Across the Maps

Chapter 16

When I open the front door, I see Cole standing outside, picking some dirt out of his nails.

I ask the question that comes to my mind, "Why are you covered in dirt?"

"I was helping my Dad," he explains. "We had a lot of work to do. Anyways, why is your hair wet?"

"Because," I say. "I just took a shower."

"That's why you didn't answer when I stood outside calling you for twenty minutes."

Arching one of my eyebrows, I ask, "Let me get this strait... You stood outside for twenty minutes yelling my name."

"Um...yeah," he answers shyly and I laugh.

"What?" he questions, confused.

"Oh...nothing." He continues to stare at me awkwardly and finally I speak. "It's just that you were yelling my name outside my window for twenty minutes and now you're all shy. It's just kind of funny."

He lets out a laugh and I join in, our voices ringing in unison.

"So," I question, my stomach still aching from all the laughing. "What do you want to do?"

"Have you eaten?" he asks and I shake my head.

"No. I just got up."

He smiles a mischievous grin. "I have an idea. Meet me at the creek in twenty minutes."

He smiles and then rushes off, running down our private road. I watch him run until he disappears and I can't see him anymore.

Letting out a sigh, I walk back into the house and wait for the time to pass by.

I check my blue watch and then start heading to the creek, kicking small pebbles with my boots as I walk.

Finally I reach the creek and I let out a gasp. Cole sits on a large pastel colored blanket, a small brown picnic basket sitting beside him.

"Um...hey," I say, watching him as he gets some plates out of the basket and sets them on the blanket.

He snaps his head up and grins when he sees me. "Hey."

"Sorry. I'm a little early."

He shrugs. "It's fine. Come sit."

I walk over and sit down on the blanket beside him. He pulls some sandwiches and some bottled water out of the small basket.

"Sorry. It's not fancy or anything but-"

"It's fine," I interrupt. "I like it. It's sweet." I say and he blushes.

He hands me a sandwich and I accept it gratefully, biting into a large chunk of it.

"These are really good," I compliment, gesturing to the sandwiches, and he smiles.

"Thanks," he smiles, but it soon fades away.

"What's the matter?" I ask, my voice concerned.

"It's nothing," his voice is shaky and I can tell he's lying.

"No seriously, tell me. Please," I plead. He doesn't speak. Instead he just stares at the ground, his face sad.

"You don't have to tell me if you want to but-" I get cut off by Cole.

"No it's fine," he interrupts. For a few seconds he just sits there silent. Then finally he speaks. "I'm moving."

So I was thinking about maybe double updating again. Comment if you want me too.