One For The Road

Chapter Thirteen

Just and I stepped away from the car, his hands tucked into the pockets of his jeans. He had a thick and fuzzy jacket on, zipped up as high as it would go, and his body was slightly rigid in the cold air. I contemplated giving him my jacket, too, but I doubted he would let me take it since I wouldn't have one. I guess I would get cold if I wasn't wearing my jacket. The wind was still stinging me through the thin fabric, making me regret packing a heavier winter coat for this trip.

I kept my gaze on the horizon as we walked, the sunset blazing before my eyes in a brilliant array of colors that I wished I could capture in my mind to look at whenever I wanted.

"You don't have to answer this if you don't want to," Just said softly, "but I'm just curious. Do you have a crush on Heidi?"

I almost laughed. "No. She's not my type." It wasn't a total lie.

"Oh. I'm sorry for asking. You just seemed to get really close to her really fast, and I think it's good she has someone supportive."

"I think she's like a sister to me now. Especially since you've told me about her brother. I feel the need to protect her."

"Welcome to the Heidi protection squad," he joked. "You'll get your free t-shirt in a week."

"Now I actually want a t-shirt," I chuckled. He smiled, slipping his hands into his pockets. It was quiet for a while, and we continued our slow walk along the side of the road. There were no vehicles here, leaving it silent except for the sound of the wind and our shoes scuffing along the pavement. It was a long time before either of us spoke again.

"Thanks for taking me into your friend group so quickly," I mumbled, fixing my eyes on the horizon. "I've never really... had close relationships with people outside of my mom and my brother before. I was bitter at first, but I really appreciate you guys being so eager to take me in."

I could see Just smiling out of the corner of my eye. "I could tell you probably didn't have many good friends. You seemed really closed off and angry-"

"I am closed off and angry," I interjected.

"Exactly. And I wanted you to know you belonged. Because you do."

I took a deep breath, slowly letting it out. "I didn't have many friends where I used to live," I admitted. "My anger issues used to be even worse than they are now. I just wasn't the type of kid people wanted to be friends with. It didn't help that I was one of those weird kids who only had one parent, and..." I shrugged. "You guys are the first friends I've had in a long time."

"I'm sorry to hear that," he said softly. I glanced over at him, and he was watching me carefully, his eyebrows slightly upturned in a way that almost looked concerned. "You really are a good person, Chase. I don't want you to try to deny that. I'm glad you're my friend, too."

I found myself smiling at the ground, my cheeks heating up. I'd never had such a supportive person in my life.

"You would make a good therapist," I decided, looking up. He laughed a little.

"You think?" he asked, a wide smile on his face.

"Oh, yeah. You're really good at listening to people. And you know what to say and when to say it."

"Thanks." He beamed.

There was another long beat of silence as the sun sunk lower into the horizon. I watched as the colors slowly became more vibrant, knowing they would disappear soon.

"I wish I could capture a sunset to hold forever," I mumbled. "They're so pretty and calming."

"I know," Just sighed wistfully. "They're gorgeous."