The cold air bites at my uncovered ears, and a shiver runs down my spine. I push forward, towards my favorite spot. The darkness and eeriness of the woods just ahead scares off most other people, so it's my favorite place to go in this small town.
A small smile tugs at my lips as I begin to imagine the serene (almost) silence of the woods. I hug my jacket closer to my chest as I trudge on the leaves, making loud crunching noises. I cringe at the sound, wishing the leaves would just disappear. I mentally roll my eyes, but my steps become quicker as the rock comes into sight. My smile fades quickly as I see that there is someone sitting there. My steps come to a halt and my mouth is wide open as I listen. Tapping. But not from a woodpecker. From sticks against rock. I would recognize the sound, as I'm usually the one making it.
The drumming falters and the form turns to see me. His hazel eyes widen and he stands, brushing the dirt and leaves from the back of his jeans. He opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off.
"Wh- Why- How did you find this place?" It wasn't the first question I wanted to ask, but it's the only one that came out. I wanted to say, 'Who are you?' or 'Where'd you learn to drum like that?' or even 'You don't live around here, I've never seen you'.
"I- Uh- I was just wandering around and found it, so I thought I'd sit down and relax..." He trails off, and I don't fail to notice his accent. He is not american.
"This is my spot." I say, a bit harsher than I had intended. "But, uh, you can come here if you'd like" I mumble, trying to seem like less of a bitch. I rub the back of my neck, and look down to see his hands bleeding.
"Oh, uh it's just from the drumming... the sticks cut my hand" He explains, seeming to have noticed my concerned stare.
"I have band-aids at my house if you need some..." I say, hoping he says no, seeing at my brothers are still awake and obnoxious, and my sister hasn't left for her friends house yet.
"I'm fine. It's just a little cut. I could use some water rinse the dirt off." I mentally sigh in relief.
"There's a creek about 5 minutes that way if you don't mind me taking you" I say, motioning deeper into the woods. He seems a bit hesitant but nods, motioning for me to lead the way.
~
"So I never caught your name" He says, in his undetermined accent.
"And I never got yours" I say, a smirk on my face. I didn't want to tell him my name, because that would mean he has a reason to talk to me again after this. I don't like talking to people.
"I'm Ashton. Or Ash for short." He says, a grin on his face, showing off deep dimples. I can't help but find him oddly adorable.
"I'm.... me" I say, hesitant on giving my name. A blush creeps onto my face when I feel his hazel eyes on me.
"Come on what's your name?" He begs, his steady footsteps stopping.
"L-Leolani" I mumble, staring at my shoes.
"That's a beautiful name" He says, reaching his hand under my chin to lift my head up. "What's wrong?"
"N-nothing" Everything. Now I have to befriend this kid, and explain the meaning behind my name and UGH. "Leolani means beautiful voice, and I hate it because people always expect me to sing for them or to be amazing at singing. Or at least everyone who lives in Hawaii." I say, my deep brown eyes meeting his.
"You're hawaiian?" He asks, his eyes lighting up.
"Yeah. Why?" I say, a bit confused.
"No reason..." He trails off, his expression going neutral. I decide not to push the subject.
"The creek is right there, go rinse off your cuts before you get an infection." I demand, pointing to the creek about 20 meters away from us.
"Thanks Leolani. He nods, and jogs towards the running water.
"Call me Leo" I say, walking slowly after him. I would feel bad if I left him in the woods by himself, and plus, it's almost dark and he would definitely get lost.
I sit down on a boulder by the edge of the water, watching as he dips his injured hands into the freezing water. He yelps, and jumps back, and I burst out laughing.
"It's really cold" He complains, and just laugh more.
"What do you expect? It's like 20 degrees out here. I'm surprised it's not frozen."
He just sighs and plunges his, abnormally large, hands into the frigid water. A smile still rests on my lips as I watch him painfully scrub the dirt off of his palms.
"Do you have a phone?" He asks as he stands up, wiping his dripping hands on his jeans.
"Yeah, why?" I say, praying he doesn't ask for my number.
"Gimme your number so we can hang out more often" God is not on my side. Not like I believe in Him. I don't not believe either...
"Ugh, do I haaaave tooooooo?" I groan, pulling out my iPhone, and handing it to him. "Just put your number in. I'll text you when I want to hang out."
He obliges and hands my phone back to me. I frown at my screen, confused.
"What's with the koala next to your name?" I ask, looking up at him.
"I'm Australian, can't you tell?" He says, cocking his head tot he side. Well that makes sense.
"Oh okay." I mumble. "I'm gonna head home. See ya Aussie"
