Prodoigy

Chapter 4

"This is the best thing I have ever tasted, Mason." I said in awe of the taste.
Mason chuckled. "I'm glad. We should come here more often."
"We?" I asked, teasing him slightly.
Mason turned a deep crimson. "I mean, only if you want to." I couldn't help but giggle at him. I slapped my hand over my mouth to suppress it. "Your laugh is sweet."
I smiled and took my hand away from my mouth. "Thanks. So...um...what's your major?" I stuttered, changing the subject.
"Computer studies. I want to program for apple one day." Mason smiled, taking a bite of his sandwich. "What about you?
"Fishery and wildlife studies." I answered. "I was always interested in wildlife growing up. That's why I started writing-"I stopped myself. "Uh, the series." I awkwardly rubbed the back of my neck.
Mason frowned, sighed and he put a hand on my arm. "I wish you didn't do that."
I moved my hand away. "Do what?" I asked softly.
"Pull away suddenly." Mason explained, a sudden hurt expression washing over his face. I frowned.
"It's the way I've survived this long, Mace."
"Are you surviving, or are you living, Meg?" Mason asked softly. I looked deep in his brown eyes, he looked hurt beyond belief.
"Why does this hurt you so badly?" he looked terrified when I ask that. Not in his face, but within his eyes. Like something had scarred him. I didn't want to pry, or tell him I knew.
"I just..." he trailed off and shut his eyes tightly. He looked weak and tired in this moment. "I know what it's like to feel trapped. But you have control over that, when some people don't. You should be happy about that, shouldn't you?" That was something to think about. Then again it wasn't surprising. Mason made me think and I liked that about him. He was a good friend, and he knew how to keep and have secrets. That was always a good quality to have, at least in my eyes. I nodded to him.
"It's defiantly something I'll think about, but I can't go through what I did again."
"I'm not talking about writing." Mason explained further, keeping his voice soft and sweet. "I want you to try to open up with me, and everyone else. I know that the others can be hard to handle, but they are really good people and they want to get to know you."
I looked down. "I'm not a very social person, Mason." I told him.
He moved to touch my hand. "I know this going to be hard, but you're friends with me, right? And I will be right there with you." That eased me slightly, making me relax. He flashed me a huge grin that made agreeing slightly easier. I took in a deep breath. This was for Mason. I knew it was doomed to fail, but I might as well humor him. I suppose it was the least I could do.
"I can't make any promises, but I'll try." I admitted. I nearly regretted it immediately, then saw how grateful Mason looked. "Thank you. It really does mean a lot to me.'
"You're welcome." I told him softly. He looked so happy and grateful, just for this one thing. It was incredibly inspiring, how uplifted he was. Something to actually write about one day. If I ever wrote again. "So, same time tomorrow?" I asked, breaking the silence and my thoughts.
"Sounds like a good plan, Mariposa."
"Butterfly?" I asked. "Why do you call me that?"
"Because you're pretty and free spirited, like a butterfly." Mason explained sweetly.
"I blushed. "Oh...Um, thanks Mace."
He smiled. "Only the truth Meg."