"so back there..." A sizzle popped from the heat of the frying pan. It crackled and snapped like teeny fireworks. "What was that hug all about anyway?" The Onceler tossed the pan around and turned briefly to me, chowing down on a set of delicious vanilla pancakes. Some I hadn't had in years. My poor cheeks were already stuffed to the brim with the fluffy things as he looked to me for a response. I barely looked up at him before I spoke "I don't know actually" i chewed through my words. "I guess I've never really...had to initiate an acquaintanceship before so...I wasn't sure what else to do." -swallow- "ah" he nodded, slipping the last pancake onto a plate and bringing it toward me. I perked up and looked at him next to me on his cozy bed. I could see all his details up close...the gentle freckles spread across his cheeks, the way the warm light from his open window spreads sparkles through his eyes, and the slight flow of his dark hair against the breeze. He was quite a handsome sight I hated to admit..."so...you've never had a real friend before, huh?" He asked, staring back into my eyes. I swallowed again and sighed. "Not really...not since I ran away at 15. Even then I was...ha...a bit of an outcast." I rubbed the back of my neck in shame. I'm usually proud of being a lone wolf but now that I've finally met someone, it makes me feel more pathetic. "Wow.... well, I'm glad to be your first! Trust me, I know what it's like to be an outcast." I scoffed before wiping the crumbs off my mouth. "You? An outcast? Yeah right, just look at you!" He looked at me, a bit dazed. He turned his eyes away and blushed, smiling in his flattery. "Well, you'd be surprised. I grew up raised by a...not so appreciative family. And I was homeschooled, living in the middle of nowhere for half my life." I was... really intrigued. And kind of felt guilty. I've definitely had him all wrong. "Wow so...you finally left after all that time to pursue your invention? That must have been rough on you." I looked at him sadly. "Well...I try to remain optimistic. I mean if I'm at the bottom I can only go up, right?" That comment made me smile. The only way I've ever gotten past running away...is remaining positive about it. "I suppose we're not that different then." Onceler showed me his brightening smile. I couldn't help but sniff the air. My eyes dragged down to his half eaten pancake. He hadn't touched it for a while... "a-are you uh...gonna finish that?" "No...you can-" I snatched the plate out of his hands and began chowing down like a hungry wolf. "Woahoho easy, girl!" He snickered. "Gah I haven't had one of these in like... forever." We both laughed. "Wow you really are missing out on a lot. Poor thing. But not to worry, I'll make you as many pancakes as you want!" He placed his hand atop my head and gave it a hearty rub. Oh did that make me happy! I've never gotten a head pat before. How magical. "Thanks Onceler! You're a sweet guy. Say...can I hear that song you played about that thneed thingy? I've had it stuck in my head since yesterday." I saw the stars in his eyes dance around as the words escaped my mouth. "Are you kidding! Let's friggin do this!" And like that, he whipped out his guitar from under the bed and began to strum to that familiar tune. I patted my hands on my thighs to the beat, a wide smile plastered on my silly sticky face. It was so fun to listen to him and just... be. Be in the warm glow of the sun, the singing of the fish and the birds, and the singing from the gentleman sitting beside me in his cozy home. It was peace. Just how I like it. Once his silly song was done, I gave him a happy clap and laughed. I didn't think I'd be having fun today! "Wow! So...have you sold any yet...?" I asked. I'd hoped maybe he'd be able to change a few minds considering his last... unfortunate encounter. "Ah...I'm afraid not. I'm sure I'll be able to get someone to take one from me. One of these nights. One of these crazy old nights." A smirk grew on my crumb-covered face. Did he just say what I think he just said? I can't just not follow up! "We're gonna find out, pretty mama what turns on your lights? Eheh...WOAH"
I blink to find my shoulders had been grasped tightly by the excited boy next to me. He stares deep into my eyes. "Did you. Just quote. Eagles?? I love those guys!" A shock of excitement swam through my veins as those words left his mouth "You love Eagles?? I-I love Eagles! That's like my favorite song of theirs!" We simultaneously squeeled in joy as I grabbed onto his shoulders. And there we were. Squeaking like a couple of highschool girls over our favorite band. It was...cute! "Ugh I loved sneaking into the antique shop and listening to this song on the radio. Oh if only there were a way I could hear it agaiiin....." I teased. He smirked back at me and set up his guitar once more. "Well my friend, you're in luck!" He hit the first chord and I was in! I tucked my legs into a criss cross and folded my fists under my chin to show I was listening while he strummed to that familiar tune. the music was calling to my nostalgia. I couldn't help but sing! We both sing the familiar tune to our hearts content, trying to stifle our laughter. I wish it could have lasted the whole day, it was so fun. That's when an idea popped into my head. "The project..." I mumbled after our singing was finished. "Hm?" He turned. "Oh nothing..." A silence fell. I hate when that happens. But I knew how to break it. And I knew how to break the mistake I've made. "Say Onceler..." I asked, curious. "Mhm?"
"Can I come into town with you tomorrow?"