In a Heartbeat

Chapter 3 - True Colors

Chapter 3: True Colors

After a while of walking back the way I came to get back to that festival, I fall face first into the lush grass directly in front of me.

You have got to be kidding me. I angrily stomp on the stick that had tripped me and instantly am rewarded with a satisfying feeling in my chest. For good measure, I pick up the broken pieces and hurl it somewhere into the woods behind me.

"Oww!!! Wait...what the...?" A voice trails off unexpectedly.

I sigh and slowly turn on my heel towards the voice.

I narrow my eyes and give myself a well deserved face palm.

Seth is 6 feet away from me with his raven black hair disheveled and a confused expression on his face. In his right hand he holds a stick. The stick I threw.

I raise an eyebrow. "Having trouble there?"

He smirks at me and gives me a knowing grin. "Not unless you count getting attacked by a stick 'trouble'."

"Oh, I think I recall seeing a bird dropping one from its nest a bit ago."

"That bird sure is a bastard.

I wink. "Oh, I know. Her name's Sandra and we've been mortal enemies from the day I've met her. Looks like she has a new target."

"And now this bird--ehrm--'Sandra' has something against me? She's found a new target and doesn't attack you with--hmm, lets say--sticks any longer?"

"Yes, precisely."

"Oh, that's too bad." He says, sliding closer to me.

I tentatively look up into his emerald green eyes. He has these amazing golden flecks in the middle.

"And why is that?"

"Well, Sandra doesn't know what she's missing." He takes his finger and slips a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I shiver with excitement and I---well I run. "Well uhm, I got to go--so bye, see you around."

I soon as I'm out of sight I sprint all the way back to the festival and crouch down to sit against the maple tree. It's at the edge of the  empty playground, where I met Lexi.

I stare down at the dandelion patches next to my arm, and admire their elegance. Why am I so drawn to this kid?

In the middle of my process of thinking, I hear the rustle of a few leaves, and realize Lexi has sat down next to me.

We don't talk to each other for a while, just enjoying each other's company while looking straight ahead. 

"Aaren?" She finally whispers.

I keep looking ahead, trying to get lost in anything. The clouds, the sun shining on my face, Seth's touch...but I know I have to answer her.

"What is it?" I hiss back, finally breaking the spell.

She stands and shakes her head. "Elena and Jake had to leave."

Unknowingly, a small smile slips across my face. Jake's fine and all, and Elena's...tolerable, but I'm glad I have Lexi to myself.

Lexi reaches a hand down to grab mine. I look at the warm smile and extended hand, and I smile back while hoisting myself up. Once I'm standing I brush the grass off of my knees. 

After ripping off the bottom half of her designer dress to reveal jean shorts, Lex ties her hair back with the red bandanna she's just created.  She looks to me in a challenging way and declares, "Bet, I'll be the first one up that tree!"