“What would you risk for me?”

- The Best of Me, coming to theaters October 17

Chapter 2

“Well what was I supposed to do? Just let her go with him?”

I woke a little startled, hearing his urgent voice whispering. Groggily, I rubbed at my face. I was unsure of where I was, what time or even what day it was. I stared at his defined back, his muscles evident underneath his tight, black shirt. A small smile danced around my lips. My eyes drifted close as I attempted to recall what happened last night.

Craig. Mysterious stranger. Mysterious stranger punching Craig.

My eyes snapped open once more. My head was throbbing and my eyes were stinging from exhaustion although I just woke up. I was used to it though. With the chronic night terrors I have, a few restless nights are not out of the ordinary for me, unfortunately.

It was kind of incredulous to believe that I willingly hopped onto a motorbike with a stranger and secondly, pretty much fell asleep as soon as I went back to his place. If this even was his place? I was usually so much more cautious than this.

“This won’t interrupt what I need to do.” The guy whose name I still am unsure of growled into the phone, his fist clenching at his side.

Slowly, I reeled forward, my eyes peering around. What do I do now? Should I pack my things and try to sneak out quietly? Should I stay? I hated to admit that a weird feeling of disappointment whirled in my stomach at the idea of leaving without speaking to him. So, as subtle as I could, I cleared my throat. He jolted in alarm at the sound.

“Talk later,” he stated curtly, hanging up. He swung around and rested back onto the kitchen island behind him, propping one leg up. For someone who was so jumpy at me waking up, he suddenly looked at ease.

“Finally.”

“How long have I been out?”

“You’ve been asleep about fourteen hours.”

“What!?” I exclaimed, clambering to my feet. “Oh my God! I’m supposed to work this morning!”

“Relax,” he brushed my hysteria off nonchalantly. “I texted the person labelled ‘Boss’ in your phone and said you couldn’t come in.”

“I need to- you what?” I asked, my eyebrows shooting up. “Are you serious?”

He jerked his shoulder up, thrusting his hands into his jean pockets. “Yeah.”

“Er- thank you.” I replied, surprised that he would think to do that. “How did you know that I had to work?”

“Your alarm that stated ‘get up you lazy pig and get to work’ kind of gave me the heads up.”

I felt my cheeks grow hot. I cleared my throat uneasily, wanting to face-palm myself.

“Oh…” I laughed nervously. “Thank you for letting me stay here. I’ll just get out of your way.”

“Want some breakfast?” he asked, ignoring my hint at leaving. “Eggs? Cereal? Toast?”

“Toast, thanks.” I said slowly, not being able to deny my growling stomach at the chance of food. I stood, slowly wandering towards him. “Is this your place?”

“Yeah, I have a roommate but he’s out of town.”

I nodded in response. He ignored my offer to make my own breakfast, which came as a shock to me. I couldn’t remember the last time someone did something for me. My mouth fell open a little and numbly, I sat back on the kitchen chair. I watched him glide around the kitchen, my eyes walking over him.

He was tall, taller than me, with built, tan arms. He had dark jeans and a tight shirt wrapping around his defined torso. His spiky, short blond hair was ruffled from sleep, I’m assuming. I almost had to physically put my tongue back in my mouth. He cleared his throat and I reluctantly dragged my eyes from his chest and to his face, where he was smirking at me.

“Take a picture, it will last longer.”

My cheeks burned crimson. They felt so hot that when he turned his back to me once more, I slapped my cold hands to them in attempt to reduce the redness. I wanted to bury myself into a hole and not come back out until he was gone. What’s worse, I didn’t even reply.

He still had that lazy smirk on his face as he placed the plate in front of me. “Eat up, we have a big day ahead of us.”

I quirked an eyebrow at him in attempt to be smooth. “We do?”

“Yeah, what else are we going to do? Stay inside and be bored?”

“Umm…” I trailed off, unsure if the question was rhetorical.

“Exactly. I have some clothes my sister left here if you want to borrow them.”

I swallowed down a bit of toast and nodded. Soon enough, I was dressed in his sister’s tights and had a loose cardigan over my work shirt. I bit my lip, which was a nervous habit I’d picked up over the last few years. He stared at me, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

“You haven’t changed.”

“Yes I have?” I asked back in confusion, glancing down at my new outfit. He chuckled, shaking his head at me, as if he knew something I didn’t. Without another word, he took off out the door. I stumbled after him hastily. He had his leather jacket back on and I resisted an eye roll. I quickened my pace and fell in step with him. I glanced down at the scuffed cuffs of his jacket, indicating it was most likely over-worn.

“Where are we going?” I questioned.

“You’ll see.”

I sighed at his evasiveness. He pushed against the door, the sunlight instantly spilling over me. The cool breeze washed over my body as soon as I took one step outdoors. My brunette hair swirled around my shoulders and I tilted my head back, letting the sun soak into my skin. I never had much spare time to actually enjoy the sun. Whenever I was at the beach, it was late afternoon and the sunlight was fading. Much to my surprise, he reached for my hand. I flinched slightly. His jaw tensed and he dropped my hand as quickly as he grabbed it. I stared up at him awkwardly. He strode forward and clutched his helmet. He glanced back at me, a small smirk on his face. It was slightly strained from the tension that just built between us, but was there nonetheless. I paused. It was different now that I was not running away from my step-father. I stared dubiously at the motor bike, more hesitant than last night to hop on.

“Well, what are you waiting for?” he asked me, leaning back on his bike. His stare was daring, as if I was too afraid to get back on. Rolling my tongue across my teeth, I stared back challengingly.

“For you to move so I can get on.” I replied back with my own smirk.

A grin spread across his face at my reply.

Today was going to be interesting.

“We’re here because?” I asked, glancing around at an abandoned road. The wind had picked up, resulting in my thick hair slapping my face. I hugged my cardigan closer to myself in attempt to contain some of my body heat. I now see the appeal of wearing a leather jacket whilst riding a motorbike.

An amused smirk spread across his lips. “Just wait.”

“Wait for what?”

“Still impatient.” He muttered, shaking his head.

I paused. Did he know me from somewhere?

“What do you mean by that?”

Without replying, he placed his hand on the small of my back. Goosebumps erupted over my skin at the touch. He guided me forward as we left the side of the road. I swallowed a little nervously. It probably wasn’t the smartest idea to go into the wilderness with him, when I hardly even know him.

“Please tell me we’re not going into this forest thing?” I asked, dragging my feet reluctantly.

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, we’re going into this ‘forest thing’.”

My footsteps were loud compared to his almost silent ones, much to my annoyance. I carefully watched the ground, careful not to trip over any logs. I stumbled slightly after him and instantly, he reached for my hand. This time, I didn’t flinch. He pulled back after our hands connected, reaching to rub his neck.

“All good?”

I stared up at him, unsure of why he suddenly became so nervous. “Yeah thanks.”

We walked the rest of the trek in silence. It was weird, this place felt familiar, but I don’t recall being here before. We continued for several more minutes before he stopped. My brain seemed to realise, but my feet did not, resulting in my forehead connecting with his shoulder. I stumbled back in surprise. He ignored this, yet again.

“Close your eyes,” he murmured, turning around. His hot breath fanned my face and instantly, my eyes drifted close. His hand found mine again and this time, I wanted him to. Our fingers interlocked and I let him tug me along. His body moved behind me. His hands rested on my hips and I wanted to lean back into him. I strained my ears, faintly hearing water run. I was beyond curious, which made it difficult to keep my eyes closed. “Open.”

I did as I was told. I sucked in a breath of surprise. This place was amazing. Bright green ferns dangled down from the trees, begging me to run my fingers across them. The air was crisp and fresh, inhaling my lungs with purity. I swivelled my eyes around, gawking. Rapids were rushing over the rocks, causing my body to twitch with the desire to run through the water. I wanted to feel it against my skin. I couldn’t remember the last time I went swimming.

“Wow,” I breathed in amazement.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I knew this place. It felt so familiar to me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I glanced over my shoulder and met his eyes, which were studying me curiously. It was almost as though he was waiting for my reaction.

“Have I been here before?” I whispered, staring intently at him.

His penetrating gaze was unwavering. His lips twitched slightly, as if he was thinking of a response. My breath caught in my throat as he leaned closer to me.

“Yes.”

Although I felt I hadn’t known the answer, I wasn’t surprised he said that. Swallowing nervously, I continued scanning my surroundings. I let my eyes close again and this time, something came to me.

The cool water oozed over my fingertips as I gently lowered my hands into the gushing water. I scooped up some of it in the palms of my hands, splashing it against my face. Reclining back, I stared up into the sunshine, the feeling nice on my skin.

“I don’t want to leave this place.” I murmured, watching my hand reach for the sky. My skin was lightly tanned and had light freckles scattered across it. I half rolled on my side, staring at the boy beside me. “I wish we could live here.”

“Maybe we will one day.” He said softly, looking back at me. “You never know what could happen.”

I grinned. My best friend always knew what to say, no matter what. Reaching out, our hands entwined. Being here was amazing. It was my favourite place in the world and what makes it ten times better, I was with my favourite person in the world. My best friend, Carson. Not only were we best friends, but I could say that I loved him. I know, I’m young and I probably ‘don’t even know what love is’ (direct quote from my parents), but I knew in my heart, that I did love him. I don’t care if I’m young and I have my whole life dedicated to meeting new and wonderful people. I loved him and that will never change.

“What do you think our life will be like in a couple of years?” I wondered out loud.

“You and I, completing high school for one. Celebrating, partying, maybe get engaged…” he trailed off with a small smirk on his face. “Live life by every day, don’t live with any regrets.”

“You’re so inspiring,” I replied back, my tone serious, despite my big grin. “What website did you steal that from?”

“None!” he scoffed dramatically, punching me lightly. “Maybe Facebook though.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. I sobered up, tucking my arm underneath my head. His chiseled jaw, tanned skin and messy blond hair were just a few of the amazing characteristics about him that made him ridiculously attractive. I was so lucky.

“Do you think we will stay together?”

“Like that is even a question.”

“There’s a possibility though-” I began, but he interrupted me.

“Not if we keep questioning ‘what ifs’.” He propped himself onto his elbows so that he was staring down at me. His bright blue eyes stared intensely at me, which I returned. “I love you. I have loved you ever since I first met you. Nothing will change that.”

“I love you too.”

He lowered his head and gently brushed his lips against mine. I sighed in content. Life was pure bliss. Reaching up, I trailed my fingertips down his cheek.

“How did I manage to get so lucky?” I murmured.

“I ask myself that every day.”

He kissed the tip of my nose, before returning to his sprawl. I smiled, rolling onto my back. I stared at the clear sky, unable to wipe the smile from my face.

I never want things to change.

My eyes snapped open. That memory burned my brain. It was so clear and vivid. It was me and… I maneuvered my body so that we were eye to eye. The eyes I had just seen inside my head, mere moments ago.

How could this be? I knew him? That dream… that memory, it felt like a different lifetime ago. His jaw, his skin, his eyes, they were still the same, just aged slightly. My lips were parted as I stared at him breathlessly, questions whirling restlessly in my mind.

“How…” I whispered, my eyes burning into his. “How?”

He just stared at me, already knowing everything.

“Carson?”