Chapter Twenty-Four

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     Because today was my last day off, and I had switched shifts with Shelby, I dedicated all 24 hours to Ross. As soon as I woke up, I headed to his house to pick him up.... literally. I had to drag him out of bed and into the car.

"Maaax, I was sleeping," Ross whined.

"Well, I decided you needed to get up," I teased him, tickling his side.

"Stop making me laugh, I'm mad at you," He pouted.

"Well don't be mad, because today we're gonna have loads of fun," I said.

"Fun? why?" He asked.

"Because, we're going to spend all day together, just like you wanted,"

     He sat up a bit in his seat, glancing over at me with a smile. I glanced back, happy to see his expression.

"Then I'm definitely not mad," He said. "Where're we going first?" He asked.

"Well, I wouldn't be so terrible as to pick you up so early and not get you anything to eat," I said. "Where do you wanna go?"

     He sat up in his seat with a gasp, turning almost to completely face me. I don't know why he seemed so excited over breakfast.

"I wanna go to iHOP!" He squealed.

"iHop? but their pancakes are s-"

"iHOP!" He demanded, causing me to laugh.

"Alright alright, we'll go to iHop," I said.

     He settled back into his chair with a wide smile on his face. Whatever makes him happy.

     After breakfast, I drove us to a nearby park. It was the nicest place I'd ever been to. There were tons of ponds, flowers everywhere, and more importantly, tons of Pokéstops.

"My phone keeps freezing," Ross whined.

"Me too, just give it some time," I told him.

     We took a seat on a bench while we waited for our phones to fix up and cooperate. I looked out into the field, the sight bringing a smile to my face. It was an amazing sight, and Ross here made it all the more beautiful.

"This is a waste, we should just go home," Ross pouted.

"What? we can't go home, yet!" I exclaimed.

"But this is boring,"

     I frowned at his words, not really knowing how else to respond. I hoped he wasn't happy because he couldn't play his game here, but that's all I was getting.

"We can walk around, it's just so nice here," I insisted.

"I don't know," He pouted.

     I rolled my eyes and let out an aggrivaged huff. I tried to keep in my anger, but I felt so pushed aside.

"Do you ever enjoy anything that isn't on a screen?" I snapped.

"I mean..,"

"Wow," I scoffed. "I set aside what I wanted to do today so we could enjoy each other, for once," I said softly. "I just wanted to prove to you what you've been wanting this whole time and when I do, you're only focused on your phone,"

     We sat silently for a moment, me realizing what I had just said and Ross trying to comprehend how this was his fault.

"I'm sorry," He said softly and shoved his phone in his pocket.

     He stood up in front of me, holding out his hands.

"Come on, let's go for a walk," He said.

     I slowly lifted my head and placed my hands in his. We walked silently through the park, but both of our minds were busy with words.

     Honestly, I was hurt by Ross' words. I felt as if he didn't appreciate all that I was doing for him. In a way, I felt taken for granted. But at the some time, doesn't this all come with love? Isn't this how it's supposed to be? Or am I just being to lenient with Ross?

     That's the problem with others first; you've taught them that you come second. They've learned that no matter what they do, you won't mind, because you're going to put them before yourself anyway.

     The most painful thing in the world is losing yourself in the process of loving someone so much, and forgetting that you are special too. I've forgotten that I'm just as important as Ross, because I've let his love block me from growing.

"I realize I need to work on myself," Ross said to break the silence.

"No, no. You're perfect just the way you are," I assured.

"My attitude isn't," He huffed.

"You're attitude is fine," I told him.

     Why did I have to be so nice? Why couldn't I confront him, and agree with him because I felt that way?

"I wish I wasn't so stuck up. I wish I was more like you," He said sadly.

"You know, I'm glad you're the way you are. I wouldn't want to date myself," I laughed. "Plus, it gives us time to work on things which forces us to spend loads of time together," I pointed out with a laugh.

"I suppose," He said, giggling quietly.

"Trust me, you're perfect no matter what," I said, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "I wouldn't want you to change. Because of change, things still go wrong. There's still gonna be discomfort, and I just wanna enjoy you," I said.

"How did I get so lucky?" He giggled.

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