The Summer I Met You

«« Chapter 24 »»

ELEANOR

• • •

"What are you talking about? You did great!" I tell Ivan, placing my pair of shoes on the counter.

"Pshhh.. Whaaa? Naaaahhh." Ivan said, smiling as he looked away. I knew he was flattered and I smiled to myself.

"So.." I walk with him outside, our hands barely brushing against each others as we look at the path ahead

'Just hold my hand already!' I scream at him from in my head.

"Sooo.." He smiled. And like some sort of magic, he must have heard my internal screams. His warm palm met mine and I could feel the gentle squeeze he gave, the light tug, pulling me just barely to walk shoulder to shoulder with him.

I can feel the color creeping up my cheeks as I tried to play it cool..

Come on.. Breath, Ele. Breath...

"So.. Ready for school to start up again? Its not too far from now.."

"Bleh. Id much rather stay here." Ivan responded with a shrug. I nodded in response. "I mean, I get to hang out with the guys.. And you." I felt his eyes turn to me from the corner of my eye.

My heart jumped a little as I still continued to keep my eyes away on the path ahead of me.

"I mean you're such a good friend." He smiled, turning again.

Friend.

"Hey look! Cmon." He tugged at my hand in eagerness toward the tree swing by the lake. There was room for two and I guess we were going to use that space..

I sat next to him and he started to gently sway the seat.. Forward and back.

".. I hope I see you around school." I told him, kind of avoiding eye contact.

The sun was setting over the horizon of the lake. It was breathtaking..

There was silence for a moment..

".. Ele?" He turned to me in some worry.

"Yeah?" I looked at him, noticing the seriousness in his tone.

"I need to tell you something..." He looked down at his hands..

My heart skipped a beat.

"What is it..?" I barely whispered because of nervousness.

His eyes stayed down as he took in a breath, letting go to form words.

"... Ill be going to a different school this year."

LIZ

• • •

My eyes quickly shot to Greg. I can see the pissiness in his eyes and honestly, its quite humorous. So humorous in fact that I wasn't strong enough to hold back my laugh. A little snort came out and Greg looked at me, raising an eyebrow.

Then suddenly, a devilish smile creeped on his face.

The hell is he thinking...

"Would it be alright if I did a duet today, sir?" He shouted to our instructor, still keeping his eyes on me. I stopped laughing and looked at him like hes crazy.

"I don't care just get up here and sing." He yelled back, his eyes on his computer.

Greg smiled and took my hand, dragging me up to the front with him.

I whisper yelled at him, trying to fight back.

"Greg! What the heck!"

We sat down on the chairs in the front. Although I shook my head in disapproval, I smiled. Greg had a beautiful voice, and he knows it. He just chooses not to show it off.

"Mm.. Well be singiiiinnggg..." He looked at me, thinking. He smiled, probably thinking of something. "The Reason. By Hoobastank."

Oh my goodness. This was one of my favorite songs.. I think he knows. Oh this boy is sweeeet.

I smiled and nodded, looking at the instructor to play the song. Thank god I know the harmony.

The music played and we began to sing...

I smiled at the sound our voices made, moving in sync. I swayed just a little, getting lost into the music. It was just amazing...