Hunters And Foxes

Chapter 7: Escapades

I nearly squeal with delight when we arrive outside Chipotle. "You've just become my favourite person," I grin tapping Darius' head.

"You're breaking my heart," Zac says dramatically. Clutching his heart. I wink and climb out of the car. The boys exchange a few banterous lines before following me into the diner. We don't take too long to decide what we want. All take away because Darius says he has a plan.

"Don't start eating yet because we have to get to the surprise destination first," Mr 'I have great plans' says when we get in the car. I'm not exactly a huge fan of surprises but the suspense is growing on me. I'm glad I am with interesting people. Tonight's escapade should be fun. Darius has given me very high expectations. I exchange goofy smiles with Zac in the rear-view mirror. 

"So Penelope, what did you get up to this week?" Darius asks as we leave the bright lights and houses. 

"I had a P.E camp, it was tiring but super duper good," I can't help but smile when I think of the cool friends that I've made this week, "taking me to an abandoned field are we? Didn't see you being a murderer but mama told me not to judge a book by its cover."

 Zac chuckles while Darius reiterates that he won't murder me.

"When will we arrive at our destination," Zac says in a NAVman voice. Causing me to break into a fit of giggles. I never get this way around boys. I'm kind of frustrated with myself for letting Zac have this effect on me. 

...................

I jump out of the car as soon as we stop. Darius had taken us to the cliff top, where you can look down over the beachy suburb of Hurdleton. It is kind of wonderful seeing how small our lives are in comparison to the big city. The lights look like little pebbles from where we stand. Both of the boys are seated on the bonnet of Darius' car. 

"This adventure has only just begun," Darius grins, seeing the excitement covering my face. 

"Thank you for thinking of this though," I smile sitting next to Zac. We sit in silence as we eat. I feel so comfortable around these guys. It's like the world doesn't matter. I have only just met Darius but we get along so well.

 Zac knows so much about Max's past and all those nights I tagged along watching them get beaten or beat their opponent. But they never returned from the fight club without a wound that needed immediate attention. I don't know why Zac fought, he was good though. He wasn't often beaten. I've missed him a lot. He came every week after Dad died. He would sit on the edge of my bed. We didn't speak much, but it was nice having that one thing to look forward to each week. When Bryn died there was so much going on at school. I tried to see him as much as I could. I wanted to provide him with the comfort he provided me. In the end we both got busy. Having not seen him in 6 months made me miss him like crazy. I would never admit that to anyone. I mean it's obvious we have feelings for each other. I guess I don't know if they are strong enough yet to pursue each other. Either way I am going to make the most of tonight.

"Where to next?" I climb back into the car. 

"Cool Cream obviously, we have to have dessert. My shout," Zac turns in his seat to face me. It makes my heart flutter that he is acknowledging my obsession with Cool Cream. 

"You guys are too cute," Darius coos turning the key in the ignition. Making the engine come to life. 

"Whaaaat? What are you talking about?" I giggle winking at Zac. My actions make Zac blush. He's a cutie, a tough bad boy. But a cutie. "Can I be the DJ," I bat my eyelashes at the boys. 

"Sure flower," Darius hums and passes me the aux cord. 

"Ew why did you call her flower? Do you know how creepy that sounds?" Zac teases his younger brother.