The Selection

9-Sitting in a Tree, K I S S I N G

"So Brandon, tell me about yourself." I sat in the garden on a blanket with one of the boys I hadn't seen much. I realized I had been spending most of my time with the same four boys. My father would not be impressed if I eliminated everyone right away and ruined his TV show. As much as I would love to cause more trouble, I knew that wasn't best for anyone. 

Brandon was cute.

"There's not much to tell. I like to stand in the background." 

"You know, if you win, there's no more staying in the background. You will be under a microscope. No privacy." Brandon tilted his head, studying me. He glanced at my shoes. I had chosen flats for our picnic and he seemed to appreciate the choice. 

"Do you like adventure?" He asked. I eyed him carefully, wondering what he was thinking. 

"I do." 

"Come with me." He looked around at the guards and cameramen that had followed us. He leaned in close, a whisper only I could hear. "On the count of three, take my hand and run." I nodded, curious for what he was planning. "One...two...three" We broke out into a sprint, out of the gardens. The guards tried to follow but couldn't move quite as fast in their armor. Brandon lead me deep into the forest, weaving through the trees with ease. We slowed down when we were entirely out of sight and dissolved into a fit of giggles. He helped me up into a tree and we climbed higher. 

We sat on branches and the breeze blew through my hair. The branch was sturdy enough to hold me and somehow I felt safe. 

"It's nice up here," I commented, earning a smile. 

"I'm surprised you never found it. The guys and I found this place the first week." He explained. 

"Do you get along well with the boys?" 

"Well enough. Not my usual type of people but we are all kind of bonded now because of this experience." He shrugged. 

"Are you happy here?" I wondered.

"Right here, with you, I don't think I've ever been happier." I blushed slightly at his words. Brandon was a complete surprise. At first glance, he seemed to have an edge but after getting to know him more, he seemed deep. He cared. He was sweet and cute and adventurous. We spent the afternoon in the tree, hiding from everyone. 

"Thank you for bringing me here." 

"I just wanted to show you that privacy is always possible, even if it takes a little effort." He had a cheeky grin. "And trust me, you're worth the effort." 

I shifted closer to him, careful to keep my hold on the tree. When I could reach him, I grabbed his shirt and pulled him towards me, making sure he was safe as well. I placed a quick kiss on his lips. When I pulled away, he climbed down and helped me out of the tree. Once both our feet had landed safely on the ground, he pecked my lips again, both of us smiling. 

The competition had just gotten much more interesting.