I have to admit, hiking through the lower dells at Mattheissen State Park with Dana beside me Is kinda fun. She has a rare energy around her. We trudge down a bridge, arriving at one of the stunning waterfalls. I gaze at the cave above our head, hands buried in my coat pocket.
Dana giggles, rushing to the clean water below. Tourists stare at her as she splashes water around like a little child. I close my hand into a fist in my pocket, teeth gnashing behind smiling lips.
" The water's awesome! Come try it. "
I slip my hands out, jogging over to her. She cups a handful of water, hurling it at my brown coat, laughing ignorantly. Smile, Jasher! Don't chase her away. I cup mine, splashing it against her face and it turns into a war. Two teenagers behaving like stupid kids.
Dana drops unto the ground, breathing heavily. I sit beside her, rummaging through my bag to slip out a candy bar. I stretch it to her and she takes it, muttering her appreciation.
" Seems like you don't go hiking, " I tell her, staring at my muddy sneakers.
" What gave that away?... My parents don't really like me having fun. They like it more when I study. My dad wants me to be a journalist. "
I nod. " Do you want to be a journalist? "
" I want to be an artist. I want to travel around the world, probably settle down in Australia with a good-looking man, you know? "
I chuckle. She got her life all planned out. It could actually happen, you know, if she wasn't Billie's friend.
" I can never please my dad. He thinks I'm not good enough to run the oil company, says I'm too... Soft. "
" There's nothing wrong with being soft. You shouldn't take it to heart, you're perfect the way you are. "
I look at her, catch her dark eyes dilate with an intense desire, then I give her that killer smile, leaning towards her face. She swallows, looking around nervously and I drop my lips unto hers. I feel her stiffen, sense her press her fingers into her laps and I intensify the kiss, digging my fingers into the small of her back.
It goes on for a while and she drags her lips away, hiccupping. I feign embarrassment, scratching the back of my head.
" We should probably head back, I don't want your parents to be worried. "
She snaps out of her trance. " Yeah! Right! I have parents. "
We scurry up and she walks ahead of me, failing to see the triumphant smirk I have on right now. It's too easy.
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