Finding Criss

Chapter 9

"Thanks for the fries" James said as he plucked fries from my plate. I silently slurped a milkshake.

"What's up?" he asked, eating more fries. "School." I replied.

"Oh, sounds like fun."

"How did you know I was here?" I asked suddenly.

James looked at me and then said,"Instinct"

"Oh really? What do you want James?" I asked sternly.

"I just wanted to talk, sheesh."

"Normal people don't stalk someone just to talk."

"I think we both figured out that I'm not normal a long time ago."

I rolled my eyes and chewed on my burger.

James just stared at me. I looked down at my plate, then back at him. Still staring.

"What?" I asked, a little puzzled. He jut continued.

"What are you looking at?" I asked again, looking behind me.

"Your dreams suck." he said.

"What?" I snapped my head around to look at him.

"Your first kiss dream sucks."

"Wha- why where you thinking about that?"

" I have just been thinking about that a lot lately. And I have come to the conclusion that your dream sucks."

"No it doesn't!" I protested.

"Yes, it does. Why would you want it to be like that?"

"Because, it would magical." I replied.

"Yes, and do you think your actual first kiss is going to be magical?" he asked.

"I hope so."

"What do you want for your birth day?" he asked, changing the subject.

"James, my birthday is in January, two months from now."

"What do you want?"

" It doesn't matter, make it a surprise." I said quickly. "Why?"

" I have to make it special." he replied.

He smiled at me. He got up and went to the cashier and payed. I met him at the door.

***********************************

We walked through the courtyard. The rain had relented, but it left the sky a grey color. I amusingly splashed in puddles as we talked. It was a regular conversation, and for the first time since he got here, I wasn't nervous about what I said. We weaved through columns, and walked down stairs to a dock that hovered above the lake. I sat down, taking off my shoes and sticking my toes into the cold water. James sat behind me, very quiet. I turned my head, looking over my shoulder. He was nervously playing with his fingers, looking down at his lap. I chuckled quietly at his bashfulness, which was very foreign to him. I turned back around and scooted beside him. I lay back on his lap. He looked at me, then back at his lap again. "Are you ok?" I asked, looking up at him. He nodded slightly. I pressed my hand on his stomach, and felt his muscles tense under my touch. I took back my hand, and gave him a questioning look.

"It's nothing Criss. I'm ok." He replied as if he heard my questions. I looked at him longer. I scanned his face, taking in his features. I looked down to his arms and hands, then to his torso. I sighed and looked up at the sky. The wind started to blow softly, picking up my hair. I looked at James who seemed fascinated with something beside me.

Then, I felt something brush my head. Soft fingers twirled my hair softly. I glanced a look at James, and quickly sat up.

He looked shocked and stood up, hovering over me, then stepping back.

"I think I need to leave." he said quietly. I stood up too and grabbed his arm. "James, something's up. Why won't you tell me? I saw you a few days ago and you were fine."

"It's nothing, I'm ok. It's ok Criss, everything is fine."

I smirked at him. " Who is she?" I asked, teasing him. He looked shocked once more, then paled.

"Her name is Indie." he said, staring at his shoes. I froze, disappointment creeping in.

"Oh," I mumbled. I hadn't expected him to reply. I hadn't even expected him to like anyone here.

"Does she like you?" I asked, fearful of what he will say.

"Yes." he replied.

I gulped. "Do you like her?" I asked once more, my voice shaking.

He didn't awnser. He stood there, thinking. After what felt like years, he replied.

"Yes, I do."

My heart sank as I forced a smile onto my lips. I reached a hand up and gently pushed James's face to meet mine. "That's good." I said as I regained control of my voice.

He gave me a small smile in return. I let go if his chin, and walked away.

I couldn't hear anyone walking behind me, calling my name like the last time I left him.

I silently walked to my car, wishing it would rain so I could make an excuse for my sadness. He was going to ask her to out with him, I knew it. I had seen it before, girls fall for his looks and he asks them out shyly. I had never felt this way before though. I had been there through all the girls, and never felt anything. I was happy for him, but now, I was disappointed.