Saving Elliot ©2015 Sydney Wray

Chapter 32~Grasshopper

I slinked an arm around her waist.

"Plans for today?" I asked.

She put a finger to her chin, thinking. "Hm. Beach?"

"Eh." I stepped into the elevator with her.

"Hiking?" She said with laughter in her voice.

I pushed the button with a grin, pinching her. "You're so funny."

"That was a good day." She laughed.

"No. It was not a good day."

I winced, remembering the hike.

"I can't-go-any-more." I panted, half-dragging myself up the curved hill in the blazing sun. "I'm quite serious. I'm almost positive a snake bit me back there. Do you see spots?"

Hailey laughed up ahead, turning around with her hands on her hips and not breathing hard at all. She looked like she was merely out for an evening stroll.

"If only people knew what such a complainer you are." She teased. "And if a poisonous snake bit you, you would've died already."

"Hailey," I said, standing up to control my breathing, "If I die, you're responsible."

"At least you went while having fun."

I snorted, brushing off dirt marks on my pants. My black dress shoes weren't even their original color anymore; they blended with the sandy color of the ground.

"C'mon." She urged. "We're almost there."

"My adventures were fun." She urged, stepping out of the elevator and backing away.

"Okay, I'll admit I liked the cliff diving."

She rolled her eyes with a grin. "Obviously."

Another memory swirled in my mind.

"Cliff diving is really fun."

"I'm sure it is." I said quickly. "I promise you, I'll take your word for it."

She gave me a look before returning her attention to climbing up the cliff.

Within moments, we stood at the top of a very tall cliff overlooking the Californian ocean. The light breeze from the high elevation tousled my combed hair.

I gulped, peeking over the cliff. "Dear God."

"Okay. So what's the plan?" I asked once we stepped into the humid air.

"Walking?" She suggested.

"Fun." I snorted, until a bright idea popped. "How about shopping? For you?"

"Yeah, right." She laughed, until she caught my eye. "Oh you were serious?"

I slowly nodded.

"Elliot, I'm not gonna let you buy me clothes." Hailey smiled, stepping closer to me and tilting her head up to mine.

"Why not?"

"Because..," she struggled for words, "Because it's weird."

"Give me one reason why." I cocked an eyebrow.

"It just is."

I grabbed her hand, towing her along. "Come along, grasshopper."

"Grasshopper?" She questioned.

I winked at her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I can't believe you brought me to the Sunset Strip." She gaped.