We were nearly at the end of our walking trail. I felt exhausted.
None of us said a word. Only our heavy breathing was heard.
"I'm t-tired," Luna manages to pant out.
"Aren't we all?" I ask.
"Shut up."
I glare at her. Estre does the same.
*************************************************************
Nearby, there is a wooden bench. Nothing else that that. Just, simply, an empty bench.
It seems wise to stop and lay down on it.
Besides, that's what they're for.
I sit on one end and tilt down toward the other, resting my head on the end. It feels... soft. Like a cushion or a pillow or something like that.
I reach toward it and caress it. It feels like denim. Why would denim be so squishy? Who knows?
Wait, shouldn't we meet someone here at the end? Could it be...
There's no time for thinking, because I fall into a deep sleep.
**************************************************************
My eyelids flutter open.
There's something on my head. I pat it. A hand.
I'm still laying down. This denim thing is still here. It's somebody's lap, and they're wearing jeans.
Is the person I'm laying on have their hand on my head?
There's nothing to do but look.
It can't be that "Gray" person, right?
I turn so that I'm facing up.
Wrong.
There he is, with his very light brown - almost blonde - hair, and his pale face, and... A smile.
I want to run. Or go back to sleep. Or turn invisible. Or die. Or something that will keep me from making any more contact.
Too late, he has already taken notice of me.
His smile widens into a grin, almost beaming with light. "You awake now?" He asks with a soft voice like honey.
"No, she's still asleep." Estre mumbles sarcastically from behind.
"Oh, s-sorry." He apologizes.
Before he looks me in the eyes, I close them.
Finally, some time.
Wait, he wasn't here when I saw the bench. But when I laid down, he was there. Did he get in the way? On purpose? How? Why? When?
Everything is rushing to my mind. I need a chill pill.
I take a deep breath. I exhale.
It's better if I get up from here and say hi, at least.
No, it's better if I wait for him to leave.
Actually, I should pretend this is some kind of romantic encounter and act all lovey-dovey....
Or something.
The only thing I can do is wake up.
Slowly, I stretch out and yawn, taking the time to open my eyes and observe the landscape.
"I'm awake now," I say softly. "Is anyone-"
I pause and take a good look at Gray. I pretend to not know who he is.
"Who are you?" I whisper.
All of the excitement drains out of his expression.
"What do you mean, 'Who are you?'." Estre mumbles from the back.
I glance at her.
What am I supposed to say?
She glares back.
Something that'll make him fall for you.
I look at her quizzically.
No way I'm doing that.
She lowers her eyebrows.
Do it.
************************************************************
