never be the same • jyrus

chapter nine

I swear if he doesn't tell me where we are going I am going to scream. I mean, I'm glad we are spending time together, but I would like to know where we're going. Especially considering he just got his license.

I just listen to music while waiting for this mystery to be solved. I love listening to the radio for some reason. It's so random but always has some great songs.

"Alright, we're here," Jonah says after awhile. I look around at the area, but I'm not quite sure where we are.

"What exactly is 'here?'" I ask, using finger quotes to further emphasize my question.

"My favorite place in the world," he responds, spinning in a circle with his arms wide open. "Isn't it beautiful?"

I look around again. There are tons of trees, and a big lake. There are also a few little paths running through the woods.

"Yeah, it is." I must admit, I could get used to the outdoors.

"Great. Follow me." He leads me over to one of the paths. I read the sign that says the walk of nature. What does that even mean?

We walk down the path a little ways and reach a partially open area filled with lots of flowers and a campfire.

"How would you like to go camping?" he asks. I've never been camping before, but I'm willing to try anything if it means spending more time with him.

"Don't we have to meet your mom though?" I ask.

"Well yeah. She's getting the stuff for us. All I have to do is take her home, get the tent, then bring back the stuff she bought. She is coming too, but she has her own tent. She'll probably just sleep in it the entire time," he says. Wow, he must have been pretty confident I was going to say yes. Am I that predictable?

"Oh, you already asked her about it?" I ask.

"Yeah. I was really hoping you would agree. I had a whole speech planned out to convince you in case you said no." He laughs.

"I kind of want to hear this speech," I say. I wonder why he was so adamant about me camping with him. I guess it is probably the same reason he wanted me to see him get his license.

He pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket, shakes it around a little bit, clears his throat and begins, "I know you don't really like the outdoors that much, but I would be honored for you to join me on this camping expedition. There are many things I strongly believe you will enjoy, such as roasting marshmallows and hot dogs over the campfire. Most importantly, there is an open sky for you to look at the stars. So, in conclusion, I believe you would greatly enjoy this camping trip. But, if that doesn't convince you, maybe, uh, nevermind." Nevermind? What does that mean?

"Finish it," I laugh.

"You read it." He hands the paper to me.

But, if that doesn't convince you, maybe spending time with your best friend will.

That is the most adorable thing I've ever read in my entire life.

"I'm convinced." I nod a few times, trying to hold back a smile.

"You already said yes though."

"This convinced me further," I admit.

"Dosh." Not this again. I mean, it's adorable, but simultaneously the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

"Magosh?" I joke.

"No stealing my saying," he frowns, but immediately breaks into a smile.

We just stand there, smiling in silence, and his phone rings. His face goes pale, and he holds it up to show me who's calling. Andi.