The Hidden Center; From Teenager to Hippy

Chapter three (short)

Chapter three;

“What do you think?” I could hear the smile in Lyrics’ tone without looking at him. This places was... well, magnificent.

“I never knew an area such as this could exist…” My voice came out as whispers as I took in my surroundings. The greenery of the forest was illuminating and was made more vibrant by the waterfall which stood meters higher than the trees; it looked as though it went on forever, only clouded by the puffs of white which obscured vision and the beautiful wonder.

“It is truly beautiful.” My eyes drifted to Lyric. I watched as his expression changed from bubbly to surreal. My heart fluttered slightly as I continued to watch him. He has a true understand of the beauty in the world. I wonder what he is really like…

“I know I’m beautiful, but man, I’m almost getting embarrassed with you staring at me like that.” I snapped out of it and looked away as quickly as possible. Great one, Ty, embarrass yourself in front of the cute guy. Oh gosh, I just referred to him as cute.

Looking away I couldn’t help but stutter a quiet apology. “I was just joking Ty,” his smiled calmed my nerves instantly. Yes, he is defiantly cute. “Come on, there’s heaps to explore.” He gave me a quick glance back as he started to walk on a head. Taking a deep breath I followed.

“So, this waterfall is really important for all of us. It used to be our only source of water, of course now it’s not, although we still sometimes use it. Mostly for swimming purposes, skinny dipping late at night.” I looked around awkwardly after he winked at me. “Don’t worry, everything will become less awkward after time, I promise.” I half smiled and looked around the area.

Around the waterfall is a clearing, the grass is a soft light green but darkens as it gets closer to the forest area.

“The trees, they look odd?” I asked taking in their texture and visual appearance. Lyric nodded and walked over to them, I followed slowly behind.

“They are mostly oak trees, but there are some weeping willows in there.” I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of the trees. I guess because I’ve lived in the city all my life I’ve never really been able to be around nature all that much. “We live about half an hour from the ocean as well, sometimes we walk there, and other times we drive. You would love it at dusk. Watching the tide coming in is memorising.” I watched him again as his bubbly personality disappeared and was replaced with one of serenity and contentment.  “Let’s continue walking?” I nodded eagerly and we started walking through the dense forest.

“What’s your favourite colour?” My voice came out softer then intended, but was loud enough for him to hear.

“It’s dark green.., the colour of that tree.” I looked over to where he pointed. A beautiful weeping willow stood alone, only the moss on its bark as company. I couldn’t help but gasp at its beauty. Lyrics laughter surprised me. “I guess it’s your favourite colour now as well?” I nodded enthusiastically; I have never seen such a beautiful green in my life. Admittedly I had never paid much attention to the colour green, I’ve always been more of a blue person, the colour of the late sky, but I must admit that the dark moss green was much more beautiful than the blue of the late night sky.

“So, tell me something about you.” Lyrics voice was soft and bubbly. I don’t understand, I’ve lived seventeen years of my life a lone, unaware that beautiful people like him exist, and now I’m quiet, unable to talk and afraid of scaring him off.

“Um… I love strawberries?” My response came out more of a question. My nerves calmed as he laughed.

“What else? Tell me something personal.” He turned to smile at me. His white teeth shimmered in the darkening light.

“I haven’t really been able to cry over the death of my mother.” I bit my lip after the words left my mouth. He didn’t want to know that, he doesn’t care. God I’m stupid. Now he will probably think I’m a person who goes around sharing my personal problems. I’m not like that, not at all.

“I wasn’t able to either. It took my three months until I broke down. I hadn’t even noticed I was holding it in.” I looked over to him, a sad smiled played on his lips. “Promise me, when you eventually break don’t hold anything in. cry your heart out, and lets other help rebuild you. Friends are amazing, rely on them.” I broke eye contact and looked down.

“I’ve never really had friends to be honest.” I couldn’t face him. I took in a sharp breath as I felt a warm hand crease my cheek. Lyric guided my face up, making my eyes look directly at him.

“Well you do now.” I let him pull me into his chest. It was strange to hug a boy my age. He was at the perfect height to rest my head in the nook of his shoulder and neck, which was exactly what I did. I hadn’t noticed how much I had craved someone to hold me until that moment. Thankfully Lyric noticed this and let me be.  

I don’t know where the time went, but the light started to dim. “We better head back; I don’t want to make Jackson wait.” Grabbing my hand he started to guide me back.

“Thank you Lyric.” My voice wavered a little; in return he squeezed my hand tighter, calming my suffocating chest.  

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I know this is short, It's just it kind of gives insight to some of the characters and I wanted it up asap. Thank you for reading. ^_^