My bike cracked and clunked as I removed it from its cocoon of cobwebs. I pushed it down the drive to get the chains working and then proceeded to cycle down the road. I forgot how much I love cycling; the feeling of having the wind on your side and the sun as your guide.
The park was old, although still a popular hangout for everyone. The council put money into restoring it and built a new wooden fort, but some kids from our school smoked pot in the castle part and burnt it to the ground.
I rode down the lane and through the entrance arch, and then down the winding cycle path through the centre of the park. I wasn't sure where I was supposed to meet Chase, so I propped my bike up against a fairly central picnic table and sat down. I checked my watch.
Chase's POV:
I knew Adam would be at the park on time. It was a given: he was one of those 'perfect kids': the ones who buy their mother's birthday presents with saved allowance, who do their homework the day it's set and who walk for an hour just to pick up the ingredients for tea.
I was going to be late because I had to stop off at the public toilets to clean myself up. I spent last night underneath a ramp in the skatepark, with several empty coke cans and fags to keep me company.
The mirror in the toilet was shabby, with a crack running through the centre and the word 'slag' scratched into the upper corner. It was clear enough for me to see my week old stubble and the heavy bags beneath my eyes. I hastily washed my face, pulled out my deodorant and then sprayed my underarms. I changed shirt so I didn't look so homeless and took a mint from my bag . Then I set off.
"Hey, Adam." I said as I approached him. He looked surprised as I sat down beside him.
"Hi." I looked down.
"Is that offer to stay with you still up?" I said it straight away. I hoped he'd figured that I was meeting him because I needed his help.
"Yeah. It's fine."
"I just really...need a shower." He sniffed.
"Yeah I think you do." We both chuckled. "Stay for a few days if you need, my Dad is going to New York tomorrow to visit my Mum, I was supposed to stay with my Nan but I can probably stay home alone...or not alone if your coming."
"You sure? I don't want to gate crash your life, especially as I barely know you."
"No honestly I don't mind. A lot of crap has happened in my life too and I know what it's like to need help." He put his elbows on the table.
There was a brief silence.
"I don't understand you," I said. "Why are you being nice? Especially when I'm being a bit of an ass and just expecting your help."
"I guess I just understand." He fiddled with the handle of his bike. "Or I try to understand."
I looked at him, deep into his brown eyes. I felt like he was hiding something, or unsure of something. He noticed me looking at him and looked away sheepishly. His cheeks grew a faded red. He changed the subject.
"Are you coming over now or later?"
"Later, I need to pick up some stuff from home if I can sneak in without Dad noticing." I gave a dry smile. "What time should I come?"
"Bout 6ish? I can tell dad your staying the night so we can do some revision and stuff, but you can stay longer because he flies out tomorrow."
"Okay." I stood up and checked my watch. "I'll see you later. Thanks for everything."
"Don't worry. See you."
As I heard his soft, kind voice a thought popped into my head.
Does he fancy me?
~hey guys, sorry it's been a few days, not been well and have been very busy & tired ~
