It Happened, On That Day

Jaini

"Are you coming or not?"

I remained seated on the porch, ignoring Johnny's encouraging smirk by peering out into the dying sunset. The orange hues comforted me as I considered.

"It's been months since you've had a night out," he added quietly, edging closer. His car stayed parked down my winding driveway. "I promise you'll have fun."

"You can't promise the unknown." But I obliged, watching his smile bloom like a budding flower.

Although his smile had begun to annoy me--more so than my anxious thoughts--it was moments like these when I truly admired his determination. Hardly anyone ever bothered to break the silence I shield myself behind. If it weren't for our long-term friendship...

I shivered, from both the autumnal chill seeping from the distant mountain range and the wayward thought.

I would be alone.

"I choose where we go," I said, dusting myself off as I stood. He agreed without hesitation, yanking his keys out of his pockets. "Give me those," I ushered, ripping the keys away. My dad yelled something to me as I opened the door and threw the keys onto the computer table. The door closed before I could bother answering.

"What--"

"Do you remember Jiani?" He responded by furrowing his brows. Suddenly, without warning, I felt adrenaline rush through me like electricity. The fresh countryside air and night breeze entered my being, gifting me awareness to see beyond the emergence of darkness surrounding us. "Follow me."

Without another glance, I take off in the direction of the forest adjacent to my house. A trail, formed by our childhood, winded through the dense thicket of trees.

Untamed grass stalks licked our feet as we, dangerously, trekked deeper into the night. The moon desperately tried illuminating our skin through the treetops, but failed in small streams of blotched light.

After passing over a stream and avoiding a fox's nest, we broke the forest's tree line.

"Taini, this is..."

"Beautiful."

We took a solid minute to envelop ourselves in the rich environment. The prairie expanded for miles, folding out like a Bob Ross painting.

"I was supposed to be the one showing you a good time," Johnny said, eyes peeled on the mountain range ahead of us. "You stole my thunder."

Without much thought, my hand sought his. I wrapped mine in his own until they molded perfectly. He side-glanced at me, surprised. I averted my gaze, but my lips conspired against me and formed a grin.

"It's been too long since we came out here," I murmured, squeezing his hand. His warmth traveled down my hand, anchoring me to this world. I nuzzled against him, basking in this feeling of unspeakable happiness. Something I haven't felt in years. Slowly, he inclined his head on top of mine.

"Jaini must have missed us."

Before another word, I broke free, allowing him a split chance to stroke a hair-lock from my cheekbone.

"Catch me."

I beamed and ran.