Chapter 13 - Moving Forward

This chapter is a little more lighthearted. Hopefully it doesn't have too many errors. Hope you enjoy it!


-Picture of Keegan




I spent most of the day reading like I usually do. Theo was out doing whatever, I don't really know. I heard the door open, which probably meant he had returned. I was right as he entered the room seconds later.




"Yo Keeg, why don't you spend more time outside?" He inquired, walking up to my bed. I should be spending more time outdoors, its just I don't really know what to do. Its not like I have friends I can hang out with, or any outdoor hobby to entertain me.




"I don't know... I guess I just don't really have anything to do." I explain. I lifted my head from the book to lay sight on Theo. As I caught glance at his face a small smile appeared at my lips.




"Wwwanna hang with me?" He questioned looking back towards the door frame of the room. "I'm going dow-" Before he could finish I cut him off with my reply.




"Sure." I piped, hopping up from my bed. He grinned as he watched me approach his side. I was excited to be spending time with someone. It was great knowing that someone wanted to hang around me, not cause they had to but rather they wanted to.




Theo and I left the cabin and headed towards the trees that cast shadows over the park during the evening.




"Right, as I was saying earlier I plan on heading to the beach, or close to it anyway." He informed looking down at me.




"Sorry." I apologize with a cheeky smile, feeling a little bad for interrupting him earlier.




"Nah, its alright." He assured, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.




"So... how are you feeling." He asked in a more serious tone. I immediately knew what he was referring to, but it took me a moment to reply.




"I'm, fine..." I respond, looking up to him wearing a smile.




"That's good." He replied, with a handsome smile creeping on his lips.




We walked awhile longer almost reaching our destination in a comfortable silence.




"Thanks again, Theo." I utter quietly, looking down to my feet. I peeked up a little to catch a smile still on his face.




"Oh we're here." Theo announced as we arrived at a grass patch near the beach. This area made me realize just how many beautiful locations this park contained.




Theo sat in the grass and patted the area beside him, meaning for me to sit next to him like he usually does.




"So what are your hobbies besides reading?" He asks as I positions myself next to him. "I mean, you've said you don't have much to do outdoors so do you have anything besides reading to occupy yourself with?"




"...Not really. I guess I usually spend my time walking, or reading. Back home I go sight seeing every so often. I'm kinda fascinated with nature, so there's that." I explain, naturally. It was kind of odd feeling the "old" me resurfacing. Theo is pulling out whatever is locked away inside of me. I can feel myself opening up to him. Its not even fully intentional.




"I may not strike you as the kind of guy but I enjoy walks as well. Whenever I can get them at least." He sighed the last part.




"Whenever you can get them?" I question softly, tilting my head to him. I was curious what he meant by that.




"Yeah, my friends or family are usually glued to me, so I don't get much me time." He explained with displeasure clearly present.




"Oh..." Was all I managed to say before getting lost in thought. I would love to have friends and family like that. But instead everyone sees me as invisible, unless they need something from me.




"You never did tell me your full name..." I mumbled, realizing that all I knew about him until now was that his name is Theo, and he's a jock.




"Errr... heh. Well I don't really like my full name, so I avoid giving it to anyone." He responded awkwardly, scratching his ear.




"You called my name dorky, its the least you could do." I press, slyly. He gave me a look that was begging me to drop the question, but I'm far to intrigued to let it go now. Instead I give him a smug expecting expression.




"Fiiiinnnee, I'll tell you my darned name, just promise not to laugh." He gave in then eyed me waiting for my response. I simply nodded, growing with anticipation.




"My name... is... Theodore Alphrie Martin." He forcefully blurted out and finished with a little sigh. He facepalmed as he saw my face splitting grin.




"I like it. I think... I think it sounds cute." I admit shyly. He looked relieved when he saw that my grin subsided into a little smile.




"You really like it?" He asked, raising his head.




"Yeah. Its dorky, but I like it." I tease, only to receive a punch on the shoulder. We couldn't help but to erupt into laughter.




After our laughter died down I had to ask him something thats been on my mind since this morning. "So... Hows your back?" I ask, with guilt seeping to the surface.




"Its fine. All the cuts closed over night, so I'm able to move around." He said, giving me a reassuring smile. A half smile appeared on my lips for a mere second before disappearing.




We sat in silence for awhile before I decided to break it with another question. "You mentioned your family is clingy, does that mean you have any siblings? Or is it just your parents?"




"I have an adopted younger brother and an older sister who doesn't live at home anymore. My parents are the real problem though." He answered, sounding exhausted. I guess they must be some pretty crazy people.




"They're always inviting their loud friends over. They talk four hours and boast about how I'm such a good kid." He sighed. "I'm tired of all the hugs and kisses on my cheek. They should know that I'm not a kid anymore." He complains. Gosh, what I wouldn't give to have parents like that.




"What about you? Do you have any siblings?" He returned the question. If only. A sibling would be just the thing to get me through these hard times. I guess I'm unlucky to be an only child.




"No." I answer with a hint of disappointment in my tone.




"Oh, what about your parents?" He shoots another question.




"What about my parents?" I squinted my eyes, answering the question with another.




"...A-Are you close?" He clarified. This time it seemed he was a little more cautious with his words. I felt like jerk responding to him like that, but its just a sensitive subject. What am I supposed to tell him, that my father abuses me, that he scared away my mother? That's a little much for someone I haven't even known for a week.




After getting lost in thought I finally mumbled a simple reply. "Far from it actually."




Everything went silent again, but moments later I felt a hand wrap around my side. I turned my gaze to Theo who was burning my heart with his charming smile. He was like the sun. I could feel my body getting warm and flustered as his beautiful crystal eyes captured my sight. With the view of the beach being so beautiful I found it difficult to believe something could be more captivating.




I wasn't able to break contact with him. My soul wouldn't budge, not even an inch. I just felt so happy, so content sitting there, with him. We stayed there a while longer watching as the sun hit the horizon.




Sometime later we went off for a walk around the park. We chatted as we took in the sights. When we arrived in a clearing near the forest I spotted an adorable little bunny.




"Theo, look!" I hopped, pointing to the cute little animal. He scanned there area for a second, and when he spotted the bunny a smile popped onto his face.




"I'm gonna pet him!" I announce with great confidence. Theo chuckled at my enthusiasm as I slowly crept on the furry monster. We both entered a state of complete silence as I approached the bunny. For some strange reason it didn't run. It just sat there and watched as I closed the distance between us. To my shocking surprise I was able to reach it. This one must be used to humans otherwise there would be no possible way I could get this close. I looked back at Theo with the biggest smile on my face. I took the warm furry creature into my hands and petted it gently. I was able to hold back no matter how hard I wanted to snuggle it. Theo made his way to my side, smiling back at me.




"I'm gonna name him..." I paused trying to think of a suitable name for the cute little fur ball. "Theodore!" The cutest pout appeared on his face as I announced the bunny's name. Theo watched as I petted Theodore. He was so relaxed in my arms, but when the sound of shouting teens neared, he stiffened and hopped off. I was a little sad he had gone, but I'd get over it. All the noise coming from the park must mean its time for dinner.




"Aw well. Let's get dinner before all the good stuff is gone." I sigh, standing from the grassy floor. Its a good thing we didn't stray too far from the park otherwise it would've been a pain getting back since the sun is setting.




Theo nudged me on the shoulder, with a smile as we were heading back.

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