I wandered home in a type of trance. I was unsure of how to react to her words. I never would’ve expected Birdie, someone who seemed so sure of who she was and what she stood for, to understand the feelings of a man I’d deemed wimpy, miserable, and good-for-nothing. It was then that I realized the only reason strong people exist is because something had to make them that way, and now their purpose was to help others who had once been like them. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had something I wanted to do.
Wandering down the road, I finally took the time to scan my surroundings. I hadn’t paid them any attention when I was walking with Birdie, a poor decision on my part. Someone could’ve been stalking us for miles, and I wouldn’t have known.
A soft fog was beginning to envelop the street as the sun gradually moved toward the horizon. Bugs flitted across the sidewalk, twirling in the air before disappearing as though they’d never been there to begin wth. Birds were nestling down in the leaves while squirrels disappeared into tree trunks. The houses on this street were identical, the only difference being what color they were painted. It was odd, as our street, only a few roads down, was as mismatched as could be. Not a single house was the same as its neighbor. The designers must’ve gotten lazy.
As I crossed the second street and turned the corner, I caught a glimpse of fluffy, blonde hair. It was Leto, sitting on the sidewalk and picking at bugs. I didn’t remember him wearing his old, dirty overalls to school, either. Had he changed? Even if he had, what was he doing here? His house was on the other side of town. I couldn’t help the slight twinge of irritation that bubbled in my stomach. Was he stalking me now?
“Hey,” I kept my tone cool as I approached him. He looked up at me, as though he’d been waiting for me the whole time. “What’re you doing over here? Shouldn’t you be home by now? Your mother will be worried sick.”
He removed his hand from the beetle he’d been messing with, laying his arms across his knees. “I’m just enjoying the autumn weather. Aren’t you supposed to be walking Birdie home, or did you give up on her, too?”
Here we go again. Time seemed to slow.
“Leto, I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but you’re really getting on my nerves.” I had to clench my fists at my sides to keep my composure. I’d never seen someone act so childish, so foolish, and evoke such anger in my heart. I wasn’t even entirely sure why I was so unbelievably upset with him. “I don’t want to be mad at you, but you’re making it really hard. Why are you hanging around here? You’ve got plenty of bugs to pick at on your side of town, so I know you’re not here for the beetles.”
He puffed out his lower lip, looking like a kicked puppy. “You’re mad because I’m picking at the beetles?”
“Of course I’m not mad because you’re picking at beetles! I’m upset because you’re making a big deal out of something that isn’t. I walked Birdie home one time, and you’re acting as if it was an ultimate betrayal.” Huffing irritably, I took a deep breath to still myself. “If you’re upset about something else, Leto, please let me know. I don’t want you to be upset with me.”
“I told you earlier that I’m not upset.” Oh my gosh, how many times was he going to pull that? “It’s not a big deal, so I don’t see why you’re dwelling on it.”
“I’m the one dwelling on it? You’re sitting on my street, a mile from your own house, plucking at beetles by yourself for no reason! I can’t help but be a little concerned when it looks like you’re stalking me.”
“Stalking you?” He scowled back, the first time I’d ever seen true anger on his face. “I’m not stalking you! I’m making sure you get home safe, is that such a sin?”
Making sure I got home safe?
My anger, the bubbling, almost overwhelming rage that had been bubbling up in my stomach, immediately dissolved into guilt. It was odd how feelings could do that.
He huffed, stumbling to his feet to brush off his knees. “Forget it. You obviously don’t need me to watch after you anymore. I’ll leave.”
Though I was still mad at him, upset that he would act so childish over such a minor issue, my hand reached out and grabbed hold of his shirt. It felt like air slipping through my fingers.
“Don’t go,” My voice was rough as I tried to cling on. “I still need you, Leto. I’m so-”
He turned to look at me over his shoulder, lip turning upward in a scowl as he brushed my hand off.
“I said, forget it. Let me go. It’s better for you if you do.”
Then he stormed off and, once again, I was left staring after him. He disappeared within a matter of seconds.
