Lock arrived at my house about an hour later, I was beginning to think he wasn't going to show up. He was gorgeous, from his flat bill hat to his forces. This look was never appealing to me before but he made it look so good. He was wearing a white t-shirt that had the sleeves and sides cut out with a pair of gray sweat pants, he was very muscular and it was more obviously today than yesterday.
"Hey Lock!" I greeted him bouncing out the door.
"Hey there," he laughed, catching me in a hug, "you sure are one bubbly individual."
I blushed but didn't respond, "Mom! Lock's here, he's taking me down to the docks! I'll be back in a few!!" I called in to my mother and she called back for me not to be out to late. We were in the car and on our journey before she could get out another word. I watched Lock's expressions with curiosity, it seemed like he had a lot on his mind. I decided I would make another attempt in getting him to open up.
"So, Lock? What're you thinking about so hard?"
I must have caught him off guard with the question because his eyes opened in surprise and he grinned but just shook his head, "Anna, I really wish I could tell you but it's soon and there is no reason for me to ruin your amazing mood with my issues."
He had a way of grabbing my attention more and more each time he spoke. The ride was quiet the rest of the way but it was a comfortable silence, not awkward. As soon as we pulled up I reached for the door handle, I was ready to get out and make Lock open up to me, it was my number one priority on this sunny day! Then he locked the doors and my hand stopped and I glanced over at him.
"I'll make a deal," he started, "you can ask me five things and I'll answer as honestly as possible.. The only reason I'm making this deal, though, is because you already told me so much about you and I guess it's not right that you know nothing about me."
I wondered if this was what he had been contemplating while he was driving but I didn't risk the opportunity.
"What have you really been in trouble for?" I asked.
"Shit..." he snickered, "alright, should have known that was coming. Well, fighting, like I told you and your mom last night and other than that I got in trouble for minor things like pot and, you know, stuff like that. Drinking, partying, fighting, smoking... It all fell hand in hand with the foster life."
"Why were you in foster care? What happened?"
"Well, I will tell you that my mother passed away and my father went psycho but I'm going to leave that at that."
I gave a short look of sympathy but continued, "Who do you hang out with? What do you do?"
He grinned that same grin and he decided he would give me an in depth answer this time, "I hang out with my friends, about five people. We pretty much run this town, Aiden and myself have an apartment and his pregnant girlfriend, Kelsi, lives there too. We both work in construction and run a couple of side jobs. All I do is work and hopefully will be spending time with you..." He unlocked the doors and got out.
When I was about to ask him another question I realized he had counted the family question twice since I asked him what had happened. I wanted to ask more but I knew better than to push my luck so I got out and met him at the front of the car and he took my hand and led me down to the dock.
It was beautiful, the water was so pretty and the wind felt amazing. He sat down and hung his legs over the edge so I did the same. We sat and talked about ambitions and desires for what seemed like ever. I enjoyed spending time with him, it was like time literally flew by! Before I knew it the sun was setting and we still hadn't made the effort to move. As we sat there finally quiet in our own thoughts Lock looked over at me and asked if I was hungry, before I could answer I was interrupted.
"Aye, Lock! We got a pro'lem, c'mere and lemme holla at you for a minute!" came a voice from the parking lot and without the slightest hesitation Lock jumped up and to the voice he went. I could tell by the sound of their voices it was not a matter of games, but I couldn't hear what they were talking about. They talked for a good few minutes before Lock returned and said he had some unfinished business. I knew this was the end of our day together but I had other plans.
"Lock, I really enjoy talking to you.. Do you have to go right now?" I asked walking back to his car.
"It's kinda important, life or death matter." He was being short again. His face was stern and the inviting features were now cut down to pure aggravation. I didn't understand what could happen that would change somebody's mood so easily, so abruptly.
Feeling defeated I shrugged it off and reluctantly got in the car. Apparently he could tell the change in my mood as easily as I could his but he didn't say anything until we stopped in front of my house.
"Anna, I'm really sorry but there are some things I can't ignore. I have responsibilities and when I'm needed I have to go. I hope you understand.." He apologized.
"No, Lock, it's fine. Don't worry about it." I got out of the car and noticed he didn't take off then I heard the sound of his door shutting.
"Anna, stop." he half ran, half walked to catch up to me and grabbed my arm. I turned around and looked him in the eyes.
"No, you stop. I don't understand. I don't understand why you want to know everything about me but you got so many things that you don't wanna tell. It's like you don't trust me, which I would understand since we don't know each other but I can't help but trust you."
"I do trust you, but the things that I have done and seen and the things I know... You are so innocent and oblivious. I don't want to ruin life for you by telling you the truth. Because once I tell you I know it won't be the same. You will take it one of two ways, get scared shit-less and disappear or you will get yourself into a whole load of a mess and you will be lost like the rest of us."
His words pierced me, I couldn't stay mad. He had a point. I was innocent and oblivious, and in a way I didn't mind my place but if staying like this meant less Lock, I was ready for change. I would get to the bottom of what was going on and either he would tell me or I would go on the journey to figure it all out. I wasn't scared.
A/N: I know it's taking me a while to really get to the good parts but they are definitely coming! I have big plans for this book and spolier alert, Anna gets herself in head over heels. In love, In trouble, and In danger. Watch for it, soon!!! (: if you are still reading thank you for giving it a chance!(:
