When The Stars Align

Chapter 12: Lock-In

"June... June."

Someone shakes my shoulder, making me come conscious to the world. I pry my groggy eyes open and try to extend my arms and legs to stretch, but stop short when they hit something hard. Grumbling, I sit up and run a hand through my tangled hair, then collapse back down and return to sleep and my lovely dreams.

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My bowl of Lucky Charms cereal lays before me, untouched as I stare down at the small note hand-written in Lane's scrawling handwriting.

You are a hard sleeper, you know. You fell asleep in my trunk last night so I took you home. I tried to wake you but, like I said, you sleep as hard as a rock. And you snore a little too. 

My cheeks turn a bit red at this part, embarrassed at my snoring. (Which I didn't even know I did)

Anyway, thanks for the gift. And I'll see you at school, Monday. -Lane

I smile, thinking of the little telescope statue I got Lane to remember all of the work we put into this project. And all the fun times we shared during it.  My stomach drops a little every time I remember that, after 9:45, Monday morning, this whole project will be all over and I will have no more excuses to hang out with Lane Thomas.

Shaking off my thoughts, I toss the rest of my cereal, not feeling hungry, and jog upstairs to change. Then, after throwing on a dark and light blue sports bra and a pair of black shorts, I pull my redish-brown hair into a high ponytail and hook up Bear for a walk. 

We start out down the sidewalk, passing Lane's house, and make our way to the Dog Park. Music blares loudly through my earphones, blocking out the sounds of the world as my feet pound on the cement in a steady beat. Bear saunters along, sniffing everything in his path and barking at every little flower. Small wisps of hair fall loose from my ponytail and I tuck them behind my ears, sweat beads forming on my forehead. Today is yet another one of those blazingly hot days at 81 degrees Fahrenheit, but I'm not complaining. I'll take summer over winter anytime.

A few minutes later we arrive at the park, Bear panting heavily and sweat rolling down my face. Wiping off my forehead with my arm, I take a seat on the same bench as last time, taking in the beautiful park. 

All the flowers are in full bloom, filling the park with vibrant shades of pink, orange, yellow and many other popping colors. A tree behind me looms forward, casting a shadow over me and the bench as soft petals fall from the budding tree.

I unhook Bear from his leash, letting him roam free within the fenced in area. He sprints off, ears flopping, and runs over to a large willow tree over looking a small pond. After marking his territory, he runs to the pond's edge and starts barking at a few ducks gliding across the still water. Laughing, I stand up and walk over to Bear, picking up a stick from the ground to throw for him. Tossing the stick towards a small crab apple tree, Bear takes off after it, almost barreling over a young couple. I follow after the little brown-haired puppy, chuckling at his enthusiasm. 

He finally reaches the stick, that landed just right of two white benches that are back-to-back, and brings it back to me, tail wagging. I take it from him and throw it again, then sit down on one of the benches. On the other bench another couple sits in silence, enjoying the wonderful view. That is, until the boy speaks, rather randomly.

"I can't do this anymore!" he exclaims, rising from his perch on the bench. For some reason, his voice sounds oddly familiar. I try to block out their conversation, trying to give them privacy, but for some reason (maybe their loud voices) I can't. 

"We had a deal! And unless you want your little secret getting out, I would suggest you stick with our deal until I get him back!" the girl screeches back in an irritatingly high voice.