Chapter 36

Mason

I was pulled out of a deep sleep by a rowdy knock on the door.
"Yo Mase, you're late!" Came a shout from the other side, it sounded like Colton. I checked my phone groggily, it was Tuesday morning and I was behind on getting ready for school. I sprang out of bed then as I woke up enough for my memory to come back. It was going to be my first day back at school with Kieran as my boyfriend again and I was pissed at myself for sleeping in.

I rushed to get ready, throwing on my last clean hoodie and a pair of jeans from the pile on the floor. My football gear was still in the clean laundry bag where I'd left it, too lazy to put them away last week, I was frantically digging for them when I remembered I didn't have practice on Tuesday's. I chucked the bag at the bed in frustration and slammed the door behind me.

"Watch out!" Colton shouted, throwing an elbow at me as I thundered past him on the stairs. I entered the dinning room where most of the pack was still finishing breakfast, we were supposed to wait at the counter to get served by the breakfast crew but I saw my sister with a half empty plate and hurried over to her.
"Hey can I have something? I'm running behind."
"Doesn't your school start after my shift?" She asked skeptically.
"Sure but it's farther." I insisted.
"I don't know about that." She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at me. "Is this about your boyfriend?"
"Please Lily! Help your favorite brother out!" I whined with a smirk.
"Oh, you think you're my favorite?" She snorted but handed me the bagel off her plate.
"Thank you!"
"Don't you have to get your lunch from the fridge anyway?" She was still skeptical but I was already headed for the door.
"I forgot to pack it, I'll just buy lunch!"
"With whose money you jobless bum!?" I laughed as I slammed the door on her question. It was rhetorical anyway, anyone still in school got an allowance for participating in the pack's chore rotation.

Lily was 22, Liam's twin, and had gone to vocational school. She'd had a job as a welder for about a year now and seemed to really enjoy working. She also enjoyed teasing all of us, but especially Liam for being jobless and still in school. Liam was in college but he didn't like being teased by her.

As I made the short drive to school I thought about Kieran the whole way. This time last week I was living in a nightmare, and just like every nightmare, my body felt light with relief each morning that I woke up and remembered that it was over. I knew Kieran would be waiting for me when I got to school, I could just picture him. I did picture him.

I loved when he stood with his hands in his pockets, I loved the thoughtful look in his dark eyes and the mischevious smirk that he used to wear when he saw me. I was sure that look would be back, I was thrilled to see it and he wasn't even in front of me yet. The fingers of my left hand tapped my leg impatiently.
I thought about how long it had been since we spent time in our cabin behind the house. I was eager to reclaim our spot, I had spent time in it to sulk alone these past months and I wanted to be happy there again. To bring life back to it. I missed the privacy and comfort, and I wanted to have Kieran all to myself again.

When I pulled up to school the lot was only half full, I guess I wasn't actually late after all.
After circling around I didn't see Kieran's car, I parked with a huff of disappointment to myself. No way I was going to let him walk in alone, I'd just have to wait for him, even if his bitch ass showed up late.
A tap on the window startled me. It was Kieran and he was giving me that smirk, the one I loved. I felt my ears get warm when my heart picked up. I couldn't hold back a giddy smile as I jumped out of the car.

"Did you walk?" I asked, already reaching for his arm to pull him closer.
"No way! Cella drove me." He put his hands on the car roof behind me and leaned in, our noses touched as he gazed into my eyes. His cool breath tickled my lips, and when I kissed him a thrill ran through my body to my toes.
He stepped back and I started to protest but noticed Marcella walking toward me.
"Hey, Cella." I smiled. To my surprise she opened her arms, I gladly stepped into her hug.
"I'm so relieved- To see you." She said awkwardly. I looked at Kieran.
"Did Kieran tell you-"
"Yes! He told me about your... Hospital visit." She was choosing her words carefully, not knowing if she would upset me. When I stepped back I saw a worried look in her eyes as she folded her arms.
"Yeah. Not my best moment." I said sheepishly, "but I'm pretty much good as new."
"Won't be in football this week though." Kieran pipped up.

I scowled, I'd forgotten my parents had called the school to sit me out for a week to heal. It was hard to hold onto the frown though, Kieran was looking up at me with his head tilted down so that a piece of dark hair fell over one eye, kicking the ground with his heel, I'd noticed he had a habit of doing that when he was pleased with himself, usually for making someone uncomfortable. It was cute.

He was happy again. I'd take twice as many stab wounds to see him happy again.

Marcella's confidence returned and she broke the silence, "It's a relief to see you back together. Now you can stop moping around and bringing me down. I can start talking about my relationship without feeling guilty. This will be nice."
"Thanks for the concern." I said sarcastically. I took Kieran's hand and the three of us headed for the doors.

Kieran

As we stepped into art I was excited to reclaim my empty seat next to Mason and Marcella, everything felt right again.
I stared at Mason unapologetically, unlike me he seemed to be having no trouble focusing on taking notes. I loved the small freckles on his cheeks and the way his blonde hair curled up just long enough to brush the back of his ear. I fought the urge to lean my back on his shoulder, that was probably too much for even me to get away with.
I found myself unable to either draw or pay attention to the teacher when I suddenly got the idea to put my hand on his thigh under the table. As soon as I did though he swatted it away. I looked at him in shock feeling a sting to my pride. Instead of meeting my eye he slipped his phone out of his pocket and typed.
I felt my own phone buzz and pulled it out discreetly.
Don't tease me.

I bit my lip trying not to smile but it was pointless, I could barely hold back a snicker. Instead I rested my chin in my hand to hide my mouth, but then my knee started bouncing with the jittery energy I found myself filled with.
I heard a quiet thump and glanced over to see Mason's arm, palm up on the table. I snatched his hand up in mine, with a sigh I felt my shoulders relax immediately. He was grinning with a twinkle in his eye that spurred an ache of happiness in my chest. I noticed a few people looking at us, they would be talking about us again. I wondered what new theories they would have about how we were back together. Nobody would have the imagination to even get close to the truth though.

Liberation from having to hide my feelings for Mason exhilarated me, there was no earthly reason to conceal our relationship ever again. We could hold hands at school or kiss without having to sneak into closets, we could sit together at lunch or ride together, we could go on dates.
Wait.
We could go on dates. Like, for real.
Wait.

How was I just remembering this? Mason and I had never had a first date and dammit I wanted one. I deserved it too, after that awful double date so long ago. I scowled at the memory. Mason rubbed my hand with his thumb, I looked over to see him watching my face, an eyebrow tilted questioningly.

All of the sudden I knew I had to be the one to ask first. He deserved every happiness, deserved it more than me that's for sure. Because of my family drama his life had been miserable and in the end our separation had accomplished nothing but heartache and wretchedness.
Actually, the further back I thought the more I realized I really had caused him a lot of pain. Since the first day apparently, when he knew I was supposed to love him and didn't, he'd said it himself,

'all I've ever done is chase you, since day one.'

I groaned internally at the sting of guilt. Mason deserved better. I was going to have to be better. I caught myself slipping into self loathing but I didn't want that to be my motivation so I willed it away and distracted myself by fantasizing about how happy he would be.

I could already picture the surprise on his face and how adorable it would be. I sharply hoped he hadn't thought about dates yet. But now I had a challenge, what kind of date do you go on when you can't really eat in public?

Mason

I really didn't want to be so dramatic as to say that it was hard to part with Kieran at the end of first period. But I am what I am.
I walked into math and took my seat next to Blake.
"Hey, big weekend or what?" He asked. It took me a minute to figure out what he knew before I realized he must have heard about me taking off practice for a week. Ugh, I should have been thinking about what I was going to say instead of walking around with my head in the clouds. It would be hard though because Blake could read me well.
"Yeah I uh, got an injury."
Think faster bro.
Blake didn't say anything, just waited for me to elaborate.
"I pulled a muscle in my back." That should be normal right? That could put a human out for a week I think, also wouldn't be anything to look at. This could work.
"Does that have anything to do with your special someone?" God did news travel fast.
"Uh Kieran? Yeah, we're back together."
"Ok first of all, I can tell because," He waved a hand up and down at me, "you don't look like someone shot your dog anymore."
I laughed.
"Second Marcella already told me, even though you didn't."
Ouch.
"And last, did you just admit that your injury has something to do with your breakup?"
"Uh, no? I didn't... Not in here I didn't." I spoke quietly. Blake raised his eyebrows at me as the bell rang. That would give me some time I guess.

As we stepped into the hall I turned to Blake,
"Look I want to tell you about what happened but, it's personal to Kieran and I need to ask if it's ok with him to tell you. And incase you're thinking he hurt me, he didn't. I heard those rumors." At that last part some aggravation crept into my voice.
"Ok. Respect. I'm happy you guys are good. Maybe tell me next time? When shit happens to you?"
"That part, I am sorry about." I did feel bad, he was easily my best friend at school.

Fourth period was the worst because Kieran was in the same room but we weren't close, I was relieved when it ended and we were able to walk together to lunch.

After waiting in the lunch line I was the last one to the table, it was a bit of a shock to see Blake and Kieran in the same place, but I guess he was forced to be nice to him now because of Cella. Kieran definitely owed her that.
"Mason you look like you're almost skipping." Annalise said dryly.
"I don't skip."
Kieran was already smirking. I sat close to him so our legs were touching. Life was good for once. He put his hand on my thigh again and this time I let him, but it was hard to focus on the conversation around me. When I tried to catch his eye though I saw he was looking at his phone intently.

Why would he be on his phone? Every friend Kieran had was at that table. He stayed that way almost the whole lunch though.
"What're you looking at?" I asked finally when everyone started to get up and he was still lingering. He glanced up momentarily before shrugging distractedly.
Annoying ass.

He seemed distant and distracted in theater as well. I wasn’t bothered, I just wanted to know what was on his mind. Every time I looked at him he was staring into space, in a thoughtful way though, not a head empty way. I was just suspicious what he could be preoccupied with.

When the final bell rang he sprang up and held out his hand smiling down at me.
Finally remembered me, huh?
I took his hand though and we walked out into the crowded hall. Halfway to the main exit Kieran veered to the side door unexpectedly. I was confused as he dragged us out, it certainly wouldn't be a short cut.

I let myself be pulled to the side where Kieran dropped my hand, we were facing the track field with the afternoon sun on us. Kieran put his hands on the wall behind my head, he leaned forward slightly but was looking at the ground.
"What's this about?" He must have taken me here to makeout, I thought with a smirk. I guess that was ok.
"Wait. I can't see yet!" I laughed and rested my head on the wall, putting my hands on his hips as he looked up, blinking rapidly. When his gaze focused he gave me a tender look that set off a flutter in my heart.
"Mason, I have a question for you." I tensed nervously, a little afraid of what he was going to say I tried to preemptively change his mind,
"Do you want to go to our old shed?" He smiled and shook his head.
"No. Don't interrupt please." He took one of his hands off the wall and touched my cheek gently. "Will you go on a date with me?"
Now it was my turn to blink.
"What? But you don't eat?" Was the first thing that came out of my painfully stupid mouth.
"What does that have to do with it?" He scoffed, a bit arrogantly.
"Well. I guess there's other things people do." I said slowly struggling to think of any. "Like, maybe bowling?" At that Kieran stepped back with annoyance.
"Do I look like I go bowling?" He folded his arms giving me an exaggerated glare.
"Well. No. But you don't eat either so..."
"Ok forget it." I realized too late that he was upset because I hadn't said yes yet.
"Wait! Yes, obviously yes. Please don't dump me for being dumb." I whined teasingly.
"If I was going to dump you for that I would have done it long ago." He snapped, apparently his ego hadn't recovered yet.
"You really were thinking about taking me on a date all day?" I said softly stepping closer. For some reason his expression changed suddenly.
"Wouldn't you like that?" He searched my eyes intently.
"No, I would love it."
"Why?" He asked confusing me once again.
"Why?"
"What part would be fun? For you, that is."
"Being with you?"
"But you can be with me lots of places. The cabin for example. What's the special part about a date?" I struggled to understand what he was getting at with the vague questions.
"I guess just finding new things to do together?"
"Ok, good. That's what I thought, I just wanted to make sure."
"Wait! You're trying to think of where you're going to take me aren't you? Tell me!" Then his playful expression returned with a laugh. He kicked his heel.
"That's a surprise."
"No, tell me." I insisted, filled with torturesome curiosity.
"No way. I asked first. It's my surprise. I'm taking you out Mason Kane. It's too late, you already said yes."
"Oh hell, I love you so much. Why are you so unpredictable?" I said pulling him in for a kiss, I stopped when another question came to mind, "Wait, when?"
"Pick a weekend."
"Sunday?"
"Sunday won't work." He shook his head.
"Hold on. If we're waiting for Saturday why can't we go to our shed today."
"Oh... I guess we can." With that he spun on his heel and headed to the parking lot without looking back.

Kieran

For the first time I was able to park my car at Mason's house and walk with him out to the cabin. It felt different that way, rather than trying to meet secretly and arrive separately. I was glad because in my mind, the dark side of it, I was afraid that the woods would still be keeping my heavy fears.

I hadn't been in the tiny cabin since before Mason's state game, but the last time I'd seen it had been the first time Cedric attacked Mason. If I let myself think about that day, and worse the fateful night, I might relive it. It had already happened once recently in the shower, I only pulled out when the cold water shocked me. Maybe it had happened because I was alone. But the whole ordeal was too fresh, I still felt sick if I dwelt on it too deeply.

I chose to look up as we walked, admiring the dark crooked lines of bare winter branches against the weak blue of a cold pale sky. A few lonely birds chirped in the crisp air, spring wasn't far away.
The forest wasn't keeping anything, it was changing, too alive to not move on from my memories.
I forgave it.

We came to the cabin and I was in a hurry to get inside. Once Mason shut the door behind us I relaxed and was pleased when the only thing I felt was comfort.
For a moment anyway, then I was feeling other things because Mason didn't waste any time pulling me into him and kissing me eagerly.
"Isn't this a bit cold for you?" I mumbled halfheartedly as he walked us backward to the couch.
"Not right now." He answered with a smile.