Facing The Light [EDITING ON HOLD]

Chapter 5 ~ The Confession

Chapter 5 ~ The Confession

It was a Saturday morning. Dad was still sleeping, which surprised me. He hadn't slept in a while, he needed it. I decided to go to Maple Park. I hadn't sketched the nature filled area in a long time, and I somehow felt I needed to do it. I left the house, shoving my cold hands into the front pockets of my sweatpants.

After almost half an hour of walking through empty streets, I arrived at the park.

Maple trees from red, orange, and yellow were spread across the field. The ground was almost completely covered in different coloured leaves. There was a small pond where children gathered around, throwing small pieces of bread to the hungry ducks. There were a few picnic tables where teenagers would hang out. There is always this relaxed vibe that surrounded the area. The air was fresh, and smelled of damp wood and sweet leaves. Children's laughter and ducks quacking hung around, drifting through the breeze.

I found a spot underneath a small red maple tree and pulled out my sketchpad from my bag. I began to draw, letting my hand guide the pencil on the paper. The picture turned out to be the entire park, including the children and parents . I had found the perfect spot to draw the whole area.

Looking up to sketch the lily-pad covered pond, I spotted someone, a young man. I could only see his broad back that hid underneath his black shirt. He was throwing small pebbles into the water. Ducks were flying away from that small area and away from the rocks that flew at them.

I closed the sketchpad, shoving it back into my bag and walking over to him. Something drew me to him, but i didn't stop walking. As I got closer I recognised the black mop of hair that sat on his head. He looked upset and frigid. I somehow felt that he needed cheering up. I wanted to do that.

"Hey," I spoke, startling him just a tad before he went back to his stiff posture. He said nothing and continued throwing rocks at the water with great force. "Luke, please talk to me."

"What's there to say?" He muttered.

"How about, 'I'm sorry for being such a jerk and disappearing for a week without telling you anything'?"

He sighed and threw one last rock, a little more gentle this time, before facing me. "Sorry,"

Even though it was a simple apology, I accepted it with a short nod. I still wanted answers though.

I watched him sit on the grass in front of the water, and sat beside him. I fiddled with my fingers, finding a way to ask him the question that has been in my mind all week.

"Are you gonna' ask me?" Luke said irritated.

I cleared my throat, slightly offended. "Will you tell me what happened last week?"

He let out a long and rugged breath and ran one of his large hands through his hair. "You're not going to like what I'm about to say."

"Well, I don't have any other choice, do I?"

He went silent for a few seconds, then spoke again. "How about I show you instead?"

"Show me what?"

Luke stood up and helped me stand up too. He had a small smile and looked down at a small dandelion next to his foot. He crouched down and ripped the weed off the ground, then handed it to me.

"How is a weed going to answer my question?" I asked confused, twirling the yellow flower between my fingers.

Luke motioned his hands towards him. "Hold it out to me,"

I shrugged and did so. This is a waste of time. How was a weed supposed to give me answers?

Luke's eyes were concentrated on the small flower. He stared at it for a moment, then he blinked hard and breathed slowly.