The Hidden Sun

Chapter VIII

Thursday morning I got up extra early and headed for my bench. I decided that I wasn't going to wait around for Chris. If he wanted to talk, he knew where to find me.

As I sat there I looked up into the dark sky and took a deep breath. I felt really bad about what I said to him, but he had no right to tell me what to do. Why does he care so much? Both Jessie and Chris didn't want me going in the woods by myself. What do they know that I don't? I just didn't get it.

"Somehow I knew I would find you here."

I quickly turned around and unsurprisingly found Chris. He kept talking before I could stop him though.

"Look... about last night. I'm really sorry I went off on you. I just really don't think it's safe for you to be in the woods alone."

I blew out a breath and rolled my eyes but decided to be nice. "I'm sorry that I reacted so defensively. It was really uncalled for especially because you were so worried."

"It's fine," he said as he sat down next to me.

"Why were you so worried?" I finally asked. It had been bugging me to no end. "I mean they are just woods."

He took a deep breath and avoided my eyes. When he finally looked at me, I could tell that he was debating something. Probably whether or not to tell me the truth.

"Bear attacks?" he shrugged. It was supposed to be a statement, but the way he said it made it sound like a question.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Really? What's up with you guys and bear attacks. I'm pretty sure there aren't any bears around."

His face immediately turned red. "Who else said anything about bears?"

"Jessie doesn't want me in the woods either. Particularly Northern Trails. She also said something about bears."

"She's a smart woman."

"Yeah well, it didn't stop me."

He laughed. "And look where it got you."

"You have no idea," I mumbled quietly. "So what's the real reason?" I asked louder.

"I can't get anything past you, can I?"

I laughed again. "Nope. But if you don't want to tell me, it's fine. I'm not going to demand an explanation."

He seemed to visibly relax. "I'll tell you eventually. It's just not the right time."

What's that supposed to mean? I thought.

He laughed and I turned red as I realized that I said that out loud.

"Guess you'll have to find out," he said before running off down the trail.

I sighed and followed after him. There was no way I was going to let him beat me.

***

Saturday morning I ran down the trail. I could feel the unfamiliar dirt path pounding against my shoes. The end was near and I could see the finish line. I took in a deep breath as I prepared myself for the last stretch. Up ahead I could see Jessie cheering me on like always. As I finished the run, she was the first one to wrap her arms around me.

"Good job, sweetie!" she exclaimed as I tried to catch my breath.

I smiled and thanked her. The next person I saw was Chris walking towards me with a grin on his face.

"I think you broke a record," he said.

"Really?" I asked. "It seemed so short."

He laughed. "Trust you to say that about a difficult run"