How Could This Be Real?

15. Billy At The Beach

I woke up at five o'clock and saw that David was still sleeping. I got up to use the bathroom but on my way, I saw his stuff laying on the floor. Hmm, I thought. Maybe now would be a good time to get my book back. I snuck over as quietly as possible and crouched down to rummage through his pile of rubbish. I was right in front of where his head was laying and I couldn't help glancing at his sleeping face a few times. He looked so peaceful, his eyes closed and his lips settled in a small smile as if he were having a good dream.

I returned my attention to the task at hand and grinned when I moved something aside and saw the laminated white cover of my autograph book. I reached for it, but his arm suddenly whipped out and I yelped, jumping back a good three feet.

"What do you think you're doing?" he mumbled, still not fully awake.

I moved my hand away from my racing heart and stared at him, "You almost smacked me in the face."

He opened his eyes groggily and gave me an adorable smirk, "That was the idea."

"Wow, thanks." I got up and tried to sneakily grab the book, but he saw me and made me hand it over. I groaned, "What do you need it for?"

He tucked it under his arm and closed his eyes again, "You'll just have to wait and see." I shook my head and got ready for the day.

A few minutes later, we were both ready and headed out.

"We've got quite a bit of time left before we have to be there," he said as we walked. "You want to grab some breakfast?"

"I thought we were going to do that when we got there?"

He scratched his ear, "Well yeah, but I mean, if you want to go somewhere else, that's cool too."

I glanced at him quizzically, "Uh, do you think that's a good idea?"

He looked at his feet, "Oh, uh, yeah. Yeah, you're right, never mind."

"I just mean I don't want us to be late or anything."

"Of course." He glanced at his watch and facepalmed, "Oh shoot, I just remembered, we're supposed to meet the Make A Wish kids this morning!"

I smiled, "They'll really appreciate that."

He gave me that odd look from yesterday again, "But what about you?"

I shrugged, "I'm sure I'll find something to do."

"Are you sure?" I nodded. "I'm really sorry, I totally forgot."

"David, it's fine," I assured him. "I get it."

He smiled a little, "Thanks." We started walking again and after a minute he asked, "So, did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, like a rock."

He chuckled, "Any dreams?"

"Not that I can remember. You?"

"No, I didn't get much sleep." I glanced at him and noticed faint bags under his eyes.

I quickly looked away, not wanting him to notice my stare. "How come?"

"I don't know, just thinking about stuff."

"Like what?"

"Stuff," he replied simply.

"Can you be more specific?"

"Stuff that I was thinking about."

"Come on, you can't just bring it up and then not say anything."