at the corner of his mouth, and then let me lead him to the vehicle.

I helped him get on the back, and to make the seat more comfortable I folded a soft sweatshirt, resting it on it.

The model hugged me from behind resting his face in the hollow of my neck, I flushed but he did not move.

-Do not get any illusions, I simply do not want to fall.- He informed me probably feeling the small shiver that shook me at the contact with his skin.

Why on earth was my body reacting in such an uncomfortable way? And why would I have any illusions?

-Don't go fast.- He begged me tensely.

I guess I should feel honored that he trusts me so much.

-Take it easy, I've been biking all my life.- I exclaimed hoping to reassure him, or maybe I was trying to reassure myself?

-Hold on.- I exclaimed and then sped off toward the gate, some maids looked at us in amazement before we disappeared over the hedge that bordered the mansion.