Caught in the Flame

Chapter Two

"Why would you do that?," Chase asked me, as I took a step back shocked.

"It's just...Why would you bring me here? Why would you bring me to a place with so many memories, Chase?"

"I thought you would enjoy it." He replied as his mouth formed a tight line. "I thought you'd like to come back to the lake but with Carmen this time. We can just leave if you want to."

"No, no look I'm sorry I just was shocked and had so many emotions running through my veins. I'm so sorry, Chase. I didnt mean to be so hurtful and I'm sorry I slapped you." I tried to reason with him as we were all standing in a now awkward circle. Carmen doesn't know whos side to take, and I don't blame her, but he took us to Lake Prarie for cryin out loud. Its where my dad took me when I was little before he progressed to ill. That must have made anger bubble up inside me. Chase knows this and I guess I was just mad and over-reacted.

"Fine, I'll forgive you." He says after hesitation. "only on one condition." He finishes with a half smile.

'What's the condition?", I ask, and he travels over to the car. I was confused and repeat the question but still no answer. He starts digging in the back of the avalanche.

Pulling out a picnic basket, the sixteen year old boy finally answers me. "You have lunch with me." he pauses for a second before blurting out, "and of course Carmen too."

I giggle slightly at his suggestion. 

"Yes, I'll have lunch with you guys." I smile as we all head towards the lake.  I'm carrying the blanket and Chase has the basket which I guess is full of food. I set the blanket up on the soft grass covered ground. 

"So what did you bring?" I ask, pushing my straight hair behind one ear and starting up conversation.

"Sandwhiches, and our favorites too." Chase revealed pulling out a turkey and cheese for me, a ham and provolone for Carmen, and whatever he put in his because his was stuffed full of just about everything. As we ate the atmosphere grew still. 

"Chasie!!!"

"What Carmen? What is it?" Chase asks her.

"There's a boat out on the lake, it looks  cool."

"That's great, Car. 

I turned my body on the blanket so I was facing the lake. The water is a bluish green kind of color and the boat pearl white with a dark blue sail. I scan my eyes across the entire body of water. It looked the same as it did years ago. No other boats are floating along. I turn in a small circle. Us three are sitting in the trees. Underneath a canopy of oaks that had to have been growing for years and are older than me. Our brown blanket, bunched at the corners keeps the dirt from the backsides of our clothes. I'm lost in my train of thought again until that deep voice pulls me back to life.

"So Taylor, what have you been up to?" Chase ponders.

" I've been okay. I don't know, I just feel out of place you know?"

" You should really spend more time with me. He says, " That is if you want to."

"Why so self consious?" I'm sorry but I'm too curious, and if theres one thing that I suck at its hiding my curiosity.

"Uh, um, did it sound like that? No I just want to be someone you can talk to." Chase now explained, but with a forced confidence.

"Chasie im tired." can we go home yet?" A wiped out Carmen put in." We're done eating already."

"Sure, let's go." I reply. "She seems like she wants to leave." I say, helping her out. It also gave me a chance to think about what Chase said.

 I make no effort to get up and I dedcide to just stare at the grond. Being at the lake wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. My dad was my hero. The person I always looked up to.  I assumed that thinking of him would only bring back bad memories, but this trip actually made me remember the good ones. It was really fun and I enjoyed It, I guess I have Chase to thank for that.