Satellites

Six

        When Austin asked if he wanted to hang out, I didn’t realize he meant it right away. We’re currently at McDonalds to get some take out, I’ve got to admit Austin is cute, but I just don’t feel the zing – that feeling is just so dead. I see him get out of the little food branch and is now walking back to the car.

“Large fries and a medium frappe as you wished” He flashed me a smile and started the car.

“Thanks” I mumble and started eating.

“So where to next?” he asks.

“Uhm, skate park maybe?” He nods and drives off.

***

“So what brought you to Shadow Ridge?” he asks.

“Uhm that’s a really long story…”

“Hey, I’m willing to listen.”

“You sure?” he rolls his eyes at me, and then nods.

            I told him everything. I’m not sure how he’s feeling at the moment because he was silent, but at the same time I don’t feel like a changed his opinion towards me. He nodded every once or twice, and he did get surprised when I told him about Jacob Armstrong. I finished, but looked away.

“What’s wrong?”

“You just heard my life story and probably think I’m some sort of demented potato, that’s what’s wrong!”

“Katherine, as hostile as you were, I know that changed. I mean you wouldn’t be friends with Carly and the others if you were still the old you.” He gives me a warm smile.

“I know but –“

“No, the past is way, way, back there. This is a whole new chapter if not maybe even a new book that you will be writing. Be happy.”

“Dude, that was deep.”

He leans in. Oh no. And there it is. The kiss: the magical moment. He has soft lips though. I didn’t kiss back, it just feels wrong. I pulled away and held his shoulders.

“Austin, I’m sorry, but I just don’t feel it…” I look away from his eyes. They were a nice shade of gray.

“Ah, I kind of figured, but it’s alright” He holds me by the chin, and I see a smile on his face.

“Wha – I don’t get –“

“You were giving me the cold shoulder this whole time, you’re definitely distant, sorta hesitant, but I still think you’re pretty cool.”

“Really?”

He nods. “Of course, I don’t have any real feelings for you; I just thought you’re really cool for kicking Shannon’s ass. You’ll be great girlfriend, but not just for me. So friends?”

“You’re pretty cool yourself” I say and fist bumped him.

“I should get cha home, Kellin’s probably ripping his hair out.” he laughed.

“Oh you’re probably right, didn’t even realize the time.”

“Wanna hang out some other time, I’d love to introduce you to the team, they could use a girl that doesn’t want to have sex all the time.”

“Hey, I’m entitled to the Bro-Code and the Girl-Code, I got your back” I replied, and gave him a grin.

***

“Kellin, I’m home!”

“Fucking finally, I was so damn worried about you.”

“It’s like 8 o clock you twat, here got cha some fries.” I shove the bag in his chest and sat next to him.