That Magical Summer

Chapter 3

“Watch out!” you yelled as you headed towards an oncoming driver. You gripped onto the seat for dear life, as you ventured on the narrow road with someone you’ve only met a few hours ago.

“Calm down!” he chuckled continuing to swerve like a maniac. He was having a thrill, but you? Not so much. “Okay okay. No need to worry anymore. We’re here.” You approached the parking lot to a small supermarket. There were only about five other cars, so he easily reversed into the first space. You got of the car at the same time as he did, and walked in together. “I need some paint,” he announced, taking the lead and walking to your right. You rolled your eyes, but obeyed by following him. “Which one do you like the best?” he asked pointing to the array of colors.

“Why does it matter?” you asked looking everywhere but at him.

“Because I’m repainting the house you’re staying in,” he replied.

“Oh no you’re not. Who gave you permission to?” you shot back.

“Um. Uncle Pat,” he said.

“Well I refuse,” you said crossing your arms firmly in front of you. He shrugged, throwing a canister of a random color into the cart. You rolled your eyes again, and took the cart. You pushed it down the rest of the aisle then turned left. You grabbed a pack of bananas as you passed by it, a jug of milk, and some hot chocolate. You stopped in the baked goods section to get some fresh croissants for breakfast tomorrow. Speeding the cart to the dairy, you picked up butter and cheese. “Done,” you said aloud. You turned back to see that Niall wasn’t right by your side. You groaned when you saw him a few aisles down distracted by something. You pushed the cart over to him.

“These look good,” he mumbled to himself, “Or what about these?”

“How about these?” you said annoyed and ignoring him, slapping down a third pack of nails.

“Perfect,” he grinned at you as the first time you made eye contact with him today. You noticed something, in that moment. That he had a slight glimmer in his eye. It was a sparkling tone that made you shiver, in envy. You looked away quickly.

“What do you need the nails for anyways?” you asked biting your lower lip.

“Need to rehang some stuff up,” he said taking the cart and heading to the checkout lines. He paid for everything, and insisted on carrying all of it to the car himself too.

“Niall. Geez. Stop being so stubborn and just let me carry something,” you called behind him.

“No. I got it,” he said huffing to carry the butload of stuff you two had just bought. Then, before he could catch it, he dropped three of the grocery bags to the ground.

“Nice going hot shot,” you mumbled picking up the three bags and walking to the car, leaving him behind you. The car ride back was silent for the most part. He tried making conversation, but you shut him out immediately. You just wanted to get home, snuggle up in your cozy bed, read your book, and drink steaming hot chocolate.

“Well there you go,” he said stopping the engine right outside your house.

“Thanks,” you muttered grabbing your bags.

“Wait. I’ll see you later then?” he asked looking up at you.

“Erm. Yeah. Sure,” you said grabbing your stuff and slamming the door. You didn’t want anything to do with him. You wanted him to just do what he needed to do, and then leave you alone here. You didn’t want to get involved.

            Scurrying from the pantry to the fridge you managed to get all your groceries put away in record time. The sun was starting to set right above the horizon. You decided to do what you’ve been waiting to do the whole day for. So you boiled some water, adding the contents of the hot chocolate packet into it. You stirred it around with a silver spoon, blowing on it lightly. You took a daring sip, only to scorch back in pain. “Damn,” you muttered sticking your tongue out. You tasted the scratchy tongue against the roof of your mouth, your face souring at the feeling. Minutes later, you still found yourself on the porch. You sat smothered in a brown fleece throw, as you huddled against your warm mug. Even though it was barely the beginning of August, there was still a slight breeze. And plus, you get cold easily. The wind picked up momentarily, as you clung onto the edges of the blanket. You held your cup close to you, taking sips after making 100% sure that it was completely cooled. You watched the brilliant sun disappear. The sky was painted vivid shades of fire, as the ocean darkened along with it. It was a mystical sight, magical.