Insane

Chapter 6

I got sick three times before crawling back into my bed. There was no way I was going to school today. I guess I had to face the fact that I'd be a high school senior for the rest of my life.

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"Ashwin? There's someone here to see you," my mother called. School was over now but I was still laying in bed and sulking.

"What? Who?" I asked, now both curious and confused. So, I slowly crawled out of bed and walked into the kitchen where mom and visitor were.

Daniel stood awkwardly in my hallway, looking out of place in our shabby house. He smiled a bit upon seeing me.

I must have looked surprised because Daniel just chuckled. "Ah. Just dropped by to make sure you were okay," he said and rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

I stared at him, not sure what to say about that. "I ah...I'm good," I said and awkwardly shifted my weight.

My mother looked between us and smiled a bit. "Ashwin. Why don't you two go for a walk, yea? Might do you some good."

I glared at her, knowing exactly what she was trying to do but Daniel seemed to be okay with it. "Yea. I mean. If you want to..."

I just glanced between my mother and Daniel before sighing. "Okay. Just let me go change," I muttered and lumbered back to my room. I exchanged my pajamas for a a dark grey long sleeve and black skinny jeans and a pair of Osiris before wandering back into the kitchen.

My mother was handing Daniel a picnic basket and thanking him. I cleared my throat. "What's with the picnic basket?" I questioned.

Mother grinned. "Well. I thought you two might be a bit hungry." She knew I was never hungry. "So I packed you a few things."

I eyed the basket suspiciously but thanked my mother anyways before walking past Daniel to go outside. My mother muttered something to Daniel, but I was too far away to hear what she said exactly. But soon enough Daniel came trotting up beside me and he fixed his glasses before they fell off his face.

"Your mother seems really nice," he said and I nodded in reply. "So...where are we headed?"

I looked over at him and shrugged. "The park, I would presume," I said and took a left towards the local park.

Upon arriving, Daniel tripped on a tree root and fell against me. I, not being the sturdiest person around, fell to the ground while he managed to regain his balance. I was now eye-level with an inch worm.

"Oh my gosh. You okay?" Daniel questioned, but there was a smile in his tone. I glared up at him.

"Fine and dandy," I said and propped myself up on my elbows.

Daniel laughed and sat down beside me. "Then this shall be a lovely place to set up camp," he said and opened up the basket.

I glared at him as he took out some rice krispy treats and watermelon slices. Wait...we had watermelon? And my mother didn't tell me?

Daniel must have noticed my excitement because he chuckled. "You like watermelon, I take it," he pointed out.

Instead of answering, I crossed my arms and stuck my tongue out at him, but I grab a slice all the same. Mother knows me so well. I can feel Daniel's eyes on me. What is his issue? Why has he suddenly grown an interest in me?

"You confuse me, Ashwin Greene," Daniel said and fixed his large glasses.

I frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?" I asked and crossed my arms tighter.

Daniel shrugged. "Well. Not so much confuse, but intrigue me. Your life. Your back story. It's like a locked book with a one worded title. I just want to read what's deep inside."

I narrowed my eyes. "And what about you? With all your dumb poetic statements and crap? It's weird."

"You're avoiding my topic?"

"I'm simply hiding the key," I said and picked up another piece of watermelon.

Daniel scowled. "Tell me where it's hidden," he demanded.

"My heart, dear Watson. My heart."

Daniel raised his eyebrow. "Now who's the dumb poet and stuff?" Amusement danced across his features.

I scoffed and looked down at my watermelon. "Whatever, Danny boy."

Daniel didn't seem to care for my new nickname. "You sound like my freakish grandmother. Quit it."

I smirked. "Yes sir," I said and mock saluted him.

Daniel smiled at me and it made me rather uncomfortable. I decided the watermelon would be my best distraction, so I began to nibble on some more.

"Do my eyes lie to me, or am I seeing what I think I'm seeing?" A high pitched giggle caused us both to turn towards Lily.

Daniel seemed embarrassed and I laughed at him. It's about time he became the embarrassed one.

"I called it," Lily declared and flopped down beside us, helping herself to some of the crackers mother had packed.

"You called what?" I asked, confused by her statement.

"Called this," Lily said, gesturing to us. "You two. I called it. I knew it would happen."

"Wait-"

"We're not dating, Lily," Daniel cut me off. "It's simply a friendship thing. His mother packed some food. And, well, I like food so I took it. It is good food."

Lily smirked at him and winked. "Ooookay," she exaggerated. "Whatever you say there, pal." Her slender hand grabbed a price of watermelon and she smiled sweetly at me.

I just looked at her, still confused. "You think we're gonna be a couple?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Well duh. I always know who is gonna end up with who. Plus, I'm never wrong."

Daniel sighed and playfully pushed her shoulder. "What are you doing here anyways?"

"Just thought I'd walk about," Lily said. "But I best be off." She leaned over and kissed Daniel's cheek then kissed my own before getting up and walking away with her head held high.