Shatter

3. The Park

   When I get to the tree, the book is gone. I was about to leave but something told me to check inside. So I go order a cappuccino and turn around to leave. And there he is sitting at the table where we first met. He was reading the book he bought me and then he looks up. I don't know what to think but he gives me a cautious smile so I smile back before walking out the door.

I go sit under the tree again and think, wondering if he will follow me out this time. But ten minutes later and he still didn't come out. So I head to my car and there he is leaning against it with his back to me. He's still reading the book when I walk up behind him.

"It's one of my favorite books." He jumps not knowing I was there. He was like a deer in headlights.

"It sounds like a good book so far." He looks at me but keeps shifting his eyes away. "Hey um, do you maybe want to hang out at like a park or something?" He looks so nervous just talking to me.

"I guess we could go to a park. Follow me." It makes me really nervous but I didn't want to be rude again. I can't help wanting to be around him. Something keeps telling me not to push him away, I just don't know why.

We go to a nearby park and I tell him to get in my car. I just keep thinking, please don't hurt him control yourself. I don't know what will happen but I can't let the monster inside me win. We sit there and talk for a while. He gives me the book back and we sit there for a minute before he talks.

"So how many times have you read this?"

"This will be my seventh time. You should read it"

"I think I will. Should we get to know each other while we're here?"

"Um sure. You first. How many siblings? And your parents?" Why did I say that? I'm such an idiot.

"I have a younger sister and both parents. You?"

"Two brothers, a sister and my mom. My third brother passed away when I was young and I disowned my father years ago."

"I'm so sorry. What happened to your brother?"

"He was killed in a car accident, he was 17." I couldn't tell him he was killed in my world. He's human and our worlds are separate.

"Wow shit I'm sorry." Then we sit there for a few seconds.

"So do you have any pets? I have a cat and two wolves."

"I have a dog and two horses."

"I've always wanted a horse."

"Maybe I can take you for a ride sometime, if you want"

"That'd be awesome." I feel myself getting to close to him. I finally decide to tell him now, hoping it will scare him off. At least I won't have to hide it anymore.

"So Ash, there's something really important that I have to tell you. I don't tell people about this and you have to swear on your life you won't say anything." I have a really serious look on my face to show I mean it.

"Okay, I swear." He looks scared but curious at the same time. I lock the doors and the windows were already up. He panics a little but trys to hide it.