The Outsider (Original Version)

Chapter 21- All My Fault

Melanie had called last night to make sure I was okay, but I brushed her off and told her I couldn't make our plans.

It just seemed like the glowing meant something, and it bugged me too much.

Now it didn't seem to be doing it anymore, so that confused me.

Mig kept up his fussing, but now I just brushed him off.

Now I stand in the backyard, brushing through Spirit's black mane.

"I don't know why I still miss the town, I mean they kicked me out and Tucker treated me like crap before I left." I mutter to the horse.

In some ways he acted like a cat sometimes, this was one of those times.

He lays in the sunshine, stretching out like a half asleep cat.

Obviously he is trying to distract me from what's going on in my mind.

"Thanks for the cute distraction buddy." I say, continuing to brush out his pure black mane.

He whinnes happily at the fact that his distraction worked, making me chuckle.

"Wow, I didn't know you had a horse." Melanie's voice says breathlessly from behind me.

I turn around, smiling at her.

"Yup. I've been taking care of him since I was maybe seven." I state as Spirit gets up to sniff the person he's never met.

She looks awkward as he basically shoves her lightly backwards with his big head, making me laugh.

"Don't worry. He likes you." I chuckle, making her smile in relief.

We just stand there awkwardly for a second before she breaks the silence.

"So, do you want to go hang out in the field?" She asks, obviously meaning the one just outside of town.

I nod, knowing that the field is always beautiful.

We head through the house, seeing Mig cleaning the living room for some unknown reason.

"So did you build that robot or what?" She asks as I lock the door.

I smile.

"Yeah. In the last town I was in I found some scrap and built myself a robot." I say, my wording sounding weird to me.

Melanie nods as we dodge around the people in the massive mob.

"So what exactly was the last town you were in called?" She asks as we near the town entrance.

This conversation cuts deep, and I kinda wish she hasn't brought it up.

"Can we not talk about that?" I ask as we walk out of the crowded streets.

Outside the town of Cossintan you can still hear what's going on inosde, but it seems like of fades as we walk.

"Why can't you tell me the name?" She prys, making me uncomfortable.

"Look, the town I was in wasn't exactly the vest experience. I'd rather not talk about it." I mutter, staring at the green cloth around my wrist.

She follows my gaze, the bandana catching her eye.

"What's that?" She asks, making me sigh.

I look over at her.

"Melanie, I consider you a good friend, but I'm not ready to really just spill my heart out about this yet, maybe someday, but not yet." I mumble, making her nod.

She seems to grumble stubborn under her breath, but I roll my eyes.

"So why did we want to come to the field again?" I ask as we step into the tall grass.