Unexpected Love #1

Eight

When I got back, I put the horse cookie jar in my room. I figured I'd give it to my mom for her birthday. It was coming up in July. Then I headed back downstairs. I headed into the kitchen.

"We  figured we'd make some lunch for when you got back." Cade said. "Cool." I said. I was glad Cade and Max were finally seeming to like it here and help out. Plus they seemed to be getting along. I smiled. 

We all sat down to eat. They made a frozen pizza and a salad. "So...um...Cade?" I asked, unsure how he'd react. He looked unsure too. "Please don't be mad, But I was thinking that maybe we could um...let Max tag along." I said, and quickly added, "It's just that it's hot and we could all go swimming at the water hole." "Ok." He said. "Unless you really want it to be you." I said. "No, it's fine." He said. 

So the three of us were soon at the water hole. We did up the dishes, changed and then rode up the trail. "Neat." Said Cade. "Yeah." I agreed. We all swung and jumped into the water. We swam and I dunked Max. He tried to get me, but couldn't. I dove under water and came up in the little cave. I sat on the ledge. I laughed at the boys looking around for me. "Ashlynn?" Max asked, "Ashlynn?" "Come on Ashlynn. It's not funny." Cade said. I dove back under and rubbed my fingers on their legs under water. They jumped. I came up and giggled. 

"Ashlynn!" Max said, splashing water at me. "Where were you?" Cade asked. "A secret." I replied. But I showed them. "Awesome." They said. We swam some more and then headed back home. 

Max headed to the house to get a drink. "I hope you're not mad, we didn't go alone. I mean I gave Max a trail ride by himself." I said. "I get it. You still don't trust me." Cade said. "No that's not it. Really." I said, "Like I said earlier, it was hot. I figured we'd go swimming." "Ok." Said Cade. "Look. Tomorrow... I'll take you on another trail. Just us." I said. "You don't have to." He said. "Well I want to." I said. "Ok." He said. 

The next day, Cade and I went up another trail. We came out by the stream and kept going. We came out on a flat area and tied the horses to the trees. Then walked near the edge. "Wow." Cade said. Below us was a big waterfall. "Yeah." I agreed, "This is the second place I Iove coming. The water hole is the first." "Yeah. Its is beautiful." He agreed, "So Max hasn't seen this?" "No." I answered. "Cool." Said Cade. 

I looked to Cade. He is cute, but not as cute as Max. Plus I know I haven't talked to him much, but I think I was falling for Max. I wasn't expecting to have these feelings. I need to get rid of these feelings. Plus I don't think my dad would be too thrilled at me falling for Max. 

When we got home, Cade went to do some more work. I left to hang out with Leah. 

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Soon It was the fourth of July. Our town had a carnival. I got up and ate some breakfast. I read some of my book. Around 10am, I got up and walked to go find Max. 

He was sitting under a tree. "So... what are you carving with the wood?" I asked. He laughed. "It's a little monkey." He said. He showed it to me. "Wow! That's so neat." I said. "Really? You think so?" He asked. "Yes. Of course." I answered, "Why?" "It's just that most girls...well all girls I know think it's dumb." He said. "What's dumb? The monkey?" I asked, confused. "No, carving wood in general." He replied. "Oh." I said, "Well, they're dumb. I think it's really neat." He smiled. "Thanks." He said. "You're welcome." I said. It was quiet for awhile. 

"So Max? I was wondering if you wanted to come to the carnival?" I asked, "With me?"  "Sure." He said. He got up and brushed off his pants. He put his monkey and knife in his room. Then we were on our way to the carnival. We walked around looking at all the stands. There were a lot of neat crafts.

"So, what do you want to do first?" I asked. "Let's play some games." Max replied. "Ok." I said. So we went over to the games. We played some ski ball, ring toss, a water gun one, and more. We walked further and saw a dunking booth. I saw my History teacher, Mr. Kent sitting on the chair. I went up and got three balls. "Hi Ashlynn." He said. "Hi Mr. Kent." I said. I threw the first ball and it missed. I threw the second ball and it hit the target and Mr. Kent went into the water. "Great job." He said. "Thanks." I said. 

We went back and played some more ski ball. I love ski ball. I got a little stuffed turtle. "So... Food now?" I asked. "Sure." He said. 

So we headed to the food stands. I got a slice of pepperoni pizza and Max got a cheese slice. I looked up once and saw Cade walk by. He was with who I assumed were his friends from school. He didn't look our way and I'm glad. After we ate our pizza, we walked around some more. I got an apple cider slushie. Max got a Dr. Pepper. 

Around 1:30, I was getting a little lightheaded. "Max. Let's go home." I said. "Are you ok?" He asked, concerned. He must of noticed. "Yeah. Just a little lightheaded. I think being in this heat too long isn't helping." I replied. "Ok." He said. So he helped me walk home.