LIBERTY

Chapter IX

Libby peeled her tank top from her sweaty skin, trying to let some cool air inside. She was currently with Leon, walking his dog out. They had been working on their science project for almost two hours when both of them decided they needed a break. Libby loved how comfortable she was around Leon. The more time they spent together the easier it was to talk to him.

"So Chloe's birthday is in a few days," Leon started to say when he noticed his dog wandering off once again. He whistled. "Chewie, get back here buddy!"

Libby snorted.

Leon glanced at her. "What are you laughing at?"

"I still can't believe you named your dog Chewie. What has that beautiful soul ever done to you?" Libby scratched the Retriever behind the ears when he was close enough.

"Actually Chewie is just a nickname."

Libby looked away from the dog, the amused glint still shining in her blue eyes. "What's his full name?"

"I'm not gonna tell you that."

"Oh come on!" she laughed. "Tell me!"

Leon grabbed the toy and threw it in the air, watching as Chewie ran to catch it. "It's stupid, okay. I was nine and obsessed with Star Wars."

Libby laughed harder. "You mean his full name is Chewbacca?"

"No..."

"Then what is it?" she pressed, trying to suppress the smile on her face.

"You're gonna laugh at me."

"I swear I won't." She bit her two fingers and held them up like she was keeping an oath. "I promise."

His cheeks colored and she thought it was the cutest thing ever. "It's Chewbarka."

"Chewbarka?" Libby almost choked on her spit and laughed so hard, she couldn't breathe. "Oh, I love it!"

Leon playfully shoved her away when she doubled over in laughter. "Remind me to never tell you a secret again."

She held her stomach, wiping away a tear. "Oh god," she sighed, trying her best to compose herself. "That's, wow that's – I don't even know what to say."

"Then don't. Just shut up." Leon tried to keep a straight face but he had to admit her laughter was contagious.

"I'm sorry. I'm a horrible person." She composed herself and nudged her shoulder with his in apology. "So, what were you saying about Chloe's birthday?"

"Just wondering what to get her. For some reason I can't figure her out."

"Trust me, even I don't know her that well. She's a ... strange girl," Libby admitted with a fond smile. "Just bring her something to eat. Chloe loves food, like a lot."

Leon glanced at her. "You're sure that's all she wants?"

"Ooh, you should get one of those giant cakes with a midget stripper in it."

"She's rubbing off on you," he snickered as shoved her away again. "Hey, Chewie! Get back here!"

Libby couldn't wipe away the silly smile as she watched the Retriever make its way back to them. "I always wanted a dog when I was younger."

"Why'd you never get one?" Leon wondered.

"My mother is allergic. Was allergic," Libby automatically corrected herself. She cleared her throat, trying not to dwell on those thoughts too much. "And now ... well, Adam doesn't want to. I don't know why, he just never specifically gave me a reason. So I kinda gave up now."