Match

20: (If) I Like Him

 "Yo Ben?"

"Huh?"

"You think the lake water's warmed up enough?"

Both Ben and Jonah stare at the open lake view. Behind them, their bikes are leaning against a thick tree trunk. Ben crosses his arms over his chest and squints at some seagulls circling above the water. Mountains behind easily tower over the lake's low level. Suddenly, a smirk crinkles on his face.

"Why don't you test it out?"

He gives Jonah a playful shove, making him teeter forward before catching his balance.

"Hey what the fuck man?!"

He tries to hide his slight anger with a smile back and pushes Ben, who's laughing.

"You're really asking to dive in eh?" He shoves again.

They both laugh as they try to push at each other close to the water. It splashes against the concrete barrier, spraying their shoes.

"Alright man stop, stop," Jonah lets go and backs off.

"The answer is no," Ben says, fixing his hat. "Glacier water won't take until well into July to warm up."

"True. I can't wait to go swimming again."

He sits himself on the soft grass, staring at the water glazing over rocks on the beach below. Ben sits beside him.

"You and me both," his eyes travel to some clouds inching towards the sun. "Liam found a good cliff jumping spot not too far from here."

"Really?" Jonah's voice is flat.

"Yeah. It's safe. There's no pointy rocks below and it's a deep area so you can't hit your head."

"How high up?"

"Like..." Ben stretches his arm vertically. "A fifteen foot drop?"

Jonah feels the hairs on his nape stand on end. "Ah..."

"What's up?" He frowns at him. "You don't wanna?"

Jonah runs his tongue along his bottom lip, averting his eyes. "I'll just stick to swimming and watch."

"Oh," he says. "Are you scared of heights or something?"

It feels like a shock runs throughout Jonah's body once Ben says that. No matter what he wants to say to lessen the blow, his mouth refuses to speak.

"It's fine if you are, man," Ben answers him. "I'm not gonna force ya. You can film us in the water and get some cool shots, aight?"

He remains clamped. Ben places a hand on his shoulder and gives a little shake.

"It's not a big deal Jone," he smiles. "Just lemme know if you're not too keen on doing things. It's no fun if one of us isn't having fun."

Jonah keeps his eyes to the water. He stands up and points to the bikes.

"Wanna keep going?"

Ben's eyes follow Jonah's pointed finger. He stands up as well and rolls his shoulders. "Sure. We're almost to your car anyway."

They both grab their bikes and begin down the paved bike path. Only a few people are out in the late evening. Jonah puts the "pedal to the metal" and picks up the pace, before slowing down to a cruising speed. Ben catches up to Jonah and nods at him.

"I brought a couple beers, remember?" He says.

"Oh, yeah."

"Can we chill over at your parent's place?"