Mute Songbird (boyxboy) -Complete-

The Rock

I had managed to put them so far out of my mind that I was surprised to see Uncle Steve and Aunt Mary in the kitchen when I went down the next morning, or actually, afternoon.  My eyes were barely open and I hadn't even bothered to get dressed so I was absolutely mortified.  I waved, then turned tail and practically ran back upstairs.

"God he's weird" I heard Steve say before I slammed my door.

I was sure my mom was giving him a nasty look and my dad wasn't happy either, but it only softened the sting a little bit.  Granted, he was right but he didn't have to be so vocal about it.  I groaned at my own joke then grabbed clothes and dove into the shower.  The first thing I did once I was clean and dressed was text Dan.  I needed OUT of here.

Asher:  Please tell me I can come over or we can go somewhere?  I have relatives here and they're monsters.

I paced my room, checking my phone every 26 seconds even though it hadn't chirped.  Steve's loud, honking laugh wafted upstairs and I decided that anywhere was better than here.  I typed a quick text to my mom as I grabbed my book bag and headed out the front door.  I walked back behind the famous fence, skimming its surface with my fingertips.  I wasn't sure where I was going until I saw the path through the trees; it was perfect.  I headed towards the river, planning to climb the rock and do some reading until Dan answered me.

"I hope that's you and not a bear" Dan said, peering down at me from the rock.  "Definitely not a bear.  More of an otter.  A cute otter.  What are you doing here?"

I handed him my bag and then let him help me up.  Same question I typed.

"It's a nice day and I don't know, I just wanted to come down.  My place is a little stressful, or maybe I'm just stressed and needed some space.  Buildings feel really small sometimes, you know?"

Do you want to be alone?  You didn't answer.  Sorry if I'm interrupting.

"No, I'm glad you're here.  Answer what?" he asked, looking for his phone.  "Shit, I don't have it.  You messaged me?  I'm not ignoring you, promise."  He reached for my hand and I rested my head on his shoulder.  "Are you okay?"

Better now I typed one-handed.

"Good.  Your hair's still wet, did you just get up?"

I nodded gently.  House is overrun with hellish aunt and uncle.  Have to do dinner later.  Sucks.  My stomach chose that moment to grumble loudly enough to scare off every animal in the forest.  Hopefully.

"I have a granola bar in my bag, one sec." 

He handed it over and although it was rather squished, it was the best thing I'd ever eaten.  Thanks.

"Anytime.  So when is dinner?  Want to hang out until then?"

6:30 and please

"Well I got here an hour ago and my ass is officially numb.  Let's go."  He stood and climbed down, then threw my bag over his shoulder.  "My place?  SpongeBob marathon?"

I nodded and followed along happily until he stopped in his tracks. 

"Shit, I can't.  I have a haircut appointment at 3 and mom is taking me shopping.  My pants don't quite reach my ankles anymore.  Hey, want to come?  I have to ask her, but I'll ask if you want to come.  What time is it?"

2:16.  I'll come if its okay.  As long as I'm back by 6:30.

"We should be back in plenty of time, let's go ask."

Not fifteen feet from his house I reconsidered.  He was already stressed and probably really didn't need me hanging with him and his mom during what she probably considered 'bonding time.'  I didn't want to go home, but having Connie stare at me and think who-knows-what didn't sound all that great either.  I stopped him, then freed two hands so I could be quick.  Wait never mind.  I'll stay here.  Good luck with the pants.

"Are you sure?  Why?" he asked, squinting his eyes as if he'd be able to see me better. 

Yes.  I looked left and right, then gave him a quick kiss before turning and running home.  It wasn't until halfway there that I realized that he still had my bag.  Now what?  I needed it, especially if I was going to stay out of the house for hours.  I turned back around, tired of running in circles.  All I did was exhaust myself and end up nowhere.  Maybe it was time to try to move forward.  Maybe it was time to talk to Mrs. Maldonado. 

He met me under the exact same tree I'd left him under.  He was good at waiting for me and it meant a lot, probably more than I wanted to admit even to myself.  He had a shit-eating grin on his face and held my bag out towards me.

"Forget something?  Although if you were going to forget something, I'm glad it wasn't my kiss."  His face fell a bit, he was so good at reading me.  "I'm a little worried about you."

'Fine'

"If you don't want to talk about it, I won't push.  Text me tonight and tell me how dinner went?"

I nodded, then managed to put a smile on my face.  I waved good-bye and then headed back home.  I was starving and there was no way I would make it until dinner.  I was just going to have to face them.