When a 14-day dating challenge erupts between skeptical Blossom and her secretly smitten best friend Hunter in the waning days of 1999, their easy friendship is plunged into a maelstrom of teenage angst, unrequited affection, and the terrifying poss...
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~ ~ ~ 1999
The battered Ford pickup coughed and sputtered, finally succumbing to the pull of gravity as Hunter shifted it into park. The engine ticked like an impatient clock, a stark contrast to the quiet serenity that blanketed the field. The tall, dry straw swayed gently in the evening breeze, its golden stalks reaching above Blossom's knees. Before she could even contemplate navigating the miniature jungle, Hunter was at her door, opening it with practiced ease. He then swooped down, offering her a piggyback ride.
"Don't wanna get your fancy shoes all dirty, Blossom," he teased, his voice a low rumble that vibrated against her back.
Blossom rolled her eyes, but wrapped her arms around his neck nonetheless. A small smile played on her lips. "My shoes are as far from fancy as they come, Hunter. You know me better than that."
He chuckled, a warm sound that made the butterflies in her stomach flutter a little faster. He effortlessly carried her through the field, his strides purposeful and sure, until they reached the truck bed. It was a cozy haven, piled high with blankets and pillows, a testament to Hunter's mother's unwavering ability to pack for an army. Once they were settled amongst the soft cushions, Blossom reached for the picnic basket, its wicker handle worn smooth with age. Inside, plates were neatly stacked, their surfaces piled high with sandwiches, fruit, and all sorts of snacks. She handed one to Hunter, and they ate in easy silence, their gazes drawn to the night sky. Millions of stars winked down at them, tiny pinpricks of light against the inky canvas.
Their conversation flowed freely, talking about anything that came to mind and everything in between. It was easy, comfortable, like an old familiar melody. Blossom, the ever competitive natured woman she was, couldn't let the night continue without a little game.
The get to know me game to be exact. Something the 2 of them have played since they were kids. Something Hunter was way too good at, but Blossom was determined to stump him.
"When's my birthday?" Spoke the smirking blonde, chewing on the strawberry tart in her hand
"Easy, April 20th 1982"
"Star sign?"
"Taurus, come on give me something hard" the shaggy brunette boy replied with a smile so warm and comforting it almost made her forget what she was doing...almost.
"Ok..who's my celebrity crush?" Blossom questioned.
"Tom Cruise" Answered Hunter.
"What am I afraid of?"
"Jellyfish"
"How tall am I?"
"A gorgeous 5.8ft"
"See I told you, I know everything. And to answer some more questions you say your favorite song is 'Baby one more time' by Britney Spears but it actually is 'Come and get your love' by Redbones" Hunter didn't stop there and continued with his observations "Your favorite color is light blue, like your eyes, you get really sad whenever you can't save a plant you took in but you don't let anyone know or see it and lastly your favorite scents are coconut, vanilla, and mango in that order. How'd I do?" He said with a cocky smirk, resting his face in the palm of his coarse and sun tanned hand.
