Page 4 of Forever Entwined
I finally tear my eyes from Gabe when Nate snags my hand, breaking me out of the trance like my own knight in shining armor.
“Sorry Bella, I gotta go. Maybe I’ll see you again tomorrow?” he asks, hopefully. “And try not to climb any more trees alone.”
He’s joking, and I know that, but I’m frozen in place, tracking the two brothers as they sprint away together.
How are they so different? One brother is like sunshine on a summer's day, yet the other is more like the shadows that fall at dusk.
I head inside the cabin, grabbing a bottle of water from the rickety fridge and throw myself onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling.What a day. Who would have guessed that almost being kidnapped and getting stuck in a tree would have led to so much fun?
I locate my little drawing pad and doodle while I daydream about seeing Nathaniel again tomorrow.And hopefully the next day, and the day after that too.
***
The next morning, the smell of bacon and sausages cooking makes my stomach growl.I have always been a sucker for a greasy breakfast.
As we're all sitting down and eating our breakfast, Pops turns to me. "So, I've been thinking, would you want to come with us today? I feel so guilty leaving you here by yourself."
"It's okay, Pops; I understand. Plus, you know, spending the day getting dirty and living like a caveman isn't really my thing," I joke.Of course, the one day on this whole camping trip that I actually have a plan is the day they invite me to go with them, go figure.
"I'm fine, Pops. I didn't sleep good last night. These beds are too hard and uncomfortable. I think I’m just going to snuggle on the couch and watch movies instead," I lie.
I wait patiently until everyone has left, then pack myself a bag. I pack drinks and snacks, my drawing supplies, a board game, and even a soft blanket.
Excited to see my new friend, I practically skip to where I met him yesterday, but I’m careful to keep a better eye on my surroundings. It’s close to the cabin and pretty much a straight line. I still wouldn’t put it past me to get lost again, but at least Nathaniel will be nearby.
I head for the clearing, my heart in my throat. I hope he’ll be as happy to see me. I spread my blanket over some soft tufts of grass next to a large Willow tree. The branches stretch, shielding me from the sun and wind.
While I wait for him, I sketch the beautiful serenity around me. The grass is dewy, the birds chip high in the trees, and the sun is beaming down on me.
But as the minutes turn into hours, the insecurities and self-doubt creep into my mind. I can’t help thinking about how stupid I am for assuming he's just going to pass by. I shoot to my feet and am hastily tossing my belongings back into my bag when a rustling from the nearby brush grabs my attention. I whip my eyes toward the noise and catch sight of him heading right for me.
“Bella?” he shouts, jogging the rest of the way. He stops in front of me, hands on his hips. “What are you doing out here? Don’t tell me you’re lost again.” He frowns at seeing my bag.
“No, actually, I was kind of waiting for you,” I confess, my cheeks heating.
"Me?" he asks, sounding shocked. "Why are you waiting for me?"
How could I have been so stupid to just assume he’d want to see me again? Can the ground open up and swallow me already?
"Don’t worry, I’m leaving," I snap as I rush to pick up the last of my things, feeling my cheeks redden in embarrassment. But to my shock, he grabs my arm and stops me in my tracks.
"No, wait, please don't go. I didn't mean to upset you, it's just that…'' He stops, and I can see from the way he’s screwing his face up that he's clearly arguing with himself about something.
He's still gripping my arm but hasn't said another word. "It's just what?" I snap.You're such an idiot, Izzy. Of course, he didn't want to see you again. Why would he? You're just the stupid girl who fell out of the tree.
My question must snap him out of his thoughts, as he nervously adds, "I don't really have many friends. . .” He scratches his arm, his eyes not quite meeting mine. “. . .so I didn't think you'd want to be friends with someone like me."
He gestures to himself, and for the first time I notice his tattered clothes, an oversized black t-shirt that’s worn to a gray color in places. And trousers that barely reach his ankles.
“It’s kind of cold. Wanna come back with me? I have games and snacks, but we could play them at my place instead.”
“Won’t your folks be angry?” Fear flashes across his face as his body stiffens again like yesterday.
“No, not at all. Pops is out with my cousins again and won’t be back for hours. If anything, you’re doing me a favor. I’m so bored I could die,” I admit.
His shoulders drop, and he loosens up. I even catch a flash of a smile.
“Do you need to tell your family where you’re going?” I ask. “I could wait here a little longer if you need—”