In the shadows, under the bleachers

Chapter 4

“Where are you taking me?” I asked. We had been driving for more than twenty minutes.

“You know, now would be a great time to practice being patient, and no you can take of your seat belt and jump out the car.”

“Me? Being patient, what’s wrong with you? Why would I ever be.patient? And I’m not that reckless.” I shot back, defensively. He glanced at me and smirked before turning back to the road.

“Are you sure?” His mocking tone evident.

I felt warm.

“Why do you feel the need to tease me?” I asked, not looking at him.

“Because I like seeing you flustered.” He said casually with a shrug of his shoulders. “We’re here.” I stared at him, my lips slightly parted.

“Someone’s honest.” I mumbled, slapping my hand over my mouth. Like that was going to do anything to hide the blush creeping my face. I looked out the window and was greeted with a beautiful view of the town. I got out of the car, the food in hand waiting for Will to get out.

“Like the view?” Will asked from behind me. I nodded.

“That’s what I like to hear, lets trade.” He said, handing me a brand new sketchbook while I gave him the food.

“You bought me a sketchbook?” I asked.

“I said that you’d be able to draw.” He replied as we hopped onto the hood of his car.

“Thank you, again.” I said, taking a bite of my burger.

“Don’t mention it.” He glanced at me then back to the view of the town.

“Did you not get anything?”

“No, you going to share?” He grinned.

I rolled my eyes, but smiled, “Sure but hands off my fries.” I said, taking a sip of my drink.

“Of course.” He replied, taking my drink and burger out of my hand taking a sip and bit of it. I stared at him in awe. The moonlight makes you even more beautiful. I pulled out my phone and took a picture at him, catching his attention. “Did you just take a picture of me?”

I shook my head, “No, of course not.” He took my phone and stared at the picture.

“Sure you didn’t.” He smiled, handing it back to me.

“Be quiet.” I looked away.

“Why? You don’t like the sound of my voice?”

“No."

“So you do?”

I shrugged, lying back on the hood, “Sure, I like the sound of your voice.”

“Oh yeah? What about it do you like?”

“It sounds like a lullaby whenever you talk in a hushed soothing way.” I said without thinking. He made a sort of humming noise. He looked at me. “What?” I asked, my heart went a little faster.

“Oh, nothing just thinking."

“While looking at me?” I smiled.

“I always think while looking at you reckless artist.” He laid back and stared up at the moon. It was quiet, I like it.

“Do you want the headphones back?” I whispered.

“Keep them.” He replied.

More silence as we both stared up at the moon lost in thought.

“Why did you drive all the way up here?” I asked.

“I like the view and I thought you would like it to. Do you?”

“Yeah, it’s beautiful.” I smiled.

“Yes it is.” He replied, out of the corner of my eye I noticed him staring at me. A few seconds later Will’s phone went off, breaking the calm atmosphere. “Give me a sec.” He said, hopping of the hood looking irritated. He came back a few minutes later.

“Who was that?”

“Mark, he wanted to check on you.”

“What time is it?”
“1:00.”

“AM?” I asked shocked. How did so much time pass?

“Yeah, why? you worried.”

I shook my head, “Just confused.”

“A lot of time can pass when your comfortable and in the moment.”

I nodded, yawning. “Do you have a girlfriend?” I asked without thinking, my eyes fluttering.

“Do I have a what? What kind of question is that?” He looked taken aback, almost upset as he scowled.

“A question.” I shrugged. “So do you?”

“No I don’t.” Oh

“Why?”

“Why do you want to know?” He asked, I shrugged. Why do I want to know? it’s none of my business after all.

“Just because.” I replied. “Do you like girls?”

“Yes.”

“And boys?”

What is wrong with me? Why am so interested?

“Yes.” He repeated.

“Really?” I asked.

“Yes, are you drunk?" He asked warily.

I shook my head, “Am I talking to much?”

He shook his head, “No, you never talk to much.” His phone went off.

“Is it Mark?”

He nodded, “Do you want to go home?” No

“Not really.”

“Okay.” He replied, typing something. “He isn’t going to be happy.”

I shrugged, “You ever seen the sunrise?”

“Yeah, multiple times. It’s beautiful from up here. Is that why you want to stay out?”

" Partially.” I mumbled, lying on the hood. A few hours later we saw the sunrise.

“See what I mean?” He pointed at the sun, he paused. “Beautiful.” He looked at me.

“Why do you always look at me?”

“I like it, what more is there to say?” He paused, “come on, I need to get you home before your brother thinks I kidnapped you or something.” I hesitantly got off the hood and into the car.

“You okay?” Will asked, once we in front of my house. I nodded.

“Peachy.” I smiled, “just peachy.” I muttered unbuckling my seat belt. My parents car was in the driveway. I felt a sense of dread washed over me.

“Call me if you need an out okay?” Will suddenly said.

I turned, “Won’t you be busy?” I asked.

“Call me, Aiden. I mean it.” He was serious.

I nodded, “I will.” I turned up the driveway. I know I should be happy they’re back in town and yet I’m not. My parents and I have a…decent relationship, but they’re never around so I’ve learned to live with that. And them knocking on the door, barging into the house pretending like they didn’t leave there kids without notice. They never mistreated either of us it’s just that as soon as Mark turned 15 they started leaving, for months at a time to who know where.

I hesitantly opened the door and was met with piles of gifts surrounding Mark, who looked at them. They always thought that bringing us gifts would excuse there actions but they don’t, which they don’t seem to understand.

“There you are Aiden.” My mom’s voice rang through my ears. Fuck, is it to early to call Will for the out?