It Began With a Smirk

62: The Little Things

“Why does it matter?”

We’d become used to running with each other on occasion and had learned our lesson of never going so far that we’d be too tired to make the way back. Last thing we’d need was a repeat of the Mike incident. “We should take turns picking where we go. It’ll make it more interesting.”

I shrugged and gave in. "I guess that would work.”

He smiled triumphantly and opened the front door for me. I gave him a long hard look as I walked past him and outside. What is he playing at? I wondered as we began down the driveway, me a step behind him as he lead. He’s acting like a normal person. No, like a happy normal person. I watched his sturdy back as we pressed on.

Is he going to kill me? I wondered half jokingly. We turned down streets I’d never been on before but I followed faithfully behind him. Or will he get me lost and ditch me?

All around me unfamiliar streets and buildings passed by us. No, Kale wouldn’t do that to me. Would he? My eyes focused on his smooth strong calves as he ran in front of me. With every step they’d tighten and relax. Strong and athletic calves. Perfect, just like the rest of him. I watched them as he slowed down and finally came to a stop. As he said “We’re here.” I raised my eyes up to look at where he’d brought me that sounded so lively.

“A park.” I breathed as I looked around at all of the children playing and the benches ittered with parents as they talked to each other.

He nodded. “Can’t give you a kid so I figured this is the next best thing.” I didn’t answer and I could feel his eyes on me as I looked around at all of the kids as they played with each other so happily. “Well, I guess I could give you a kid..”

I looked over at him as he smirked and nudged me playfully with his shoulder. Normal Kale was still inside then. “Oh ha ha.” I responded but couldn’t help but smile.

“Come on.” he urged and grabbed my hand, pulling me forward into the park. Some kids darted in front of us fighting over a Frisbee and I laughed along with Kale as he looked towards them with the same sparkling eyes as I did. The great Kale liked kids? Now that was highly unexpected. “I’ll push you.” he said as he finally released my hand was we approached the swings.

“Not too high.” I responded with a smile as I climbed onto the plastic swing and gripped onto the ropes. “I haven’t been on one of these since I like five so go easy on me.”

He chuckled and I felt his front press against my back as he grabbed onto the ropes from behind me. “Ten four captian.” he teased before pulling the swing slowly back and releasing it so I moved forwards.

The air played with my hair as he started to push me higher and higher into the air. Does Jakeson like kids? I wondered as I felt Kale’s hands on my back as he gave me another push forwards. Why am I thinking about Jakeson? I asked myself as I went back and noticed Kale wasn’t pushing anymore. I turned to look for him and realized that he’d taken to gently pushing a little girl who was grinning madly.

“I’ll catch you if you fall.” he promised her and I could see the lively glint to his eyes. He looked so happy. Kale didn’t have any siblings either. I realized as I swung myself watching him push her gently. Every time she laughed he would smile and respond to her little comments about her life. He was just as lonely as I was.

My heart panged for a moment and watched him with new eyes. Kale was how he was because he’d always been alone just like I had. We weren’t that different after all. His mom left when he was young and his parents had gotten divorced around the very same time mine had. He’d lived with only his dad in that big house. I hadn’t realized it before but our parents were always gone at one place or another. So he’d been alone while growing up then.

No wonder he is how he is. I thought as I slowed my swinging pace down. He had to get attention in any way he could, girls included. And I couldn’t blame him either. If I’d been left all alone and had everyone fawning over me I would have happily accepted all of their advances as well. I’d want to feel wanted. So he’d adapted his cocky personality to protect himself then, not just for fun.

He’s not so bad after all. I thought softly as I watched his smiling face and smiled along with him. His eyes turned to me and I felt my heartbeat quicken. Oh god. I couldn’t like Kale… could I?  

The Beginning of the Twist - The Futureheads