Odd Living

Eleven

"Mackenzie, we are here." George says tapping my shoulder.

"Wha... really? How long was I out?" I ask.

"Half an hour I think. You didn't miss much."

We are in the middle of a forest. While I was asleep, I heard him talking. I don't know if he was on the phone or if he was talking to himself, but he was definitely talking. We pull over to the side of the dirt road. He gets out of the car first so he can help me out. I get my crutches situated and start moving deep into the forest. George said it was a quick walk. He has the blankets and some snacks.

We get to the tree house and it looks just like the one near our house, but this one has a ladder. He brings the stuff up while I stay at the bottom. He comes down for the third time and waits for me to head up.

"Go on." He says. "I would carry you if I could, you know." I know.

"I know." I slowly make it up the ladder. When I get to the top, I am amazed by what I see.

There is a ton of blankets on the floor, I can't actually see a floor. And there are Christmas lights hanging up, but they aren't lit. It looks so cozy. I didn't expect this from George.

"How did you find this place?" I ask him. He is still climbing up the ladder, but he hears me.

"When I first moved to New York, before I knew Max and Ian, I had my own apartment. My neighbor helped me get used to living in a bigger city. Whenever we were stressed, we came here. I haven't seen her in years though. God I miss her... but that's besides the point. The reason I brought you here is because I have something to tell you. It can wait though." I am curious to who is neighbor was and what he has to tell me. I'm sure he will tell me both of those things when he is ready.

"I'm glad you brought me here. Its calm and quiet. Just what I needed." I sit down on the pile of blankets. George joined me on the floor.

"We can stay here as long as you want," he says.

"I don't mind how long we stay, I like it out here. We are away from everything." I sigh wanting to know what he has to tell me. "I think I'm going to go to sleep."

"Aren't you curious to what I have to say?" He asks.

"I am but I know you will tell me when you are ready." I say after a few seconds.

"Well, goodnight I guess." He seems confused.

"Goodnight." I pull a blanket over me because I'm wearing shorts and a tank top. Not a smart decision but in my defense, I didn't know where we were going. I fall asleep around what feels like 2am. I wonder if he will tell me in the morning.

I wake up to birds chirping. I sit up and look around to see George isn't there. I look out of the window and the car is still on the side of the road. I also notice that there is a note on the window sill. It says,

Mackenzie,
I went for a little walk. If you'd like to come down, there is food in the trunk. The car is unlocked. I should be back shortly.
Love,
Joji

I decide I should eat something. I drop my crutches and head down, being careful not to fall again. I make my way to the car and open the trunk. George jumps out scaring the shit out of me.

"What the fuck was that for, you asshole?" I scream.

"I'm just getting you back for blowing the air horn in my ear. If I run, you can't get me so I won't even bother." He mocks me.

"I was just coming to get some fucking food. That was unnecessary, George." I lean against the side of the car, pouting.

"I'm sorry, babe." He comes to where I was standing and gives me a hug. I don't resist because I'm freezing. Why does New York have to be chilly in the morning?

"I forgive you, George. Do you know the time?"

"It's around 10:25. Want to leave in an hour?"

"Sure. Should we start packing the car back up." I suggest.

"Good idea." He responds.

We finish getting all the of the blankets in the car. George helps me in the front seat and puts my crutches in the back. We start heading home. When we are about 20 minutes from the tree house, he clears his throat.

"Are you ready for what I have to say?" He asks shakily.

"Of course."

"I... uhh... I have feelings for you, Mackenzie."

"You do?" I am startled by this.

"You're just what I look for in a girl. You're perfect in every way." George says.

"Oh."

"What? Is something wrong?" FUCK.

"I... I like you too, George. But not like that. I'm sorry." I say knowing I just crushed him.

"What do you mean you don't like me? You've been giving me mixed signals since the day you fucking came here." I can tell he is angry.

"I... I like someone else." I whisper hoping he doesn't hear me.

"Who the fuck could it be?" He heard me. Shit. "You've only met two other people since you... you like Ian don't you? Oh my god. How did I not see this fucking coming?" His facial expression went from upset to confused in seconds.

Great.