My Hometown

Russel Leaves

I couldn't help but to go home after school and think about why Hunter would want to go to the dance with me.  Was it because I was getting popular?  No.  He didn't care about any of that stuff.  Maybe he liked me.  Probably right?  I don't know.  Maybe he had a plan.  He was one of the smartest kids in the school.  I had to get negative thoughts out of my head.  Hunter was my friend he wouldn't be tricking me. 

Hunter had all those ideas of what we could dress up as.  I thought it was sweet that he wanted our costumes to be related.  Couples usually did that but we weren't a couple.  Not yet anyways.  As far as dating someone he wouldn't be a bad choice.  Plus Russel already thought we were dating.  A million thoughts ran through my head.  I had to stop.  I had work to do.

I sighed and pulled out my homework.  On my science homework there was a sticky note on it.

Meet me at my house at 7:00

I'll explain then.

         -You know who

I did know who.  Hunter.  Just thinking about him now sent butterflies in my chest.  It was strange.  Just yesterday hearing his name wouldn't have meant the same thing.  But now I felt different about him.  I might consider him more than a friend.  Maybe that's too soon but always deep down inside I had a little more feelings toward him then just friendship.  I didn't realize it until now though.

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6:45.  That's what the clock said.  I still needed an excuse to leave the house.  I was thinking maybe because Hunter invited me over for dinner.  He had before so it wouldn't be that surprising for my parents.  

"Hey Mom."  I said confronting her.  "Hunter invited me over for dinner.  Can I go or should I stay here?"

"You can go.  Be back around 9:00 at the latest."

"Got it."  I grabbed my stuff and walked out the door to my car.  It wasn't a long drive.  2 minutes maybe.  I stopped in his driveway and went and rang the doorbell.

Hunter answered almost immediately and invited me inside.

"So did you need me for something?"

"Uh yeah.  I thought this would be better to say in person.  Over the phone I don't know if I could have told you."

Uh oh.  What happened?  

"Is everything okay?"

"I'm fine just..."  He sighed sadly.  "Russel left around lunchtime without saying goodbye.  He texted me to tell me and I would of told you then but I was kind of shocked then.  Then I got angry a little later and now I'm just sad."

"He left to college?"

He nodded solemnly.

"I... I'm sorry."  I knew how much he loved his brother though he never admitted it.  Even though they didn't agree on most things they still loved each other.

He sighed again.  "Not much we can do now.  He called me when he got there."

Now I was angry.  Why would his brother do this.  He should've known of the pain that it would cause their family.  Or at least Hunter.

Hunter seemed to sense my emotions.  "No need to be angry Cora.  It'd done.  There is nothing we can do.  At least he had the decency to text me."

I nodded.  "When does your dad get home?  Does he know about this."

"Actually he went with him.  He says he'll be back in a week.  On the bright side with Russel away at college I get his car."

I rolled my eyes.  "At least you know how to look on the bright side."

He laughed quietly.  "You know Cora I was wonderi-."  He was cut off by the beep off his phone.

"It's from Russel.  He asked if we're still dating."

"Just tell him yes."

He texted him back and almost automatically Russel texted back. 

"Ugh.  Russel wants to see us kiss by the time he gets back from college."

"No promises there I guess."

He laughed.  "Actually I didn't invite you over just to talk about Russel.  I was wondering if you want to start dating.  Like officially."

Without a second thought I replied.  "Yes!" I threw my arms around him and give him a hug.  He hugged me back.

"I can't believe you said yes."  He whispered into my ear.

I pulled away.  "What do you mean."

His face got red.  "Um well you know you're so pretty and smart and popular.  I figure you could probably get almost any guy you wanted.  And you said yes to me.  I mean I'm not much."

"Not much.  Dude!  You're one of the smartest kids at our school.  You're kind.  And even though you're shy, once I got to know you, you were my best friend.  I know I can always rely on you and that means a lot."

"Good.  You can always rely on me.  If you need to tell someone something, tell me.  If you're sad, let me comfort you.  I don't want you to be in the dark.  You want to know something?"

I nodded.

"Ever since I saw you, you seemed perfect.  You walked into school confidently despite the fact that you were in a new place and didn't know a thing about it.  You didn't put on fancy clothes, but more clothes you were comfortable in.  You're hair was so golden and wavy.  Like you just came from the beach.  And I guess you kind of did.  Your eyes... Every time I look into your eyes it's like the whole world brightens up.  Light, clear blue, and radiant, I could look at them for hours.  And when I finally saw you smile I couldn't get you off my mind for the rest of the day.  When you lost your bracelet I was almost late to class trying to find you.  I finally did at the end of the day."

I was completely in awe.  I had never been so complimented before.  I had no idea he had even noticed me the first day.  Much less thought I was perfect.  

"That made my day.  Probably even my month or year.  Thank you.  Really thank you."

"I've wanted to say that to you for a long time.  I was sort of enchanted by you."

I blushed and looked down.

"Hey Hunter.  Tomorrow let me introduce you to my friends during lunch."

"Only if you go with me to the hidden floor tomorrow during study hall."

"It's a deal."