Light Me Up *Sequel- ON HOLD*

Ferris Wheel In An Empty Field

Second grade:

"Ok," I giggle as I nod my head up & down, causing my braids to jump around. Bailey smiles gleefully.

"Alright you count while I go hide!" She says before running away.

"Wait, count to what?" I yell out.

"100!"

"I can't count that high!"

"Fine, go to 20 then!" Nodding, I close my eyes & cover them with my hands.

"1, 2, 3, 4..." I count quietly. I hear the yells & laughs of the other kids in my class as they play on the playground. When I finish counting, I uncover & open my eyes, blinking to let the sunlight settle in my vision.

A big grin lights up my face as I look all around for her. Not on the swings or jungle gym, hmmm.. I wander over to the slide & peek in the large tube cautiously, in case someone slides down. Nope, not in there.

I pout as I scratch the top of my blonde head. She's always so good at this! Looking over, I gasp as I see her on the black concrete playing hopscotch with Elenor Jenkins, the meanest girl in the whole grade! Sure people treat her like she's cool, because their scared, but why would Bailey ditch me for her?

My frown continues to go downward as the thought repeats in my head. She don't wanna play with me, she wants to play with her.

Like she can read my thoughts, Elenor looks at me, smiling evily as she brushes her black hair out of her face. She makes a hand gesture for me to move along, & I do as she says without a word.

I turn around, sniffling sadly as I go over to the swings. Pushing myself back & forth in the air, I try not to cry.

"Hey, are you ok?" A boy voice asks, & I look up to see a boy look at me, concern written in his expression. My eyes remain transfixed on his blue eyes, though. Though I'm just 7, I've never seen that kind of blue in the eyes before. It's really pretty.

I've never seen him before, but he's just probably a boy in the other second grade class, cause we got two.

"No," I sniff.

"Well, what's the matter?" He asks as he takes the swing beside me. I look at him, taking a liking to the way his short blonde hair parts at the bangs.

"You're pretty," I can't help but say in awe. His face turns red.

"B- but I'm a boy! I can't be pretty!" He looks horrified, making me giggle. His lips turn upward into a small smile.

"At least you're feeling better." My smile falters, & I look at the basketball court briefly before turning back.

"Bailey is my friend, & we was playing hide & seek but she left to play hopscotch with Elenor Jenkins."

"That mean girl?" I nod, & he frowns.

"That's a dirty trick. Well hey, who needs her? I'll be your friend!"

"You will?"

"Yup!" He hops off of his swing & stops by mine, smiling at me. "I'm Hunter."

"Hi Hunter, I'm Lexi!"

"Really good to meet you, Lex," his blue eyes sparkle.

Present Time:

"You sure to be ok, ok?" I ask Bella as we stand in the airport. She nods, pulling her dirty blonde hair up in a ponytail.

"I'll be just fine, Lexi." She pauses before turning to Hunter, who stands beside me with his hands in his jeans pockets. "You be sure to take care of her, ok?"

"It's all I've ever wanted to," he smiles reassuringly.

"Good," she smiles. "I guess this is it, then. I'll miss you guys." She & Hunter hug for a moment, his hands patting her back gently. She turns to me, offering a small smile. "I would hug you, but those crutches won't be leaving for a mighty long time now." I sigh, but offer her a small smile nonetheless.

"I know. Call me later, alright?" She nods, & with a final wave & farewell she heads to board the plane.

After the plane leaves, so do Hunter & I. We're both quiet in the car for a few minutes, each lost in our own thoughts. I think about how life will be after I move in with Hunter. The thought alone sends a rampage in my stomach. But I will be jobless, leaving me with a lot of extra time so I'll have to figure out something to do.

I can't blame Hunter for wanting to keep me by his side, because although Eric & Bailey will get into some trouble, her dad is still the leader of a gang. & I hear that gangs are excellent at revenge...

All thoughts leave at once when I feel a hand land on my knee. I smile at Hunter, putting my hand on top of his & rubbing my thumb over his warm skin. I can vaguely hear Thompson Square's hit song 'I got you' on the radio. I smile, realizing it's exactly how I feel about him.

"So we'll go back to your place, get your things & say our goodbyes," he says, giving me a quick glance.

"Alright," I agree, thoughts turning to my friends. They were sad that I'm leaving, but they understand. As long as I visit a lot, it's cool. "Does your bandmates know I'm returning, once & for all?"

"Havn't gotten to tell them yet, but don't you worry, they'll be thrilled!" I smile, hoping he's right. I wouldn't want to be a burdon to anyone.

For the first time in a while, I lean back & let out a breath. Everything's finally right.

*Pic to the side of young Hunter! Ain't he cute? ;D*