It Will Be Alright -- Treebros

Nine -- A Date?

I paced the floor, going over all my thoughts and trying to discover why I actually took Zoe's advice.  I watched as Evan called his mom, telling her that he was going to Jared's.  I bit my lip, continuing to pace.  

Evan turned around, placing his hand on my shoulder.  "Con, why are you nervous?" he asked.  I shrugged, "I haven't had a friend before.  It's.... sort of a first,"  Evan frowned, flashing a smile.  "It'll be alright.  What do you wanna do?" he asked, changing the subject.

"You like trees, right?"

"Yeah,"

"I have a place you might like,"

--

"You're taking them to the orchard?"  Zoe asked through the phone.  I glanced over at Evan, who was staring out the window as I drove.  "Yeah, I don't know why I took your advice," I replied into the phone, groaning a little.  "Would you call this a date?" Zoe continued in a flirty tone.  "My god, Zoe, no.  They're just a friend," I replied, Evan, looking over at me.  "I'm not talking about you," I assured, him nodding and turning to look out the window again.

"Is it Evan?~" Zoe questioned as I muttered curses under my breath.  "Zoe, it's not him!" I lied, pulling up to the orchard and parking the car.   Evan glanced at me once again, "Connor, are you okay?"  I pulled the phone away from my ear, putting it to my chest to muffle the sound.  

"Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, giving a reassuring glance.  I lifted the phone to my ear once again.  "Was that Evan?!" Zoe nearly shouted into the phone.  "No!  Zoe, I have to go-" "But that wa-" "Goodbye!" I hung up quickly, Zoe immediately calling back as I declined and turned off my phone.

"Who was that?" Evan asked as I averted my eyes to look at him.  "It was Zoe, y'know...sisters...." I said nervously.  He shrugged.  "Anyway, we're here, come on," I said, stepping out of the car.  Evan did the same as we walked along the gravel path.  I led him to the main field filled with trees.  

Evan's face lit up as he studied the trees one by one.  "How did I not know about this place?!" he exclaimed, me smiling a bit.  "I'm surprised you haven't seen this place before," I laughed, following him.  Evan turned around, smiling and grabbing my hand.  I blushed as he led me to several other trees.

"You know that most of these trees are oak?" he asked excitedly.  I tilted my head, "Oh?"  Evan nodded, "There are actually about 600 different oak tree species.  They're all quite common, yet it's hard to find some of them.  Most of the trees here are English or White Oak trees.  The rest are apple trees, of course.  It seems that this place has died down, huh?"

I nodded, "How'd you know?"  "Well, most of these trees seem like they haven't been given proper treatment, it's surprising they're still alive," he answered.  "That's... interesting," I smiled.  Holy shit, I never smile.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket as I went to see who was calling me.  Zoe.  I declined the call, stuffing my phone back in my pocket.  "You seem tense," Evan said, resting his hand on my shoulder and using the other to hold my hand.  "It's nothing," I reassured once again, him just frowning.

"Tell me what's on your mind," he said, sitting down on the grass.  I took a deep breath, following his actions.  "Well, so, I uh, say I like this person.  I have never liked someone in that way, and I'm really confused," I began, him showing his interest by nodding his head and urging me to continue.

So I did, "Well, as you know, I don't smile a whole lot, and I've just been getting this feeling that I want to smile whenever I'm around this person.  I already had Zoe give me some advice, but she isn't exactly the best person to rely on, as you probably know.  I just don't like emotions," 

Evan nodded, "It's okay.  I think I might like someone, but I don't know if the emotions I'm feeling are mine or not,"  It can't be me though.  I frowned a little before smiling again.  "Who is this person you like?" I asked, feeling a pang of sadness shoot through me.  "I mean, she wouldn't like me anyway," he replied, turning away.  Oh, it's a girl.

I took a deep breath, "Do I know this girl?"  Evan blushed, "Yeah, you are pretty close to her, I suppose."  I chuckled, "Do you plan on making a move any time soon?" "N-No! No, I don't think she's into me, and I honestly think you'd be angry.  I don't want to lose one of my only friends," he replied nervously.

"Why would I be angry?  Who is this girl?" I questioned once again.  He just took a deep breath, "It's your sister,"  My eyes widened, "Zoe?"  Evan just nodded a little.  Oh.  Of course.  I felt tears well in my eyes, yet wiped them away.  I can't be crying now.

"You know that Zoe is quite the hopeless romantic, I bet she'd fall for you.  After all, anyone would," I said, mumbling the last part.  "She seems too good for me, I don't see why anyone would even like me, romantically or even as a friend," he sighed.  

"Evan, don't say that about yourself," I told him as he just looked at me in shock.  I gave him a confused look.  "You never call me Evan, what happened to Hansen?" he asked, surprised.  "Maybe it's just time to change.  But please don't talk about yourself that way," I replied, rubbing his back.

He smiled, "Okay, I knew I could always rely on you, Con."  I felt my face heat up ever so slightly.  "Know that I'm always here.  I'm here for you," I informed, embracing Evan and feeling him melt into the hug.  

I understand.