[wattys shortlist 2018]
Colton has always hated Alexis. It's as simple as that.
Alexis has never hated Colton though, not even after the night havoc was let loose: chaos caused by him.
This summer, Alexis doesn't expect to be reunited with her to...
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"Hurry up girls!" I grumble, hauling a bag of helmets and harnesses along the path leading to the climbing obstacle course. It's fair enough to say that I want to get their as soon as possible; helmets are heavier than they look. At this rate I might actually have to use my gym membership.
"But it's so far!" whines none other than what could be Lianna.
I grimace. "Lianna, we are literally five hundred yards away, I think you'll survive."
"But-" I zone out upon seeing a tall guy approaching me, an alarm going off in my head; I'm nearing the danger zone.
He waves at me, jogging over. "Hey, where you heading? Need any help with that bag?"
I stand still, my mouth agape. Surely this boy in front of me with his captivating, dark, green eyes –with identical hair to match – is not offering me help? Surely this is a mistake, this rugged, orange male can't be acting... civilised... towards me?
"Alexis?" He gives me a toothy grin his dimples poking out and stabbing my heart a thousand times.
Oh, I might just faint– what on earth is happening.
"Um sure... thanks Colton."
In response I get another grin before the bag is literally whipped off me and into his arms, Colton carrying it as if it's as light as a feather. Did I wake up in the upside down?
Together, we trudge along the trail, the girls following, silently until he decides to speak up. "So, the cook out was fun?"
"Yeah. Yeah it was," I manage to splutter out.
"Al's cooking man, it's to die for."
"Sure, sure."
He laughs. "Awful quiet today Alexis, did Natalia's 'creepy' story scare the words out of you?"
I make a face, titling my head to the side. Is he forgetting something, like I don't know, his hatred for me?
"I'll take that as a yes, but don't worry I'll protect you." He smirks and my heart flutters.
Don't get me wrong, I've encountered many of Colton's smirks, usually evil mind you, but this one felt different... flirtatious even.
I've officially lost it. What has the world come too.
I stay quiet, unsure what to say but thankfully we arrive at the station in the forest, Vivian greeting us, quirking her eye, soon after.
"Well, um, thanks?" I say.
Colton passes the equipment over, nodding his head. "Any time."
He stalks off back in the direction we came in, leaving me, the bag, the tree trunks with ropes and various obstacles attached and of course, the children behind.
