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Chapter 6

  Sundays were always the laziest. I woke up at mid-morning and took Cubbie out walking to Jenna's. She nearly flipped when she saw me and asked for every last detail about last night's 'get together'. I told her about the Bishop House, but failed to mention the meadow, hoping to keep it a secret. Jenna said the only thing he was missing a sexy accent, but I thought he was perfectly fine the way he was. I told her about our second date plans  very last, and I think she experienced a mini-cardiac arrest.

  "Jen, it's not even a big deal. We're just-"

  "NOT A BIG DEAL?! It's a huge deal! That means he likes you, dumbass!"

  "I never said he didn't!"

  "Well you sure as hell aren't acing like it." It's funny how people change once you get to know them. Over the course of a week and a half, Jenna had gone from a shy, scared girl to a loud and obnoxious one.

  "Whatever, Jenna. I'm going home now. I'll talk to you tonight, though." I walked away with Cubbie trailing right behind me. It was only one o'clock, but I felt like I should already be ready. I went up to my room and laid out some casual clothes with matching jewlery when I heard a knock at the door.

  "Sadie-cakes? You in there?" He wasn't drunk; his words were clear and enunciated.

  "Yeah, come in." I said, sitting on my bed.

  "Where've you been? I haven't seen you in ages..."

  "I've just been with my friends, Joe. It's not a big deal." It was stupid how Joey only was concerned for me when he felt like it.

  "You going out again tonight?" He said, looking at the outfit laid out on my bed.

  "Yeah. I'll be back by midnight, honest."

  "Don't bother, we both know that's not true." The tone in his voice was a mix between cynical and stern, both of which confused me. Had he caught me sneaking out on Friday? And since when did he care? "It really doesn't matter, Sadie. Stay out. You're old enough. Just stay safe and don't do anything you'll regret." He slipped out of my room as quickly as he had come in.

  The afternoon went by quickly thanks to my mini-marathon of Friends I hosted for Cubbie and I. I walked out to my car at around 6:30 and drove to the Bishop House; it was an ironic feeling. I drove through the gates which had already been opened. Toph met me at the door, letting me walk next to him. He grabbed a basket from the kitchen counter, then headed out towards the back door.

  "What's that for?" I asked curiously, even though I had a pretty good idea.

  "Oh, y'know... just stuff..." He said. We weaved through the trees and branches and finally reached the meadow. We both smiled, Toph's eyes glowing a golden-green. He sat down and I followed, putting my chin on my kees and staring out into the woods. "So, do you like picnics?"

  "Of course!" I said over-enthusiastically. What girl didn't like picnics at sunset? He opened the basket and laid out a little blanket in front of us. He put two small plates out and began taking out all kinds of foods: sandwiches, salamis, sodas, and candies. I should've expected something like it from him, but either way it was flattering.

  "Well, go ahead. Take what you like." He said, nodding his head towards the little picnic laid out in front of us. I grabbed a sandwich that had some type of expensive meats and cheeses in it, taking delicate little bites. He grabbed a sandwich, too, still staring at the sunset. It was nice, sitting and watching the sunset in silence. It felt right not having to make awkward conversation. I sneaked a glance over at Toph, who had an aura of light around him. I really wanted to kiss him.