the fabulists [m.c.]

two

"well, Michael Clifford, what do you say about going for a walk with yours truly?" I stood up from where I was sitting and extended my hand in his direction.

"I'd be delighted to, Ms. Adeline," Michael placed his hand in mine, using it to pull himself out of his seat.

we started walking around the large field near us, making sure to stay on the sidewalk.

it felt intimate being so close to him while walking, I didn't dare to stray from the path, and I had a feeling he thought the same thing.

we walked for a moment in silence until I felt a muscular hand try to intertwine his fingers with my own.

I looked down at the hand nearing Michael and saw that he seemed to be on a mission to hold my delicate looking hands when compared to his own.

"what exactly are you doing there, mister?" I turned toward the cheeky young boy and raised my eyebrows.

"it felt right. the moment was calling for intimacy," Michael's eyes didn't meet my own, but kept their view on the road ahead of him the whole time he had spoken.

"I believe you're right, Clifford," I responded to him in such a manor that you would've figured he had previously asked a question of some sort.

"I've noticed that you seem to have to the need to give me some sort of name after any sentence directed to me," Michael paused and turned his head in my direction, "theres been 'Michael Clifford,' 'Clifford,' 'mister'..." he listed off labels I've stated.

"I'm not sure. I find it necessary...Michael," I laughed once I had said his name, causing him to bursts into giggles as well.

"can I tell you something? something that no one else knows?" he asked me so innocently and quietly.

"well, of course, Mikey. not sure why you'd want to tell me...i am a stranger," my words came out slowly and filled with wonder of what he could say.

"I know. you're just so easy to talk to. I already trust you...well, im into photography and writing. nobody else knows because I'm afraid they would judge me for it. do you know what I mean?" he asked me as we started walking and holding hands once again.

the thoughts of people figuring out my horrifically amazing story line flooded my mind.

"I know exactly what you mean, man. I really do," I chuckled at my last words.

Michael looked up from the ground where he had kept his eyes glued, obviously not wanting me to see his face as he told me his "dirty little secret."

as he looked around the park, he inhaled sharply and stopped walking again, causing me to groan in annoyance.

"what? why did you stop?" I asked, not letting his hand go even though I was a step ahead of him.

"you need to hide. now. please, just hide," Michael turned to me and pleaded.

"um, what? what the hell is happening?" I stuttered out of fear that he just wanted to get rid of me.

I just started to get the story line of this last part going in my head. he will not be the way to throw my story away.

"shit, Adeline. just fucking hide!" Michael softly shouted as he placed his hand on the small of my back and pushed me behind a nearby bush.

I peaked through the shrubbery to view whatever Michael was trying so desperately to hide me from.

only seconds passed by before I saw a familiar looking man walk towards Michael. I wasnt able to see his face, for the leaves and branches in the way only gave me a clear view of Michael.