Counting Stars

chapter 6

(Justin POV)

I was eating my lunch in the back room when my boss came in.

"You hear about the man who was shot and killed by police, Justin?" he almost shouted, something not uncommon for the big man.

I had, it was all over the news. Brendon Knight, age 45 was shot and killed after escaping from prison. Police refused to tell us anything else. The story reminded me of a girl who went to the same elementary school as me. Everyone was terrified of her and the big man who picked her up every day at exactly the same time. No one was surprised when her father was convicted of murder, and soon she became the school legend. People used to say that if you even looked at her wrong, she'd send you where her pa had sent Mr. Powell. A few days later, her mother died, and I never saw her again after that.

"I wonder what made him do it," I said, still thinking of that little girl.

Mr. Jensen just shook his head at me, then took out his giant sized sandwich and dived in. Meanwhile, my thoughts were whirling a hundred miles per second. I wondered why it had happened on the same day I saved Amy. Was there any connection? Whatever happened, I decided to go see her that afternoon.

"I hear there's a pretty girl in cabin 316." Mr. Jensen grinned at me. I rolled my eyes in an exaggerated way, making sure he saw the gesture and went to the front desk, hoping for a little peace and quiet. Mr. Jensen chose to follow me and continue the conversation whether I wanted to or not.

"I do know there's been a bear fooling around up there," he said, "Maybe some young gentleman needs to make sure she's protected." he nudged my shoulder.

"What are you getting at, sir," I laughed.

"Only that I'd give that young gentleman the rest of the week off with pay If they'd only use that time to protect our personal damsel in distress." he looked at me pointedly.

"Fine, I'll do it, just stop bothering me, okay!" I sighed. Mr. Jensen had used my weakness once again.

Five minutes later, I was walking back to Amy's cabin. Admittedly, I really wanted to see her. I was terrified that she'd gone back to the falls. I was relieved when I saw her on the porch with a book.

"Hey, how are you?" I said

"Honestly, I couldn't be happier!" She laughed at my shocked expression. "No really, it's funny how everything just sorted itself out."

"Oh, I see," I said. I wanted to tell her about the bear, but also, I wanted her to be happy.

"You know what, after you left last night, I realized I didn't know your name...." she paused, laughed, and then looked at the floor.

"It's Justin," I said, quietly thinking that there couldn't be anything more awkward. I couldn't believe that I forgot to tell her my name.

"Justin..."

"Justin Finley. Sorry, I should have told you earlier." I blushed. She whispered something, but I wasn't exactly sure what, it sounded like....cute.... But I couldn't be sure. Meanwhile, the bear was nagging in the back of my mind. I couldn't decide what to do. She was practically radiating with joy, and I didn't want to ruin that, but also, I wanted to protect her. Suddenly I had an Idea. "Hey Amy," I said, "I have a cabin just a little ways off, if you don't mind, I'd love to show you around."

She gave a small smile and said, "that would be wonderful."