He allows me to sit quietly enjoying the comfort of the silence surrounding us and I appreciate him for that.
“My father and I used to go star gazing.” I say smiling to him then look back at the sky. I don’t know why I tell him that but my thought just slipped out my mouth. I notice he’s been watching me the entire time with a slight smile on his face.
“Tell me more…” he says scooting closer until our sides touch.
Apart from the brown wolf, I’ve never opened up or told anyone these things about my father but it feels good reminiscing about the good times we shared.
“He worked at a gym in town where we used to live and often when the stars were out clear he would take me up to the roof and we’d sit there enjoying the view, it was so peaceful. I didn’t have a care in the world and the only thing that mattered to me at that moment was…that moment.” I look at him and see that he’s observing me closely with a frown on his face. I look down at my hands trying to swallow down the tears before they form, talking about my dad out loud is harder than I thought.
“You miss him.” he states as he continues to look at me, he knows my father is dead, not just from the way I spoke about him but obviously word has gotten around town and I’m thankful that he doesn’t ask the what, when and how’s like people usually do.
“Yeah…I miss him.” I say looking at the fountain trying to avoid his stare.
“I’m sorry Lexi.” He says softly.
“Me too.” I sigh. “I know it’s been over two years but I still have moments where I just want him back. I just… don’t want to ever forget him.” I mutter.
“You may forget the small things Lexi, you’re only human but you will never forget him and who he was.” He says in a serious tone, I smile and look at my hands avoiding his eyes once again until he speaks up.
“You’re quite the brave little thing aren’t you?” he says and chuckles to himself shaking his head.
“Why you say that?” I ask.
“You’re sitting out here at night, all alone. It’s really not safe for a small girl like you.” Jax says.
“Small girl like me?” I say raising my eyebrows, he may be good-looking but he is way too cocky.
“Yes, you are basically half my size. You’re tiny.” he says dramatically.
“Jax! I am not that small, besides…I haven’t come across anything remotely dangerous out here yet so chill.” I say looking back at the waterfall. I don’t need anyone to tell me what to do.
“I’m just saying be careful, you never know what’s lurking in these woods at night.” He says a little more seriously.
“What? Scared the big bad wolf is going to take me?” I tease. He seems surprised by my humor and murmurs something to the sound of that’s what I’m afraid of but I’m not too sure because he covers it with a nervous laugh.
“Let me walk you back to your place and don’t bother arguing with me Lexi.” He says in a stricter tone as I was about to interrupt him.
He helps me off the large rock and walks with me back to my house. We get to my open window and he helps me up, as I’m slipping my shoes off I hear him climbing inside behind me and I whip around.
“Jax! W…what are you doing? Get out!” I yell at him in my whisper voice not wanting mom to hear me.
“Chill…I’m just making sure you got in safe.” He whispers back.
“You could see perfectly through the window, there was no need for you to come in, I appreciate you walking me here and everything but you need to leave. Now!” I whisper nervously. He may seem like a great guy but I don’t really know him and I don’t want him in my room.
“Baby chill, I just want to make sure everything was fine, okay? I’m not going to do anything. Just calm down.” He says walking to the side of my bed and picks up my phone that was on charge. I let out a huff, I almost stamp my foot in irritation of his stubbornness but luckily I stop myself from performing such a childish act.
I hear him chuckle, “You are too cute…” he mutters to himself and I blush at his admittance.
He pulls out his phone and starts pressing buttons on my phone. I watch as his phone lights up and vibrates but I continue to stand leaning against the window watching him do whatever he’s doing.
“There…now you have my number and I have yours. I will text you in the morning about our plans for tomorrow.” He declares walking back to me. “Okay?” he asks as he stands in front of me looking down.
“Yes Jax…okay.” I sigh, too tired to argue with the boy.