Hey guys. Tell me if this is confusing (i know you will anywho) or cliche. I can't write anything boy-girlish so..yeah. Also, I know this will be hard but I guess I want more feedback on characters, descriptions, POV etc more than grammar. I know my grammar stinks lol
Chapter 5
The sun was starting to go down as I climbed up the wooden steps on the tree. The air was a little nippy but I could make due. The smell of nature filled my nose, which was almost better than the smell of cookies. I brushed some leaves, representing the whole rainbow, to make a spot for me to sit. I hadn’t been in The Clubhouse in awhile. It felt like home to sit on the rectangular one room floor. I looked around at all the memories that all of us neighborhood kids made on the walls. There were pictures of two people holding hands, little carvings here and there, and stuffed animals were scattered on the floor. I could see the sun pour all of its orange paint over the clouds through the single window in The Clubhouse. It was beautiful. So serene.
“Wassup Jess?” It was Austin’s voice and I could see the start of his head in the open entry way of The Clubhouse. Soon, I could see that he was wearing a wrinkled red T-shirt and shorts. His black mini afro looked like it hadn’t been properly brushed in days. In his hand was a piece of paper and a pencil.
“So, what do ya wanna talk about?” He said as he sat down in front of me on the wooden floor.
“I had another dream last night.” I tried to make my face as serious as possible so he would get the hint not to crack any jokes about what I saw. What I dreamt.
“Ok…” He seemed so calm and nonchalant.
“He escaped from that building thing, Austin!” I breathed faster and faster. Inhale, Exhale, Inhale, Exhale.
“He escaped. That’s what you called me up here for?” Austin was like a brother to me though sometimes he really got on my nerves. I’ve grown up a lot since we first became friends when we were just babes though Austin doesn’t seem to have grown up at all.
“No, of course not bee-brain. There’s more to it. And there’s something going on with Mom. And there’s this guy.”
His face finally went serious when I mentioned the guy. Not my dreams, not my Mom, another “guy” aka the mystery caller.
“A guy? Well, uh…um”
I rolled my eyes and was ready to interrupt him but I stopped myself because I knew he was going to say something funny. Maybe that’s why I tell Austin everything, because I know he’ll make me feel better one way or another.
“You're with a guy? Or atleast want to be with one?" He stammered, "Well, Jess…don’t you like…have any other friends to talk about that with…any girl friends?” he said, “I mean, I’m having problems myself…with you know…”
I couldn’t keep my face straight any longer. The way he misinterpreted everything was hilarious. I let my laughter out in one big burst and I knew it wasn’t going to stop anytime soon.
“What’s so funny? Jess?”
“JESSSSSS??????” He said and started to laugh himself. We started laughing and laughing and laughing. It was so contagious yet so devastatingly wonderful. I don’t think I’ll ever laugh like that again with Mom. Only Austin.
Then I remembered what Mom said before I left the house. I stopped. My face hardened and I got myself up off the floor. Austin looked at me puzzled.
“Austin?”
“Yeah…” He said between chuckles.
“I’m moving.” I inhaled, tears coming out of my eyes, “In three days.”
Chapter 6
Austin looked at me. It was an expression I’ve never truly seen on him before. He usually looks as though he is thoroughly conniving something that is full of mischief. Though, I have to hand it to him. He also has a good ear—great for listening to sad stories about sad girls in sad times.
“It’s that bad?” We were both sitting up by then and his eyes were huge and glossy as he whispered next to me. He leaned his head towards me.
“I dunno. She’s…she’s been acting weird lately.” I whispered back. A single tear trickled down my cheek.
Austin moved so that he was sitting right next to me. He reached his arm across my back so that it rested on my shoulder. I could feel that he was nervous though his actions were sincere.
“Oh. So, can I help?” From the sound of his voice, I thought he was joking.
“Help?”
“You said that you’re moving. Can I help?” He said it with such…easiness.
“I guess.” I said with a shrug.
“Good.”
There was a pause and I was at lost for words.
“So…who was that guy?” I didn’t laugh this time. It was pitch dark outside and the sound of the night filled my ears. The leaves of the old oak trees whistled in the wind like an orchestra. I could hear the neighbors talking. I could hear Austin breathing. I didn’t dare look at him because I knew I would turn into a fit of tears.
“There’s this guy who keeps calling me—like a stalker almost.”
“Have you told your mom about it?” He said.
“She thinks I’m talking about Dad or something…She yelled at me.”
“Oh…” Austin pulled me closer to him. His arm was now at my waist. I slowly rested my head on his shoulder. It felt weird considering that usually when a guy has there arms around a girl, they’re dating. Austin and I are only friends and will always be only friends. Besides, any room for a “deeper” relationship has been wiped out because of Dad. I knew we were in financial trouble; I just don’t want to admit it.
“What he say?”
“If I was alone and that he’s waiting for me.” I said, trembling. A sharp sense of fear shot through my veins.
Austin turned to me and lifted my chin. His hands were like ice and like flames at the same time.
“Look, whatever happens with these dreams of yours and the caller…” he said, looking me in the eyes, literally searching my soul, “I’ll be with you. I’m going to miss you a whole lot, Jesse. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.” He said in a near whisper.
“Especially for a girl.”
