“We’ll see” is all he says again. We start driving to the trail while quietly drinking our coffees.
“So what did you want to ask me earlier? You never got round to it?”
“Oh well, it was just yesterday at the mall when you asked if I was free last night. You told me to wear the pink hoodie because it looked cute. I only have one, that I bought yesterday so I know I haven’t worn one to school. So how did you know I had one?” I question him. He looks a little sheepish and shrugs his shoulders.
“Lucky guess?” I raise my eyebrows and shake my head. He’s not getting away with an answer like that and he knows it. He takes a deep breath and releases it.
“Well I sort of overheard you mention you were going to the mall yesterday. So I went hoping to bump into you. Lame I know. I saw you there, but don’t freak out because I know this is gonna sound more strange than it actually is, and I’m a really safe guy. But I sort of followed you a little. ” I lean back in my seat, taken a bit by surprise. One that he did it but two that he admitted it that easily. I think if it were any other guy that had just told me he had followed me, I would be in major freak out mode. But with Logan, I’m just not. I can’t explain it.
“You followed me? For how long? ” I’m not bothered by it but more intrigued by why he would.
“From around mid day. I kept trying to stay away. But then I would notice guys looking at you, and I didn’t like it. So I stayed. Just to make sure you were ok.” He has that unsure look on his face again. It makes him look like a little boy who’s just been told off for eating too many cookies. I don’t know what to say. He didn’t like it when guys looked at me? What like he was jealous of them looking or just in a big brotherly way? I could never ask that though.
“Your not saying anything. You think I’m a weirdo don’t you?” He asks sadly. It makes me laugh.
“No I don’t think your a weirdo. Just strange. You could have just come and spoke to me though.”
“I couldn’t. You thought I was a jerk. You even told your aunt that you thought I was a jerk. I heard you.
“When... what..... how did you hear that?” remembering back to when I said it.
“You were over the other side of the food court” I know I sound confused, but I am. There’s no way he could have heard that. He on the other hand has a look of alarm on his face, like he’s just said too much. He quickly changes the subject as we pull onto the side of the road. I’m guessing the trail starts here. Convenient for him. But I’m not letting that go. I know he heard me. He admitted he had. But there’s no way he could have.
“Here we are. The trail starts a few minutes walk that way.” He says pointing to his right. We get out the car and I fasten up my coat. It’s a little chilly but I’m sure as we start walking we’ll warm up.
“Ready?” He places his hand on the small of my back to guide me in the right direction.
“Yep. Let’s go.” And we start walking in the direction he leads. I’m thankful I wore boots, I just wish they wasn’t my new ones.
“So you’re quite the outdoorsy type then huh? ....One of your favourite places is a lake.....you know where the trails are .....and play football?” He moves his hand from my back and grabs my hand. It sends my body into complete pleasure mode. Holding hands with him, not just touching him, especially when it’s something he has initiated does something explainable to me. I never want to let go of his hand. I feel happy, safe, whole, complete.
“Yeah my whole family is the out doors type really. Most of our vacations involve a cabin in the woods or a tent. No matter where we go. No hotels for us. And it’s not even a money thing, to be honest I’m quite the eligible bachelor.” He gives my hand a squeeze and winks at me.
“We just like being outdoors. What about you, um you know..... Before ......” He shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, you don’t have to talk about it, it’s fine. Sorry.” He gives my hand another squeeze and we walk on for a few minutes in silence.
“We liked to go to the beach.” I suddenly blurt out. He nods, but doesn’t say anything and carries on walking. Just letting me talk if I want to but not forcing me to. I like that.
“We lived right near the beach. We all loved it and couldn't get enought of the warm sand. Europe was our favourite place. Italy is where we’ve been most. We should have been going in the summer. We never got bored of the sea and sand. As soon as the sun came up, we would eat out doors looking at the ocean. Dad would have steak. Mum would only ever eat fruit on holiday for breakfast. I always used to say she had it backwards. You know on holiday you’re meant to pig out and eat crap food. But all she ate was fish, fruit and salad. She said they tasted better in European countries than back home so she was making the most of it.” I can feel the tears in my eyes. I try to desperately blink them away. I do not want to
