Blissful Innocence

1: The Bloom of Feelings

It was the last week of summer vacation. I lay in the grass of a small field staring into the blue sky. A light breeze billowed across the land, ruffling my unruly hair. Closing my eyes I let myself drift into the depths of my mind.

Classes were starting again soon, I had gotten accepted into the school of my choice, it was my state University. I was a bit nervous about facing the new system alone.

My best friend made it into a university out of state and was leaving tomorrow. The thought made my heart clench. I would have to branch out and talk to new people. I was terrible at socializing, letting my shyness always get the better of me.

Unlocking my phone I stared at the time. I groaned, where was he? This was my last chance to hangout with him before he left and he's late. I opened up my messages and started to to type.

Before I could hit send button the sound of pounding feet filled my ears. Looking over my shoulder I noticed him approach. He stood over me, his hands on his knees and panting in the process. I chuckled at his apperance. "Hey Ashton," I greeted, "took you long enough." I got up and slipped my phone in my back pocket.

He seemed to have recovered from his run. "Sorry, I had some last minute packing." He said with an apolegetic smile.

My heart painfully squeezed remembering this was my last time with him, but I ignored it. "I was just teasing you," I stated matter-of-factly punching his arm playfully. "Anyway, movie's starting in about thirty minutes. Let's haul ass. I want the good seats."

We walked out of the park and headed for the movie theater. In this city, walking seemed to be the best means of transportation. The roads were always crowded with cars and buses. I smiled at the busy streets and the hums of people. I would never be able to leave this always busy city.

We made it to the movies just in time, but we had gotten front row seats. We both sat down as the previews for other movies started playing. "I can't believe we're stuck up in front," I grumbled under my breath.

Ashton chuckled quietly, "well, it's not my fault you walk so slow."

I gasped and punched his arm, "I do not!"

Someone from behind me loudedly shushed indicating for us to shut up.

I turned tomato red and sunk into my seat. My eyes skimmed over to Ashton. He sat there with a hand clamped over his mouth stifiling a laugh. I glowered at him. He arched one eyebrow and smirked at me as he placed a finger over his lips mocking me.

Scowling I glued my eyes to the big screen as the movie started to play.

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Ashton and I walked out of the theater laughing and giggling about some parts of the movie. Ashton made an impression of one of the characters and acted out a scene. He got a few weird stares, but he just continued with his little act.

I burst out laughing, clutching at my sides. I tried to gain control of my giggling fit. "Oh god...that was great," I wheezed out after calming down.

He grinned down at me, "well what now Char?" I rolled my eyes at the nickname. He's been calling me that ever since we became friends four years ago.

"I dunno, it's your call." I say as we walk down the street. The sun was starting to set and each neon sign turned on one by one. The city slowly transitioned to it's night life.

Up ahead we saw the bright glow of an arcade. In usion we turned to each other, each of our smiles streching to our ears. The same thought showed on our face.

Nearly running, we rushed to the arcade. We burst into the bright room. I fished out my wallet from my bag and made a run for the first machine.

I lost track of time as we jumped from game to game.