magical feeling to it.
I walk up the small stairs and brush my hands across the old wooden façade. I can tell that no one comes out here anymore. The gazebo looks neglected. I brush away some dirt from the ground and sit down. Leaning my head back against the post and getting lost in my thoughts, I let a few tears fall--the first tears I’ve cried in over a year. This place reminds me of her.
I close my eyes, pull my knees up my chest, and rest my head against them. With my eyes closed, I just listen to my surroundings. All around me, I can hear the sound of the light rain hitting the top of the gazebo and the subtle breeze rustling the leaves against each other. In my mind, I can imagine them communicating with each other in this manner; their slight touch creating whispers in the wind. On this early summer day, I can hear the crickets chirping somewhere in the distance. Every now and then, the sound of a car driving by can be heard. The road is far enough away that it’s not disturbing to the woodsy atmosphere.
“Are you okay?” I jump, not expecting anyone to find me here. I didn’t think anyone knew where this was for this was my secret place. I look over and see Colton staring at me with concern in his eyes.
I quickly wipe my tears away, “I’m fine.”
He walks into the gazebo and sits his large frame across from me. He looks awkward; it is almost comical. The gazebo is meant for children and his six foot frame barely fits under it. I would have laughed if my mind wasn't elsewhere. He shakes off the rain from his jacket and pushes his hood back. His hair is messy, but on him it’s a good look. Running a hand through his hair, he attempts to fix it.
“You don’t look fine.” I just stare at him. I barely know this guy. The first time I ever met him was at the bookstore last weekend.
“I’ll be fine.”
“This isn’t about what happened at the library, is it?”
I wrap my arms around my legs and look in the distance. He’s perceptive, I’ll give him that. “No, I’m used to that.” I pause and look down, avoiding eye contact. “My mom and I used to come here when I was a kid,” I whisper.
“I’m sorry about your mom.”
“I don’t want your sympathy, Colton. I can’t take it anymore. Everyone treats me like I’m so fragile; like I’m made of glass and going to break at any second.”
He continues to stare at me, expressionless. I can’t decipher what he is thinking about, but that doesn't matter because he speaks up after a few seconds. “I understand what you're going through. I lost my parents too. I live with my aunt and brother. You've met her. She owns the bookstore.”
“Oh.” I wasn’t expecting that, so I’m not sure how to respond. He won’t stop looking at me and his incessant staring is starting to bother me. I begin to fidget under his gaze; my thoughts turning into mush. I can’t concentrate or think straight. I know that my face is slowly turning a deeper shade of red, but I’m hoping that it isn’t as obvious under the dim illumination. “Stop looking at me like that.”
With a small laugh he replies, “Like what?”
“I don’t know,” I point at him. “Like that; like you’re doing right now.”
He starts laughing��it’s a pleasant laugh that sends my stomach into a fit of butterflies. I just met this guy; I shouldn’t be reacting like this already. “Ok, I won’t look at you.”
“Thank you.” At that moment, my phone beeps. Thankful for the distraction, I open the text. It is a message from Jane: Going over to Ross’s for the night. You have the house to yourself. Good luck on your finals tomorrow! I frown. Alone again.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I have to go.” I get up and walk out from under the gazebo. Then remembering what he did earlier, I stop. “Thanks for helping me in the library, Colton.” I turn back around and run down the path towards the car, trying to avoid the steady rain.
I feel his eyes on me the entire time.
Chapter Six
Tuesday came and went with no problems. It finally stopped raining too. The sun is shining; the birds are chirping. It is going to be a good day. I’m determined to make it a good day.
I got an