The Summer I Met You

«« Chapter 20 »»

Eleanor's POV

Its been four days since "the gang" and I have gotten back from the 2 day survival challenge. Not much has been going on. Aria, Liz, and myself haven't hung out in some time, a result of the busy schedule we all (except me) have. I sure do miss them...

Being cabin-mates, you'd think we'd at least have a decent conversation every day, in the morning or before bed. Nah. They come back late, exhausted and run out, plunging straight for bed. Mornings are quiet and quick... Awkward on my part, me being the only one not usually having to go anywhere.

I haven't seen the guys lately either, nor heard from them. I sure do miss them... Ivan a little more. Hah. I miss his brown eyes.. his freckles.. his goofy little half smile.. His face never leaves my mind. I wonder what he's up to.

I grabbed my bag after changing into a t-shirt and shorts.

"I'll see you guys later. Don't party too hard while I'm gone." I said to the empty cabin before heading out. Hey. I'm lonely, but I can still keep my humor. I sighed and went outside.

I went to the path around the lake. Its usually empty at this time of the day, since the majority of people  have clubs or classes to attend to. Me? Nah. I'm a lone wolf.... a lonely wolf. I sat down on the ledge of a rock at an opening to the lake. A tree nearby provided the shade I desperately needed.

I don't like being alone. It makes me feel... Empty. Like I am of little importance, you know? I understand that people have lives, and that it happens when they can't hang out or anything. But after a while... it just hurts.

I sighed, staring out into the water. Man.. Is this what stray dogs feel like? This must suck. Maybe I should start wandering the streets, barking at people. Maybe I'll start stealing food from people having cook outs, or maybe I'll-

"Care if I join you?" Said a voice, at the same time holding my shoulder.

I turned my head in surprise, and of course, was surprised even more to see who it was.

"IVAN! Er... Ivaann! Heeeyy, buddy." I said awkwardly, as I playfully punched his arm.

He sat next to me, laughing. He rested his elbows on his crossed, up right legs. He smiled at me, then looked away at the water. In my opinion, he looked like the typical hot shot movie star that wins your heart in a romantic movie scene, if not in an obscure magazine article.

"Its really nice out here, huh?"

"Um.. yeah, its pretty gorgeous. I should ask it for some beauty tips."

Oh god, Ele no. Stop it now before you kill yourself from social suicide.

He laughed mildly, looking down at his hands.

Wow, Ivan. You laughed? Are you okay? Did you fall down?.... a mountain?..

"Haha.. You don't need those tips."

And there, he flashed that famous Ivan half smile. I mean, he wasn't looking at me, but I'm sure I wouldn't even be able to handle it if he was.

"Wait.. Oh. My. Goodness. Did IVAN MEYERS, camp hunk, junior high basketball star, just compliment little ol me?" I responded, sarcastically holding my hand to my chest in "surprise".

He laughed again, looking at me this time. He nodded ever so slightly.

"What? Is that too cheesy?" He said, smiling.

Honestly, I was trying my best to keep my cool. And although it seemed I was doing pretty well at that, I swear to god I felt like my face was about to fall off whilst my head heated up and exploded.

"Haha.. Little bit." I looked away, not sure how much I could stand eye contact with him for so long. It felt like a staring contest. "So... Whatcha been up to for.." And here is where I jokingly checked the watch on my wrist that doesn't exist. "I don't know.. the past four days."

"Um.. Just.. Sitting around.. Honestly.." he laughed mildly, looking down again. "I've been wondering the same thing about you.."

"... Really?"

He raised his eyebrows, still avoiding eye contact. "Hyeah.. A lot."

I smiled at him, taking the opportunity of him not looking. "Well. I'll have you know I was in an intriguing affair with a bag of chips the other day. And took.. Hah. This faaaantastic nap. Ohoh. You should've seen it. So fascinating."

By this time, he'd managed to look at me again, watching me tell my sarcastically interesting story.

I was getting pretty carried away, blabbering, when...

"Haha.. you're so cute..." he muttered under his breath.

I dont think he intended for me to hear, of course. But I did. And in result... I shut up. I stared at him, surprised. Unable to find the words to use.

He looked up, realizing I had stopped talking.

He blushed, facing me.

"Wh- I-.. Ahaha.. Im sorry.. I-"

"No. Nono. Don't apologize." I smiled. C'mon. Time to stop being stubborn with my feelings and just go for him. "I think you're pretty cute too."

· · ·

In life, you get so caught up in the activities you're doing, you loose track of your feelings that are anything but happy and carefree. But once you're alone.. bored.. It gives you time to think. And I've been doing a lot of thinking. Why waste your time waiting for things to happen? Go out and make them happen. If it doesn't work out? Well.. suck it up. Change of plans, because it wasn't meant to be. But you do have the memories of trying, right.

I don't know for sure if my plans have changed, but I will definitely treasure the memories of Ivan Meyers.

Especially the ones to come.