Make believe

Chapter 28

I stood there awkwardly watching the door shut behind Ashton. His car started and I heard it softly fade in to the distance. For a moment, I almost turned around to change in to something a little more presentable, then decided against it. This was Luke. What was I getting so worked up about? I lazily walked down the spiraling staircase, then paused where Ashton stood just moments ago. Narrowing my eyes at the door, I contemplated opening it and traveling outside. Deciding to go out, I opened the heavy mahogony door and a rush of cool air welcomed me.

That day was oddly cold for mid-July, and a bit cloudier than usual. The clouds churned high above me, and as I looked out across the yard and saw the road fade before me, the mix of trees and old buildings far away, I felt like I was standing in a painting. One I had seen before. The memory tickled the back of my mind as I fought to remember its name, or at least the painter. To no avail, I shook my head and walked down the wooden steps barefooted. I wondered how long I would be alone until Luke arrived. My feet found the coldness of the grass and I began walking around my house and to the backyard.

The spacious backyard was my favorite thing about that old house. I remember spending countless afternoons on the grass of that yard when I was a child. I'd climb the old Oak that seemed to reach to the sky when I was small. In my mind, the grass was softer, and greener, than that of the front yard. Lined with a tall, white picket fence, I always felt safe there. As I got older, I got busy. I thougth back and tried to remember the last time I traveled behind my house to spend time by myself, but couldn't remember.

My eyes landed on the hanging hammock settled in a mist of weeping willows that provided privacy. I used to take naps all the time and would look up, imaging to myself that I was in some sort of magical forrest; all alone and safe. The old hinges creaked slightly as I settled onto it, and swayed slightly as my feet left the ground. I layed back and looked up, hardly seeing the grey sky through the winding branches and leaves of the trees above me. The willows created a sort of curtain that felt magical to be under. The air was chilly, a slight breeze making me shiver, but I felt lost in my own little world- the same one I would travel to as a kid. For a moment, I wondered if it was weird for me to long for my childhood the way most girls my age long for a new car. Or a boyfriend.

"Well don't you look comfortable."

My head jerked up at the sudden change from silence. Luke stood at the edge of the yard, hands in his pockets, eyes cast downward.

"It's freezing out here. Aren't you cold?"

I smiled as I shook my head. When I started to get up from the hammock, he came to life, making his way towards me.

"No, no," his said with wide eyes. "Don't get up. No, its okay. I-it's not...too bad out here." Just as he spoke, a slight shiver took his body.

"Not that cold, huh?" I grinned.

He didn't say anything as he blushed and moved to sit next to me. I shifted my body so I was siting up to give him room. As he sat, he kicked his feet slightly, setting the hammock in motion. We swayed slowly with the breeze and I had to admit, it was pretty cold.

"We can go inside if you want."

His eyes met mine for a moment, then he looked away. "No, no, I'm fine. I'm good. I'm getting warm now." I narrowed my eyes as he looked back at me, but I didn't't say anything. Luke had his hands glued in his pockets, his knees tucked up underneath his chin. He looked miserably cold and although I could've offered once again to go inside, but the redness of his cheeks next to the paleness of his skin was such a beautiful contrast.

"Thanks for coming here." I said, and meant it.

He smiled for the first time since he came, his nose crinkling, eyes slightly closed. He looked so cute and innocent, that for a moment, his lip ring almost looked out of place.