I nod while I finish my s’more, and then stare at the fire. I have nothing to say to Dane, but it feels rude to just get up and leave. I assess him out of the corner of my eye. He sits taller than me and he’s about my age, maybe slightly older. In this light, he looks like he has dark hair and eyes, and he’s wearing a black fitted t-shirt and jeans. If I wasn’t so melancholy I would say he was cute. We sit in silence as he assembles his graham crackers and marshmallow.
He clears his throat. “I couldn’t help but notice that you’re looking kind of sad. Anything wrong?” He takes a bite.
I wasn’t expecting that question. I stare at the fire as my mind answers him. Yes, something is very, very wrong. James is gone and I am alone. I’ve stopped dreaming about him, but sometimes I hear his voice. I may be going crazy. It’s hard for me to do anything but what my friend tells me to do. I’m pretty messed up and not much fun. You can go now, its okay.
But I say nothing.
I continue to look at the fire as he finishes his s’more. Dane shifts his weight, like he’s uncomfortable. “So…” he trails off awkwardly.
I give him a small apologetic smile. I wish I was better at this, better at putting up a good front.
“You’re not trying very hard.”
James’ voice sounds crystal clear. My smile disappears and my body tenses in surprise.
“But then again, you never were a very good liar.”
I turn abruptly and start to look around behind me.
“Is something wrong?” Dane asks, trying to find what I’m looking for.
“Oh no,” I face him, trying to act casual. “I thought I heard my name.”
“Oh.” His expression tells me he’s rethinking his decision to come and talk to me.
“Yep, still a horrible liar,” I hear James snicker.
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